GPL: Asante Kotoko unbeaten run truncated after a late loss to Holy Stars in Anyinase

Asante Kotoko’s unbeaten start to the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League came to an end on Wednesday as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Basake Holy Stars in an outstanding fixture at the AAKII Arena.

The Porcupine Warriors entered the clash as the league’s only unbeaten side and had the chance to move level on points with leaders Aduana FC. Instead, Holy Stars produced a spirited performance to stun the visitors and reignite their survival hopes.

How the Match Unfolded

• First Half: Both sides created openings in a balanced contest but failed to convert.


• 49’ Richmond Somiah (Holy Stars): Broke the deadlock with a confident finish, sending the home crowd into raptures.


• 53’ Kwame Poku (Kotoko): Responded almost immediately, restoring parity and giving Kotoko momentum.


• 90+2’ Prince Tweneboah (Holy Stars): Delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time, sealing a dramatic victory.

During the post-match interview, Asante Kotoko head coach, Abdul Karim Zito stated voiced out his displeasure in the loss and pointed out how the team could not utilize their chances:

"Kotoko should have won this game, seriously we should have won this game. Once again, we squandered the chances, didn't take our chances so to me, I take it in good faith as it is part of the game."

When asked about the way forward for the club, Zito asserted:

"We all want to win the league, If Basake Holy Stars played other opponents the same way they played against us today, they wouldn’t be sitting at the bottom of the table. But every team wants to beat Kotoko.”

The Aftermath

• Holy Stars: Victory lifts them to nine points, a crucial boost in their fight to escape the relegation zone.


• Kotoko: Remain fourth, three points off the top, missing a golden chance to close the gap on Aduana FC.

This result not only ends Kotoko’s unbeaten streak but also highlights the resilience of Holy Stars, who showed composure under pressure and struck late to claim a famous win.

Asante Kotoko will now turn their attention to the big game on Sunday as they host third-placed Medeama SC in the Matchday 12 fixture which will be pivotal in the race for the title and for the top three battle.

Basake Holy Stars will also switch full focus on their game against 11th-placed Nations FC on Sunday at the AAKII Arena in Anyinase.