Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has awarded Asante Kotoko a GH¢10,000 cash prize following their thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the 2025 President’s Cup.
The dramatic clash, held on Sunday, July 6, at a packed Accra Sports Stadium, saw the Porcupine Warriors claim their ninth President’s Cup title, igniting celebrations among their faithful and earning high praise from the nation’s sports chief.
The minister’s visit to the Kotoko squad at their hotel post-match was a moment of joy and inspiration.
Presenting the cash reward to team captain Gilbani Samba, Adams said, “For your drive back, I’m giving you GH¢10,000. When you get there, you can buy some water. Congratulations, our target is the continental level, we will be there to support.”
His words, met with cheers from the players, signaled a broader vision for Kotoko’s upcoming campaign in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, following their MTN FA Cup success earlier this season.
Adams’ GH¢10,000 gift, though modest, carries symbolic weight. “This is not just about the money, it’s about recognising the spirit and determination of this team,” Adams told reporters after the presentation.
“Kotoko’s performance showed the fighting spirit we need to take Ghanaian football to the continental stage”.
The match itself was a spectacle befitting Ghana’s fiercest football rivalry.
Hearts of Oak struck first through Hamza Issah in the 23rd minute, capitalising on a defensive error by Kotoko’s goalkeeper Mohammed Camara.
The Phobians dominated the first half, with Mawuli Wayo tormenting Kotoko’s backline.
However, early in the second half, Kotoko roared back. Peter Amidu Acquah equalised with a stunning solo effort in the 53rd minute, followed swiftly by Kwame Opoku’s close-range finish, assisted by Albert Amoah, to put Kotoko ahead.
The turning point came late when Camara redeemed his earlier mistake, diving to save a penalty from Hearts’ Abdul Aziz, preserving the lead and sealing a historic victory.
President John Dramani Mahama, joined by dignitaries including Adams, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene, and Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo, presented the trophy to Samba amid rapturous applause.
See the video below
“For your drive back, I’m giving you GH¢10,000…Congratulations, our target is the continental level. We will be there to support”
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams after Kotoko’s victory over Hearts in the President’s Cup
📹: @AsanteKotoko_SC #CitiSports pic.twitter.com/bro2KScrTO
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) July 7, 2025
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