FA Cup: Kotoko thrash Waiga United to progress

Two goals from Godfred Asante, an own goal by Apili Ernest and a fourth by Joseph Ochaya propelled Kotoko to a 4-0 triumph over Waiga United in the MTN FA Cup Round of 64 match, played at the Bolga Stadium on Christmas Eve.

Godfred Asante opened scoring for the Porcupine Warriors in the 18th minute before neatly converting a penalty kick eight minutes on to send Kotoko 2-0 up before the half hour mark.

Although the lower division side made strenuous efforts to contain Kotoko’s intense pressure, they shot themselves in the foot when Apili Ernest’s scored an own goal in the 40th minute following a desperate attempt to save a sticky situation.

The second half resumed with Kotoko bent on running amok. Joseph Ochaya, playing on the left wing instead of his usual left back position, scored the fourth goal. Ochaya’s goal essentially put the home side beyond the point of recovery.

Kotoko still looked dangerous even after the 4-0 lead as Coach Didi Dramani replaced Prince Baffoe with Lukeman Kasim in the 58th minute. Christopher Bonney also came on for Bobie Ansah in the 67th minute.

The highly excited spectators, dominated by Kotoko fans gave evergreen midfielder, Stephen Oduro a massive standing ovation when Hakeem Mujeed came on for him in the 71st minute.

For the teeming Kotoko supporters who converged at the grassless Bolga Stadium, it was an afternoon of excellent football display since it was the first time in many years of watching Kotoko in action in the Upper East Regional capital.

Seven of Kotoko’s regular players were missing in action because they are in the camp of the home based Black Stars, the team proved that they are a mighty force even with a virtual second string side.

Kotoko line-up: Soulama Abdoulaye, Bobie Ansah/Christopher Bonney, Ben Adama, Smallboy Korbah, Ohene Brenya, Larbi Koomson, Stephen Oduro/Hakeem Mujeed, Aminu Mohammed, Godfred Asante, Prince Baffoe/Lukeman Kasim, Joseph Ochaya.

Unused sub: Amos Frimpong, Felix Annan, Yaw Acheampong.