Defending MTN FA Cup champions Asante Kotoko SC have been eliminated from this season’s competition after suffering a 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to Aduana FC in their Round of 16 encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The tightly contested match ended goalless after regulation time, with both sides struggling to break each other down. Kotoko had a golden opportunity to take the lead early on, but defender Samba O’Neil failed to convert from the penalty spot. Aduana FC showed greater composure in the ensuing shootout, successfully converting four of their penalties to seal a place in the quarterfinals.
At the Tuba Astro Turf, former champions Dreams FC delivered an impressive performance to overcome Inter Allies 4–2 and secure qualification. Star striker Razak Salifu was the standout performer, netting a superb hat-trick in the 37th, 50th and 62nd minutes. Ebenezer Adade had earlier opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Inter Allies, finalists in 2014, responded through goals from Vincent Amedzrator and Abubakar Lartey, but their efforts proved insufficient as the 2023 champions advanced.
Elsewhere, Berekum Chelsea edged past Tamale City with a narrow 1–0 victory at the Golden City Park, courtesy of a stunning late strike from Kofi Osbern Tanab in the 80th minute. Techiman Liberty Youth recorded a convincing 3–0 win over Real Tamale United at the Ohene Ameyaw Park to book their quarterfinal berth.
Heart of Lions also progressed, though they were pushed hard by third-tier side True Life FC before eventually claiming a 3–2 victory in a thrilling encounter.
Aduana FC, Berekum Chelsea, Techiman Liberty Youth, Dreams FC and Kpando Heart of Lions now join Attram De Visser, Medeama SC and Nations FC in the quarterfinal stage of the MTN FA Cup.
