Asante Kotoko’s opening game in the 2025 GHALCA Top Four tournament turned dramatic after a strange own goal handed Bibiani Gold Stars the advantage at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Kotoko had started the game brightly, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Albert Amoah.
But just six minutes after taking the lead, Gold Stars drew level through Samuel Atta Kumi penalty. Despite conceding the equalizer from the penalty spot, Kotoko were still in control of the game until the disastrous mistake from Henry Ansu.
Defender Henry Ansu, under no pressure, attempted to recycle possession by playing the ball back to goalkeeper Mohammed Camara. Unfortunately, Camara had already drifted out of his post to open space for a passing option.
The back pass rolled into the empty net, leaving Camara helpless as he could neither handle the ball nor react quickly enough with his feet.
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The bizarre sequence gifted Gold Stars a 2-1 lead in the 63rd minute, and despite Kotoko’s best efforts, including a one-on-one miss from Amoah and brilliance of goalkeeper Emmanuel Kobi, the equalizer never came.
The own goal ultimately proved decisive as Gold Stars, last season’s Premier League champions, claimed all three points.
FKA/JE
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