Ex-Ghana U23 assistant coach Michael Osei says the determination of his young players to succeed is the reason why his Star Madrid side shocked and eliminated top-flight side Ebusua Dwarfs in the MTN FA Cup.
The Division One side produced the biggest shock of the competition so far this season on Monday when they defeated the experienced Ebusua Dwarfs in the match played in Cape Coast.
Premier League side fell 6-5 on penalties to the second tier club after the match ended 1-1 in 90 minutes.
Patrick Musah shocked the home side when he put Star Madrid in the lead but Moro Sumaila leveled things for Dwarfs.
The Premier League side could not overcome the resolute Division One before the match went to penalty kicks.
Dwarfs who were the overwhelming favourites for the match could not kick on to win the tie as they missed twice in the penalty shoot-out.
Osei, who is in charge of the Division One side, says despite the recent difficulties in the club they were determined to make their Ghanaians realise the talents in their squad.
"It was a very difficult and a tough game. Getting the opener helped us a lots but Dwarfs came into the game very well which resulted in their equalizer." Osei said.
"The tactical substitution that I made in the second half helped me to protect the scoreline till the blast of the whistle.
"My team has been in crisis lately which I didn't allow to affect the playing body. I recruited some new youthful exuberance into the team. Dwarfs have a strong team but at the end the better side won.
"The FA Cup is a competition that I have an achievement in. I won it with Asantse Kotoko, so I told my players to take an inspiration from it and not give Dwarfs much respect in the game.
"Luck also play a vital role in penalty taking. Both Dwarfs and Star Madrid kicked good penalties.But we did a lot of practice on penalty shootout since we knew that the game can travel to such extent."
Star Madrid picked up the win that has sent them to the next round of the competition under coach Michael Osei and will likely play another Premier League side in the next stage.
Ebusua Dwarfs add to the few number of Premier League sides ousted out of the MTN FA Cup at this stage whiles Star Madrid make it a record the farthest they’ve reached in any club competition.