Two-goal Arnol powers Bechem to FA Cup glory

Two well struck goals by Bechem United’s Yaw Arnol powered his side to a 2-1 win against Okwawu United in the final of the MTN FA Cup at the Cape Coast stadium yesterday, handing the Brong Ahafo side their first MTN FA Cup victory.

Okwawu had proved to be very tough opponents right from the blast of Referee Awal Mohammed’s whistle and unsettled their opponents until the half hour mark when a freekick from Danso Akoto’s freekick rocked the post to deny the Soccer Mountaineers a goal.

Just about 10 minutes later, a free kick by Bechem’s Alfred Nelson ricochetted off the post much to the disappointment of Bechem players and supporters.

After an exciting scoreless first half, Bechem returned from recess the stronger side and hungrier for the opening goal.. Their efforts then paid off in the 55th minute when Yaw Arnol picked the ball from the  right side of the Okwawu area and dribbled past two markers after which he unleashed a powerful shot which zoomed straight into the net for the first goal.

Okwawu, true to their ‘Yente Gyae’ motto, quickly reorganised and took the game to their opponents, but the resilient Bechem backline, controlled by Frank Nelson, held the Okwawu attackers in check.

The ‘Asase Aban’ lads continued to probe for the equalising goal until the 62nd minute when Akoto Danso connected a shot into the Bechem 18-yard box which went through the legs of the Okwawu goalkeeper, Abass Mohammed, to pull even.

 Bechem, however, had other ideas and kept fighting for the match winner. Coach Manuel Zacharias then decided to play his cards by bringing on some fresh limbs to maintain their momentum. Striker Abednego Tetteh, in an uncharacteristic fashion, stripped the ball off an Okwawu defender and lobbed into the Okwawu goal area for onrushing Arnol to connect home beyond the reach of goalkeeper Abass Mohammed in the 72nd minute amidst wild jubilation from their supporters.