2025-26 GHANA PREMIER LEAGU PREVIEW: NATIONS FC HOST ASANTE KOTOKO IN GPL CLASH

• By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike) and Aaron Kintoh

Predictions: Away win/draw

Nations FC takes on Asante Kotoko at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex this Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM  in the Ghana Premier League.

Nations FC will continue with their superiority against Kumasi Asante Kotoko in week 9 fixture of the Ghana Premier League at Abrankese.

Nations FC aims to maintain their strong unbeaten record against Asante Kotoko, who are yet to pick a win against Nations FC in the Ghana Premier League.

Nations FC will look to bounce back from their recent 2-1 defeat against Medeama SC at the TnA Stadium on matchday four, their second loss of the campaign.

With only four points from four matches (W1, D1, L2) .They currently sit in the bottom half of the table, having scored three goals and conceded four, Nations FC are struggling, while Asante Kotoko is in good form, having won 2-0 against league champions Bibiani Gold Stars on Wednesday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in an outstanding match.

That result extended Kotoko's unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign (W2, D1) and propelled them to fourth place on the table with seven points.

The Porcupine Warriors have been solid defensively, remaining one of only two teams yet to concede a goal this season.

Both coaches' interviews ahead of the game on Saturday:

"We've intensified our preparation for the Kotoko game. We're playing Kotoko, and we can't undermine their might," Nations coach Kasim Ocansey Mingle said.

"I'm trying to manage some of the players. I've had experience with Dreams FC chasing Africa [Confederation Cup] and playing in the league; we nearly got relegated. So, I'm using that to improve upon what I did there that wasn't right and do it better here."

"Some players will play, some won't. Luckily, I have about two or three players per position. If I go with one set, I'll have a problem," Kotoko coach Karim Zito added.

• The 2025-26 season of the Ghana  League is the 63rd edition since the competition started in 1956, but the 29th edition since the inception of the Ghana Premier League since December 18, 1993 in the 1993-94 season. Meanwhile, it marks the 3rd appearance for Nations FC and the 61st appearance for Asante kotoko.

• The 2025-26 season is the 12th time that Ghana elite competition have been played with 18 clubs.

• 1962-63 Accra Real Republicans

• 1963-64 Asante kotoko

• 1975 Asante kotoko

• 1978 Hearts of Oak

• 1979 Hearts of Oak

• 1980 Asante kotoko

• 2020-21 Hearts of Oak

• 2021-22 Asante kotoko

• 2022-23 Medeama SC

• 2023-24 FC Samartex

• 2024-25 Bibiani Gold Stars

• Head-to-Head

• 2023-24 season

Sunday, 22nd October, 2023 (Day 6)

Nations FC                     2-2 Asante Kotoko

Andrews Ntim Manu (OG) 50', Amidou Diarra (pen) 90+5'//Kalo Ouattara 86', Michael Dwamena 90+1'

MVP: Razak Simpson - Nations FC

Sunday, 24th March, 2024 (Day 23)

Asante Kotoko              0-1 Nations FC ***

Asamoah Boateng Afriyie 45+2'

MVP: Razak Simpson - Nations FC

• 2024-25 season

Sunday, 17th November, 2024 (Day 11)

Asante Kotoko              0-2 Nations FC

Nafiu Sulemana 31', Faisal Charwetey 45+3'

MVP: Oko Grippman - Nations FC

Sunday, April 20, 2025 (Day 28)

Nations FC                     2-0 Asante kotoko

Nafiu Sulemana 15', Emmanuel Annor 45+4'

MVP: Nafiu Sulemana - Nations FC

Total games played          - 4

Nations FC wins                - 3

Goals scored                     - 7

Asante Kotoko wins         - 0

Goals scored                     - 2

Drawn games                    - 1

• Nations FC have scored in each of their four (4) encounters with Asante Kotoko in the GPL (GF7).

• Asante Kotoko are winless in their meetings with Nations FC in the GPL since 2023-24 season (D1 L3 GF2 GA7).

