Kotoko storm Nkawkaw today for MTN FA Cup Rd of 16
Nkawkaw and Samreboi will take centre stage this afternoon when the two towns host tricky Round of 16 matches in the MTN FA Cup competition.
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Samartex FC, who pushed out current league leaders, Accra Hearts of Oak, from the competition, will play host to Dansoman-based Liberty Professionals in an uncompromising encounter at the Samreboi Park, their dreaded fortress.
Liberty are in high spirits and look poised to avenge last season’s defeat to the Division One side as well as punish them for kicking out their city rivals at the previous stage of the competition. But Samartex are bent on writing their name in the FA Cup history books by booking a place in the next round of the competition, with Coach Ben Zola in charge.
With captain Isaac Kofi Nunoo directing affairs, the homesters will likely feature the likes of Prosper Afenu, Alfred Nelson, Michael Anderson, Gideon Kumordzie, Michael Addo and Emmanuel Essuman in a bid to cause an upset today, making the clash a make or break affair for both sides.
While the heat is on at Samreboi in the Western Region, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, who accounted for Tumu Real 24 Hours FC in the Round of 32 to qualify for this stage, are not taking chances as they come face to face with Storm Academy who have vowed to halt the current winning form of Kotoko.
Kotoko started the season on a wrong footing but seem to have found their rhythm, with Dauda Mohammed, Obed Owusu, goalkeeper Ernest Sowah, skipper Amos Frimpong and their colleagues in full flight, culminating in their 3-0 thumping of Ebusua Dwarfs last Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The Porcupine Warriors, knowing the threat posed by Storm Academy, are leaving no stone unturned and have marshalled all the resources to enable them to qualify at the Nkawkaw Park. The current prowess of Kotoko could be a mouthful for the Division Two side, who have also pledged to go all out since they have nothing to lose against Kotoko.
Tomorrow afternoon, in-form Elmina Sharks and True Democracy will face off at the Nduom Stadium at Elmina, while Okwawu United stay at their Nkawkaw home against Sekondi Hasaacas.
RTU host Bechem United in Tamale in another hot contest, with Wa All Stars playing Mighty Royals in Wa.
The Round of 16 duels began yesterday with WAFA defeating Emmanuel FC 1-0 at Sogakope, while Wa Rockets stunned Asokwa Deportivo 1-0 in another battle in Wa.