The round of 64 clash between Wassaman United FC and Asokwa Deportivo SC was decided on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate.
The two Division One League Zone Two clubs squared off at the Nana Okese Park in Ejisu for a place in the next stage of the 2020-21 Ghana MTN FA Cup Competition.
Young shot stopper Mathew Tigasi came from the bench to produce super saves during the penalty shootouts to seal qualification for the Allah is Great side.
The first 15 minutes of the match was largely dominated by the home team and forced goalkeeper, Samuel Ottoo to making some brilliant saves in the pulsating match.
After the home team’s early dominance, the Asokwa-based club came into the game strongly and had a glaring chance to take the lead when strike Asamoah Boateng Afriyie was beautifully located in the box but the strong and tall striker blasted his left-footed effort wide.
Twelve minutes to the end of the first half, former Wa All Stars now Legon Cities FC midfielder Maxwell Oppong found Asamoah in the goal area again but the attacker took too long on the ball as the home team’s center-back took the ball away from him before he could shoot.
The first period of the match ended goalless despite the end to end action.
After the break, the game was fairly balanced as both teams settled well and tried to score the winner to prevent a penalty shootouts.
Asokwa Deportivo deportivo captain and goalkeeper, Otto was forced to make a point blank save after Wassaman got behind the defense of Deportivo who were saved by their experienced first choice goalkeeper.
Dribbling magician, Emmanuel Osei who is a target of many European clubs and Accra Hearts of Oak SC provided a masterclass performance with a moment of magic and share brilliance when he dribbled past five defenders but the ball was taken from his toes by Asamoah at the last minute just to waste the opportunity.
After 90 minutes played and deep into additional time period, youngster Mathew Tigasi was subbed on for the looming spot kicks.
Wassaman United lunched a quick counter attack after Deportivo captain Joseph Gordon wasted a free-kick and nearly scored but the young Deportivo goalie produced a jaw-breaking save to make sure the game ended goalless after 90 plus five minutes.
Wassaman United scored their first penalty kick but Deportivo’s captain missed his to give the hosts an advantage but goalkeeper, Tigasi made amends and saved the third kick from the home team.
Wassaman’s goalie saved Yussif Salifu’s kick but it was retaken after he was adjudged to have come out of the line before the penalty was taken and the defender scored the retaken kick to make it all square.
Deportivo’s goalkeeper thought he had saved the fifth kick but only for the referee to order for a retaken kick as he adjudged that e goalie came out before the kick.
The Asokwa Deportivo goal again saved the ninth kick of the penalty shootouts and scored his kick to win the game and send his team through to the next round of the competition.
After 90 minutes of football without a goal, Deportivo beat Wassaman 8-7 on penalties to reach the round of 32.
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