Wilson Arthur, Chairman of the MTN FA Cup Committee, has expressed pride in the level of competition and excitement displayed during the Round of 32 matches this past weekend.
According to him, the games embodied everything the MTN FA Cup stands for: thrills, surprises, and the unpredictable nature of FA cup football.
“I think it has been a very exciting tournament so far. The Round of 32 had every element of the MTN FA Cup. We witnessed giant-killing with almighty Dreams FC getting knocked out by True Democracy.
I personally watched the game between Nsuopon Fidelity and Medeama at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena. It was a thrilling encounter, Nsuopon Fidelity, a second-division side, put up a strong fight and even led at one point.
Medeama equalized with a spectacular corner-kick goal, and eventually, their maturity helped them secure the win. It was an exciting match.”
Sharif Bashiru ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/fMnJLLFknJ
— Medeama SC (@MedeamaSC) January 12, 2025
Arthur also highlighted other notable moments from the round, including the shock result of Division One side FC Narnia defeating Premier League team Accra Lions. He noted that such surprises are what make the MTN FA Cup unique.
“From the reports I’ve received from all the games, I am proud of Ghana football. The level of competition we are seeing is fantastic. Everyone who watched the matches should be very happy. At the end of the Round of 32, we have eight Premier League teams and eight Division One teams advancing to the Round of 16.
That balance is incredible, and moments like FC Narnia beating Accra Lions show the unpredictability of this tournament.”
Looking ahead, Arthur emphasized the importance of logistical planning for the next round, particularly minimizing travel costs for teams.
“For the Round of 16, we will try to reduce the cost of travel for the teams and ensure they are comfortable. We are yet to meet with the committee to finalize these details, but proximity will play a key role in our decisions.”