Asante Kotoko End 15-Year Drought with Hard-Fought Victory Over Berekum Chelsea
Berekum, September 13, 2025 – In a match that carried the weight of history, Asante Kotoko finally broke their 15-year curse at the Golden City Park, securing a precious 1-0 away win over Berekum Chelsea in the opening fixture of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League. The Porcupine Warriors, who hadn't tasted victory in this fixture since 2010, relied on a clinical late strike from Albert Amoah to claim all three points and send a resounding statement to their title rivals.
The afternoon sun beat down on a packed Golden City Park, where the home crowd's raucous support created an intimidating cauldron for the visitors. Berekum Chelsea, under the guidance of Samuel Boadu, started with intent, pressing high and forcing Kotoko into early concessions. Just minutes in, the hosts earned a corner that led to Kotoko captain Samba O'Neil picking up a yellow card for a clumsy challenge in the box – a moment that set the tone for a physical battle. Chelsea's fluid possession play, spearheaded by new signings Kwesi Sorotu and Vincent Adjei, kept the pressure on, but their final ball lacked precision, allowing Kotoko's backline, marshalled by a resolute defense, to hold firm.
The first half unfolded as a tactical chess match, with both sides trading half-chances but failing to break the deadlock. Kotoko, coached by the wily Karim Zito, absorbed the early storm and grew into the game through midfield maestro Hubert Gyau, whose probing passes began to unlock Chelsea's compact shape. Amoah, the former Great Olympics forward making his mark in his debut season with the Reds, had the game's clearest opportunity just before the break. Through on goal after a swift counter, he rounded the onrushing Emmanuel Adu in the Chelsea net, only to see his chip drift agonisingly wide – a miss that drew groans from the traveling Kumasi faithful.
The interval brought little respite, as the second half ignited with renewed ferocity. Chelsea pushed for the opener, with Sorotu's curling effort from 20 yards forcing a fingertip save from Kotoko's keeper, while Adjei's darting runs down the flank tested the visitors' full-backs. Zito's response was to introduce fresh legs in midfield, tightening the screws and shifting momentum. The game teetered on a knife-edge, with the clock ticking into the final 10 minutes and tension palpable in the air.
Then, in the 80th minute, came the moment of magic. Gyau, spotting space in transition, threaded an incisive pass through the heart of Chelsea's defense, catching them on the back foot. Amoah, timing his run to perfection, latched onto the ball and unleashed a low, hard strike from the edge of the box that arrowed into the bottom corner, beating Adu's throtugh his legs. The Golden City Park fell into stunned silence, broken only by the ecstatic roars from Kotoko's traveling supporters. It was a goal born of patience, precision, and no little nerve – Amoah's poise under pressure earning him the Man of the Match honors.
Chelsea responded with urgency, throwing bodies forward in search of an equalizer. Substitute forwards peppered Kotoko's goal, but wayward finishing and a heroic last-ditch block from O'Neil preserved the clean sheet. As the whistle blew, Zito's men collapsed in celebration, their resolute defending and disciplined shape having frustrated a home side that had dominated proceedings for long spells.
This triumph is more than just three points; it's a psychological breakthrough for Kotoko, who enter the season with renewed belief after a trophyless campaign last term. Amoah, speaking post-match, echoed the optimism: "We have already won the FA Cup and everything else, including the Toyota Cup, so this is the time for us to win the league." Zito, too, hailed his charges' resilience, calling it a "historic win" that sets the tone for a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary clash with Kwara United next weekend. For Berekum Chelsea, it's a bitter start, but one from which they can rally. Their early dominance suggests potential, but converting pressure into goals will be key if they are to challenge the elite. In the end, at the Golden City Park, the Porcupines roared loudest – ending a drought and igniting hopes of a title tilt in Kumasi.
By: Felix Romark