Medeama stunned the home crowd early, racing to a 2–0 lead before halftime — both goals coming within three minutes.

Kotoko’s skipper O’Neil somehow helped the visitors with their opener after giving away a penalty in the 15th minute, which Medeama confidently converted. 

The Porcupine Warriors were still reeling under pressure when Yussif Mubarik doubled Medeama’s advantage in the 18th minute, silencing the stadium.

Before those setbacks, Kotoko had shown promise. In the 12th minute, Inusah Adams brilliantly outwitted his marker and set up Peter Amidu Acquah, whose effort struck the base of the post.

Medeama, however, maintained their early momentum and nearly added a third from a dangerously placed free kick after Inusah fouled his marker, but the resulting effort was pulled wide.

Kotoko returned from the break determined not to surrender. They pushed forward aggressively, with Inusah once again winning a free kick near the penalty box in the 47th minute. Kwame Opoku rose highest to meet the delivery but missed the target.

Kotoko's persistence

The persistence finally paid off in the 59th minute, when Amidu reduced the deficit with a composed finish. Buoyed by the goal, Kotoko intensified their search for an equaliser, forcing Medeama goalkeeper Felix Kyei into several crucial saves—including a sharp intervention in the 64th minute.

Coach Abdul Karim Zito refreshed his attacking options, replacing Opoku with Philip Amoh, who almost made an immediate impact in the 74th minute when he picked out Amidu, only for the final effort to drift wide.

Zito later introduced Lawson Kyei Manu for Morifing Donzo as Kotoko continued mounting pressure.

Their efforts were rewarded late in the game when captain O’Neil, determined to atone for his earlier error, delivered the crucial equaliser, sparking jubilation among the Kotoko faithful.