Liberty, Bechem, Okwawu, Rockets for FA Cup semis
Kumasi Asante Kotoko broke the hearts of their massive followers yesterday when they were surprisingly bundled out of this year’s MTN FA Cup following a 2-3 defeat to Bechem United on penalties to visiting Bechem United at their favourite Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
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The two teams had to decide the tie via the lottery of penalties after battling to a 1-1 deadline after extra time.
Bechem United’s Tetteh Abednego, Issah Adamu and Yaw Arnold converted their kicks, while Evans Quao and Emmanuel Osei scored for Kotoko. However, skipper Amos Frimpong, Kojo Poku and Dauda Mohammed, who earlier missed a spot kick in regulation time gave away victory to Bechem United.
It was Bechem United who shocked Kotoko with a seventh minute lead through Yaw Arnold before Bennett Ofori equalised for Kotoko in the 55th minute from a Dauda Mohammed set-up.
Bechem, who featured newly-registered players such as Alfred Nelson and Hans Kwoffie, could have sealed the game early in the second half but resorted to delay tactics which compelled Referee Prince Amoah from Assin Fosu to caution some of their players, including goalkeeper Prince Asempa, in the 75th minute.
Kotoko were awarded a spot kick in the 84th minute following a hand ball incident in the box. However, Referee Amoah's decision was challenged by both players and officials of Bechem United, resulting in a temporary hold-up.
When sanity was restored, Dauda Mohammed failed to connect from the resultant kick to the chagrin of the home fans.
At Nkawkaw yesterday, Okwawu United beat visiting WAFA 1-0 in extra time to book a semi-final date with Liberty Professionals.
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WAFA became Okwawu’s third Premiership victim in this year’s competition, having eliminated Dreams FC and Hasaacas in previous rounds.
Liberty Professionals had earlier thrashed visiting Elmina Sharks 3-0 at the Dansoman Carl Reindorf Park last Saturday to book their place in the semi-finals of the MTN FA Cup.
Contrary to expectations, the Division One side were no match for Liberty Professionals on the day as the Premiership side buried them in the second half of the game.
Goals from talisman Latif Blessing and Felix Addo (two) propelled them to the last four stage.
At Wa last Saturday, Wa Rockets also caused another upset by defeating Premier League leaders, Wa All Stars, 1-0 in their thrilling derby.
Wa Rockets will now clash with Bechem United in the other semi-final match.