Asante Kotoko claimed the 2025 Toyota Cup in dramatic fashion after edging South African giants Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 on penalties, thanks to a sensational performance from goalkeeper Mohammed Camara, who saved four spot-kicks at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The match ended goalless after 90 minutes of play, but the towering Guinean shot-stopper produced a heroic display during the penalty shootout, ensuring the Porcupine Warriors returned to Kumasi with the prestigious pre-season silverware.
Head coach Karim Zito fielded a strong starting XI, featuring the experienced goalkeeper Camara, newly appointed captain Samba O’Neil, striker Kwame Opoku, and debutants Lord Adabo and Seth Kwadwo. Kotoko approached the match with clear intent to win, despite initially struggling with the slippery surface in Durban.
In the 14th minute, Kotoko came close to opening the scoring when Kwame Opoku met a well-delivered cross, only to head narrowly wide from close range.
The first half remained relatively uneventful, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield and creating few clear-cut chances.
Kotoko emerged from the break with renewed energy and quickly earned both a free-kick and a corner in quick succession, though they failed to capitalise. Kaizer Chiefs responded with a spell of dominance, forcing Camara into action. He comfortably dealt with a dangerous cross from Shinga before Tshabalala rattled the crossbar with a long-range effort.
In the 69th minute, Chiefs nearly found the breakthrough when Tshabalala released Lilepo with a clever reverse pass, but a perfectly timed sliding challenge from Patrick Asiedu denied the hosts.
The Amakhosi were handed a golden opportunity to seal victory in regulation time when Pule Mmodi was brought down in the area with just seven minutes to play. Captain Inacio Miguel stepped up but dragged his penalty wide, failing to hit the target.
With the match still goalless after full time, the tie was settled via a penalty shootout. Camara emerged the undisputed hero, saving four of Kaizer Chiefs’ attempts, as Kotoko converted three of their own to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory.
This triumph marks a significant morale boost for the Ghanaian side as they prepare for the 2025/26 season, with Camara’s performance a clear statement of intent from the Porcupine Warriors.
