Asante Kotoko emerged champions of the 2025 Toyota Cup following a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The clash ended goalless in regulation time, with the Porcupine Warriors holding their nerve in the shootout to claim victory.
Goalkeeper Mohammed Camara was the hero of the day after saving four penalties, despite Kotoko missing three spot kicks.
The match saw Kotoko field new signings Seth Kwadwo and Hilary Adabo in the starting lineup, offering fans a first glimpse of the duo in red.
The first real chance of the game came in the 14th minute when Kwame Opoku connected with a fine cross, only to head narrowly wide.
Despite a promising start, the first half failed to live up to expectations, with both sides unable to find a breakthrough in a largely uneventful opening 45 minutes.
Kotoko began the second half with renewed purpose, earning a free kick and corner in quick succession, but failed to capitalize.
The game remained finely balanced as both teams struggled to assert dominance, not helped by a bumpy playing surface.
Kaizer Chiefs had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock late in the match, but their captain, Inacio Miguel, missed from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute, compounding a frustrating evening for the South African side.
As the match headed to penalties, it was Kotoko’s Camara who stole the show with a series of crucial saves, guiding the Porcupine Warriors to the title.
The Toyota Cup win forms a key part of Kotoko’s preseason preparations ahead of their 2025/26 Ghana Premier League and continental campaigns.
Next on the agenda for Kotoko is the GHALCA Top 4 tournament, which is scheduled to kick off on August 20.