By: Bernard Nyankomago-Yeboah

Date: 04-07-11

Kumasi Asante Kotoko will leave no stone unturned when they cross swords with Wa All Stars in the semi-finals of this year’s MTN FA Cup scheduled for Wednesday July 10, 2011 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The Wa based club last Sunday showed class to beat Medeama SC 3-1 at home to advance to the semi-finals stage. But from all indications their quest of qualifying to the final will surely be shattered by the Porcupine Warriors who are currently on fire.

Having enjoyed the better part of their opponents in the just ended Glo Premier League, Coach Korak and his charges are determined to earn a ticket for the grand finale against Nania FC. Abedi Pele’s babies defied all odds to eliminate Glo Premier League Champions Berekum Chelsea 4-3 on penalties in the other- semi finals encounter at Baba Yara Sports Stadium a couple of weeks ago.

To the advantage of Kotoko’s Serbian tactician, he has in his team three former players of Wa All Stars namely Nathaniel Asamoah, Fatawu Mohammed and Sabato Mohammed. The trio has had a wonderful season with Kotoko and is expected to deliver the goods against their former team without any fear or favour.

In a brief chat with Kotoko Express on Wednesday, Goalkeeping Trainer Joe Carr revealed that immediately after today’s President’s Cup match against Berekum Chelsea all attention will be focused on the FA Cup final. He added that the technical team would do some finishing touches on the team and make sure Kotoko storm the Ohene Djan Stadium well prepared for a grand victory.

Asante Kotoko last won the FA Cup in 2001 at the expense of King Faisal. The team has fared tremendously well since the competition bounced back this season. Kotoko first beat Nungua based division two Danbort FC 3-0 at the round of 64. They went ahead to thrash Asokwa based Deportivo 3-2 at the round of 32 before repeating the dose on Aduana Stars at the 1/16 stage all at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. The two teams settled for a 2-2 draw during regulation time but Kotoko proved their worth and won 11-10 on penalties.

The Fabulous Boys defeated Kpando Heart of Lions 3-1 at the quarter-finals stage also in Kumasi. This is the first time the team is travelling outside Kumasi in the FA Cup and they are expected to exhibit good character and win the game to the satisfaction of Kotoko supporters who will throng the stadium in their numbers.