Record holders of the MTN FA Cup, Accra Hearts of Oak, will tomorrow begin their journey to another conquest when they welcome Division One League (DOL) side, Immigration FC, to the Pobiman Sports Complex for the round of 64 clash.

The Phobians will be going into the game with memories of that painful loss to Nania FC from the same division last season.

With many focusing their attention on their “El-Clasico” game against bitter rivals, Asante Kotoko, on December 15 in Kumasi, chieftains at the club would be hoping Coach Aboubakar Ouattara and his charges would guard against complacency in this game.

Immigration FC have proven to be tough customers in their away matches, having already trekked to the Ho Sports Stadium to blow away home side, Dynamo FC, at the preliminary stage game.

What remains to be seen is whether they can replicate that fine form against the record holders.

Defending champions, Nsoatreman FC, will look to start their journey to retain the title when they welcome Division One League side, Techiman Heroes, to the Nana Amoah Kronmansah II Park in Nsoatre tomorrow, while Asante Kotoko line up against lower side, Future Stars, at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi.

In other games today, the WAFA Park in Sogakope will host the clash between Agbozome Weavers and Accra Lions, African Talent will stay put at the Blue Sky Pelican Park in Doboro to host Kotoku Shining Stars, while Northern City take on Wa Sore Nante at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale.

Wa Power FC will welcome Tamale City to the Malik Jabir Stadium, King Faisal will host Asokwa Deportivo at the Ejisu Okese Park, Nations FC will visit the Len Clay Stadium to play as guest of New Edubiase at the WESCO Park in Kumasi, Acceleere82 will face Sefwi All Stars, Malima FC and TF Exponential FC will sort things out at the Tumu Astro Turf with the Bekwai Gyamfi Park hosting the clash between Bekwai Heroes and PAC Academy. 

The rest of the matches will see Real 24Hours play Karela United, Berekum Chelsea host Boresa FC, Debibi United take on KAC Soccer Academy, Aduana Stars host Dormaa Unity, Techiman Liberty host Bofoakwa Tano, while Young Apostles come up against Techiman Eleven Wonders.

Sky FC will face Wise, Nzema Kotoko will face Medeama SC, Nsuopon Fidelity come face to face with Elmina Sharks, Ebusua Dwarfs slug it out with Soccer Intellectual while Baseke Holy Stars engage Gap Soccer Academy.

Also, Samartex FC will engage Bibiani Gold Stars, Dreams FC against Heart of Lions, WAFA go face to face with Golden Kicks, Na God FC oblige Nania FC, True Democracy against Koforidua Sempi FI, while Danbort FC play Vision FC. 

By Raymond Ackumey

Under Coach Otto Addo, the Black Stars of Ghana has sunk to levels not seen in over two decades of international football.

So despite the credit for qualifying Ghana to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup after playing just two games against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a play-off over two legs, he’ll also go down as one of the worst coaches to occupy the office as the team’s coach.

Sadly, he has failed to do what Ghanaians expect from him – to resign honourably.

Coach Kwesi Appiah and other coaches that handled the team were forced out under similar circumstances, although performances under them came nowhere near the Otto Addo level.

So, why the FA appear calm and relaxed about Otto Addo case and feels an apology was enough to give Ghanaian fans a peaceful sleep, is mind-boggling.

Several school of thoughts have come up for this. A section has argued that the nature of his contract with the FA of Ghana by extension would require a huge compensation to kick him out.

Ghana’s economy would obviously not support that.

Others are on the view that Addo and the FA are bed-fellows, with the FA being complicit in the selection of players into the Black Stars.

This will be difficult to establish but the quality of some of the players invited into the team and the performance they demonstrate on the field of play sometimes serve enough evidence of this claim.

In such an instance, telling Otto Addo in the face that he lacks the acumen to lead the Black Stars to the Promised Land would be the FA’s biggest headache.

Under Addo, who also featured as a player for the team, the Black Stars recorded the worst result in the history of AFCON qualifiers – failing to win a single game from six games.

It becomes even more painful when one considers the strength of opponents lined up against the Stars.

Not to sound disrespectful to countries, the Black Stars and Otto Addo should have no excuse for failing to qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON against the Palencas Negras of Angola, Sudan and Niger.

A bottom placement in such a group is surely alien to the Ghanaian game. That should make it easier for Addo to vacate his post.

The good or bad news, however, is that, like he explained, he’s no quitter. Otto Addo wants to show Ghanaians that he has a big heart, perhaps, similar to the Captain on the Titanic ship in that famous movie.

And since the FA is in no position to sack him, perchance to save the association or country an unspecified amount as compensation, Ghanaians must accept that harsh reality and change position or attitude towards the team.

With the first opportunity blown in our faces, the next assignment would be the qualifiers for the USA, Canada and Mexico FIFA World Cup 2026, which Ghanaians look up to in anticipation.

Barring any unforeseen development, Otto Addo may lead the onslaught on an adventure that looks even more challenging than the one that offered two slots yet the Black Stars went nowhere near it.

At this stage of the qualifiers, only one slot is allotted to the group. This situation must compel Addo and other stakeholders to aim to pay particular attention to the caliber of players selected into the national team.

Upshots of the post-Niger match press conference should guide him to know that when he allows excessive interference in player selection, he would face the brunt of Ghanaians alone.

Selection of players must be his prerogative. A few can be suggested by administrators who would suddenly begin to work as scouts but the ultimate decision must be his.

Secondly, the commitment and dedication of these players must be paramount. Obviously being an assignment aligned to the World Cup, players may show some level of commitment but those with doubt, as exhibited in the AFCON qualifiers, should be made to face the exit door irrespective of stature.

The last invitation handed to some local players and the opportunities given to Rasheed Simpson and Jerry Afriyie should make the foreign legion know that they cannot hold an entire nation to ransom.

Last and not the least, fans must overcome the shock and disappointment,s and rally around the team to qualify for the World Cup.

By Andrew Nortey