By: Bernard Nyankomago

Date: 22-07-11

Enterprising left full back, Sabato Mohammed says nothing can stop Kumasi Asante Kotoko from beating Nania FC to lift the glittering MTN FA Cup on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

In a chat with Kotoko Express on Wednesday, Sabato Mohammed said though he has great respect for Nania FC, the club that nurtured and brought him to the limelight, he would not spare them when he engages them on Sunday.

“I have a lot of respect for Nania FC because they trained me when I started football. But I will have no mercy on them on Sunday. I am a professional player and I will do exactly what I have been paid to do for Kotoko” he noted. 

The Ohene Djan Sports Stadium will definitely be shaken to its foundations when Kumasi Asante Kotoko cross sword with Nania FC in the grand finale of this year’s MTN FA Cup competition.

Both teams have been in fantastic shape since the competition started and now is the hour to see who the real champions is. But it’s obvious Kotoko are favourites to triumph over their opponent and annex the trophy at stake looking at their pedigree in the competition since its inception in 1958. Kotoko have been Champions on eight occasions in 1958, 1960, 1976, 1978, 1984, 1990, 1998 and 2001.  

On their way to the final of this year’s competition, Kotoko first booted out Nungua based division two side 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. Both team settled on a 2-2 draw during regulation time but Kotoko proved their worth and won 11-10 on penalties shoot out.

The Fabulous Boys went ahead to pip Kpando Hearts of Lions 3-1 at the quarter finals stage before eliminating Wa All Stars at the semi finals to reach the final. Both teams drew goalless during regulation time but for the second time Kotoko went ahead to win 5-4 on penalties.

Nania FC on the other hand defeated Juantex FC 1-0 at the Preliminary round, Mighty Youngsters 4-0 at the round of 64, Kintampo Zamalek 1-0 at the round of 32, Unity FC 0-2 the round of 16 and D’International 1-0 at the quarter final. They played 2-2 with Berekum Chelsea during regulation time in the semi finals. However, they proved beyond reasonable doubt and won 5-3 on penalties.

Sabato Mohammed says they have attached much importance to the upcoming game. He added that they would do everything possible to clinch the trophy in order to appease their supporters and also get the opportunity to play in Africa next season.