Legend Abedi Pele guides Nania FC to MTN FA Cup final

Published on: 12 June 2011

Second-tier side Nania FC caused a major upset on Sunday after eliminating Ghana Premier League champions Berekum Chelsea 7-5 in the MTN FA Cup semi-final.

Nania, coached by three-time African Footballer of Year and owner Abedi Pele, twice rallied to draw 2-2 after extra-time and goalkeeper Michael Sai converted his side's fifth kick to hand them a historic final berth.

Berekum Chelsea opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Obed Owusu whose powerful strike beat goalkeeper Sai.

Five minutes later, Prince Baffoe converted a spot-kick to draw level.

Both sides pressed hard in the second half but could not find the back of the net in a meandering encounter.

Striker Bismark Idan scored a second half extra-time goal to give Berekum Chelsea a 1-2 lead.

Left-back Alfred Arthur charged into the Nania FC penalty box but his pile driver was deflected by a Nania defender.

Goalkeeper Saah made two unsuccessful attempts to parry it away and the ball dropped on the goal line only for Idan to tap in.

In the 122nd minute, Nania earned a free-kick from 20-yards and Prince Baffoe elected himself and curled home the equalizer.

Chelsea missed one spot-kick out of four and Nania FC converted all five kicks.

Nania FC will play the winner of the Asante Kotoko-Medeama/Sporting Mirren in the final.

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