NC Special Cup: Hearts, Kotoko, Ashgold open with wins; WAFA crush Liberty

The Normalisation Committee Special Competition kicked off over the weekend with wins for Accra Hearts of Oak, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, WAFA, Ashantigold and Karela United.

Liberty Professionals, Dreams FC and Ebusua Dwarfs all suffered defeats in the opening round.

Back at the Accra Sports Stadium for the first time in more than a year, Hearts of Oak beat Dreams FC 1-0, courtesy Kojo Obeng Junior’s strike at the beginning of the second half.

In Kumasi, Abass Mohammed’s early strike was the difference as Kotoko accounted for 2017 Ghana Premier League Champions Aduana Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium. Aduana had a goal ruled out for offside after Yahaya Mohammed was deemed to have been in offside position at the time of scoring.

Regional rivals, Ashantigold got a more convincing victory, beating Eleven Wonders 2-0 at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium.

Shafiu Mumuni converted an 11th minute penalty to put the Miners in front before Ivorian Baba Salia Ouattara scored 15 minutes later to wrap up the win.

At the Tema Stadium, Inter Allies were held to a 0-0 draw by Elmina Sharks. Sharks came closest but Benjamin Tweneboah’s effort came off the upright in the first half.

Academy boys, WAFA, dispatched Liberty Professionals 3-1 at the Sogakope Park. Justice Amate put the host in front in the first half before two second half goals from Kingsford Opoku and Andrews Ntim gave them a comfortable 3-0 lead before Frederick Botchway’s consolation 5 minutes from time.

Karela United earned a vital away win at Ebusua Dwarfs at the Cape Coast Sports stadium with goals from Emmanuel Osei Baffour and Diawisie Taylor helping them to a 2-1 win.

The NC Special Competition continues with midweek games across the country.

Full Time Results:

Kotoko 1-0 Aduana

Hearts of Oak 1-0 Dreams FC

WAFA 3-1 Liberty Professionals

Ebusua Dwarfs 1-2 Karela United

Inter Allies 0-0 Elmina Sharks

Match Day 2 Games:

WEDNESDAY

DORMAA – 1500GMT
Aduana Stars vs. Eleven Wonders FC

BECHEM – 1500GMT
Bechem United vs. Ashanti Gold SC

DAWU – 1500GMT
Dreams FC vs. Karela United FC