Feyenoord dare New Edubiase as MTN FA Cup thrills return

Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s double dream faces a dicey Division One test in Istanbul FC who are targeting an upset at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.

Former titlists, Kotoko, have been denied the new MTN FA Cup for three consecutive seasons since the revival of the biggest competition on the GFA calendar, and have vowed to avoid another heartbreak this time around.

And with their commanding lead in the First Capital Premier League, the Porcupine Warriors appear to be in devastating form to dismiss their lower division opponents. But Kotoko will be the first to admit that the FA Cup has no pushovers as they tasted it the bitter way between 2011 and 2013.

Last season, it was Medeama who put paid to Coach Didi Dramani’s double agenda with a painful 1-0 defeat in the grand final in Accra. Before then, unsung Amidaus Professionals had bundled out Kotoko in the early stages of the season before, just as less-fancied Nania FC caused a major upset against them in the 2011 final.

With this agonising background, Kotoko could be merciless against Istanbul FC in front of their expectant fans, with a quarter-final opportunity beckoning them.

Talent-filled Feyenoord Academy, after thrashing Wa All Stars 3-0 at Gomoa Fetteh in the previous round, appear to be a real threat to visiting New Edubiase United on their favourite synthetic pitch, with Coach Baba Ali leading the technical bench.

Considering their great form in Zone 2B of the just-ended Division, One League, technical director Coach Sam Arday, and Feyenoord managing director, Karel Brukken, stand a good chance of celebrating another great victory on Sunday if only they can hold the gifted Asiedu Attobrah, Nuhu Fuseini and the rest from the Edubiase fold.

Also on Sunday at the Berekum Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea will capitalise on territorial advantage to dismiss the challenge from premiership mates, Inter Allies, while troubled Ashantigold need a good win over Mighty Jets at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium tomorrow to stabilise their boat in the midst of the turbulence.

At the Baba Yara Stadium this afternoon, King Faisal are favoured to pick their last eight ticket at the expense of Division One Metro Stars, while Hasaacas engage Gold Stars in a regional thriller at the Sekondi Gyandu Park.