Asante Kotoko produced a remarkable performance to defeat Nsoatreman 2-1 and claim the J.A Kufuor Cup at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.
Peter Hamidu’s strike, seven minutes after the hour mark urged the Porcupine Warriors ahead after Nsoatreman had grabbed the opener from Abdul Rahman.
https://x.com/AsanteKotoko_SC/status/1759476750373752896?s=09
Lineups
Kotoko captain Richmond Lamptey returned from AFCON 2023 to lead his charges while Frederick Asare kept his spot in goal.
📋 Our Warriors to face Nsoatreman.#JAKCUP #AKSC #Fabucensus pic.twitter.com/oS6M9TyFGP
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) February 18, 2024
For Nsoatreman, Stephen Diyuo and Abdul Manaf Umar were the two lads tasked for the job in midfield.
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Ladies and gentlemen, our line up for today's crucial game against @AsanteKotoko_SC #JAKCUP2024 pic.twitter.com/wn2xhEJQZP— NSOATREMAN FC (@Nsoatreman_FC) February 18, 2024
The game had to be halted in the 25th minute for Kotoko to change kits from yellow to white due to the clash of jerseys at kickoff.
Both sides fared well in the opening minutes but it was the Nsoatreman who utilized their key chance during the first half additional time.
Rahman’s goal set the visitors ahead before half time and that meant Kotoko had to react.
After the half time break, the Reds improved their rhythm and intensity to dominate play and open Nsoatreman’s defence and they got their answers.
Ugandan striker Steven Mukwala netted the leveller in the 57th minute from Lamptey’s corner.
Nsoatreman had an opportunity to regain the lead from the penalty spot, but goalkeeper Frederick Asare denied Manaf Umar’s spot-kick.
In the 67th minute, Kotoko completed their comeback as Peter Amidu capitalized on the defence-spliting pass from Richmond Lamptey to secure the winning goal.
67’- The youngster received Lamptey’s measured pass from midfielder and shot it first-time. Beauty 🥰#AKSC 2-1 Nsoatreman https://t.co/ZsOIwDHxfC
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) February 18, 2024
The match, organized by the JAK Foundation, served as a tribute to the legacy of former Ghana President John Agyekum Kuffuor.
The statesman was Ghana’s President who held from 2000 to 2008.
In sports, Kuffour led the successful hosting of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
