MTN FA Cup: Kotoko Rally Late to Sink Future Stars at Afrane Okese Park

Asante Kotoko SC produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Future Stars and book their place in the Round of 32 of the MTN FA Cup at the Afrane Okese Park.

The Porcupine Warriors endured a difficult opening period as lower-tier side Future Stars started brightly and were rewarded in the 13th minute. Joel Abgovi struck with composure to give the hosts a deserved lead, capitalising on Kotoko’s slow start and setting the tone for an intense first half. Despite Kotoko enjoying spells of possession, they struggled to break down a disciplined Future Stars setup, and the teams went into the break with the score at 1–0.

Kotoko emerged after the interval with renewed urgency, pushing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. Their pressure finally paid off in the 72nd minute when Hubert Gyau found the back of the net, calmly restoring parity and shifting the momentum in favour of the defending champions.

Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, Kotoko delivered a late sting. In the first minute of stoppage time, Peter Amidu Acquah rose to the occasion, firing home the decisive goal to complete a dramatic turnaround and silence the home crowd.

The hard-fought 2–1 victory sees Asante Kotoko successfully begin their title defence and advance to the Round of 32, while Future Stars bow out with pride after pushing the giants all the way at Afrane Okese Park .