Kotoko beats Ashgold to reach FA Cup semis
Embattled Asante Kotoko appeased their aggrieved fans on Wednesday with a 2-0 victory over Ashgold in their outstanding MTN FA Cup quarter-finals clash at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.
Kotoko who by the result has qualified for the semi-finals stage of the competition had no choice than to beat their opponents to atone for their recent string of defeats at the hands of the Miners.
The Porcupine Warriors, the defending FA Cup champions, who were being haunted by their recent defeat to Liberty Professionals in a Premier League encounter, piled up the pressure on Ashgold right from the beginning and in the 39th minute opened the scoring.
It was defender Owusu Jackson who ran deep into the opponents’ goal area, and taking advantage of a goalmouth scramble shot past Ashgold goalie, Robert Dabuo.
The Miners would, however, complain bitterly, accusing the Kotoko attack of deliberating obstructing the goalie and as a result wanted referee Prince Amoah to disallow the goal.
Ashgold’s Osei Baffour was shown the red-card in the 41st minute for misconduct, and after this incident the Porcupine Warriors marshaled more men in attack to maintain their advantage.
Kotoko continued with their attacking game in the second half and breaking loose in a counter, right-full back Atta Kusi who had taken a pole position in the Ashgold goal area dummied a defender and let go a close-range shot to score the second goal for the Porcupine Warriors.
Substitute Obed Owusu should have increased the tally for his side, but lack of precision upfront saw him missed two glorious opportunities in the 88th and 90th minutes with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Source: GNA