The Ghana Premier League takes a backseat this weekend as the focus switches to the MTN FA Cup, with an enticing semi-finals of the competition dominating the agenda across Saturday and Sunday.
There are two extremely attractive semi-final fixtures in the offing, with defending champions Dreams FC and Nsoatreman FC taking on Bofoakwa Tano and Legon Cities respectively.
Nsoatreman FC and Legon Cities will set the ball rolling when the two Premier League sides meet in the first semi-final on Saturday May 11, 2024 at the WAFA park in Sogakope, before Dreams FC battle Bofoakwa Tano in the other semi-final match at the same venue on Sunday May 12, 2024.
Nsoatreman FC and Legon Cities head into this weekend's MTN FA Cup showdown on the back of a defeat in the Ghana Premier League.
The Nsoatre-based side lost 1-0 at relegation-threatened Heart of Lions while Cities lost 2-0 at Asante Kotoko.
With the Royals likely to finish the season in mid-table, the MTN FA Cup is the last chance for Paa Kwesi Fabian's men to win a silverware in an attempt to salvage their 2023-24 campaign.
The road to the semi-finals started off brilliantly for Legon Cities as they smashed city rivals Accra Lions 3-0 in the Round of 64.
The Royals subsequently brushed aside Division Two side Koforidua Suhyen Sporting Club 4-0 in the Round of 32, accounted for Nania FC 2-1 in the Round of 16 before beating Bechem United 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
As for Nsoatreman FC, their route to the semi-finals saw them thrash Maana FC, a Division One side 3-0 in the Round of 64, before beating Victory Club Warriors 1-0 in the Round of 32 stage.
They triumphed on penalties against Berekum Chelsea (5-3) in the Round of 16 and pip Karela United 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
Nsoatreman make the journey to Sogakope, seeking to advance to their first ever MTNA FA Cup final but must contend with a resolute Legon Cities side at the WAFA park on Saturday May 11, 2024.
Talisman Manaf Umar is available for Nsoatreman FC alongside a host of other top stars including Eric Osei Bonsu, Foster Apetorgbor, Collins Kudjoe, Phillip Ofori, Stephan Diyou, Bortey Acquaye, Morrison Anokye, Mohammed Issaka, Mohammed Abdul Rahaman, Mark Agyenim and Bernard Kpodo all available for the game Saturday.
Legon Cities can rely on Kwabena Boateng, Fredrick Akatuk, Mohammed Alidu, Stephen Appiah Asare, Nicholas Mensah, Mohammed Suleman, Samuel Tenedu, Albert Yeboah, Rahim Yaya Abdul, Joseph Mereku and Frank Akoto.
Defending champions Dreams FC take on Bofoakwa Tano in Sunday's semi-final bonanza at the WAFA park in Sogakope.
Four consecutive draws and a win populates the recent form book of Bofoakwa Tano, so this weekend's MTN FA Cup semi-final will be a welcome distraction for a squad who could perhaps relish a gentle reset.
Bofo are heavily involved in the relegation dog-fight and will be eager to make amends in the Cup match against the champions.
Dreams FC are just two matches away from making a return to the continent after their impressive debut campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup - where they reached the semi-finals.
The Believers breezed through the three rounds of the MTN FA Cup by beating Division One side Susubiri 1-0, Heart of Lions 2-0, Koforidua Sempe Fi 4-0, and a 1-0 quarter-final win over Soccer Intellectuals.
Bofoakwa Tano started its MTN FA Cup campaign with a 3-0 win against Sunyani Oxford FC, a Second Division side in round 64, beat Division One side Berekum City 1-0, accounted for Wa Power FC 1-0 before digging deep to win on the lottery of a penalty against tough Division One opponent Skyy FC.
Dreams FC youngster Abdul Aziz Issah has banged in 3 goals in the FA Cup and is expected to start the game on Sunday.
Other players to watch include, John Antwi, Agyenim Boateng Mensah, Derrick Agyei, Emmanuel Agyei, Seth Agyemang, Godfred Atuahene, Sulemana Suhiyini, Abdul Jalilu, Ofori McCarthy, Emmanuel Yeboah Danquah, Sylvester Simba, Francis Odoom and Benjamin Bature.
Bofoakwa Tano Star man Saaka Dauda is available for the game on Sunday with the likes of Aboagye Dacosta, Emmanuel Ankrah, Andrew Appau, Clinton Baffour, Solomon Obilitey, Ado Zack, Bashiru Abu, Sammy Osae Akoto, Steven Owusu, Isaac Baffoe, Charles Mensah, Alhassan Ali and Kelvin Oppong all available for selection on Sunday.
SATURDAY 11TH MAY, 2024
Nsoatreman FC 15:00 Legon Cities
SUNDAY 12TH MAY, 2024
Bofoakwa Tano 15:00 Dreams FC
GFA Communications