Kotoko face MTN FA Cup test today
Giants, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, face daunting task to eliminate little known Division One side, Real 24 Hours FC, to consolidate their hope of annexing the MTN FA Cup title when the two teams meet today at the Tumu Park in the Sissala East District of the Upper West Region.
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Aside the current turbulence in the camp of the Porcupine Warriors, they also have expressed discomfort in travelling up north to face their opponents on a grassless pitch which they explained had the potential to harm their players.
However, the Ghana Football Association and the FA Cup Committee have ignored their request to shift the match to the Wa Stadium, stating in a letter to Kotoko last Wednesday that the Tumu Park fell within the minimum requirement for such a match.
Meanwhile, technical handlers of the Real 24 Hours team are hopeful that their players would worsen Kotoko’s plight as they eagerly await to show them the exit from the competition.
The game promises to pull a big crowd spectators as information reaching the Daily Graphic as at press time yesterday indicated that tickets for the game had already been sold out, with the people of Tumu anxious to catch a glimpse of Kotoko players.
Also at Samreboi in the Western Region today, Accra Hearts of Oak will battle Division One Samartex FC in another thriller which is likely to attract more spectators.
As of last Thursday, the Phobians had departed to the Western Region to acclimatise and get first hand information about their opponents to help them strategise to punish the homesters in their own backyard.
In other matches, Liberty Professionals, who eliminated defending champions Medeama SC, play another stubborn Division One side, Purejoy FC, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram; True Democracy lock horns with Accra Youth FC in a battle of Division Two sides at the Tema Stadium; Storm Academy play Kotoku Royals at Nkawkaw, AC Milan engage Wamanafo Mighty Royals at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, while WAFA host promising Division One side, Karela United, at Sogakope.
Tomorrow, Premier League leaders, Wa All Stars, will clash with Techiman City in what promises to be an uncompromising encounter at the Wa Stadium, Bechem United meet Sunyani Liberty at Bechem, RTU battle Steadfast FC at Tamale, Division Two side Emmanuel FC will sort things out with Inter-Allies at Kweiman, Sekondi Hasaacas play Okyeman Planners FC at the Essipon Stadium, Okwawu United play Dunkwa FC at the Nkawkaw Park, while Elmina Sharks host Dwarfs at the Nduom Park in Elmina.
Last Thursday, Kumasi-based Division One side, Asokwa Diportivo, kicked out struggling Ashantigold 4-2 on penalties at the Baba Yara Stadium.