Ivorian Envoy Visits Otumfuo Ahead Of Kotoko-ASEC Clash
The Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire to Ghana, His Excellency Assielou Felix Tanon has paid a courtesy visit to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ahead of the President’s Cup clash between the Asante Kotoko Sporting Club and the ASEC Mimosas on Tuesday, March 5.
The highly anticipated clash between the two African powerhouses will be held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi with His Majesty, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire expected to grace it.
H.E Felix Tanon visited the Manhyia Palace on Monday, March 4, 2024, ahead of the arrival of ASEC in Kumasi to officially announce his presence in the city to the King.
He was led by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon Simon Osei Mensah and accompanied by some executives of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), organisers of the President’s Cup.
The ambassador also extended the regards of President Ouattara.
For his part, the Chairman of the GHALCO, Mr Kudjoe Fianoo said the event which is annually hosted in Accra underwent some reviews this year to attract public interest and make it more entertaining.
“The intention was to make it more fun. Medeama would have hosted the game but for the history between the Kotoko and ASEC. Additionally, since it would be hosted in Kumasi, there was the need to opt for the City’s giant in football.”
The competition will be held in honour of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who exits office early next year as well as in commemoration of his 80th birthday which is on March 29, 2024, he said.
His Majesty commended the organisers of the competition for choosing Kumasi to host it
“This is an honour for the city to host such a sports event. It will also coincide with the country’s 67th Anniversary, and the President’s 80th Anniversary. We thank them for it.”
The Porcupines will be looking forward to increasing their titles to nine when they lock horns with the Ivorian Club tomorrow.
The last encounter between the two African giants was in 2019 during the Otumfuo Cup to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The game ended 1-0 in favour of the Porcupines at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Kotoko will be seeking to repeat the same result tomorrow.
