Hasmal, Liberty to shake Essipong in MTN FA Cup Round of 32 thrills

Sekondi Hasaacas will be under pressure to impress at home, same as their guests Liberty Professionals when they clash in a tight MTN FA Cup Round of 32 duel at Essipong on Sunday.

After dropping two vital home points against Amidaus Professionals in the second round First Capital Plus League opener last Wednesday, Hasaacas will have no time for courtesies as the home fans will expect a better result from them against an opponent who also needs the results badly after losing 0-2 away to Heart of Lions.

The ‘Aboakese’ will be too strong for Division One Danbort FC, especially at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium as former goal king Emmanuel Baffoe leads Coach Bashir Hayford’s Ashantigold in search of an advanced ticket, while Bechem United will be too strong for Dolphines FC at Bechem where they thrashed King Faisal 2-0 in a league game mid-week.

Equally thrilling and too close to call will be the Tema battle involving Inter Allies and former champions Nania FC; Tarkwa Real United and New Edubiase United at Tarkwa; and Gold Stars’ home duel with Kotoku Royals at Bibiani, all on Sunday.

Tomorrow at Obuasi Len Clay, Feyenoord Academy will be a big threat to local Red Lions; Okwawu United can sail through to the next stage at the expense of their hosts, Sampa United; Metro Stars should expect a real fight from Tema United at their Essipong Stadium backyard, while Tudu Mighty Jets storm Bolga as guests of Bolga All Stars. 

Meanwhile, Istanbul FC qualified to the Round of 16 stage last Werdnesday after defeating Coach Emmanuel Nkrumah’s promising Division Two side, Future Stars, 5-4 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium.