Kumasi Asante Kotoko and International Allies clash this Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium in the MTN FA Cup final, as one team try to complete the league as a two-time FA Cup holder and the other attempt to secure their first silverware ever.
Unsurprisingly, Kotoko head into the game, dubbed, “Day of Reckoning”, as favourites, having already annexed their third successive premier league trophy.
On paper, the Porcupine Warriors boast the stronger team with experienced campaigners such as Michael Akuffo, Jordan Opoku and Kwabena Adusei marshalling coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani’s squad.
However, Inter Allies, who have managed to preserve their premiership status in their debut season- will be comforted with the knowledge that underdogs have won the last three finals- Nania 1, Kotoko 0 (2011), New Edubiase, United 1 Ashgold 0 (2012) and Medeama SC 1, Kotoko 0 (2013).
Much of Inter Allies’ success in their debut campaign is attributed to veteran tactician, Herbert Addo, who took over last year when Allies were without a point after six games in the league under his predecessor, Kenneth Koomson, and has since ensured safety and a fairytale cup run.
In the FA Cup, Addo has manoeuvred Allies through five rounds of elimination, including victories over Berlin FC (1-0 at the round of 64 stage), 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 (0-1 in the semi-finals).
Meanwhile, Kotoko have enjoyed a comparatively smoother run to the finals, aside a scare in the round of 16 stage where they clung on to see off Istanbul FC by 3-2. In the other rounds, they trounced Wiaga United by 4-0 and beat First Klass FC by 3-0 before progressing via a bye against Ashgold at the quarter finals, thus making the finals after defeating city rivals, King Faisal, by 2-0.
For both teams, their performances in the preliminary stages will count for nought as they will need their key men to be on top of their game to ensure victory.
Allies will rely on the talents of striker Ndiaye Talla and defensive stalwart, Joseph Aidoo, while Kotoko will look to top scorer, Seidu Bancey and Abeiku Ainooson, as both sides look to win the trophy and bag GH¢30,000.00 in the process.
