Tight wins for Police, Immigration Ladies in Sanford Women’s FA Cup quarters
Defending Sanford Women’s FA Cup champions, Police Ladies were given a stern test last Saturday when they played Army Ladies in the quarter-finals of this year’s competition.
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A goal from Mary Berko helped Police to overcome a stubborn Army side, who gave the champions no breathing space in their game played at the Carl Reindorf Park.
Army, though inexperienced in this competition, came into the game with such determination and gave the Police defence a tough time, and also unsettled the rhythm of the champions.
However, against the run of play in the closing stages of the first half, Mary Berko, sneaked in to squeeze the ball past goalkeeper Ayishatu Simpson, for the only goal of the game.
Police coach, Chris Darkey admitted they did not play too well, but was happy they won.
“For some inexplicable reason, we did not play too well, and allowed our opponents to gain confidence in the game, but definitely, our experience helped us to win.
“Now that we are through to the semi-finals, we will smoothen the rough edges to make sure that our title defence is on course,” Coach Darkey told the Graphic Sports.
Police having won, will face Immigration Ladies in the semi-finals after they also won 1-0 against Elmina Sea Lions.
Immigration, losing semi-finals last season, were lucky by all standards as they were put through ‘hell’ by Sea Lions.
Indeed, it had to take the decision of Referee Joyce Obenewah to decide that Slyvia Nelson’s shot had crossed the line, despite goalkeeper Martha Annan making a good safe and assistant referee’s flag remaining down.The decision was quite strange given that, Referee Obenewah was about 20 yards from the action spot.
Though Sea Lions protested, Referee Obenewah stood her ground and that was how the scoreline remained till the end, but Immigration were lucky as they were put under so much pressure.
Prisons Ladies, also qualified for the first semi-finals with a convincing 5-0 win over Nana Afia Kobi Ampem Ladies at the Sunyani Coronation Park.
Braces from Nida Nana Mensah,Rita Okyere and another goal from Grace Asare, handed Prisons Ladies theri first semi-finals appearance in the competition and are set to face Ampem Darkoa who won 4-0 against Real Upper Ladies in their game played yesterday.