The Quill of the Porcupine Strikes Again as Asante Kotoko Claims 2025 Champion of Champions Cup
Asante Kotoko rebounded from a disappointing GHALCA Top Four campaign to clinch the 2025 Champion of Champions title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Bibiani GoldStars at DUNS Park. This triumph marks Kotoko’s fourth Champion of Champions title and instills renewed confidence as they prepare for the CAF Confederation Cup.
The match kicked off with both teams displaying early pressure, but Kotoko quickly showed composure and control, dictating the pace of play. Despite GoldStars’ threatening free-kick midway through the first half, Kotoko’s goalkeeper, Camara, made a crucial save, keeping the game scoreless at halftime. The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when Kotoko’s midfielder, Hamzata, reacted swiftly to a loose ball from a set-piece, scoring the decisive goal with a composed finish. GoldStars pressed for an equalizer in the waning moments, but Kotoko’s defense stood firm, securing the victory.
Head coach Abdul Karim Zito expressed relief after the win, emphasizing the team’s resilience following their struggles in the Top Four, where they failed to earn a single point. Zito reflected on the challenges the team faced leading up to this match, attributing their earlier poor performance to a congested schedule that left them underprepared. “I told you before, the timing of the GHALCA Tournament was very bad for us,” Zito stated. “We were still in the basic phase of the pre-season, so I didn’t expect too much from my boys at that time.” His faith in the players was rewarded as they delivered a strong performance to lift the trophy. “You can’t beat Zito twice,” he added confidently, underscoring their determination to compete fiercely in upcoming competitions.
