Hasmal, others advance in MTN FA Cup

Sekondi Hasaacas yesterday qualified for the one-eighth stage of the FA Cup competition when they defeated Dansoman-based Liberty Professionals 2-0 at the Sekondi Stadium in Essipon.

A 42nd minute penalty awarded by referee Desmond Abbey and expertly converted by midfielder Michael Boakye gave the ‘Giants of the West’ the first goal.

Substitute Joseph Agyeman made it two for the homesters with a long drive which deflected into the net at the blind side of goalkeeper Kotei Blankson.Feyenoord Academy maintained their impressive form in this season’s MTN FA Cup by pipping local Red Lions FC 1-0 at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium last Saturday to book a Round of 16 ticket.

Also on Saturday, former premiership sides, Okwawu United and Mighty Jets, progressed after claiming victories in their Round of 32 ties.

Okwawu were 3-2 winners in their tight away clash with Sampa United, while Mighty Jets, who made a long trip to Bolgatanga, beat Bolga All Stars 1-0.

At Essipon, Takoradi-based Division One League side, Metro Stars, posted a 2-1 win over division two Tema United.

Theophilus Boah gave Metro Stars a 1-0 first half lead after 18 minutes before Precious Naawu increased the tally in the 54th minute.

Tema United, however, pulled a goal back in the 74th minute through a penalty converted by Abdul Rahman Suleman.

Ashantigold thrashed visiting Danbort FC 3-1 in their encounter at the Len Clay Stadium, courtesy Francis Cofie, Louis Agyemang and Aaron Amoah; Bechem United also kicked out Dolphins FC following a 2-1 triumph at Bechem; New Edubiase beat Tarkwa United 3-2 at Tarkwa; Gold Stars 5, Kotoku Royals 2,  while Inter Allies defeated Nania FC 2-1 at Tema.

Feyenoord Academy, Okwawu, Mighty Jets and Metro Stars now join Asante Kotoko, Berekum Chelsea, Istanbul, title holders, Medeama, Ashantigold, Bechem United, New Edubiase, Inter Allies, Gold Stars and others for the next stage of the competition.

The Round of 16 draw is slated for the FA secretariat on Thursday.