Defending champions Asante Kotoko’s reign in the MTN FA Cup came to an abrupt end on Sunday after they were eliminated on penalties by Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The Round of 16 clash finished goalless after regulation time, despite Kotoko enjoying an early opportunity to seize control when Samba O’Neil squandered a penalty. Aduana, for their part, showed greater composure in the decisive shootout, converting four of their kicks to condemn the Porcupine Warriors to a 4-2 defeat.
The contest was not without controversy, as Aduana were left aggrieved by a series of refereeing decisions, including appeals for a penalty that went unanswered. Nonetheless, the Dormaa-based side kept their discipline, defended resolutely and held their nerve when it mattered most to book a place in the quarterfinals, where they will face Techiman Liberty Youth.
Kotoko’s exit is likely to intensify scrutiny on head coach Karim Zito, with the club set for a high-profile Ghana Premier League encounter against rivals Hearts of Oak on Sunday, once again at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Elsewhere in the Round of 16, Techiman Liberty Youth edged RTU 1-0, while Berekum Chelsea also progressed with a narrow 1-0 victory over lower-tier Tamale City FC. True Life FC’s fairytale run ended at home after a 3-2 defeat to Heart of Lions, and Dreams FC produced an entertaining performance to overcome Inter Allies 4-2.
Round of 16 Results
Friday
Eleven Wonders 0-4 Attram De Visser
Saturday
Medeama SC (4) 0-0 (2) FC Samartex
Nations FC 2-1 Swedru All Blacks
Sunday
Techiman Liberty Youth 2-0 RTU
Berekum Chelsea 1-0 Tamale City FC
True Life FC 2-3 Heart of Lions
Dreams FC 4-2 Inter Allies
Asante Kotoko (2) 0-0 (4) Aduana FC
Qualified Teams for the Quarterfinals
Attram De Visser
Medeama SC
Nations FC
Techiman Liberty Youth
Berekum Chelsea
Heart of Lions
Dreams FC
Aduana FC
