Sports
Hearts of Oak, Medeama SC crash out of MTN FA Cup in stunning upsets
The Round of 16 in the MTN FA Cup delivered stunning upsets, with Premier League giants Hearts of Oak and Medeama SC suffering elimination, while Berekum Chelsea produced a dominant display to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
Hearts of Oak were sent packing by Division One side Golden Kick after a dramatic penalty shootout. After a goalless regulation time, Golden Kick held their nerve in the shootout to win 4-3, despite missing their first kick. Hearts of Oak also had midfielder Theophilus Collison sent off in the second half, adding to their woes.
Meanwhile two-time winners Medeama SC got knocked out after losing 4-2 on penalties to Division One side PAC Academy after a 1-1 draw at the TNA Park.
The Premier League side failed to capitalize on home advantage as PAC Academy proved more clinical in the shootout, securing a famous victory.
While some Premier League sides struggled, Berekum Chelsea made a statement with a commanding 4-1 victory over Division One club Northern City.
The former Premier League champions showed their class, dispatching their lower-tier opponents with ease to book a quarterfinal spot.
Bechem United secured a hard-fought victory at Techiman Liberty, while True Democracy beat Nania on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Karela United also beat Young Apostles 1-0 to progress.
The MTN FA Cup continues to produce surprises, with multiple top-flight teams bowing out, leaving the competition wide open for the remaining contenders.
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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