• Other competitive game:

• Tuesday, November 28, 2023 (2023-24 FA Cup) [Round of 64]

Venue: Baba Yara Sports Stadium

Asante Kotoko              4-2 Nations FC

Steven Desse Mukwala (brace), Richmond Lamptey, Isaac Oppong'//Nafiu Sulemana, Asamoah Boateng Afriyie

• Current form:

• Nations FC are winless in their last three (3) games in the GPL (D1 L2 GF1 GA3).

• 21/09/25 Aduana FC     1-0 Nations FC (Day 2) [2025-26]

• 26/09/25 Nations FC     0-0 FC Samartex (Day 3) [2025-26]

• 05/10/25 Medeama SC 2-1 Nations FC (Day 4) [2025-26]

• Asante kotoko are unbeaten in their last three games in the GPL (W2 D1 GF3 GA0).

• 13/09/25 Berekum Chelsea 0-1 Asante kotoko (Day 1) [2025-26]

• 05/10/25 Asante kotoko     0-0 Heart of Lions (Day 4) [2025-26]

• 08/10/25 Asante kotoko     2-0 Bibiani Gold Stars (Day 2) [2025-26]

• The last time Asante kotoko lost a game in the competition was June 8, 2025 in match Day 34 in the 2024-25 season against Vision FC (3-1).

• Rabin Ousmani Sanon (GK) of Nations FC has kept 1 clean sheet after match Day 4 games in the ongoing season of the GPL season.

• Dari Aziz Haruna (GK) of Asante kotoko has kept 2 clean sheets after match Day 4 games in the ongoing season.

• Mohammed Camara (GK) of Asante kotoko has kept 1 clean sheet after match Day 4 games.

• A total of four players from Nations FC and Asante kotoko have scored 6 goals combined after match Day 4 games.

• 2 goals (2 players)

• Emmanuel Annor (Nations FC)

• Albert Amoah (Asante kotoko)

• 1 goal (2 players)

Samuel Tetteh (Nations FC)

• Peter Amidu Acquah (Asante kotoko)

• A total of four players from Nations FC and Asante kotoko have been awarded MVP awards after match Day 4 games of the ongoing season.

• 2 MVP (1 player)

• Albert Amoah (Asante kotoko)

• 1 MVP (3 players)

• Emmanuel Annor (Nations FC)

• Richard Danso (Nations FC)

• Hubert "Abiekuta" Gyau (Asante kotoko)

• Match Facts:

• Nations FC are unbeaten in their Home games against teams based in the ASHANTI REGION in the GPL since the 2023-24 season.

• 22/10/23 Nations FC 2-2 Asante Kotoko (Day 6) [2023-24]

• 20/04/25 Nations FC 2-0 Asante kotoko (Day 28) [2024-25]

W1 D1 GF4 GA2

• Asante Kotoko Away games against teams based in ASHANTI REGION in the GPL since the 2017 season.

• 27/02/17 Ashanti Gold 0-1 Asante Kotoko *** (Day 4) [2017]

• 31/01/21 Ashanti Gold 0-0 Asante Kotoko Day 11) [2020-21]

• 10/03/21 King Faisal    0-1 Asante Kotoko (Day 15) [2020-21]

• 03/04/22 King Faisal     0-1 Asante Kotoko (Day 23) [2021-22]

• 02/06/22 Ashanti Gold 1-1 Asante Kotoko (Day 29) [2021-22]

• 31/10/22 King Faisal     0-3 Asante Kotoko (Day 4) [2022-23]

• 22/10/23 Nations FC    2-2 Asante Kotoko (Day 6) [2023-24]

• 20/04/25 Nations FC    2-0 Asante kotoko (Day 28) [2024-25]

W2  D2  L1  GF7  GA5

• The last time Asante Kotoko won an Away game against teams based in the ASHANTI REGION in the GPL is October 31, 2022 , in matchday 4 in the 2022-23 season against King Faisal (0-3), with goals from Steven Mukwala 10', Richard Boadu 27' (pen), Nicholas Mensah 56'

• The Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, formerly known as the Anane Boateng Sports Stadium, located in Abrankese, Bosomtwe District, Ashanti Region, will host the match between Nations FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko for the Match Day 9 fixture of the 2025-26 Ghana Premier League.

