Kotoko See Off King Faisal in Derby to Advance in MTN FA Cup
Asante Kotoko kept their MTN FA Cup defence alive on Wednesday afternoon, grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 win over city rivals King Faisal to book a place in the Round of 16.
The Round of 32 clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium lived up to its billing as a fierce Kumasi derby, with both sides approaching the encounter with intensity and purpose. King Faisal showed resilience and ambition, while Kotoko pressed with authority, making for an evenly balanced contest.
Despite opportunities at both ends, clear chances were at a premium. The breakthrough arrived late in the first half when Saaka Dauda found the net, converting a rare opening to give the Porcupine Warriors a slim but vital advantage heading into the interval.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with King Faisal pushing for an equaliser and Kotoko focused on game management and defensive discipline. In the end, Dauda’s first-half strike proved decisive, as the holders held firm to see out the contest.
The victory propels Asante Kotoko into the last 16 of the competition and keeps them firmly in the hunt to retain the MTN FA Cup crown they lifted last season.
