The historic change was announced at Tuesday’s preliminary-round draw at the GFA headquarters in Accra, where lower-division clubs learnt their opponents for the opening stage of the country’s premier knockout competition.

Under the new arrangement, the final will be played over two legs, with the first scheduled for June 5–7, 2027, and the return leg set for June 12–13.

Frank Nelson of the FA Cup Committee described the format as a pilot initiative intended to give both finalists the opportunity to stage a major cup match before their home supporters.

“The two-legged final is a pilot project; however, if it works, it goes on,” he said, urging communities to embrace the competition.

The preliminary draw divided participating teams into 10 zones, producing several intriguing match-ups. Victory Club Warriors will face Eleven Wonders, Real Tamale United meet Yapei United, while Okwawu United take on Kotoku Royals.

Other notable fixtures include Great Olympics against MSK Zilina Africa, Golden Kick SC versus Attram De Visser, Accra Lions against John Paintsil FC and Tamale City’s clash with Wa Power SC.

The preliminary round will determine which lower-division sides advance to the Round of 64, where Ghana Premier League clubs will enter the competition. The remaining stages comprise the Round of 32, quarter-finals and semi-finals before the two-legged finale.

This season’s campaign will run under the theme “My MTN FA Cup, My Community”, with organisers calling on traditional leaders and residents to support their local teams and promote peaceful competition.

Established in 1958, the FA Cup remains a pathway for clubs beyond the top flight to challenge established sides. MTN Ghana became the competition’s headline sponsor in the 2010/11 season, when Nania FC beat Asante Kotoko 1–0 in the final.

Nations FC begin their title defence after beating Dreams FC on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time last season. The winners will earn the opportunity to represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup, subject to qualification requirements.

The University Stadium once again hosted the MTN FA Cup final as Nations Cup stunned 2023 winners Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The Abrankese side, relegated from the Ghana Premier League on the last day last week, held their nerve to secure their first major silverware by the victory, and will also represent Ghana in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

But a huge side attraction at the event was a group of bodybuilders, famously refered to as ‘machomen’ belonging to the national bodybuilding and fitness team, who lighted up the stadium when they appeared with the tournament trophy, displayed it to the spectators at the cup final before perfectly positioning it in front of the VIP stand to await the result of the match and it’s destination.

And in the end, the ‘machomen’ carried the beautiful trophy back unto the pitch for the coronation ceremony following Nations’ stunning upset of in-form Dreams who finished the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign on a strong run that culminated in a 4th place finish.

Their dreams of returning to the CAF Confederation Cup next season was dashed by Nations who will now represent Ghana in the continent’s second tier club tournament in the 2026/27 campaign, despite heading to the Division One League next term.

According to Abdul Hayye Yartey, President of the Ghana Bodybuilding & Fitness Association (GBFA), who also serves on the MTN FA Cup Committee, the move was significant to court public attention and visibility to bodybuilding and fitness, while also providing a platform for the ‘machomen’ to demonstrate their diverse abilities in addition to adding fun to the soccer spectacle.

The bodybuilders who took part in the exercise include Derrick Marley, Fred Amankwah, Frederick Abugah, Ampadu Martinson, Reagan Mends and Evans Segdor Naamwanuru.

“As a member of the MTN FA Cup Committee when we were planning the closing ceremony of the final game, I suggested their usage because I believe the sport of bodybuilding is very beautiful and an attractive one that will bring some attraction to what we want to do,” Mr Yartey told Sportsinghana.com.

“Football is the heartbeat of Ghana and a global sport with numbers, a sport that has massive viewership. Partnering football will bring lots of viewership to the sport of bodybuilding while maintaining the attraction of the occasion,” he said.

Joseph Effah gave Nations the lead on 31 minutes with a close range header but Abdul Razak Salifu headed in a powerful equaliser for Dreams on the stroke of halftime.

Both sides created a lot of chances in the second half and extra time, but none could break the stalemate, sending the match into the dreaded penalty shootout after 120 minutes.

Nations held their nerve to edge it 5-4 after both sides took six kicks each, to lift their first major silverware.

The triumph is historic as the Abrankese side become the first club in 34 years to win the FA Cup after suffering relegation from the GPL— after Ho Voradep’s 3-2 conquest of conquest of Neoplan Stars on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

The victory crowns a remarkable cup campaign Nations FC who will represent Ghana in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

The grand finale is expected to deliver another thrilling football spectacle synonymous with Ghana’s prestigious knock-out competition as both sides battle for the coveted trophy, attractive prizes and the bragging rights of being crowned champions.

For Nations FC, the MTN FA Cup has offered a silver lining to what was otherwise a disappointing campaign. The Abrankese-based side suffered relegation from the Ghana Premier League after finishing the season with 44 points.

However, they responded impressively in the FA Cup, embarking on a historic run to reach the final for the first time in the club’s history.

Now on the verge of making even greater history, Nations FC would be eager to cap off their remarkable journey with silverware and secure a place in continental football next season.

Their route to the final began with a victory over Division One League Zone Two side Ebony FC in the Round of 64 before eliminating fellow Zone Two side AshantiGold SC, the reigning champions of the zone.

They subsequently defeated Premier League side Swedru All Blacks 2-1, edged past Berekum Chelsea on penalties in the quarter-finals and secured a hard-fought semi-final win over Aduana FC in Swedru.

