Ghana FA Cup: Kotoko earns quarter-final spot

Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Wednesday thrashed Rainbow FC 3-0 in their 1/16th FA Cup match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to advance to the quarter-final stage of the competition.

It was a victory the Porcupine Warriors needed badly to restore smiles on the faces of their supporters, following their elimination from the CAF Champions League at the weekend.

The first half saw the Division One club holding their own against Kotoko as they tightened the midfield, making it difficult for the Porcupine Warriors to operate effectively.

Abdul Aziz Yusif, in the latter part of the half, went solo on two occasions but his final touch missed target narrowly to the disappointment of the Kotoko fans.

The second half resumed with Rainbow making their intentions clear of shocking their opponents and nearly hit the target, but a 47th minute thunderbolt from diminutive Frederick Acheampong was saved by goalkeeper Abdoulaye Soulama.

The Porcupine Warriors, having been let off the hook, carried the game to their opponents and in the course snatched the first goal through a spot kick in the 52nd goal.

Kwabena Adusei converted the kick beautifully after Nafiu Iddrissu who was within scoring range was brought down by Rainbow defender, Bright Annan.

With the floodgates opened, Kotoko marshaled more men up-front, and registered the second goal in the 80th minute through substitute Seidu Bansey.

Rainbow fought hard to halt the incessant pressure from Kotoko and their defence woven around Annan, Abass Lamidi and Felix Hagan stood gallantly to keep the attackers at bay.

Kotoko, however, made their victory certain with a counter-attack that saw David Offei outpace his marker to slot home the third goal in the 85th minute.

Source: GNA