Nations FC, Dreams FC advance after dramatic shootout wins

Two gripping quarter-final clashes in the MTN FA Cup produced high drama yesterday as Nations FC and Dreams FC both held their nerve in penalty shootouts to secure places in the semi-finals.

Nations FC sealed their passage to the last four after defeating Berekum Chelsea 4–3 on penalties following a stubborn goalless draw at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Bechem.

The fiercely contested encounter saw both teams battle relentlessly over 120 minutes, but neither side could find the decisive breakthrough despite several promising attacking moves.

Solid defensive displays and disciplined goalkeeping kept the scoreline intact through 90 minutes of regulation time and 30 minutes of extra time, forcing the quarter-final tie to be settled from the penalty spot.

Shootout nerves

In the shootout, Nations FC showed greater composure as Samuel Tenedu, Oko Grippman and Benjamin Abaidoo all missed their spot-kicks for Berekum Chelsea, allowing the Abrankese-based side to claim a narrow 4–3 victory and advance to the semi-finals.

Despite Chelsea’s exit, Samuel Tenedu was named Man of the Match for his influential performance in midfield during the contest, even though he failed to convert his penalty.

Chelsea defender, Mohammed Siedu, earned the Best Defender award for his commanding display at the back, while Frederick Nzoley of Nations FC was recognised as the Most Promising Player.

The win sets up an enticing semi-final clash between Nations FC and Aduana FC, with the venue and date yet to be confirmed.

Dreams FC survive Lions scare
In the other quarter-final tie,  former champions, Dreams FC, booked their place in the semi-finals after overcoming Kpando Heart of Lions 4–3 on penalties following a dramatic 1–1 draw at the Cape Coast Stadium yesterday.
The match lived up to its billing as both sides produced an intense and entertaining contest.
Heart of Lions struck first in the 34th minute when Seedorf Asante unleashed a superb effort to give the Kpando-based side the lead and put them firmly in control of the contest.
Just when Lions appeared to be heading for victory, Dreams FC produced a dramatic late response.
Suraj Seidu levelled the score at the stroke of full-time, finishing off a cleverly rehearsed training-ground free-kick routine to force the game into extra time.
With neither side able to break the deadlock during the additional 30 minutes, the quarter-final was decided from the spot, where Dreams FC maintained their composure to claim a 4–3 shootout victory.
Despite his side’s disappointment, Heart of Lions captain, Ebenezer Abban, delivered an outstanding display and was deservedly named Best Player of the Match.