The semi-finalist for the 2003 Mobitel Hockey knockout competition of Greater Accra Hockey Association, were determined over the weekend after some thrilling encounters.
NDK Financiers finally broke the invincibility of their arch rivals Multistix, when they won the 5-goal thriller in the first match of the day. Multistix, who sought to inflict yet another defeat on their opponents as they did in their epic league match some 3 weeks ago, dominated play in the first half and led 1-0 at half time courtesy an Iddrisu Inusah brilliant finish.
Back from recess, NDK Financiers threw everything into the game and dominated the midfield exchanges. They fought for and won almost all the 50-50 balls and carried the game to their opponents. It came as little surprise therefore when Richmond Attipoe finished off a brilliant move with an equally brilliant finish to draw level in the 38th minute. The goal punctured the defensive line of Multistix who committed a series of errors that resulted in an Edmund Addo strike in the 43rd minute to put Financiers ahead.
Multistix regrouped and altered their play strategy. The brief dominance resulted in a 57th minute equalizer from a sizzling shot from the stick of Edmund Aryeetey. The last 10 minutes of the game was pure drama as the ball moved from one goalmouth to the other with some agonizing close shaves. When it mattered most however, Albert Ofori popped-up to win the day for NDK Financiers 3 minutes from the end from a penalty corner. By this win, Financiers book their place in the semi-finals where they will battle CEPS who had Anthony Awortwe to thank for earning them a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Marine Sticks of Ghana Navy.
The other semi-final match will be between bitterest rivals Exchequers of Bank of Ghana and Trustees of SSNIT after both teams won their respective matches comfortably. Exchequers showed no mercy on Citizens thrashing them 5-0 with fast-improving Emmanuel Nartey getting 4 of the goals.
Trustees had to overcome the initial scare of stubborn Golden Sticks of GCB Limited winning 3-1 after conceding the first goal of the game in the 12th minute when James Oblitey made light work of National goalie Marox Abadoo. Daniel Lamptey (26th), David Chablah (45th) and Sam Bennedict (53rd) were the scorers for the men from the Trust.