Ashgold, Aduana out of MTN FA Cup
Kumasi-based Asokwa Deportivo, eliminated premiership side, AshantiGold, for the second time in two years at the Round of 64 stage of the MTN FA Cup after defeating them 3-1 on penalties at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi last Saturday.
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The feat by the Division One side was a re-enactment of last year's 1-1 drawn game in 90 minutes, a magic that reduced the once premiership champions to an ordinary side.
Ace striker, Hans Kwofie, employed his experience to his advantage when with his back to the post, he made a quick turn to outwit his marker and fetch AshantiGold the leader after 18th minutes and ended up as the only player who coverted his spot kick during the penalty shootout.
The darling boy of AshantiGold, Emmanuel Osei Baffour, was a pale shadow of himself as he blew away a third minute penalty and failed to recover from the shock until he was substituted in the second half by Coach C.K. Akonnor.
Coach Akonnor's incessant screaming at his charges, who lost concentration momentarily, could not produce the magic wand for his side who had only Kwofie to celebrate on the day.
Deportivo's second half dominance paid off in the 85th minute when Gotfred Abban pulled even after an incessant pressure on AshantiGold.
The Miners froze and their confidence was further shattered after Alex Nsiah disallowed what appeared to be a perfect goal by the Miners in the last quarter of the second half.
At Techiman, Aduana Stars were also booted out of the competition via 0-1 defeat to little known Eleven Wonders.
In Accra yesterday, two important goals by Anthony Nimo and Patrick Razak in the 25th and 53rd minutes respectively were all Accra Hearts of Oak needed to eliminate Division One Sporting Mirren from this year’s MTN FA Cup competition.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko were scared by Bekwai Youth Accademy before running away with a 3-1 win on penalties, following a pulasting 1-1 draw in regulation time at Bekwai yesterday.