Photo: Asante Kotoko
Ghana Premier League champions GoldStars earned a “Father Christmas” victory over FA Cup winners Asante Kotoko in the opener of the 2025 GHALCA Top Four at the Legon Stadium on Wednesday.
Henry Ansu scores a hilarious OG to make it 2-1 for GoldStars against Asante Kotoko. pic.twitter.com/FELBvXuFAi
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) August 20, 2025
In an evenly contested first half, Albert Amoah opened the scoring from a perfect run in the 15th minute, placing the ball behind Emmanuel Kobi in post for Gold Stars.
Gold Stars however kept their composure despite going down, aking the game to the Porcupine Warriors.
Their efforts paid off when Samuel Attah Kumi leveled for Gold Stars in the 21st minute after the league champions were awarded a penalty in the 19th minute following a quick break.
GHALCA TOP 4: Samuel Atta Kumi coverts from the penalty spot for Bibiani Gold Stars.
21’ Kotoko 1-1 Gold stars pic.twitter.com/v8Vew8Po7a
— asack_pius (@asacksportsGH) August 20, 2025
Asante Kotoko came close to finding the second goal but Saaka Dauda’s curler was punched away by Gold Stars keeper, Emmanuel Kobi in the 22nd minute. None of the side’s created a perfect scoring chance taking the game into recess after three minutes of added time.
Asante Kotoko returned for the second half looking purposeful with several incursions on the flanks but their efforts were not crowned with a goal.
The record Ghana premier league holders missed a glorious chance from a flurry of strikes however, the final kick by Albert Amoah missed the post by inches in the 59th minute.
Gold Stars were however gifted a cheap goal when Henry Ansu’s back pass to goalkeeper Mohamed Camara went into Kotoko’s net in the 62nd minute to peg the game at 2-1.
Kotoko reclaimed control of the game with Emmanuel Antwi, Albert Amoah and substitute, Morifing Donzo mounting pressure on the league champions.
Gold Stars, who will represent Ghana in next season’s CAF Champions League held on to the 2-1 win, claiming all three points. They will face Hearts of Oak in their second game on Friday August 22 with Kotoko facing Heart of Lions.
The next game will see Hearts of Oak battle Heart of Lions at 6:00pm GMT at the same venue.