It did not take long for the 2022-23 Ghana FA Cup to see its first major upset with defending champions Hearts of Oak falling to fellow Ghana Premier League side Dreams FC by a 1-0 score on Sunday. The Phobians could not recover from a self-inflicted wound in the opening ten minutes when poor passing in the back allowed Dreams forward Agyenim Boateng to win the ball and curl his finish around Hearts goalkeeper Richmond Ayi. Hearts were exposed on several occasions by the Dreams counter attack and despite impressive saves by Ayi the cup holders could not find the goal they needed.
Asante Kotoko faced a stern challenge of their own against third tier Benab FC who were looking to pull off the upset of the round. An own goal put Kotoko up in the first half but the Division Two side leveled in the 70th minute and were giving the reigning Ghana Premier League champions plenty to worry about. However a corner kick delivery from Enock Morrison late in second half stoppage time fell kindly for defender Maxwell Agyemang who show low past the Benab keeper for a last-second winner.
All the scores from the Round of 32 are below followed by highlights from the Kotoko and Hearts matches as well as the penalty shootout between Accra sides Great Olympics and Legon Cities.
Scores
Steadfast FC 3-1 STK Stars
Bofoakwa Tano FC 2-3 Aduana Stars
Kotoku Royals 1-0 Nzema Kotoko (AET)
Great Olympics 0-0 Legon Cities
(Legon Cities win 4-3 on penalties)
Wa Power SC 1-3 Debibi United
Volta Rangers FC 3-1 Krystal Palace Academy
Benab FC 1-2 Asante Kotoko
Real Tamale United 4-1 Wa Suntaa FC (AET)
Liberty Professionals 0-0 A5 Rences FC
(Liberty Professionals win 4-2 on penalties)
Bibiani Gold Stars 1-4 King Faisal
Mighty Royals FC 0-1 Nsoatreman FC
FC Samartex 1-0 Nations FC
Venomous Vipers FC 0-2 Mysterious Dwarfs
Skyy FC 2-0 Karela FC
Hearts of Oak 0-1 Dreams FC
Heart of Lions 2-0 MSK Zilina Africa
Highlights
Hearts of Oak 0-1 Dreams FC
Benab FC 1-2 Asante Kotoko
Great Olympics 0-0 Legon Cities (Penalty Shootout)