Asante Kotoko have secured a return to continental competition after edging Berekum Chelsea 1-0 in a tense semi-final clash of the 2025 MTN FA Cup.
The hard-fought victory at Tarkwa’s TNA Park ensures the Porcupine Warriors a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, reigniting their presence on the African football stage after a challenging domestic campaign.
A single second-half goal proved enough to settle the encounter and punch Kotoko’s ticket to the final—and to Africa.
The game was a tightly balanced contest throughout, with both teams displaying tactical discipline and intensity. Berekum Chelsea pushed Kotoko to the limits, creating a number of chances of their own, but it was the Premier League giants who made their moment count.
A composed finish midway through the second half gave Kotoko the lead, and their experienced backline held firm to protect it until the final whistle.
By progressing to the final, Asante Kotoko have earned the opportunity to face Golden Kicks, a Division One side that has taken the tournament by storm. However, due to CAF’s eligibility rules, only top-tier clubs can compete in continental tournaments.
This means that regardless of the outcome of the final, Kotoko will represent Ghana in the Confederation Cup, as Golden Kicks do not meet the qualification criteria.
This qualification marks a vital milestone for the Kumasi-based club, who have struggled for consistency throughout the season.
While the FA Cup has provided some much-needed respite from their league form, the return to continental football offers a new direction and renewed purpose for the team moving forward.
Kotoko’s supporters, known for their unwavering loyalty, will be encouraged by this development. Many see it as the first step toward restoring the club’s status among Africa’s elite.
The Confederation Cup campaign now looms on the horizon, and preparations are expected to begin in earnest once the FA Cup final is concluded.
The final against Golden Kicks, though not decisive for qualification, remains a significant fixture. It presents Kotoko with the chance to lift the prestigious domestic trophy and close the season on a high note.
With momentum on their side and a continental return confirmed, the Porcupine Warriors will be eager to add silverware to their season’s achievements.
This return to African competition is a proud moment for one of Ghana’s most decorated clubs. Asante Kotoko, twice champions of Africa, now have the opportunity to write a new chapter in their continental story.
Fans and players alike will be hoping that this FA Cup breakthrough sparks a broader revival—both at home and across the continent.
With African football beckoning once more, the roar of the Porcupine Warriors is set to echo far beyond Kumasi.
