MTN FA Cup: Kotoko tipped to end True Democracy dream

 A soccer bonanza awaits football lovers this weekend as all four MTN FA Cup quarter-final matches take centre stage at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, seeking semifinal berths.

With nine FA Cup trophies in their trophy cabinet, three less than their bitter rivals, Hearts of Oak, who are on 12, Kumasi Asante Kotoko will be eager to get past Division One League (DOL) side, True Democracy, as they clash tomorrow at 7pm.

Kotoko, one of the two clubs in the last eight has been tagged by many connoisseurs to be the ultimate winners of this year’s trophy.

However; they are threading cautiously because of the uncertainties that surrounds the competition.

Kotoko often struggle against the lower-tier sides, but having gotten that close to the trophy, they would be hoping to capitalise on their home advantage to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

For the Tema-based True Democracy FC side, this offers huge platform to prove that their victories over former champions, Dreams FC and FC Nania, were no fluke.

Coming up against a mighty side like Kotoko in their first-ever appearance in the quarter-final stage, they would look to draw strength from the competition mantra to scale that hurdle.

Referee Maxwell Hanson will be in charge with Gabriel Boateng and Isaac Duodu assisting while Gabriel Opoku Arhin will be the fourth referee.

This stage of the competition kicks off today with two thrilling encounters. Division One League outfits, Attram De Vesser and PAC Academy, going at each other at 3pm.

Referee Angelous Akurugu Adonko, a product of the ‘Catch Them Young’ refereeing policy, will be assisted by Abraham Partey and Philip Amoh, with Theophilus Antwi Sekyi as the fourth official.

That clash will be followed by the highly anticipated Bono derby between 2016 champions, Bechem United, and Berekum Chelsea at 7pm.

FIFA referee, Julian Nunoo, will take charge of this with FIFA assistant referees Emmanuel Dolagbanu and Roland Addy assisting on the lines while Abdul Latif Adaari acts as the fourth referee.

The winner of this game will face Kotoko or True Democracy in the semis.

Tomorrow at 3pm, giant killers, Golden Kick, will take on Karela United.

Young referee Kingsford Oteng Yeboah will be assisted by Joseph Teye Awasasi and Haruna Yakubu, with Alex Amoabeng as the fourth official to officiate the game.

 By Raymond Ackumey