Defending champions of the MTN Fa Cup today, January 7, 2024, qualified for a draw to play in the Round of 16 stage, after going past Heart of Lions at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu by 2-0.
Dreams, who lost an outstanding Premier League (week 13) match, 0-1 to bottom side Heart of Lions last Thursday, approached the game with all seriousness but were equally matched by Lions, who played home away from home.
It was an entertaining first 15 minutes which saw Lions coming close to breaking the dead lock, as they were more aggressive in the middle of play. Samuel Agbenyegah chased a long ball in from defense and beat Gidios in the post with first touch but missed the empty yawning net.
After a barren first half, Dreams Fc came back stronger and better and found the back of the net through Godfred Kingsley Atuahene on the 50’, tapping in a loosed ball from close range.Lions were not deterred and kept pushing for the leveler.
A mistake at the defense of Dreams called for a great save by Gidios Aseako, as Benson Kofi Yeboah’s shot had a touch for a corner kick.Abdul Aziz Issah who was a troublemaker for Lions doubled the lead for Dreams Fc in the 86’, whose fans wanted more goals in the dying minutes.
Assistance Coach, Winfred Dormon in a post-match interview said “We played very well but the first half was not impressive to dreams Fc standard. There were times we came under intense pressure but I think the team talk at the break did the trick for us. The players stepped up and played very well. Combination to play leading to the first and second goal was there and there should have been more but it was a good game.”
Dreams, who are hoisting the flag of Ghana in the CAF Confederations Cup, last season defeated Hearts of Oak at the round of 32 stage by 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium on January 21, 2023.
Dreams Fc captain Abdul Jalilu was adjudged Best Defender of the game, while Lions’ Abdul Mohammed Musah won the Most Promising Player accolade. Dreams had a double, with goal scorer Godfred Kingsley Atuahene being adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the match.
Other Round 32 Results so far
Nania 1-1 (5-3) Great Olympics
Semper FI 1-1 (5-4) Vision Fc
Accra Athletic 0-0 (3-4) Hohoe Utd
Gold Stars 0-1 Asante Kotoko
Kasalgu Arrow Head 1-5 Karela Utd
Berekum City 0-1 Bofoakwa Tano
Nsoatreman Fc 1-0 Victory Club Warriors
Berekum Chelsea 1-1 (4-2) Baffour Soccer Academy
Pac Academy 0-3 Bechem Utd
Namoro Football Academy 1-2 Akwaboso Young Madrid
Elmina Sharks 1-1 (4-3) Swedru All Blacks
Skyy Fc 1-0 Medeama Sc
Soccer Intellectuals – Fijai Soccer Academy
Wa Power 2-0 RTU
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey