Asante Kotoko win Caf Champions League today after beating Egyptian side Al Ahly 1-0 38-years ago in final
Today marks one of the greatest day not only in Ghana football but Africa as a whole with then two most powerful clubs facing off in the 1983 Caf Champions League finals.
After overcoming battles in their way, Asante Kotoko from Ghana burst into the Caf Champions League finals facing a side that they have never wanted to meet at any level of the Caf inter club competition Al Ahly.
Let’s begin by saying, it is exactly 38 years today, December 11, 1983, that the Ghana Premier League outfit saw off Al Ahly to clinch their second African Champions League title.
When Caf finally announced the final date, clubs began preparations for the occasion with Al Ahly growing fears along preparation line having been told that Opoku Nti has vowed to score against them.
They have heard of the name and really know what the Ghanaian International was capable due to his experience at both club and national levels.
Kotoko’s fears faded out piling pressure on Al Ahly to deal with their own brought about by Opoku Nti’s desire ahead of the final.
It’s understood that Al Ahly boss had crafted a system to contain Opoku Nit but that failed with the Porcupine Warriors legend opening the score just 22′ minutes in the tie’s second leg at Kumasi.
The competition was known as the African Cup of Champions Clubs back then. The goal counted a lot not only in the first 22′ minutes of the clash but the entire infinity. It’s the history that has stand for 38 years remembered today.
Kotoko had eliminated Senegalese side ASC Diaraf 3-2 on aggregate to set up the final against Ahly who edged out Zambian side Nkana Football Club in the other fixture.
In the first leg of the final, Kotoko held Ahly to a scoreless draw at the Cairo International Stadium. A decade later, Kotoko lost the trophy to another Egyptian side Zamalek.
The Porcupines only needed a win to write history in front of their home fans in the second leg. On the day, 50, 000 supporters turned in their colourful red and white colours.
The deciding goal came on the 22nd minute, Opoku Nti connected a sublime cross by John Bannermann. The stadium was deafening after the referee, Mohammed Hansel from Algeria whistled to end proceedings.
Kotoko is the only Ghanaian club to win the competition twice and also to have appeared in the finals 7 times. Their last final was in 1993.
Kotoko line up
Kotoko Line-up: Joe Carr, Ernest Apau, Kwasi Appiah, Seth Ampadu, Addai Kyenkyenhene, Yahya Kasimu, John Bannerman, Papa Arko(Cap), Ebo Mends, Opoku Nti, Isaac Afranie
Subs: Albert Asaase, Francis Agyemang, Akye Erzuah, Ahmed Rockson, Karim Abdul Zito, Akwetey Quaye (JoeTex).
Head coach: Ibrahim Sunday
