Hearts 4 others advance in MTN FA Cup
Bibiani Gold Stars caused a major upset Sunday as they dumped the more fancied Ashantigold from the MTN FA Cup competition with a 3-1 drubbing to progress to the quarterfinals alongside Kpando Heart of Lions, Accra Hearts of Oak, Medeama SC and Tema Youth.
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Lions defeated became the first side to qualify for the fifth round of the competition after defeating division one campaigners Mighty Jets 2-0 last Saturday through goals by Prosper Avor and Daniel Acquaye.
Avor put the home side ahead in the 34th minute and skipper Acquaye secured the victory in the second half through a spot kick after Jets’ effort was undermined when they conceded a penalty for a foul on Avor.
Other FA Cup matches played yesterday saw Medeama edging Berekum Chelsea 4-2 on penalties after drawing 1-1 in normal time.
Aduana Stars progressed after defeating Tema Youth 4-2 on penalties after a scoreless game during regulation time at the Tema Stadium.
Medeama eliminated Berekum Chelsea 3-1 on penalties after drawing 1-1 during regulation time in their clash at the Tarkwa T&A Park.
For followers of Hearts, yesterday’s 2-0 victory over Starke FC after a spirited second half display was yet another assurance that their revival was on course after a poor start to the season.
Gilbert Fiamenyo’s feeble header in the 61st minute found its way into the net to give the home side the opener after a lacklustre first half performance.
The pre-match favourites had their tails up after the opening goal and substitute Mahatma Otoo made it 2-0 in the 74th minute to cement qualification for the resurgent Hearts.
The visitors took the game to Hearts in the first half, pinning them to their half while searching for an early goal. But the division one side, based at Dunkwa-On-Offin were poor in front of goal and could not find the cutting edge to make early gains.
The visitors could not capitalise on their numerical advantage after Hearts captain Moro Abubakar was shown the red card in the 58th minute after slapping a Starke player in the face. However, the Phobians rose to the challenge and scored the opener three minutes when Fiamenyo towered above his markers to head a corner kick into the net.
Otoo’s introduction in the 60th minute further strengthened Hearts’ attack and their search for more goals was rewarded in the 74th minute when a brilliant solo effort by winger Ollenu Ashitey saw him deliver a clever pass to marauding Mahatma who outwitted an advancing goalkeeper John Antwi to tap the ball into the net and send Coach David Duncan’s team through to the next round.
Story: Kwame Larweh