Amartey the penalty hero for Kobenhavn

Daniel Amartey was the shootout hero for FC Kobenhavn as they bested Randers FC on penalties in the Danish Cup quarter-final.

The two sides—currently placed second and third in the Danish top flight—played out a 0-0 bore draw at Parken, Copenhagen. There was little to separate them, the home side enjoyed more shots on target (seven to Randers’ five) but were bested in the possession stats (49 percent to Randers’ 51).

After extra time, a shootout was required to separate the two sides and see who progressed to the final four.

The first eight takers found the net before both Youssef Toutouh of Kobenhavn and Christian Keller of Randers failed to convert.

Amartey then stepped up and hammered home before Mads Agesens’s effort was saved by Lions keeper Stephan Andersen.

The Ghana international defended resolutely throughout the contest, combining well with teammate Pelle Nilsson to persistently thwart Djiby Fall, Randers’ Senegalese frontman. He had a chance to open the scoring in the second half, but fired into the side netting after a cross from Tom Hogli.

The 20-year-old made a good impression at the Africa Cup of Nations while taking his first steps in the senior side. However, he lost his place after an ankle injury forced him out of the Black Stars’ third group-stage match against South Africa.

Despite being deemed fit by the national-team’s medical staff, coach Avram Grant opted not to use him again during the tournament, instead choosing to stick with the established pairing of John Boye and Jonathan Mensah.

He returned to action for Kobenhavn on March 1, although his side were defeated in Danish league action against Odense Boldklub.

Danish-Ghanaian striker Danny Amankwaa came on as a substitute during the match against Randers, replacing Christian Poulsen, but was himself replaced by Brandur Olsen on 119 minutes.