FA Cup finalists pledge to honour African campaign

By Ameenu Shardow

This year’s FA Cup finalists have given assurances of their commitment to represent Ghana in next season’s Caf Confederations Cup in the event they win the trophy.

Premier League club New Edubiase will play as official hosts to fellow top flight campaigners AshantiGold in the grand finale at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

At stake is a giant trophy, Ghc 25000 cash prize, the enviable accolade of 2012 FA Cup champions but above all, a chance to represent Ghana in the second tier African club competition.

Teams bask in the glory of winning the title only to disappoint many by not honouring the responsibility of going to Africa – often blaming it on lack of resources.

The unpalatable situation which has become very synonymous with Ghanaian club’s (even with the big sides) has raised several concerns over the nation’s representation in the continental showpiece – especially with two slots chunked of Ghana’s quota for poor performance and in some instances no representation in recent years.

Division One club Nania FC were the last to disappoint many who were hoping they take their unique brand of football which they mastered to devastating effect by beating giants to last year’s FA Cup title to the African stage only to pull out at the last minute.

With another final just days away, these concerns are back to the fore but the finalists; Edubiase and AshGold say they are well fortified in all terms especially financially to embark on the mandatory continental campaign if they win Sunday’s game.

“We have sponsors who are just waiting to support us if we qualify for Africa,” Edubiase President Abdul Salam-Yakubu said at the MTN FA Cup final pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

“Aside the sponsors, we have other options that will support our African campaign so I can promise that we are prepared for Africa.”

AshGold CEO Kudjo Fianoo was exuding the same confidence in their preparedness to mount a staunch African campaign if they emerge victorious on Sunday.

“Everyone knows the history of AshGold already so there is no need for me to give assurances,” he said.

“We are always prepared to go to Africa, it is not a problem at all.”

The assurances given by both clubs therefore guarantee Ghana’s slot of two representatives in next season’s African club competition with Asante Kotoko bent on making a meaningful impact on their return to Champions League football after winning this year’s Premier League.