I can never forget 1992 and 1993, Ghana lost AFCON to Ivory Coast in 1992, and in 1993 Kotoko lost to Zamalek in the Africa Cup final – Frimpong Manso
Head coach of Bibiani Gold Stars Frimpong Manso, a former footballer with an illustrious career, has shared his poignant reflections on the two most significant and heart-wrenching moments of his playing days — the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final and the 1993 Africa Cup final, where Ghana and Asante Kotoko, respectively, suffered heartbreaking losses.
The experienced defender, who played in both finals, speaking on Kessben TV with Tony Muntana talked about how these two events have remained etched in his memory. The 1992 AFCON final, where the Black Stars were defeated by the Ivory Coast, and the 1993 loss to Zamalek in the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup final with Asante Kotoko, are moments that continue to shape his perspective on the game and his career.
Frmpong Manso expressed that despite the years that have passed, he can never forget the emotional toll these two losses took on him and his teammates. “I can never forget 1992 and 1993. Those were two of the most painful moments of my career. Losing the AFCON final in 1992 with the national team was heartbreaking, and then, in 1993, Kotoko losing to Zamalek in the Cup Winners’ Cup was just as tough,” Manso said.
The 1992 Africa Cup of Nations final in Senegal is one that Ghanaian football fans still talk about with great emotion.
Just a year after the AFCON heartbreak, Manso faced another monumental challenge with his club, Asante Kotoko, in the 1993 Africa Cup final. Kotoko had made it to the final after an exceptional campaign, and in the final, they met Zamalek, one of Africa’s most formidable clubs.
The match ended in heartbreak for Kotoko, as they lost to the Egyptian giants, leaving Manso and his teammates devastated. “After the AFCON final loss, we had to focus on club football, and we were so determined to bring the Cup Winners’ Cup to Ghana. But once again, Zamalek proved too strong for us. The defeat in that final felt like another chapter of heartbreak for me. We gave everything, but sometimes in football, things don’t go as planned,” Manso explained.
Despite the tough losses, Manso credits these experiences for strengthening his resilience and drive as a footballer. He notes that both the AFCON and African Club Cup finals were moments that taught him the importance of perseverance, discipline, and the mental fortitude required to bounce back from disappointment.
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