Asante Kotoko‘s 2-1 defeat to Bibiani Gold Stars in the 2025 Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) Top Four tournament on August 21, 2025, was marred by a series of refereeing decisions.
Albert Adomah scored the first goal for the Porcupine Warriors in the 16th minute, as fans cheered on the team at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
As the game progressed, a Gold Stars player, Samuel Atta Kyea controlled the ball and was heading into the penalty box with the intention of beating his marker to find the back of the net.
2025 GHALCA Top Four: Gold Stars stun Kotoko in opening game
However, Kotoko’s Samba went in with a slide tackle, and the Gold Stars player fell on the edge of the box, prompting the referee to blow his whistle for a penalty.
Despite protests from the Kotoko players, the decision stood, with Atta Kumi converting from the spot kick to level the game.
GHALCA Top 4: Hearts of Oak triumph in opener against Heart of Lions
Kotoko could not hold onto the game, as their defender Henry Ansu scored an own goal in the second half that handed Gold Stars a 2-1 victory.
Kotoko’s wastefulness in front of goal contributed to their loss, despite the controversy surrounding the penalty.
Watch the penalty incident below:
Gold Stars awarded a controversial penalty 🤔 Was the player really brought down in the box? ⚽️#GHALCATOP4 #SportyFM pic.twitter.com/syjnPX3GWq
— SportyFM Ghana (@SportyFM_) August 20, 2025
SB/JE
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians predict top scorer between Kudus and Semenyo on GhanaWeb TV below:
