Asante Kotoko booked their place in the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup final after a late goal from Albert Amoah secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium on Sunday.
In a tense semifinal clash that lived up to its billing, Amoah emerged as the hero for the Porcupine Warriors, heading home the decisive goal in the 80th minute to seal a spot in the final. His well-timed finish came after he was left unmarked in the box, and he made no mistake from close range, sending the raucous crowd into celebration.
Despite the narrow scoreline, the match was an end-to-end affair filled with drama, intensity, and near misses. Berekum Chelsea started brightly, displaying confidence in possession and fluid inter-positional play. Their talisman Stephen Amankona was a constant menace on the wings, tormenting Kotoko’s full-backs with his pace and trickery. However, despite creating several clear-cut chances, Chelsea failed to capitalise, wasting opportunities that would come back to haunt them.
Kotoko weathered the storm and remained organized at the back. They grew into the game as it progressed, eventually snatching the winner with 10 minutes remaining on the clock. The goal proved enough to send the nine-time champions back to the FA Cup final, much to the delight of their traveling supporters and neutrals at the nearly packed Tarkwa stadium.
The energy-sapping encounter was a spectacle, showcasing the very best of Ghanaian football with a high-tempo, fiercely contested battle between two Premier League sides. The electric atmosphere in the mining town added to the occasion, making it a memorable semifinal.
Asante Kotoko will now prepare to face Division One side Golden Kick FC in the final, set for June 15 at the University of Ghana Stadium. Golden Kick stunned many by reaching the final after a 3-1 victory over Attram De Visser in the first semifinal on Saturday.
For Kotoko, the FA Cup represents not only a shot at silverware but also a possible route back into continental competition, a target that grows increasingly closer.
