Asante Kotoko progress to MTN FA Cup round 32 after convincing 3-1 victory over Thunder Bold as Evans Adomako hit brace
Asante Kotoko produced another impressive performance over Thunder Bolt FC as the Reds make progression into last 32 of Ghana’s MTN FA Cup.
They began this season’s competition with a 2-0 victory over Bekwai Youth Academy in round 64 before handing another lower tier Thunder Bolt in 1/32 at Okese Park in Ejisu.
Kotoko, after enduring a tough display from their first opponents, needed second half goals from Fabio Gama and Emmanuel Keyekeh to sink Bekwai Youth Academy in 1/64 but a brace from Evans Adomoka and Emmanuel Gyamfi was enough to hand today’s 3-1 victory.
Felix Anan was named in posts as the former Black Stars man has struggled to catch first team football this season. Samuel Frimpong also replaced Christopher Nettey, Yussif Mubarik came in for Abdul Ganiyu, Emmanuel Sarkodie for Mudasiru Salifu, Sarfo Tyalor for Fabio Gama as Barreto made five changes to the side that beat Inter Allies 3-2 in the Ghana Premier League.
This means Andrew Appau, Patrick Asmah, Habib Mohammed, Emmanuel Keyekeh, Emmanuel Gyamfi and Evans Adomako maintained their places against Thunder Bolt.
Unlike in their opening MTN FA Cup fixture that they struggled in the first half, Kotoko made their intentions accurate and clearer in early stage of today’s game as Evan Adomako opened the score with a beautiful header beyond Thunder Bolt keeper.
Thunder Bolt responded quickly after a sweat equalizer to end the first half 1-1 but the away side were the better side of the two teams.
Before the goals Mariano Barreto made early but tactical change replacing Emmanuel Keyekeh with Gama who brought a lot of creativity to the Porcupine Warriors.
Gama’s introduction surged overall improvement in Kotoko’s display in the second half and that resulted in a second goal for the visitors as Adomako restored their lead. It’s was the forward’s brace and third goal of the season so far.
With Kotoko continuing controlling the game without giving Thunder Bolt the chance to warm back into the game, they finally put the game beyond the home side as Emmanuel Gyamfi finally grabbed the third goal.
There could have been additional goals for both sides but Kotoko chances were missed later by second half sub Naby Keita who came on for match hero Adomako. Gyamfi also missed other important chances in the end.
Asante Kotoko return to the Ghana Premier League campaign on Wednesday with a top four clash against Karela United scheduled at Obuasi Len Clay Stadium.
They are tied with but have been leapfrogged by their traditional rivals Hearts of Oak in a superior goal-difference scenario on top of the league table. The two giants meet at the Accra Sports Stadium in league decider next week Sunday.
