Ecstatic fans of Asante Kotoko invaded a funeral rites premises to celebrate their team’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Hearts of Oak in the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League.
The Porcupine Warriors secured the win at the Baba Yara Stadium during the 14th round of matches, marking their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions after initially suffering three consecutive losses.
Hearts of Oak, playing as hosts in Kumasi due to the closure of the Accra Sports Stadium, took the lead in the 37th minute with a beautiful header by Linda Mtange, following a well-delivered free kick by Ibrahim Salifu.
However, Kotoko responded swiftly, with Isaac Oppong equalising just before halftime with a clinical finish past goalkeeper Richmond Ayi. The Porcupine Warriors carried their momentum into the second half, taking the lead in the 55th minute through a contentious goal by Steven Mukwala, capitalising on a mistake by Ayi.
Mukwala continued to shine, doubling his tally in the 65th minute by beating Ayi to a loose ball and calmly slotting home Kotoko’s third goal. Despite a late goal by Martin Karikari for Hearts of Oak, Kotoko held on for a well-deserved victory.
The jubilant Kotoko fans, in their celebratory mood, disregarded the solemnity of the funeral ceremony, transforming the atmosphere with their team’s colours. A section of the fans invaded the venue with Kotoko paraphernalia, creating a lively celebration that included a jubilant thanksgiving song played by the disk jockey.
Check out how several Asante Kotoko fans invaded a funeral to jubilate and thank God for their team's 3 – 2 victory over Hearts of Oak#AkomaSports pic.twitter.com/4N0FiJZlAJ
— AKOMA 87.9 FM (@akoma879fm) December 10, 2023
Some Asante Kotoko supporters invaded someone's funeral to celebrate their 3:2 win over rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the match day 14 of the Ghana Premier League 😂😀😅🤣 pic.twitter.com/Na45dTfpRg
— Andydotcom (@Andydotcom_gh) December 11, 2023
This unexpected intrusion turned the funeral grounds into a memorable celebration, with Kotoko fans revelling in the triumph of their team. The victory not only solidified Kotoko’s position in the league but also showcased the passionate support of their fans, who turned an otherwise somber occasion into an impromptu party.
*It took Kotoko almost 20 minutes (instead of just 1 minute) to move from the stadium to the main road due to jubilant supporters celebrating along the bus eoute* pic.twitter.com/8itrBVU9eA
— Nana Akwasi Gyambibi (@YvesCoker) December 11, 2023