Asante Kotoko SC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kwara United in a tightly contested cup away match at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena on 28 September 2025, with kick-off at 3:00pm. The Ghanaian giants managed to hold firm defensively and capitalised on a moment of quality to claim all three points in this 90-minute encounter.
Kotoko lined up in their customary 4-4-2 formation, deploying Mohamed Camara in goal to marshal the defence. The back four consisted of Lord Amoah at right back, Joseph Ablorh and Henry Ansu as central defenders, and Joseph Amoah on the left. Across midfield, Peter Amidu Acquah operated on the right flank, with Samba O’niel and Lord Adabo occupying the central midfield roles, and Hubert Gyau providing width on the left. Up front, the strike partnership featured Albert Amoah on the right and Morifing Donzo on the left. The substitutes bench included Seth Kwadwo, Patrick Asiedu, Emmanuel Antwi, Lord Listowel Hinneh, and Zackaria Fuseini.
From the outset, Kotoko’s defensive solidity was evident. At the 10th minute, Joseph Amoah made a crucial block to deny Kwara United a clear chance, setting the tone for a disciplined defensive display. Goalkeeper Mohamed Camara was alert at 18 minutes, comfortably catching a dangerous cross to prevent an early threat.
Kotoko’s attacking intent was demonstrated shortly after when Albert Amoah attempted a shot at goal in the 20th minute, though his effort sailed high over the bar. The defensive resilience continued as Henry Ansu executed a timely tackle in the 28th minute to thwart another Kwara opportunity.
The match’s physicality was underscored by a late tackle from Joseph Ablorh in the 33rd minute, which, while reckless, did not result in a penalty. Two minutes later, Lord Adabo was booked for dissent, reflecting the mounting pressure on Kotoko’s midfield.
Joseph Ablorh again proved vital defensively with a headed clearance at the 40th minute, preventing Kwara from gaining a foothold before the half-time whistle blew with the score goalless.
Kotoko made a tactical substitution at the interval, replacing Lord Adabo with Seth Kwadwo to inject fresh energy into midfield. Early in the second half, Joseph Amoah was penalised for obstruction in the 51st minute, but Kotoko avoided conceding a penalty.
The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Hubert Gyau struck a superb goal from outside the area. The move was expertly set up by Albert Amoah, who delivered a precise header assist, allowing Gyau to unleash a right-footed shot beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.
Injury forced Kotoko into another change at 63 minutes, with Patrick Asiedu coming on for Joseph Amoah. The defensive unit remained resolute, with Samba O’niel clearing a dangerous ball in the 67th minute and Morifing Donzo doing likewise at 74 minutes to deny Kwara any chance of an equaliser.
Kotoko’s manager then made a double tactical substitution at 76 minutes, bringing on Emmanuel Antwi for Morifing Donzo and Lord Listowel Hinneh for Peter Amidu Acquah, aiming to maintain control and see out the game.
An injury to Joseph Ablorh in the 82nd minute necessitated the final substitution, with Zackaria Fuseini entering the fray to bolster the defence.
Despite Kwara United’s efforts to find an equaliser, Kotoko’s disciplined defensive performance and that crucial goal from Gyau ensured a hard-fought 1-0 victory on the road, advancing them further in the cup competition.
