Soccer News of Sunday, 10 March 2013

Source: GNA

Rainbow Stars shine past Olympics in FA Cup

Division One campaigners, Rainbow Stars booked their place at the Round of 16 of the MTN FA Cup after beating Great Olympics 10-9 on penalties on Saturday at the Sly Tetteh Stadium, Dansoman.

Fred Agyemang converted the decisive kick during the marathon penalty shootout after a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time. All players from each side took part in the penalties, with Agyemang netting his second from the spot to wrap up victory for the Kumasi-based side after Sulley Issaka failed to score on his second attempt.

Olympics, thrice winners of the knockout competition were on the verge of victory before goalkeeper Felix Clottey saw his penalty saved during the first five kicks. Few minutes earlier, Leslie Lamptey gave hope to their chances with the equalizer forcing the game to be decided via kicks from the penalty spot.

The encounter involving two clubs from the second-tier division was full of thrills with both sides selling out an impressive performance.

Hosts Olympics deservingly went up on the stroke of half time through Selasi Agonai with a power-laden effort that beat Rainbow Stars goalie Douglas Asamoah.

The visitors resumed stronger and four minutes into the half restored parity through Kenneth Frimpong, who blasted home from close range.

Few minutes later, Frederick Acheampong fired the visitors into the lead for the first time before Lamptey equalized for the twice league champions in the closing stages of the game.

During penalties, Agyemang, Alfred Okaikwei, Bright Anann, Kwame Opoku, Kenneth Frimpong, Eric Asare, Asamoah, Abass Lamisi and Alex Ofosu scored for Rainbow Stars against Lamptey, Nurudeen Adams, Gabriel Aidoo, Samuel Korley, Razak Tahiru, Agonai, Issaka, George Brako and Lawrence Odei for Olympics.

Elsewhere in Tamale, Guan United beat visiting Sekondi Hasaacas 3-1 to progress to the next round.