MTN FA Cup: Fireworks in Accra, Kumasi
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On any day, a Hearts-Kotoko Cup final would be any organiser’s dream, but the competition’s organisers and sponsors, MTN, do not have the luxury to determine the two clubs for the June 15 grand finale in Accra.
Kotoko are bent on re-establishing their hegemony on Ghana football by clinching both the Glo Premier League and MTN FA Cup titles this season, but Amidaus are planning to play ‘David’ again in Sunday’s David-and-Goliath semi-final clash at the Accra Stadium at 3pm.
Kotoko have always been comfortable playing in Accra and, therefore, would presume to have one leg in the final already, especially after warming themselves for Sunday’s clash with a crucial 2-1 league victory over Heart of Lions at Kpando last Wednesday to inch closer to the premiership title.
But all that might not be enough for Kotoko against a side which has proved to be their Achilles heel so far. While in Division One last season, Amidaus shot to prominence after bundling Kotoko out of the FA Cup competition with a shocking 2-0 win at Tema. The Tema-based side extended their exploits to the Premiership by holding the Porcupine Warriors to a drawn game in a season-opener in Kumasi.
Since then, ninth-placed Amidaus have proved to be a hot commodity in their Premiership debut, with former Kotoko player, Yayaha Mohammed, as their talisman and Black Satellites first choice goalkeeper, Eric Ofori Antwi, defending their goal.
In terms of big name players, Kotoko clearly outshine their opponents as the likes of Michael Helegbe, Kofi Nti Boakye, Kwabena Edusei, Michael Akuffo, Seidu Bancey, Akwasi Bobie Ansah and Soulama Abdoulaye can send shivers down the spine of any opponent any day.
However, the FA Cup is usually pregnant with surprises, that is why it will be premature for Kotoko to start celebrating a final berth yet, considering the stubborn nature of Coach Tony Lokko’s side.
As for Coach David Duncan and his Hearts armada, they need no forewarning in their game against a determined Medeama at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, after the Tarkwa-based side had thrashed them 3-1 in Accra and forced a 1-1 draw in the return league game at Tarkwa.
But Medeama should brace for a battle of their lives as the Phobians are a totally transformed side from the one they humiliated in their previous clash.
Obviously, the Oseikrom duel is as dicey as the one in the capital, with either of them having the potential of being decided in extra time or via penalty shootout.
Coach Duncan will be missing the services of the league’s leading scorer, Mahatma Otoo, but can still hope to rely on predating Gilbert Fiamenyo, gifted Winful Cobbinah and others to ward off the opponent’s threat, while Evans Adotey will expect Tanko Mohammed, Theophilus Anobaah, Sampson Cudjoe, Jacob Apau, Joseph Gordon and others to keep their hopes alive now that the league title seems to be slipping through their fingers.
The rates for both matches are Popular Stand — GH¢3, Centre Line/Osu Stand — GH¢5, VIP — GH¢10 and VVIP — GH¢20.
Preview: Samuel Ebo Kwaitoo
