MTN FA Cup final: King Faisal face Dreams FC in date with destiny
In a clash of destiny, King Faisal and Dreams FC are poised to battle it out for their first major title in the MTN FA Cup final on Sunday. With a chance to etch their names in football history, both teams will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex at Abrankese in the Ashanti Region.
Advertisement
In a competition that embodies the beauty of football in its purest form – inclusiveness, unpredictability, and drama – the FA Cup has created opportunities for underdogs to triumph against the odds, despite the dominance of traditional powerhouses such as Hearts of Oak (12 titles) and Asante Kotoko (nine titles).
The format of the competition ensures that every team has a chance to make history, a kind of leveller that guarantees that smaller clubs such as Dumas (1976), Eleven Wise (1982), Sekondi Hasaacas (1985), Okwawu united (1986), Ho VORADEP (1992), Ghapoha (1997), New Edubiase United (2012), Medeama (2013, 2015), Bechem United (2016), and even Abedi Pele’s second-tier league side FC Nania (2011) have experienced the taste of success on the grandest stage.
With the determination to become the 18th club (including the model team, Real Republicans) to lift the trophy, King Faisal and Dreams FC will push themselves to the limits, leaving no room for regret.
Path to final
King Faisal's journey to the final has been marked by sheer determination. Their path to the final consisted of two home wins and three away triumphs, with an impressive tally of 12 goals scored and five conceded, including notable victories against Bibiani Goldstars, Aduana FC and Nsoatreman FC, which showcased their resilience and hunger for the biggest prize in their history.
Faisal captain, Samuel Kusi, exudes the team’s unwavering incentive to clinch the coveted trophy, despite their struggles in the just-ended betPawa Premier League. “I will say we are well motivated to win this cup because as a premier league team, our aim is to finish with this trophy," Kusi said in the build-up to the match.
Coach Karim Zito’s Dreams FC go into the final, having enjoyed their best campaign in the topflight to finish in sixth position, compared with their opponents who suffered relegation. They reached the FA Cup final after overcoming tough opposition from defending champions Hearts, Liberty Professionals, Legon Cities and Skyy FC, winning all their matches in regulation time.
Dreams FC go into Sunday's clash in good form (four wins and two draws in their last six league matches, whereas Faisal won two and lost four of their last six games), but head-to-head record look fairly even with Dreams winning three and Faisal winning two of the last seven encounters.
These statistics may not count much as Faisal will also enjoy some form of advantage after relocating to the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex for the second round of the just-ended league. However, in a competition replete with upsets and dramatic outcomes, small details in tactics and ability to capitalise on chances count as much as the current form of two sides determined to seize their moment for FA Cup glory.
Faisal coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu previously handled Dreams FC and could bring some insights into their game to help his side overcome his former club.
Double or Redemption in Women’s FA Cup final?
In a parallel showdown on Saturday afternoon at Abrankese, Police Ladies will seek to dethrone defending champion, Ampem Darkoa Ladies and deny them the chance of achieving a domestic double as they clash in the Women’s FA Cup final.
It will be the first-ever clash between the two sides in a final. Police Ladies defeated Pearlpia Ladies 4-1 in the penultimate round and Ampem Darkoa walloped Army Ladies 5-1 in the other semis last week to set up a crunch final between a side from the southern zone pitched against another from the northern zone.
History beckons both finalists. Ampem Darkoa aim to become the first side to win the trophy back-to-back, while Police Ladies target their second title after winning the maiden Women’s FA Cup in 2016.
