Kotoko Crash Out of MTN FA Cup After Penalty Shootout Defeat to Aduana FC

Aduana FC booked their place in the MTN FA Cup quarterfinals on Sunday after defeating defending champions Asante Kotoko 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The Round of 16 clash ended 0-0 after regulation time, forcing the outcome to be decided from the spot.

Despite dominating possession, Kotoko failed to convert multiple scoring opportunities, including a crucial penalty miss by Samba O’Neil during regulation time. Aduana, on the other hand, kept their composure in the shootout, converting four of their penalties to seal a historic win.

Kotoko coach Abdul Karim Zito expressed his frustration after the match, noting that luck played a major role in the outcome. “In matches like this, the fortunate team prevails. We were unlucky today, despite controlling the game at home,” Zito said. The defeat adds pressure on Zito ahead of a crucial Ghana Premier League clash against rivals Hearts of Oak next Sunday.

Aduana FC’s Romanian coach, Aristică Cioabă, admitted initial anxiety after his captain’s first penalty was saved but celebrated the eventual triumph, praising his players for their composure under pressure. The Dormaa-based side, yet to lift the MTN FA Cup, will face Techiman Liberty Youth in the quarterfinals scheduled between March 13 and 16.

Asante Kotoko, aiming to close the gap on archrivals Hearts of Oak (12 FA Cup titles), now sees its hopes for silverware this season end after already falling out of contention for the Ghana Premier League title. The Porcupine Warriors remain at 10 FA Cup victories.

Other Round of 16 results saw:

• Attram De Visser defeat Eleven Wonders 4-0 in Tema.
• Medeama SC advance past FC Samartex 1996 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in Tarkwa.
• Nations FC beat Swedru All Blacks 2-1.
• Techiman Liberty Youth edged Real Tamale United 1-0.
• Berekum Chelsea defeated Tamale City FC 1-0.
• Kpando Heart of Lions overcame True Life 3-2.
• Dreams FC triumphed over Inter Allies 4-2.

The quarterfinal draw will be conducted after all Round of 16 fixtures are completed. Matches are scheduled for March 13–16, semifinals from April 17–20, with the final set for the weekend of May 30–31, 2026.