Kotoko win the hard way

Kumasi Asante Kotoko struggled to qualify for the quarter-final of the MTN/FA Cup the hard way after being stretched by Division One side Real Tamale United (RTU) before winning 1-0 late into the game at the Baba Yara Stadium yesterday.

The Tamale lads contained the determined Kotoko side throughout the game until the 89th minute when substitute Obed Owusu beat RTU goalie Frank Boateng, who had thwarted Kotoko’s effort throughout the game until that decisive strike during a goalmouth melee. 

RTU put up a brave effort and did not appear intimidated by the stronger physique of the Kotoko players who took the game to the visiting team and on many occasions came close to scoring. However, Boateng’s man-of-the-match display became the stumbling block between Kotoko and victory, as all their attempts at goal were foiled by the keeper. 

Although the Pride of the North managed to put the ball at the back of the net in the 72nd minute, after Kotoko goalkeeper Joseph Addo failed to deal with a shot by Emmnauel Kwamina and allowed Richard Adjetey to slot home,  referee Cecil Fletcher overruled the goal for offside positioning by Adjetey  much to the chagrin of RTU players and their technical handlers. 

RTU never relented and kept the heat on the Kotoko defence who began to commit blunders in the face of incessant pressure.

With the game heading for a draw and a penalty shootout looming large, Owusu brought huge relief to the handful Kotoko supporters at the stadium when he headed home the  winning goal with just one minute left on the clock.

At the Len Clay Stadium at Obuasi, AshantiGold defeated Inter Allies 2-1 to qualify for the quarter-finals stage. 

Eric Opoku and Alhaji Sani scored for the home side with Fuseini Eliasu pulling one goal back for Inter Allies.

At the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast Stadium, the fairytale run of third tier side, Great Astronomers, came to an end after they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Medeama. The game ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

With Accra Hearts of Oak already through to the semi final stage after beating Utrecht in their quarter-final match last Sunday, Kotoko and Ashantigold will battle on June 24 in Kumasi for a place in the semi-finals.

Other quarter-final matches will involve Aduana Stars and Sekondi Eleven Wise at the Agyeman Badu Park at Dormaa-Ahenkro, Medeama SC play WAFA at Tarkwa.