MTN FA Cup Round of 32: Hearts of Oak thump Home Stars to advance

Accra Hearts of Oak powered into the Round of 16 of the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over second-tier Akatsi Home Stars at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on Sunday, January 12.

After a tight first half, the Phobians’ tactical adjustments and clinical finishing overwhelmed their opponents in a dominant second-half display.

Home Stars came out with an aggressive approach, catching the Premier League side off-guard early on. From the opening whistle, the visitors enjoyed plenty of possession, creating early pressure that tested Hearts' resolve. 

However, the Phobians' defence, led by the solid pairing of Kelvin Osei-Asibey and Konadu Yiadom, remained unflustered, clearing every danger and frustrating Home Stars’ attempts to break the deadlock.

Hearts' coach, Aboubakar Ouattara, made a decisive tactical change at the break, introducing the energetic Asamoah Boateng Afriyie. The substitution sparked a more fluid and dynamic attacking performance from the Phobians.

Ten minutes after the restart, Afriyie’s clever assist set up Mawuli Wayo, who calmly slotted home from the edge of the box, giving Hearts the lead at 1-0.

As Home Stars pressed for an equaliser, Hearts showed composure and punished them with devastating counter-attacks. On the 62-minute mark, Enock Asubonteng doubled the advantage with a composed low shot into the far corner, finishing off a well-worked counter.

The introduction of Afriyie continued to pay off as he made an immediate impact. In the 71st minute, after a goalmouth scramble, Afriyie was in the right place at the right time to poke the ball home and seal the win for Hearts, making it 3-0.

Despite a late flurry from Home Stars, including a golden opportunity for Ronaldo Klenam, who fired wide when through on goal, it was the Phobians’ superior fitness, tactical adjustments, and ruthless finishing that saw them through.

Hearts' second-half performance, with key contributions from Afriyie, Asubonteng, and Wayo, underscored their class and proved enough to comfortably secure their place in the next round of the MTN FA Cup.

Upset in Tema

In a thrilling upset, Division One side True Democracy FC eliminated 2022/23 MTN FA Cup champions Dreams FC with a 1-0 victory at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Stadium in Tema Manhean, advancing to the next stage of the competition, reports Benjamin Xornam Glover.

True Democracy, despite being the underdogs, dominated possession in the first half and created the better chances, while Dreams FC struggled to find their rhythm. The Premier League side failed to make their mark, with several promising opportunities going begging.

The match’s decisive moment came late into the game when Adjei Martei’s clinical finishing proved the difference. His intelligent movement and sharp finishing in the dying seconds of the match secured an unforgettable win for the underdogs, much to the delight of their supporters.

Dreams FC, who have been inconsistent this season, were left stunned by the defeat, with their hopes of retaining the MTN FA Cup dashed by a resolute True Democracy side.

Elsewhere, Nsoatreman FC were knocked out in dramatic fashion, losing 5-3 on penalties to Young Apostles following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Asante Kotoko, meanwhile, comfortably dispatched lower-tier Acceler8z FC 2-0, with goals from Kwame Opoku (43rd-minute penalty) and Henry Ansu (90th minute).

Berekum Chelsea triumphed 4-2 on penalties over Debibi United after a 1-1 draw, while Bechem United continued their fine form with a 1-0 win over Nations FC. Bibiani GoldStars also advanced with a narrow 1-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars at Aiyinase.

In another penalty drama, Sekondi Eleven Wise triumphed 4-3 after a 1-1 draw with Ebusua Dwarfs, while Karela United produced a dominant 4-1 win over TF Exponential in Tamale. Medeama SC also booked their spot in the next round, overcoming Nsuopun Fidelity 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

PAC Academy stunned former Premiership side King Faisal FC, securing a 2-1 win in a memorable encounter.