Berekum Chelsea wins President’s Cup

Uncrowned Ghana league champions, Berekum Chelsea completed a hat-trick of victories over Kumasi Asante Kotoko this season with a 8-7 win on penalties to win the 2011 President’s Cup on Friday.

The one-off match was to commemorate Ghana’s 51st anniversary since attaining a Republican status.

The match ended 2-2 in normal time forcing the winner to be decided via the lottery of penalties.

Striker Alex Asamoah shot Kotoko into the lead on 20 minutes before Chelsea restored parity through new signing Gladson Awako 120-seconds later. Bismark Idan gave Chelsea the lead on 35 minutes but Kotoko leveled through substitute Fatau Mohamed in the second half with a spectacular lob over Chelsea goalie Ernest Sowah.

During penalties, Chelsea scored eight of their kicks against seven by Kotoko but that came amidst controversy after referee Awal Mohamed ordered two Chelsea players to retake their kicks on the premise that Kotoko goalie Soulama Abdoulaye was off his line before the kicks were effected. Defender Yaw Alexander and Alfred Arthur scored on the second attempts after missing initially.

In the wake of the loss, Kotoko boycotted the closing ceremony which saw Ghana’s Vice President present the trophy to Abdul Basit Mohamed, captain of Chelsea. It was the third time Chelsea had beaten Kotoko this season after home and away victories in the Premier League.