Medeama slice Hearts of Oak to cruise to FA Cup final; set up final clash against Kotoko
Medeama set up another FA Cup final against Asante Kotoko in two years after beating Hearts of Oak 2-1 in Cape Coast on Sunday.
The Tarkwa-based are indebted to the ingenuity of midfielder wonder Kwesi Donsu who bagged a brace in 16 minutes.
Donsu showed he has an ounce of genius in his boots when he scooped a ball from 25 yards.
The midfielder picked up a loose ball just few meters away from the centre circle and saw Hearts goalkeeper Muntawakilu Siedu off his line so he decided to chip it into the net.
Hearts were still unconvincing and their rut continued for minutes as Medeama kept on increasing the pressure and dictating the pace.
Donsu added the second on 16 minutes when Hearts failed to clear their lines and the skillful kid powerfull
Hearts coach Herbert Addo identified the malaise of his side and pulled out non-performer Gilbert Fiamenyo and introduced youngster Isaac Mensah.
The substitution looked effective with Mensah causing problems by drawing out the Medeama defence marshaled by Daniel Amoah and Evans Quao.
Just after the break, Donsu nearly snatched a hat trick but his connection to a cross from the right-back Samuel Adade was easily picked up by Siedu.
Hearts looked better in the second half and pushed Medeama back and in one of those forays Eric Kumi surged forward and was whacked down by defender Amoah inside the box.
Referee Awal Mohammed immediately blew his whistle and pointed to the spot for a penalty.
Hearts captain Robin Gnagne picked the ball and converted it beautifully by sending goalkeeper Tagoe the wrong way.
There was a huge scare for Medeama when Richard Yamoah tried to slot home from a melee but his effort was wide off the mark.
Medeama played with the know-how and managed to fend off any threat from Hearts and protected their slim lead to reach the 30 August final to be played at yet-to-be confirmed venue.
The Mauves and Yellows triumphed 1-01 over Kotoko in the 2013 final played at the Accra Sports Stadium.