Asec Mimosas defeated Asante Kotoko 1-2 to lift the 2024 President’s Cup at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Tuesday evening.
It was a special match for both clubs, knowing that Head of States for Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo and President Alhassan Ouattara graced the occasion.
For the game, Asante Kotoko well cladded in white and red stripes, had Steven Mukwala and Kalou Ouattara leading the attack.
Our Chosen Warriors ⚔️#AKSC #Fabucensus #Kotoko4All pic.twitter.com/HeAIRRSfdx
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) March 5, 2024
ASEC Mimosas paraded the experienced Wonlo Coulibaly in defence
ASEC was definitely determined and boosted after finishing at the top of their group in the CAF Champions League.
Retour à la maison ✈️#ASEC #Mimos pic.twitter.com/4GiFpfKzmK
— ASEC Mimosas (@ASECMimosas) March 5, 2024
That kind of success can really motivate a team and give them the confidence they need going into important matches.
The first half was quite challenging for Asante Kotoko as ASEC seemed to have dominance right from the onset.
And they wasted no time in taking the lead with Fonsinho’s goal in the 13th minute.
The pressure continued as ASEC kept pushing forward, and unfortunately, Kotoko’s Justice Blay fouled an ASEC attacker, resulting in a penalty and a yellow card for Blay in the 24th minute.
Arthur Essis successfully converted the penalty, making it 2-0 for the Ivorian giants.
The second half was a real show of determination from Asante Kotoko. They came out firing on all cylinders, desperately searching for the equalizer.
It was an intense battle as Kotoko kept pushing for an early goal in the opening minutes of the second half.
However, ASEC’s defensive line remained composed and made it difficult for Kotoko.
But in the 90th minute, Kotoko were awarded a penalty after Steven Dese Mukwala was fouled.
📸 The action from yesterday.#AKSC #Fabucensus #Kotoko4All pic.twitter.com/pe52pQ7mFM
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) March 6, 2024
It’s always great to see a team fight until the very end. I’m sure Kotoko gave it their all but their best wasn’t enough to secure them the trophy
It’s always incredible to see the passion and support of football fans, especially when they come out in large numbers like the Kumasi fans did for this game.
Having most parts of the stadium filled with enthusiastic supporters must have created an electric atmosphere.
Kotoko will now focus on their league campaign as they chase Samartex 1996 for the top spot.
A good game at the Baba Yara Stadium! Happy Independence Day!
