Hearts of Oak will play in the MTN FA Cup for the first time in 17 years after a 2-1 win over reigning league champions WA All Stars in the semi-finals on Sunday.
The Phobians needed two goals from their WAFU Cup winning duo Patrick Razak and Kwame Kizito to secure their place in the final, which will be hosted at the Tamale Sports Stadium on October 29.
Hearts buoyed their vociferous fans, started on the front foot as they attacked All Stars with verve and purpose.
But had to wait till the 31st minute to get a deserved lead courtesy Patrick Razak. The exciting winger converted after outwitting his marker.
Hearts had a great opportunity to double their lead in the 36th when Patrick Razak set up Malik Akowuah but the midfielder slipped when he was about to pull the trigger.
Four minutes later, the Northern Blues created a decent opening and should have levelled before the break but Hafiz Adams with goalkeeper Ben Mensah at his mercy skied his effort.
Hearts continued from where they left off in the first half and got their second goal through Kwame Kizito in the 52nd minute. The in-form striker calmly slotted home from close range after poor defending by All Stars.
Kizito went close again in the 59th minute as his left-footed shot was saved by Rashid Seidu.
All Stars halved the deficit in the 69th minute via substitute attacker Samuel Atta Mensah, who latched on to Hafiz Adams’ cut back pass to dispatch coolly past Ben Mensah.
The rejuvenated All Stars continued to press Hearts for the equalizer but failed to create any clear cut chance as the Phobians book a place in the final.
Hearts will aim to lift the cup that has eluded them since 2000 when they defeated Okwahu United 2-0 in the final.
They now await the winners of the other semi-final, between Asante Kotoko and Medeama.
