The Phobians have won their first FA Cup since 2003 after defeating the Miners through penalty shooutouts after a pulsating game in Accra
Hearts of Oak left it late but defeated Ashanti Gold 8-7 on penalty shootouts after goalless draw in 90 minutes to lift the 2021 Ghana FA Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
After both clubs failed to break the deadlock in regulation time, the game travelled to extra time but both clubs failed to produce a winner until it reached penalty shootouts where the Phobains proved their might.
The Miners started the game on a brighter note but failed to capitalise on their dominance to open the scoring as they fluffed several opportunities.
Seth Osei came close to open the scoring very early in the game after combining with Eric Esso but his last ditch effort was saved by Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah.
Hearts of Oak appealed for a penalty by the 46th minute after a powerful drive from Caleb Amankwa accidentally hit Ampem Dacosta to prevent the Phobians from scoring the opener. The players and supporters protested that Dacosta used his arm in the process but referee Daniel Laryea was not ready for any drama.
Ashanti Gold had their chances too when Frank Akoto’s long pass found Mark Agyekum but the striker fluffed the opportunity to the dismay of his colleagues.
Hearts brought on star player Ibrahim Salifu for Isaac Mensah by the 68th minute as they searched for a breakthrough.
However, the midfielder’s first attempt to force his way into AshantiGold’s box was unsuccessful and Fatawu Mohammed also picked a yellow card on the other side
Six minutes later, Hearts midfielder Ansah Botchway was brought down at the edge of the Ashanti Gold box but the resulting free kick by Ovouka was cleared.
Chances in the game became premium since both sides struggled to break down the bulwark defence of their opponents as referee Laryea brought the game to an end and signalled for extra time.
The two sides were unable to find the back of the net in the next 30 minutes.
After two Ashanti Gold players failed to score their penalties, Afriyie Barnie was presented with the opportunity to win the trophy for the Phobians but he surprisingly missed his kick as Ashanti Gold goalkeeper Kofi Mensah calmly saved the ball.
Benjamin Afutu later missed his kick and AshantiGold had the chance to win the day but Seth Osei surprisingly also missed his effort.
After all the ten outfield players for both clubs finished with their kicks and the scores still equal, it was left with goalkeepers to decide the day. Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah was the first to step up and he perfectly sent Ashanti Gold goalkeeper Mensah to the wrong direction.
But when it mattered most to save AshantiGold, Mensah who had previously saved two kicks to keep his side in the game, saw his penalty saved.
The win means that the Phobians, who will be representing Ghana in Caf Champions League, have picked their eleventh FA Cup trophy making them the most successful and they have added it to their Ghana Premier League triumph. It is their seventh double in the club’s history.