Kotoko tipped for FA Cup

This Sunday's MTN FA Cup final showdown between league champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko and International Allies at the Accra Sports Stadium promises to live up to its “Day of Reckoning” billing as Kotoko gun for a historic double against less-fancied Inter Allies who are seeking their first ever silverware.

Kotoko’s challenge for their eighth FA Cup trophy will be led by assistant trainer, Michael Osei, who steps in for Coach Mas-ud Didi Dramani who is on national duty. 

On the day, Osei will be up against experienced tactician and former Kotoko boss, Herbert Addo, who transformed Allies from the bottom to the sixth position in the premiership as debutants. To put Addo’s impact on the surprise finalists in context, he took over from Kenneth Koomson (now his assistant) with just a single point in six games.

Allies’ road to the final involved five straight victories over Berlin FC (1-0 at the round of 64 stage), 2011 champions Nania FC (2-1 at the round of 32), Berekum Chelsea (0-1 at the round of 16 stage), Sekondi Hasaacas (1-0 at the quarter-final stage) and Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord (1-0 in the semi-finals).

In contrast, favourites Kotoko were much more dominant in their journey to the final, including a walk over against Ashgold in the quarter-finals. They entered the competition at the round of 64 stage where they brushed aside Division One side Wiaga United 4-0, defeated First Klass FC 3-0 (round of 32 stage), beat Istanbul FC 3-2 at the round of 16 stage before leaping over Ashgold in their ill-fated quarter-final clash and going past city rivals, King Faisal, 2-0 in the semi-finals.

All Kotoko’s victories were masterminded by Didi Dramani, whose absence at the final will give the Allies side, who have already upstaged the league champions once this year in the league 1-0, all the motivation they might need.

Aside the prestigious trophy, the winner will take home a cheque of GH¢30,000 and 25 per cent of the net of the gate proceeds while the losing finalist will pick half the cash prize handed the winner; GH¢15,000 and 25 per cent of the net gate proceeds.