..MTN FA Cup... Kotoko cruise to quarter-finals
Giants Kumasi Asante Kotoko last Saturday reached the quarter-finals of the MTN FA Cup after beating Storm FC Academy 5-3 on penalties at the Nkawkaw Park.
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Michael Osei's men fought from behind to equalise a 15th-minute setback through Bennett Ofori before Emmanuel Asante converted the kick of the game to win on penalties.
Incidentally Kotoko qualified for the round of 64 after eliminating another third-tier side, AK Shion, on penalties.
Captain Emmanuel Twumasi Frimpong opened the scores for the Division Two side in the 15th-minute lead with a powerful volley before attacker Ofori equalised in the 53rd minute for the Porcupine Warriors.
Kotoko went into the game on the back of their commendable transformation under Michael Osei in the Premier League but the competition's minnows proved tough customers at the Nkawkaw Park.
After Twumasi's opener Storm protected their lead as their agile goalkeeper, Abdul Rauf, did some eye-pleasing saves for most parts of the second-half.
His effort resulted in as many as 12 second-half cornerkicks but Kotoko failed to utilise their kicks, with striker Obed Owusu missing a close chance.
Storm showed early determination and dominated the midfield with their impressive energy but Kotoko eventually settled in the second-half, taking charge of the game and stretching it to end of the regulation time
Youngster Isaac Mensah missed Storm's third kick of the shoot-out while Emmanuel Asante expectly converted the last kick to send Kotoko to the quarter-finals.
Goalkeeper Felix Annan marked his return from a 12-week injury lay-off by manning the post for Kotoko.