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Cape Coast hosted a party to relish

The colourful ceremony, saw the the FA Cup trophy, canoed from one end to the VIP and VVIP section, and was received by the chairman of the organizers, Kurt Okraku, while the ball for the game flew to the centre of the pitch. Cape Coast hosted a party to relish.

From the Pedu junction, to the mouth of the Cape Coast stadium, the presence of a game, which, seemingly, according to sceptics, is not at the magnitude of Asante Kotoko against Hearts of Oak, and could not appeal to the football-loving fibre that radiates the atmosphere of excitement to fill the stands, drew a crowd worth acknowledging.

The ceremony to close the season's scripture was spectacular.

The colourful ceremony, saw the the FA Cup trophy, canoed from one end to the VIP and VVIP section, and was received by the chairman of the organizers, Kurt Okraku, while the ball for the game, flew to the centre of the pitch, and was plucked by the Dreams FC owner. The blot on the ceremony was the blood, the drone which brought the ball, took from Mr. Kurt.

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The party is over but the memories remain.  Prince Bobby lit up the game with his needle-point range passing, whilst Yaw Arnol kept the net shaking with smiles. And now that it’s over, the sweet music is replaced by silence.

The atmosphere was terrific, the tempo of the game was resounding, and the goals were sumptuous, worthy of final of a competition which, until recently, was in coma.

We mourn it for the way it used to be, for the time when winning it meant as much to a player as winning the league.

We mourn it for the time when the top clubs always put out their best team in it and a giant-killing was more than just beating some big side's reserves.

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We equally mourned about the two teams that qualified for the final. Their financial muscle to play on Africa was a major issue.

And yet for all its reduced significance, it can still throw up occasions like Sunday's final.

The first MTN FA Cup final at the Cape Coast sports stadium, felt like one of the most important matches of the season, maybe even of the last few years.

Not because it heralded some sort of decline in the fortunes of Okwahu United who have been dormant in Ghana football.

But because it was a landmark victory for Bechem United and their long-suffering fans - a sign that they may soon be ready to rival Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, and recently, Berekum Chelsea, Ashanti Gold and Medeama for the biggest continental club football competitions.

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It was significant because Bechem needed team spirit and hunger to win it.

They were outplayed at times by Okwahu in the first half and only stayed in the game because Ernest Asare's goal was rejected.

But in the second half, instead of folding, instead of submitting to the apparent psychological hold Okwahu had over them, Bechem came out fighting.

Yaw abotsi, in particular, was magnificent. Alfred Nelson, yet again, was indomitable.

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Bechem played like men who felt a connection with their fans and who felt a loyalty to their team that went beyond staring at the digits on their pay-slip.

They played like men who are proud to be at the club, as the opportunity to be seen on continental television drew closer.

That feeling was immense.

Beating Okwahu United on such a big occasion has filled the club with hope and optimism.

It was a pivotal match for them. Lose and they might lose the energy required to pull through this turbulent season.

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Victory in the MTN FA Cup is morale booster as the season is about drawing its curtains.

Afterwards, they drew closer to the supporters, and the message, 'thank you' was rhythm the feet did.

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