• Nations FC has lost 4 out of 36 home games at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in the Ghana Premier League since the 2023-24 season.

W21  D11 L4  GF54  GA20

• Asante Kotoko’s last six (6) outings in the GPL at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, formerly known as the Anane Boateng Sports Stadium in Abrankese.

• 12/01/08 Kessben           0-1 Asante Kotoko (Day 10) [2007-08]

• 22/03/09 Kessben           1-0 Asante Kotoko (Day 14) [2008-09]

• 09/01/10 Kessben           1-1 Asante Kotoko (Day 15) [2009-10]

• 22/10/23 Nations FC       2-2 Asante Kotoko (Day 6) [2023-24]

• 01/06/24 Asante Kotoko 0-1 Great Olympics (Day 32) [2023-24]

• 20/04/24 Nations FC       2-0 Asante kotoko (Day 28) [2024-25]

W1  D2  L3  GF4  GA7

• The last time Asante Kotoko won a game in the GPL competition at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex is January 12, 2008 in match Day 10 in the 2007-08 season against Kessben (0-1), courtesy Eric Kwabena Bekoe.

• Nations FC has played 15 home games against previous winners of the Ghana Premier League.

• 25/09/23 Nations FC 2-0 FC Samartex (Day 2) [2023-24]

• 08/10/23 Nations FC 1-1 Legon Cities (Day 4) [2023-24]

• 22/10/23 Nations FC 2-2 Asante Kotoko (Day 6) [2023-24]

• 09/12/23 Nations FC 2-1 Aduana FC (Day 14) [2023-24]

• 16/12/23 Nations FC 1-1 Hearts of Oak (Day 15) [2023-24]

• 10/03/24 Nations FC 1-1 Medeama SC (Day 20) [2023-24]

• 17/03/24 Nations FC 3-0 Berekum Chelsea (Day 22) [2023-24]

• 05/04/24 Nations FC 1-0 Great Olympics (Day 24) [2023-24]

• 24/11/24 Nations FC 0-1 Berekum Chelsea (Day 12) [2024-25]

• 21/12/24 Nations FC 3-0 Legon Cities (Day 14) [2024-25]

• 16/03/25 Nations FC 2-1 Medeama SC (Day 24) [2024-25]

• 19/03/25 Nations FC 0-1 Aduana FC (Day 20) [2024-25]

• 20/04/25 Nations FC 2-0 Asante kotoko (Day 28) [2024-25]

• 25/05/25 Nations FC 3-0 FC Samartex (Day 32) [2024-25]

• 28/09/25 Nations FC 0-0 FC Samartex 1996 (Day 3) [2025-26]

W8  D5  L2 GF23  GA9

• Berekum Chelsea and Aduana FC are the only previous winners of the Ghana Premier League to have won at Nations FC's home grounds in the GPL since the 2023-24 season.

• Each of Nations FC match Day 9 games in the GPL has produced 1 goal since the 2023-24 season.

2023-24 Bofoakwa Tano 1-0 Nations FC

2024-25 Karela United 0-1 Nations FC

W1  L1  GF1 GA1

• Asante Kotoko Day 9 Away games in the GPL since the 1999 season.

2003       Heart of Lions      1-0 Asante Kotoko

2005       Bofoakwa Tano    0-0 Asante Kotoko

2006-07 Bofoakwa Tano    0-1 Asante Kotoko

2009-10 Hearts of Oak       1-0 Asante Kotoko

2011-12 Edubiase Utd        1-0 Asante Kotoko

2013-14 Heart of Lions       2-0 Asante Kotoko

2014-15 Berekum Chelsea 1-1 Asante Kotoko

2020-21 WAFA                     1-1 Asante Kotoko

2021-22 Legon Cities          1-2 Asante kotoko ***

W2  D2  L4   GF5   GA8

• Since 1999 season, anytime Asante Kotoko score in match Day 9 Away game in the GPL, they don't lose.

