Saddick Adams scored a hat-trick as Kumasi Asante Kotoko beat bitterest rivals Accra Hearts of Oak to win the 2107 MTN FA Cup in Tamale on Sunday.
Saddick Adams opened the scoring under just two minutes in a half totally dominated by the Porcupine Warriors.
Richard Akrofi’s pass was intercepted by Kwame Boahene who rolled in the ball that found Saddick Adams who controlled beautifully before slotting home for the first goal.
The 2014 champions began to control the game, having led on two minutes, making the Phobians do all the running.
Accra Hearts of Oak defender Richard Akrofi became the culprit once again after impeding deadly striker Saddick Adams in the box, and referee Adaari had no choice but to point to the spot.
The former Berekum Chelsea forward elected himself for the penalty which he expertly converted by rifling it through the top corner of the post.
Adams after scoring the second collided with Malik Akowah in the middle of the park, which saw him reclining on the fall with the referee calling in for first aid.
However, the striker right after recovering received a long pass from the back after Hears defender Vincent Atinga had failed to connect a header to goal keeper Ben Mensah to round the shot stopper ad score his third.
The porcupine Warriors led by three goals in the first half.
Accra Hearts of Oak returned in the second half the more determined side pushing for an equalizer.
Coach Frank Nuttal brought in Cosmos Dauda pulling out Malik Akowuah to augment his offense.
The decision paid off after Fatawu Mohammed’s cross met the head of captain Thomas Abbey who scored the consolation for the Phobians.
Hearts kept pushing for a second with Patrick Razak surging upfront for another goal but his effort couldn’t prove futile leave the Porcupine Warriors as Champions of the 2017 MTN FA cup.
This means Kumasi Asante Kotoko will represent Accra Hearts of Oak at the CAF Confederations Cup next season.
By Lukman Evergreen Mumin