Hearts of Oak achieves their 12th FA Cup glory after humbling Bechem United by 2-1 in the final at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The Hunters nearly went in front in the opening minutes after Richmond Ayi had missed out on a cross from Francis Acquah but he still followed up with a huge stop resulting into a wasted corner kick..
The 'Phobians' with a quick response few minutes after, Suraj Seidu picked up Afriyie Barnieh with a great ball but his shot narrowly missed the post by few inches.
Bechem United drove in attack again from the left, Emmanuel Avornyo's pass fell on Okrah just at the edge of the box but his strike was dealt with nicely once again by Richmond Ayi.
On the 21st minute, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh received a decent ball but a great interception from Osei Kuffour denied him from scoring. Huge appeal for penalty but the referee overlooked the incident.
On the 34th minute, Hearts of Oak free kick was collected by goalkeeper Iddrisu Abdulai who quickly launched in a long one upfield to locate Augustine Okrah, who broke in nicely but his final effort was a feeble one.
Bechem United finally snatched the lead just on the stroke of half time. Anabila made a decent run from midfield, picked up Okrah whose shot wasn't dealt with properly by Richmond Ayi, and Emmanuel Avornyo at far post followed up with a tap into the net to put them ahead.
Hearts of Oak restored parity quickly before half time. Samuel Inkoom's shot free kick fell back to him by Barnieh and quickly picked up Caleb Amankwah in the box who also connected with a sumptuous volley to draw his side back on level. It ended 1-1 after half time.
In the second half, coach Kasim Mingle's men came in really stronger throwing more men forward in search for a goal in the opening minutes.
The Hunters will break in attack initiated by Augustine Okrah who made a blistering run into the box but eluded everyone and went out.
Hearts of Oak made their first chance in the second half count after finding the back of the net on the minute.
Gladson Awako launched in a decent cross from the left flanks and met a great tap in from Daniel Afriyie Barnieh to hand them the lead for the first time in the game. What a goal it was!
Both teams at some point, attacked with so much intent and pressure, throwing in more attacking minded players hoping for more of goals in the second phase.
Bechem United awarded a free kick which was delivered by Abdul Karim but was subsequently checked nicely by the Hearts of Oak backline.
Frederick Ansah Botchway sent a long one in an attempt to locate Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, leaving him in a tough tussle but got dispossessed by Kofi Agbesimah.
Substitute Fatawu Mohammed gifted Anabila a pass who quickly laid off to Augustine Okrah in the box but a decent tackle from the initial loser of the ball rescued the Rainbow club from that scary situation.
Veteran Sulley Muntari who just got in, picked up Obeng Jnr with a fine pass on the left, crossed to Barnieh in the box but was cleared by the Bechem defence.
And finally referee Abdul Latif Adaari blew his whistle to end the game. Hearts of Oak have defended the MTN FA Cup, winning it for the 12th time in their history.
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