• Nations FC began their campaign in the Ghanaian top-flight competition when they lost 1-0 to Dreams FC on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 in the 2023-24 season at the Theater of Dreams.

• Nations FC won their first game in the GPL competition when they won 2-0 against FC Samartex on Sunday, September 24, 2023 in match Day 2 in the 2023-24 season at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.

• Barimah Baah was the first player to score Nations FC first goal in the GPL competition when they faced FC Samartex on September 24, 2023 in match Day 2 at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, Baah is currently playing for Bibiani Gold Stars.

• Nations FC was the 103rd new club to feature in the Ghana Premier League since the competition's inception in 1956.

• The first time Nations FC lost at Home in the GPL is November 24, 2024 in match Day 12 in the 2024-25 season against Berekum Chelsea courtesy Stephen Amankona.

- Since then, Nations FC has played 13 Home games in the GPL.

W9 D1 L3 GF19 GA8

• The last time Nations FC lost at Home in the GPL is June 8, 2025 in match Day 34 in the 2024-25 season.

- Since then, Nations FC has played 2 Home games (180 mins) so far in the GPL.

W1 D1 GF2 GA1

• Nations FC has lost 4 out of 36 Home games in the GPL since the 2023-24 season.

• 24/11/24 Nations FC 0-1 Berekum Chelsea (Day 12) [2024-25]

• 02/02/25 Nations FC 1-2 Young Apostles (Day 19) [2024-25]

• 19/03/25 Nations FC 0-1 Aduana FC (Day 20) [2024-25]

• 08/06/25 Nations FC 0-2 Heart of Lions (Day 34) [2024-25]

• Nations FC has played 36 Home games in the GPL since the 2023-24 season.

W21 D11 L4 GF54 GA20

• The first time Asante Kotoko won an away game in the GPL since 1999 is 28th Mar. 1999 in match Day 6 in the 1999 season against Liberty Professionals (1-2).

- Since then, Kotoko have played 342 Away games in the GPL.

W127  D109    L107    GF339   GA309

• The last time Asante Kotoko won an away game in the Ghana Premier League was September 13, 2025, in Matchday 1 of the 2025-26 season against Berekum Chelsea (0-1).

- Since then, Kotoko are yet to play an away game in the GPL.

• Asante Kotoko have so far played 346 Away games in the GPL since the 1999 season.

W128    D110   L108    GF332    GA336

• Nations FC are unbeaten in their Home matches in the month of OCTOBER in the GPL since the 2023-24 season.

08/10/23 Nations FC  1-1 Legon Cities

22/10/23 Nations FC  2-2 Asante kotoko

13/10/24 Nations FC  1-1 Bibiani Gold Stars

27/10/24 Nations FC  3-0 Vision FC

W1  D3  GF7  GA3

• Asante Kotoko Away matches in the month of OCTOBER in the GPL since the 1999 season.

