Samartex Run Riot as Dreams, Nations, Chelsea and Aduana March into FA Cup Round of 16
FC Samartex 1996 produced a ruthless attacking display to headline a thrilling round of MTN FA Cup action, as Dreams FC, Nations FC, Berekum Chelsea and Aduana FC also booked their places in the Round of 16.
At the Nsekyire Sports Arena in Sameraboi, Samartex ran riot, demolishing lower-tier side Debiso Soccer Lions 9-1 in one of the most emphatic victories of the competition so far. Osman Zakaria and Benedict Afful both grabbed braces, while Godwin Sefah, Ronald Grippman, Felix Koduah Jnr and Solomon Agyei also got on the scoresheet.
The Premier League side wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Zakaria opening the scoring as early as the third minute. Goals from Agyei and Grippman in the 8th and 14th minutes quickly followed, sending the home fans into raptures. Felix Koduah Jnr and Godwin Sefah added further goals before the break to give Samartex a commanding 5-0 lead at half-time.
After the restart, Zakaria struck again in the 51st minute before Afful wrapped up a sensational performance with goals in the 74th and 91st minutes. Debiso Soccer Lions managed a late consolation through Kingsley Arthur in the 88th minute, but it did little to alter the outcome as Samartex cruised comfortably into the next round.
Elsewhere, Nations FC were equally convincing at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, dispatching FC AshantiGold ’04 3-0 with all goals coming in the first half. Brandon Antwi opened the scoring in the 8th minute before Emmanuel Annor struck twice in quick succession in the 10th and 19th minutes to seal a dominant victory.
Defending their reputation as cup specialists, 2023 champions Dreams FC overcame Asanka FC 2-0. Goals from Aminu Adams and Abdul Razak Salifu ensured a professional outing for the Still Believe lads, who have now scored four goals in their last two FA Cup matches following their 2-1 Round of 64 win over Semper FI.
At the Golden City Park in Berekum, Aduana FC showed their class with a composed 2-0 win over Berekum Arsenal. Richard Yeboah broke the deadlock in the first half before Ben Dauda Sidibe sealed the victory after the break to send the Fire Boys through.
Berekum Chelsea also edged past Young Apostles to continue their FA Cup journey, while earlier on Tuesday, Attram De Visser booked their place in the Round of 16 after defeating Port City 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time. Last season’s semi-finalists will be hoping to replicate—or even better that impressive run.
With the Round of 16 now taking shape, the MTN FA Cup continues to deliver excitement, goals and compelling storylines as clubs intensify their push for silverware.