By Issah Olegor
In what was billed as a high-stakes pre-season encounter between two of Africa’s most storied football clubs, Ghana’s Asante Kotoko edged South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 on penalties to lift the 2025 Toyota Cup in Durban.
The clash, played at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, July 26, ended goalless after 90 minutes and proceeded into a dramatic penalty shootout that left fans on edge until the very last kick.
The victory not only earned Kotoko silverware but also served as a statement of intent ahead of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season and their continental campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Rivalry Renewed
This latest meeting between Kotoko and Kaizer Chiefs added a fresh chapter to their long-standing cross-border football rivalry, which dates back to the 1990s when both sides frequently clashed in continental tournaments.
Saturday’s match was staged as part of the annual Toyota Cup series, designed to promote African football and foster inter-league relations.
Kaizer Chiefs, returning from an intensive pre-season training tour in the Netherlands, were eager to test their match fitness.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko, meanwhile, arrived in South Africa buoyed by their recent run of unbeaten domestic friendlies.
The contest itself was tightly contested, with both sides exhibiting moments of brilliance but lacking the clinical edge to convert chances. Chiefs forward Glody Lilepo came close to breaking the deadlock early on, forcing a brilliant save from Kotoko’s in-form goalkeeper Mohammed Camara.
Kotoko responded with a threatening aerial attempt from Henry Ansu, whose looping header was acrobatically parried over the bar by Chiefs shot-stopper Brandon Petersen.
The Durban pitch, described by players as dry and patchy, further complicated the teams’ attempts to string together fluent attacking moves.
The most dramatic moment in regular time arrived in the 83rd minute when Kaizer Chiefs were awarded a penalty following a clumsy challenge in the box.
All eyes turned to skipper Inacio Miguel, but the captain spurned the opportunity to seal victory, dragging his shot wide of the post—a miss that proved costly.
In the ensuing shootout, Camara cemented his place as the star of the night, saving four of Chiefs’ penalties with stunning agility and composure.
Despite Kotoko missing three of their own, they managed to convert three attempts, enough to seal a dramatic win.
Big Win, Bigger Statement
This triumph marks a significant moment for Kotoko, who have been rebuilding after a challenging 2024/25 season that saw them miss out on domestic honours.
Chiefs Left to Regroup
For Kaizer Chiefs, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, especially on home turf. While the team showed flashes of promise, the inability to convert chances—particularly the missed penalty—will haunt coach Molefi Ntseki’s preparations for the South African Premier Soccer League season.
