The Baba Yara Sports Stadium fell unusually quiet on Sunday evening, not because football had failed to entertain, but because heartbreak had once again reminded Asante Kotoko how cruel the beautiful game can be.
Defending Ghana FA Cup champions, Asante Kotoko, were eliminated from the competition after falling 4-2 on penalties at home on Sunday. Amid an inconsistent performance this season, the Porcupine Warriors came into the match against Aduana Stars as clear favourites. On paper, it was a clash many expected the Porcupine Warriors to navigate with at all cost especially due to the increasing pressure on management and heavy coach Karim Zito.
History, pedigree, and home advantage all leaned in Kotoko’s favour. Yet football, as Karim Zito pointed out afterward, has never respected status.
“It’s painful Kotoko have been eliminated from the FA Cup, but a fourth-tier club also eliminated Manchester United in Britain, so such things happen,” Zito said, summing up the night with brutal honesty.
From kickoff, Kotoko appeared to dominating possession and territory, pinning Aduana deep into their half. The early pressure seemed destined to pay off when the referee pointed to the spot in the first half after a foul in the box.
Aduana’s defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in his box and although the visitors protested vehemently, it ended on a deaf ear. It was the moment every Kotoko fan had been waiting for since it proved the perfect chance to seize control of the match and justify their dominance.
However, captain Samba O’Neil stepped up with confidence, but football had other ideas. His penalty was saved by Aduana goalkeeper and Morifing Donzo’s rebound was blocked once again. The stadium gasped, Aduana grew in belief, and the momentum subtly shifted.
Despite wave after wave of attacks, Kotoko failed to break down a disciplined Aduana defence. Chances came and went, frustration crept in, and the longer the game stayed goalless, the more Aduana sensed an opportunity to make history. When the final whistle blew at 0–0, the shock became complete after three Kotoko players failed to score the penalties. The champions were out.
”I know the supporters are agitated but this is football so if they are patient, we will get there because we are still building,” Zito added.
For Kotoko, the pain was magnified by the context. Just last season, they had lifted the FA Cup after defeating True Democracy, restoring pride and reaffirming their dominance in domestic cup competitions. To exit at this stage, at home, and as holders, was a bitter pill to swallow.
Yet Zito’s comparison to Manchester United’s shock elimination by a lower-tier side in England served as a reminder: cup competitions are unforgiving. One missed penalty, one bad day at the office, and even giants can fall.
What next for Aduana?
With the victory, Aduana Stars march on confidently to the next round of the FA Cup. Their next opponent will be determined by the official FA Cup draw, which pairs remaining teams based on the competition structure. Whoever they face, Aduana will approach it with renewed belief, knowing they have already eliminated the defending champions on their own turf.
Kotoko’s focus shifts to the Ghana Premier League
With the FA Cup dream over, Kotoko’s attention now turns fully to the Ghana Premier League. The big question remains: can they still win the league? The answer is yes, not far from becoming a reality.
For now, the FA Cup chapter is closed. Aduana celebrate a famous scalp, Kotoko lick their wounds, and Ghanaian football is reminded once again why fans keep coming back: because on any given day, giants can fall, and underdogs can rise.
