Asante Kotoko have been knocked out of the 2025-26 MTN FA Cup, ending their defence of the trophy after a penalty shootout loss to Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The Round of 16 tie finished 0-0 after regulation time before Aduana won the shootout 4-2 to progress to the quarter-finals.
Asante Kotoko FA Cup exit confirmed after goalless draw
Kotoko, who won the FA Cup last season to claim a 10th title, were unable to break down Aduana over 90 minutes in a match that frustrated sections of the home crowd.
The Ghana Football Association said Kotoko had an early chance to seize control but defender Samba O’Neil missed from the penalty spot, before Aduana proved more accurate in the shootout.
Holders out as Aduana reach the quarter-finals
Aduana’s victory removes the reigning champions from the competition and leaves Kotoko without a domestic cup route this season. The GNA reported the result as a 4–2 penalty defeat for Kotoko after the score remained goalless.
Focus turns to Ghana Premier League and Hearts of Oak showdown
With the FA Cup campaign over, Kotoko’s remaining major domestic target is the Ghana Premier League. Their next league fixture is a high-profile meeting with rivals Hearts of Oak, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, according to Kotoko’s published fixtures.
The match is expected to be a key early-February test of Kotoko’s response to the cup setback as they look to stay in contention at the top end of the league table.
