Upsets on the cards in MTN FA Cup matches
The 2013/2014 MTN FA Cup returns this weekend with 32 interesting Round of 64 match-ups set to fill the void created by the break in Premier League action this weekend.
There will be no clashes among the 16 Premiership clubs, providing opportunities for numerous upsets as the competition resumes tomorrow, with defending champions Medeama SC opening their title defence against second division-side Score FC in Koforidua. Medeama have performed below their own lofty expectations in this year’s Premiership race but the Cup presents them with a glorious opportunity to appease their fans.
Mohammed Polo seeks redemption when his Hearts of Oak-side, still reeling from last Sunday’s 3-0 upset at Wa All Stars comes up against minnows at Bibiani Park. Hearts, 10-time winners of the trophy, must remain wary of under-dogs Gold Stars, if they want to end their 13-year wait to annex the coveted trophy with their last triumph in the FA Cup coming in the year 2000, when they beat Okwawu United 2-0.
In other interesting match-ups, Bashir Hayford’s Ashgold contend with B.A. United at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium, Premiership strugglers, Inter-Allies lock horns with Berlin FC at the Tema Stadium, while Liberty Professionals face Bubiashie Charity Stars at the Charity Park, in Accra.
Heart of Lions clash with Tarkwa United at the T&A Park, New Edubiase face Bolga Man City at Bekwai, while Ebusua Dwarfs take on First Klass FC at the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast. Aduana Stars battle Asokwa Deportivo at Dormaa-Ahenkro, Alhaji Grunsah’s King Faisal face Tuobodom Santos at the Baba Yara Stadium in Cape Coast, with Wa All Stars engaging Feyenord Academy at Gomoa Fetteh as Berekum Chelsea play Wenchi United at the Golden City Park. Sekondi Hasaacas travel to Dunkwa-on-Offin to play Starke FC, Amidaus Professionals host Danbort FC at the Tema Stadium, while Medeama SC take on Score FC at Koforidua .
Former champions, Nania FC, will take on DC United at the Legon Park, Mighty Jets will take on Mepe United, Metro FC versus Esperance, Future Stars against Tano Bofoakwa, Sampa United lock horns with Bagojet, Tumu Happy Stars engage Tema United and Red Lions FC clash with Binduri United.
Prestige FC encounter Istanbul FC, Okwawu United versus Real Athletico, Dolphins FC engage Guan United. The games continue on December 23 with Kessewa International playing Kotoku Royals and Real Tamale United clashing with UCC Youngsters.
Elsewhere, two-time losing finalists and run-away league leaders, Kumasi Asante Kotoko will play either Tamale Liberty or Wiaga United in Tamale or Bolga on December 24, while on December 28, Bolga All Stars/Krystal Palace take on Believers FC, Dawhenya FC/Royal Faith versus Bazooka FC and Rospac play with Right to Dream FC.
