Hearts of Oak wins record 12th FA Cup title
Accra Hearts of Oak successfully defended their FA Cup title after defeating Bechem United 2-1 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Phobians were full of resilience as they rallied from behind to win a record-extending 12th FA Cup title, becoming the first side to win back-to-back FA Cup titles since last doing it in 1999 and 2000.
The atmosphere was charged as both teams came out from the tunnel with fans of both sides cheering on but it was Bechem United who played to the tune as they were rewarded with a goal through Emmanuel Avornyo, slotting in from a rebound to score the opening goal of the game.
Caleb Amankwah scored from a volley in the last minute of the first half to get the equalizer for Hearts of Oak as the first half ended in a scoring draw.
After recess, the Phobians increased their intensity in the game by creating some chances but Bechem’s shot-stopper Abdulai was resolute in defense.
It will be a game to remember for Daniel Afriyie Barnie as scored on his birthday in the 60th minute to put the Phobians in the lead with a world-class finish after a beautiful build-up and supercross from Gladson Awako.
In what will be a stain in the fantastic season he has had, Augustine Okrah was sent off in the 68th minute after headbutting the assistant line one.
Hearts of Oak held on to the lead to win their 12th MTN FA Cup title.
Head coach Samuel Boadu has now won five trophies in two years and also becomes just the second coach to win back-to-back FA Cup titles after Cecil Jones Attuquayefio, also with Hearts of Oak in 1999 and 2000.
For the first time in seven years, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak will simultaneously represent Ghana in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup and will also clash in the Super Cup ahead of the 2022/23 season on September 4, 2022.
