Hitherto defending MTN FA Cup champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko have been knocked out of the 2025/26 tournament by Aduana Stars, 4-2 on penalties following a goalless stalemate in the round of 16 clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Playing in front of their fans in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kotoko failed to find a way past the rugged opponents in 90 minutes as the cagey encounter ended 0-0.
In the ensuing shootout to determine who makes it through to the quarter finals, the otherwise reliable captain Samba O’Neil was among those to miss from the spot as the Porcupine Warriors suffered a penalty heartbreak, piling more pressure on gaffer, Karim Abdul Zito with the club also struggling in 5th place in the Ghana Premier League, a mammoth 8 points behind leaders, Medeama.
By the victory, Aduana advance to meet Division One League side, Techiman Liberty in the quarter finals on the weekend of March 13-16. Techiman thrashed former top flight hotshots, Real Tamale United (RTU) 3-0 at the Ohene Ameyaw Park to make it into the last 8.
Elsewhere, former champions Dreams FC put up a dominant performance to defeat Inter Allies 4-2 at the Tuba Astro Turf, thanks to the hat-trick of hitman Razak Salifu.
Ebenezer Adade put the home side ahead on 20 minutes before Salifu’s treble combined to render ineffective, the replies of Vincent Amedzrator and Abubakar Lartey for the Division One League side.
Waiting for Dreams in a crunch quarter final match-up is Kpando Heart of Lions who ended the fairytale run of sensational Division Two League side, True Life at the Nii Adjei Kraku Sports Complex in Tema.
Michael Ephson scored twice either side of Ebenezer Abban’s 44th minute strike to give Lions a hard-fought 3-2 victory against the side that eliminated record winners, Hearts of Oak in the round of 64.
Meanwhile at the Berekum Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea needed the spectacular strike of Kofi Osben Tanab with ten minutes left on the clock to see off Division One League high fliers Tamale City 1-0.
Chelsea will face Nations FC in the quarter finals next month after the Abrankese based side defeated Swedru All Blacks 2-1 in Saturday’s early kickoff.
The final last 8 tie features former champions and runaway league leaders, Medeama SC against last year’s surprise semi-finalists, Attram De Visser. Medeama overcame Samartex 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw on Saturday, whilst Attram spanked GPL strugglers, Eleven Wonders 4-0 in the opening game of the round in Tema last Friday.
MTN FA Cup – Confirmed quarter finalists
Aduana FC, Berekum Chelsea, Techiman Liberty Youth, Dreams FC, and Kpando Heart of Lions join Attram De Visser, Medeama SC and Nations FC.
