Finalist. Quarter-finalist. Finalist. Winner. Finalist/Winner.

Including this year, this has been the track record of Asante Kotoko in the FA Cup since its return five years ago.

The Porcupine Warriors have, undoubtedly, been the team of the cup competitions. And should they continue their fine run with a win on Sunday, it will be only a matter of time before they overtake eternal rivals to be the most successful club in the FA Cup.

The Phobians have amassed ten titles with the Porcupines on eight. That number may change in the coming days.

But are Kotoko winners, or chokers?

HOW HAVE THE PORCUPINES DOMINATED THE FA CUP IN FIVE YEARS?

2011

The Reds stormed into the final on the back of a nerve racking penalty shootout win over Wa-All Stars in Kumasi with Stephen Oduro converting the decisive kick.

The cup was a form of redemption after a torrid season. 

Serbian trainer Bodgan Korak had replaced Ebo Mends in February, and his best efforts took the club to the final. 

There, they came face to face with the surprise package of the competition Nania FC, who had knocked out some Premier League teams en route to the final notably high flying Berekum Chelsea in the semi. 

The final was keenly contested with both teams cancelling each other out in regulation time. It took an extra time back-heel from substitute Evans Omani to settle the tie in favor of Nania. It's a defeat from which Kotoko are yet to recover.

2012

In what was the Porcupines' worst performance in the FA Cup in the last five years, Kotoko were sent packing out of the competition at the round of 16 stage.

The team that inflicted this was Amidaus Professionals, led by a marauding Yahaya Mohammed. 

The Tema side, at home, defeated Kotoko 2-0 in a season where Maxwell Konadu led the Reds to win the league after a four-year trophy drought. But an own goal from John Kuffour and a late minute strike from Selassie Adjei (now at Hearts) sent Kotoko packing as Konadu's decision to field a weakened side went sour.

2013

Kotoko’s second final appearance in three years came against Medeama at Accra Sports Stadium. 

This was on the back of a successful league defence under Mas-ud Didi Dramani. Kotoko breezed into the final after easily dispatching off Japekrom and Agbozume Weavers 5-0 and 4-1 respectively in the earlier rounds before a 2-1 extra time win over Sekondi Eleven Wise in the quarter-finals. 

The Porcupines avenged their quarter-final exit by beating Amidaus Professionals 3-1 in Accra courtesy a Ransford Osei brace and another from Kofi Nti Boakye. 

Medeama now stood between the Reds and their eighth FA Cup. 

The Tarkwa side came into the final on the back of a semifinal victory over Hearts. And the Yellow and Mauves subjected Kotoko to their second final loss with a 1-0 win. A Theophilus Anobaah strike sent a dagger into the hearts of Kotoko faithful.

2014

On the back of another league triumph, Kotoko were aiming to finally accomplish their dreame double. 

With Mas-ud Didi Dramani at the helm, the side began their FA campaign against Wiaga United. Easily dispatched. And then First Klass came, also dispatched, 3-0. 

Istanbul came and were beaten 3-2 before drawing a bye against Ashantigold in the quarterfinals because the Obuasi side failed to make an appearance. 

In the semifinal, Kotoko came up against city rivals King Faisal and made light work of Alhaji Grunzah’s, 2-0. Third final in four years for Kotoko and they were up against the resurgent Inter Allies. 

The game went to extra time at 1-1 before then Premier League goal king Seidu Bancey found the net to finally fetch Kotoko their eighth FA Cup title.

2015

The pattern has not been too different in 2015 either. 

Kotoko began this year's FA Cup as they did in 2011. The Porcupines replaced head coach Didi Dramani with David Duncan after the former started the league sluggishly. 

Duncan has overseen an improvement in the fortunes of Kotoko in the league and this has been replicated in the cup as well. 

Kotoko have defeated Paga Crocodiles, Birim DC United, and RTU, league leaders Ashanti gold and Aduana in the semifinals to make their fourth final in five years.

 

Whether Kotoko win or lose on Sunday, it is undeniable they have been the team of the FA Cup. 

The side to come close to this incredible feat by Kotoko was Hearts of Oak between 1958 and 1968, when the Phobians made three final appearances in four years.

In effect, Kotoko are, indeed, chokers in the cup. Three finals in four years with one win is not becoming of a club the size of the Reds, and so we won't give them props.    

Sunday should see the Reds begin to show their clout and mental toughness in the final at the Essipon Stadium.

Over to you, Fabu.

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CLICK TO READ: Why David Duncan needs to win Sunday's FA Cup final to validate his credentials 

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Follow Kweku on Twitter: @nana_odum. More Joy Sports team coverage of the MTN FA Cup final on air, online and on SuperSport channel 209. Get more updates on Facebook/Twitter with the #JoySports hashtag