Golden Kick SC netminder, Kelvin Saaba has strongly condemned referee Latif Adaari, following their 2-1 defeat to Asante Kotoko in the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup final on Sunday.
The final, played at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, saw the Porcupine Warriors edge out the lower-division side with a brace from Kwame Opoku, including a controversial late penalty that ultimately decided the match.
Golden Kick had fought back to level the score through Bless Ege’s superb free-kick after Opoku’s first-half opener. However, in the 90th minute, referee Adaari pointed to the spot after a coming-together between Kwame Opoku and goalkeeper Kelvin Saaba, a decision that has since sparked outrage.
Speaking in an interview with 3Sports after the final whistle, Saaba did not mince words as he accused the referee of ruining what he described as a great footballing occasion.
“It’s very bad. To be honest, it’s very bad. I don’t know why it’s happening that way, seriously, because I didn’t touch him, so what happened?” Saaba questioned.
“It doesn’t happen anywhere. The FA should look into this and do the right thing. If this is how we are going to play in Ghana, then it won’t get us anywhere. We should be sincere with ourselves. The referee spoiled the game. Just so the supporters enjoy the game? It’s not by force to give the win to someone.”
The young goalkeeper’s frustration echoes sentiments shared by many neutral fans and pundits, who felt Golden Kick FC put on an impressive performance and deserved more from the game.
Despite the loss, the second-tier side earned plaudits for their fearless display, having eliminated top-flight teams Karela United and Hearts of Oak en route to the final.