Sports
MTN FA Cup: Kotoko tipped to end True Democracy dream
A soccer bonanza awaits football lovers this weekend as all four MTN FA Cup quarter-final matches take centre stage at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, seeking semifinal berths.
With nine FA Cup trophies in their trophy cabinet, three less than their bitter rivals, Hearts of Oak, who are on 12, Kumasi Asante Kotoko will be eager to get past Division One League (DOL) side, True Democracy, as they clash tomorrow at 7pm.
Kotoko, one of the two clubs in the last eight has been tagged by many connoisseurs to be the ultimate winners of this year’s trophy.
However; they are threading cautiously because of the uncertainties that surrounds the competition.
Kotoko often struggle against the lower-tier sides, but having gotten that close to the trophy, they would be hoping to capitalise on their home advantage to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
For the Tema-based True Democracy FC side, this offers huge platform to prove that their victories over former champions, Dreams FC and FC Nania, were no fluke.
Coming up against a mighty side like Kotoko in their first-ever appearance in the quarter-final stage, they would look to draw strength from the competition mantra to scale that hurdle.
Referee Maxwell Hanson will be in charge with Gabriel Boateng and Isaac Duodu assisting while Gabriel Opoku Arhin will be the fourth referee.
This stage of the competition kicks off today with two thrilling encounters. Division One League outfits, Attram De Vesser and PAC Academy, going at each other at 3pm.
Referee Angelous Akurugu Adonko, a product of the ‘Catch Them Young’ refereeing policy, will be assisted by Abraham Partey and Philip Amoh, with Theophilus Antwi Sekyi as the fourth official.
That clash will be followed by the highly anticipated Bono derby between 2016 champions, Bechem United, and Berekum Chelsea at 7pm.
FIFA referee, Julian Nunoo, will take charge of this with FIFA assistant referees Emmanuel Dolagbanu and Roland Addy assisting on the lines while Abdul Latif Adaari acts as the fourth referee.
The winner of this game will face Kotoko or True Democracy in the semis.
Tomorrow at 3pm, giant killers, Golden Kick, will take on Karela United.
Young referee Kingsford Oteng Yeboah will be assisted by Joseph Teye Awasasi and Haruna Yakubu, with Alex Amoabeng as the fourth official to officiate the game.
By Raymond Ackumey
The management of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has assured its supporters that steps are being taken to appoint a substantive head coach following the team’s recent poor performances.
In a statement issued by the club’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku Esq., the board acknowledged concerns raised by fans over the absence of a permanent coach and the team’s current form.
He said the club understands the high expectations that come with representing Asante Kotoko and admitted that recent results have been disappointing.
“The Board is actively working to appoint a competent substantive head coach whose philosophy aligns with the long-term ambitions of the club,” he stated.
Mr. Duku explained that the club is taking its time to ensure the right candidate is selected, adding that management remains committed to restoring the team to its expected standards.
He apologised to supporters for the team’s recent performances and assured them that decisive steps are being taken to improve results.
In the meantime, he called on fans to remain loyal and continue supporting the team in the remaining matches of the season.
Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most successful football clubs, has faced increasing pressure from supporters following a string of poor results in recent games.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports journalist, Dan Kwaku Yeboah has expressed mixed reactions to the decision by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to part ways with former Black Stars coach Otto Addo, describing it as correct but poorly timed.
Speaking on the development with ghanaiantimes.com.gh ‘s Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, he explained that although the decision to remove Otto Addo may be justified, the timing could affect the team’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
He noted that the newly appointed coach has only a few weeks to work with the team before the tournament begins, making it difficult to make any significant impact.
According to him, the team has just two friendly matches scheduled in May ahead of the competition, leaving a very short period between those games and the start of the World Cup.
He stressed that it would be unrealistic for any coach to fully understand the squad and implement effective strategies within such a limited time.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah urged Ghanaians to manage their expectations, warning that expecting outstanding performance under the circumstances could lead to disappointment.
He added that football can be unpredictable, and while the team could still perform well, fans should remain cautious in their hopes.
The astute sports journalist concluded that if the team performs beyond expectations, it would be a welcome outcome, but supporters should not put too much pressure on the new coach and players.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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