Zamalek had earlier on (in the 1st leg) beaten Kotoko by 2-0 and the fabulous side was expected to overturn the deficit. It was quite a herculean task because the Egyptians were quite a formidable side and had been phenomenal all through the season prior to this epic encounter.
The stadium was jam-packed to capacity with the loyal supporters clad in their usual red apparel singing and dancing to brass band music in readiness for the game. In fact, the atmosphere was charged as the expectant crowd sat on tenterhooks because Zamalek was no mean an easy team. Even though the players had promised the millions of Kotoko supporters to overturn the score line, little did they know what was in store for them.
The vociferous supporters together with the inspirational captain for the day, “Ginger Haired” Abdul Razak made sure Zamalek were cut to size. With Coach Malik “Johnny" Jabir at the touchline shouting out instructions to his players, "the Kotoko spirit” descended on the players and they played superb football as if possessed to the admiration of all. The final score was Kotoko 5, Zamalek 1. In fact, after the game the players and officials of the Egyptian champions started asking themselves as to what hit them so hard.
This sterling performance from the players of old have significantly left many an observer asking, where has the “real Kotoko” spirit ran to? Asante Kotoko has now become an ordinary side to the extent that even unfancied teams now have the guts to threaten Kotoko at their favourite home grounds.
Fabulous Kumasi Asante Kotoko was formed in 1935 in Kumasi. The team is a household name in Ghana, Africa and around the world and has chalked many impressive successes throughout its history and there is absolutely no doubt that it is the biggest and most successful football club in the history of Ghana and Africa football.
According to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics, an international organization recognized by FIFA, Asante Kotoko was Africa’s best club of the 20th century. This is no fluke as the club can boast of a number of trophies won in Ghana and Africa, which is unparalleled.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko is the only club in Ghana to have won the league trophy for a record 20 times. Kotoko has won the African champions league on two occasions in 1970 and 1983, and were runners-up in 1967, 1973, 1982 and 1993. Again, Kotoko were runners-up in the Africa’s Cup Winners Cup and the maiden edition of the CAF Confederations Cup in 2002 and 2004 respectively. There are quite a number of domestic trophies to Kotoko's name, which is arguably the envy of many clubs.
When it comes to players, Kotoko has churned out great players like Robert Mensah, Dogo Moro, Ibrahim Sunday, Malik Jabir, Opoku Afriyie, “Golden Boy” Abdul Razak, Rev. Osei Kofi, “Lord Zico” Opoku Nti, Akwasi Appiah and a host of other notable names. These were fantastic players who took Africa by storm for decades, conquering every team they came across.
Quite unfortunately, the status of Kotoko in the annals of African football started falling from the mid-90’s to present. Many quarters however allude this to maladministration by self- seeking individuals and their cohorts who turn on angelic faces for the Wise King to appoint them, only to reveal their real identities later.
It is at this backdrop that all hands must be on deck to support the current administration led by Dr K.K Sarpong. To all intents and purposes, one can see from afar that this man means well for the club. He has managed to put the right structures in place albeit in the meantime for the smooth running of this noble club. Every Tom, Dick and Harry who has the porcupine blood running through him or her must support Dr. Sarpong to put Asante Kotoko on a sound pedestal to reclaim its rightful position in Africa. Kotoko's inactivity in African competitions has paved the way for the likes of Al Ahly (Egypt), Enyimba (Nigeria), Esperance and Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia), T.P Mazembe (DR Congo) and others to run riot.
However, with the right mental fortitude, hardwork and seriousness, the once fearful red army team based in Ghana’s second largest city of Kumasi will again be Kings of African football.
Long Live Kumasi Asante Kotoko
Long Live Ghana Football
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