Asante Kotoko Set to Clash with Berekum Chelsea in High-Stakes MTN FA Cup Semifinal Today
The road to the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup final heats up on Sunday, May 11, 2025, as Asante Kotoko take on Berekum Chelsea in a highly anticipated semifinal clash at the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa. Both teams are eyeing a coveted spot in the final, with Asante Kotoko looking to secure a historic 10th FA Cup title, while Berekum Chelsea aims to create another shockwave in Ghanaian football by continuing their impressive cup run.
Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most successful clubs, have long been dominant in domestic football, with nine FA Cup trophies to their name. For the Porcupine Warriors, this year’s campaign offers a chance to extend that legacy and secure a return to continental competitions. But standing in their way is a familiar, and formidable, foe—Berekum Chelsea, a side that has caused Kotoko significant challenges in past encounters.
In terms of recent form, Kotoko head into this semifinal with solid statistics: they’ve scored seven goals in the competition so far and conceded just one, thanks to a defense that has remained resolute throughout the tournament. With three clean sheets to their name, their backline has been impenetrable, and they’ll be hoping to continue that defensive stability in what promises to be a tense affair.
Berekum Chelsea, however, have been even more impressive in attack. With 12 goals scored and only two conceded in the tournament, Chelsea have been a high-scoring force. The Blues also demonstrated resilience in their campaign, overcoming one opponent in a penalty shootout, which reflects their never-say-die attitude. Despite their lower-profile status compared to Kotoko, Chelsea have proven they can hold their own against top-tier teams and will be determined to reach the final.
The tactical battle between the two sides will be equally compelling. Both teams are managed by experienced coaches who know exactly how to navigate knockout football. Samuel Boadu, now at the helm of Berekum Chelsea, is a two-time FA Cup champion with a reputation for creating well-organized, attacking sides. Boadu’s ability to manage high-pressure situations will be crucial as his team faces their biggest challenge of the season.
Opposing him is Kotoko’s Abdul Karim Zito, a coach familiar with the FA Cup spotlight, having previously led Dreams FC to glory. Zito’s Kotoko side has been tactically disciplined, with a focus on defensive solidity and efficient attacking play. As a tactician, Zito will be keen to outwit Boadu and guide Kotoko to their 10th FA Cup title. Both coaches will need to bring their A-game, as this encounter promises to be a battle of wits as much as it is of skill on the field.
The match will also feature some key individual battles. For Berekum Chelsea, forward Stephen Amankona has been in superb form throughout the tournament. Amankona’s creativity, vision, and clinical finishing have been pivotal in Chelsea’s run to the semifinal, and Kotoko’s defenders will need to keep a close eye on him if they are to stifle Chelsea’s attack. With his ability to unlock defenses, Amankona will be central to Chelsea’s hopes of progressing to the final.
On the other side, Kotoko’s Kwame Poku will be the man to watch in attack. Poku has been one of Kotoko’s standout performers in the competition, and his pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat in the final third. Chelsea’s defense will need to be sharp and organized to prevent Poku from causing them problems, as he is capable of making the difference in tight matches like this one.
The stakes are high for both sides, and the winner of this semifinal will face an unexpected opponent in the final: Golden Kick FC. The Division One side stunned the competition by securing a 3-1 victory over Attram De Visser on Saturday, May 10. The final will provide Kotoko or Chelsea with the opportunity to take on a lower-tier side in what will undoubtedly be a highly charged encounter, as Golden Kick aim to finish their fairy-tale run with the ultimate prize.
As fans flock to the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa, the excitement surrounding this semifinal is palpable. With both teams boasting quality players, experienced coaches, and a place in the final to play for, Sunday’s showdown will be a true spectacle of Ghanaian football.
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