MTN FA Cup semi-finals preview: Asante Kotoko v Berekum Chelsea

MTN FA Cup semi-finals II
Kotoko v Berekum Chelsea
Time: 4 pm
Venue: TNA Park in Tarkwa

Karim Zito worked his magic two seasons ago with Dreams FC when, against all odds, he defeated King Faisal 2-0 in the MTN FA Cup finals to win the Still Believe, their maiden trophy at the top tier of Ghana football. The victory secured them a place in the 2023-24 CAF Confederation Cup, where they unbelievably reached the semi-finals. This is how good Abdul-Karim Zito is.

The master tactician knows how to handle every difficult situation, and the Porcupine Warriors will expect him to guide the team to the finals.

It is likely the MTN FA Cup will be the Porcupine Warriors’ only hope for a trophy looking at where they are sitting on the Ghana Premier League log and the points gap between them and the top.

The club sacked Proper Ogum after they failed to win a game in three. The disastrous run was unacceptable because it helped Bibiani Gold Stars and Nations to leave them behind.

Berekum Chelsea is coached by Samuel Boadu, who has twice won the MTN FA Cup with Accra Hearts of Oak (2021 and 2022). The young gaffer has gained enough experience in winning the competition with Chelsea expecting him to repeat his magic for the Berekum-based club.

Former Kotoko forward Stephen Amankonah, who had a horrible spell in Oseikrom with the Porcupine Warriors is the man Chelsea expects to sink Asante Kotoko. The red-hot striker is rumoured to have been selected by Otto Addo as part of Ghana’s team to play Nigeria in London in June’s international friendly. He has the opportunity to convince Ghanaians once again how good he is.

Amankonah, who won the GPL top scorer last season, has scored 13 goals in the current campaign and is leading the race for his second.

Asante Kotoko’s defence must keep a close eye on the talented forward because he can make changes at any moment.

Kwame Poku who has been Kotoko’s best player since joining the club in the second transfer window of the season, can also silenced Berekum Chelsea as he has been doing to the other clubs he has been facing.

The TNA Park will witness a fierce contest because a whole lot is at stake. Bragging rights, a final spot and potentially a CAF Confederation Cup slot are at stake so expect both teams to contest well.