History beckons Ashantigold, Edubiase in FA Cup final

Accra, Aug. 4, GNA – History will be on the cards during Sunday's 2012 FA Cup final between Obuasi Ashantigold and New Edubiase United FC at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Irrespective of the destination of the title, there will be an element of history for the winning team.

Ashantigold have not won the knockout competition since 1993 and are therefore poised to break that jinx under the tutelage of Head coach Yaw Acheampong, who incidentally was the captain of the Miners team when they last lifted the second most important trophy on the football calendar of the country.

On the other hand, Edubiase United, on their second season in the top flight are hoping to topple their opponents to land their first ever major title in the history of the Club, which is barely half a decade old.

The encounter rescheduled due to the shock demise of President John Evans Atta Mills last week, has lost no steam as the two Clubs are expected to produce a sellout performance in honour of the former President.

Unlike last season, where second-tier side Nania FC reached the semi final, this year's event is an encounter between two Clubs from the Premier League and the most interesting factor is that the two teams share an identical geographical location.

The Miners pulled up a spirited second round performance in the just ended season but could only finish behind eventual winners, Asante Kotoko with 14-points separating the two sides. The FA Cup title will serve the perfect consolation for the Miners who last laid their hands on a major silverware in 1993, the year they won the Premier League and the FA Cup.

Under coach Acheampong, Ashantigold have emerged as one of the most difficult sides to beat and are expected to hand Edubiase the stiffest of oppositions for the title. The Miners have in their midst trusted stars like captain Daniel Asamoah, Ivorian-import Didier Kore, midfielder Aaron Amoah and leading marksman Yakubu Mohammed, who found the back of the net 16 times during the just ended season.

For Edubiase, they have a depleted side following the transfer of leading marksman Emmanuel Baffuor, the top scorer with 21 goals and captain Mumuni Abubakar to South African side Mamelodi Sundowns. However, play-maker Asiedu Attobrah is available for the game after an unsuccessful sojourn in Europe in search of a Club, given Head Coach Anthony Commey options in midfield where Ibrahim Moro is always spot-on.

The winner of the clash will represent Ghana in next year's CAF Confederation Cup and the fact that both teams have made clear their intentions of participating in the second-tier continental Club Championship makes the game a must watch event.

Experience-wise, the Miners are favourites but Edubiase are capable of springing a surprise as they have done in the journey this far.

GNA