By: Bernard Nyankomago-Yeboah

Date: 13=07-11

In form right full back Yaw Frimpong believes Asante Kotoko has got the arsenal to conquer Division One side Nania FC in the grand finale of this year’s MNT FA Cup and lift the prestigious trophy at stake.

After defeating Wa All Stars 5-4 on penalties in the Kumasi semi-finals on Wednesday night, the enterprising defender said there was no way Abedi Pele’s side could halt them in the final despite the sterling performance they put up to eliminate League Champions Berekum Chelsea in the other semi-final tie at the Baba Yara Stadium a couple of weeks ago.

“I am not in any way trying to downplay Nania FC but the fact is that we will not allow them to touch the trophy when we meet them in the final” he said..

The Porcupine Warriors last won the FA Cup in 2001 at the expense of city rivals, King Faisal. The team has fared tremendously well since the competition was revived 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 Porcupine Warriors defeated Kpando Heart of Lions 3-1 at the quarter-final stage also in Kumasi before sending Wa All Stars packing in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

Indeed the Kotoko-All Stars semi-final duel was cagey and uncompromising. It was goalless during regulation time but Kotoko went ahead to win on penalties to earn a ticket for the final.

In an interview with Kotoko Express, Yaw Frimpong admitted that their encounter with All Stars was one of the toughest in the competition so far. Apart from acknowledging the good display of soccer exhibited by All Stars, he also lauded his colleagues for their spirited performance which catapulted Kotoko to success.

“I think our encounter with All Stars was very tough. But I thank God for the strength he gave us to win the game

“Now our focus is on the trophy. We will do everything possible and win to appease our supporters and also get the chance to play in Africa next season” he assured.

He charged his colleagues to consider the stiff opposition they went through against All Stars as a wake up call that they need to sit up because from all indication Nania FC will not be an easy side in the final.

Yaw Frimpong is one of the players who joined Kotoko in the second round of the 2010/11 Glo Premier League. He consistently gave good accounts of himself at the Kotoko rear guard. The former Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord player says he is still training hard to do more for Kotoko next season.

While he lauded Kotoko fans for their great support in the season, he also praised his team mates for their commitment and gallant display which brought Kotoko to the third position of the league with 46 points trailing Chelsea and Ashgold who had 57 and 47 points respectively. He observed that if the team prepares well and continue to enjoy the massive support from the fans, they could go places next season.