03/10/99 Ebusua Dwarfs      2-0 Asante Kotoko

01/10/00 Tano Bofoakwa      2-1 Asante Kotoko

07/10/01 Kwaebibirem           0-2 Asante Kotoko

21/10/01 Adansiman              0-3 Asante Kotoko

30/10/02 Mines Stars             1-1 Asante Kotoko

03/10/04 Berekum Arsenal    0-0 Asante Kotoko

20/10/04 Tano Bofoakwa       0-1 Asante Kotoko

02/10/05 Hearts of Oak          1-1 Asante Kotoko

26/10/05 Hasaacas                 1-2 Asante Kotoko

04/10/06 Feyenoord                1-0 Asante Kotoko

22/10/06 RTU                            1-1 Asante Kotoko

18/10/09 Great Olympics       1-1 Asante Kotoko

25/10/09 Ashanti Gold            1-1 Asante Kotoko

06/10/10 Berekum Arsenal    0-0 Asante Kotoko

24/10/10 King Faisal               3-2 Asante Kotoko

09/10/11 Tema Youth             1-1 Asante Kotoko

22/10/11 Bechem United       2-3 Asante Kotoko ***

14/10/12 Ashanti Gold          2-2 Asante Kotoko

24/10/12 Aduana FC             0-0 Asante Kotoko

02/10/13 All Stars                  0-1 Asante Kotoko ***

06/10/13 Inter-Allies              0-1 Asante Kotoko ***

20/10/13 Bechem United     1-0 Asante Kotoko

27/10/13 Heart of Lions        2-0 Asante Kotoko

30/10/21 Dreams FC             1-3 Asante Kotoko ***

31/10/22 King Faisal              0-3 Asante Kotoko ***

09/10/23 Accra Lions             0-1 Asante Kotoko ***

22/10/23 Nations FC              2-2 Asante Kotoko

27/10/24 Basake Holy Stars 1-1 Asante Kotoko

30/10/24 Legon Cities           2-1 Asante kotoko

W10     D12    L7    GF35     GA28

• Let's look at Saturday Games in the GPL:

• Nations FC has played 9 games on SATURDAYS in the GPL since the 2023-24 season (W3 D2 L4 GF7 GA6).

• 28/10/23 Great Olympics 1-0 Nations FC (Day 7) [2023-24]

• 25/11/23 Nations FC        1-0 Karela United (Day 12) [2023-24]

• 09/12/23 Nations FC        2-1 Aduana FC (Day 14) [2023-24]

• 16/12/23 Nations FC        1-1 Hearts of Oak (Day 15) [2023-24]

• 27/04/24 Nations FC        0-0 Bibiani Gold Stars (Day 28) [2023-24]

• 04/05/24 Karela United    1-0 Nations FC (Day 29) [2023-24]

• 25/05/24 Aduana FC        1-0 Nations FC (Day 31) [2023-24]

• 14/12/24 Accra Lions      1-0 Nations FC (Day 13) [2024-25]

• 21/12/24 Nations FC        3-0 Legon Cities (Day 14) [2024-25]

W3  D2 L4 GF7 GA6

• Asante Kotoko have played forty-seven (47) games on Saturdays in the Ghana Premier League since the 2007-08 season.

W24  D13  L10  GF58 GA37

• Asante Kotoko are unbeaten in their last 4 games on Saturdays in the GPL.

• 08/06/24 RTU                       0-2 Asante kotoko (Day 33) [2023-24]

• 21/12/24 Dreams FC           1-2 Asante kotoko (Day 14) [2024-25]

• 15/03/25 FC Samartex        1-1 Asante kotoko (Day 24) [2024-25]

• 13/09/25 Berekum Chelsea 0-1 Asante kotoko (Day 1) [2025-26]

• The last time Asante Kotoko lost a Saturday fixture was against Berekum Chelsea on May 18, 2024, in Matchday 30 of the 2023-24 season at the Golden City Park in Berekum, with Berekum Chelsea winning 2-1.

- The last away side to prevent Nations FC from scoring at home in the GPL was FC Samartex, who secured a goalless draw on September 28, 2025, in matchday 3 of the 2025-26 season.

- Nations FC has kept 32 clean sheets out of 72 games played in the Ghana Premier League since the 2023-24 season.

- Asante Kotoko have kept 313 clean sheets out of 695 games in the GPL since 1999.

- Nations FC's best position in the GPL is 5th with 57 points in the 2024-25 season.

- Asante Kotoko have won the Ghana league title on 24 occasions since the competition started in 1958.

- Nations FC's worst performance in the GPL is 7th with 49 points in the 2023-24 season.

- Asante Kotoko's worst performance in the Ghana league since 1956  was indeed 11th place out of a 15-club league in the 1970 season.

- Nations FC currently sit 12th with 4 points after matchday 4. Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko are 4th with 7 points, and they have one outstanding match against Basake Holy Stars.