Nations FC have scored eight goals and conceded just twice throughout the competition, underlining their defensive solidity heading into the final.

A key figure in their impressive campaign has been Emmanuel Annor, whose outstanding performances, particularly in the semi-finals, have made him one of the standout players to watch.

He will be ably supported by skipper Razak Simpson, whose commanding leadership and defensive prowess have been instrumental in the club’s success.

On the other side, Dreams FC head into the final after enjoying another impressive season, finishing in the top four of the Ghana Premier League.

The Still Believe lads are making their second appearance in the FA Cup final after winning the competition during the 2022/23 season.

For Dreams FC, ending an excellent season with silverware would be the perfect reward and lifting the MTN FA Cup for a second time would further cement their growing status in Ghanaian football.

Dreams FC booked their place in the final following an entertaining 3-2 semi-final victory over Medeama SC. Prior to that, they defeated Division One League Zone Three side Semper Fi 2-1, beat Division Two outfit Asanska FC 2-0 and overcame Inter Allies in the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw before triumphing 4-3 on penalties.

Key players expected to influence proceedings for Dreams FC include Kevin Ahiable and Suraj Seidu, both of whom have impressed throughout the campaign.

Veteran striker John Antwi will also be looking to bring his vast experience to bear against the relatively youthful Nations FC side.

With the MTN FA Cup renowned for its unpredictability and drama, Sunday’s final promises to be fiercely contested as both teams leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of glory.

Recent editions of the competition have seen a blend of traditional powerhouses and emerging clubs lifting Ghana’s oldest football trophy.

Last season, Asante Kotoko defeated Golden Kick 2-1 at the University of Ghana Stadium, while the previous campaign saw Nsoatreman FC beat Bofoakwa Tano on penalties to claim the title.

Dreams FC secured their maiden FA Cup triumph in the 2022/23 season with a 2-0 victory over King Faisal, while Accra Hearts of Oak defeated Bechem United 2-1 to win the 2021/22 edition.

Sponsors of the competition, MTN Ghana, have lined up an exciting array of entertainment and several “Yello Moments” to thrill patrons on the final day, with football fans expected to throng the Legon Stadium in their numbers for what promises to be a memorable occasion.

Chronological list of MTN FA Cup winners

The MTN FA Cup has produced a diverse list of winners over the years, with Nania FC winning the 2010/11 edition, followed by New Edubiase United in 2011/12, Medeama SC in 2012/13 and 2014/15, and Asante Kotoko in 2013/14 and 2016/17.

Bechem United lifted the trophy in 2015/16 before the competition was abandoned in 2017/18, not played in 2018/19 and later cancelled in 2019/20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hearts of Oak returned to dominate the competition with back-to-back triumphs in 2020/21 and 2021/22, while Dreams FC claimed the title in 2022/23, Nsoatreman FC won in 2023/24 and Asante Kotoko emerged champions again in 2024/25.

Hearts of Oak remain the most successful club in FA Cup history with 11 titles, closely followed by Asante Kotoko with 10, while Real Republicans and Great Olympics have won four and three titles respectively.

Still coming to terms with their relegation from the Ghana Premier League (GPL) after the final round of matches last Sunday, Nations FC are desperate for a consolation and they couldn’t have been presented with a better opportunity than the cup final.

A competition that has consistently lived up it’s “obiaa by3 obiaa” mantra, to wit, “no one is above another”, Nations take on the 2023 champions, Dreams who ended the GPL on a superb run, winning five of their last six matches to jump into 4th place on 52 points, just two behind Accra Hearts of Oak who finished in third.

Despite holding on for a 1-0 win at Kalera United on the final day, Nations’ 3- year stay in the Ghanaian top flight ended in disaster as they became the third team to follow Eleven Wonders and Hohoe United into relegation as rivals Swedru All Blacks and Young Apostles both won to maintain their respective advantages to survive.

Now headed to Division One League next term, Nations hope to appease their fans with the FA Cup but it won’t come easy against Dreams FC who are determined to claim their second cup title and head back to the continental stage. The ‘Still Believe’ club went on to record a sensational run in the CAF Confederations Cup run.

Road to the Final

Nations FC began their FA Cup run with a win over Division One League Zone Two side Ebony FC in the Round of 64 before eliminating fellow Zone Two side AshantiGold SC, the current champions of their zone.

They then beat Ghana Premier League side Swedru All Blacks 2-1, edged past Berekum Chelsea on penalties in the quarter-finals, and secured a semi-final victory against Aduana FC in Swedru.

The Abrankese-based club have scored eight goals and conceded only two throughout the competition, making them one of the strongest defensive sides in the tournament.

Dreams FC on the other hand head into Sunday’s decider after bundling out eventual league champions Medeama SC 3-2 in a high-stakes semi finals of the 2025/26 MTN FA Cup.

Earlier, they overcame Division One League side Semper Fi 2-1, beat Division Two club Asanska FC 2-0, before seeing off former finalists Inter Allies 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in the quarter-finals

A total of 108 matches have been played in the competition so far, recording 62 home wins and 46 away wins. The tournament has produced 294 goals, with home teams scoring 169 and away teams netting 125. Thirty penalties have been awarded, with 24 converted and six missed. 

The last seven finals have delivered memorable moments. In 2017, Hearts of Oak faced Asante Kotoko at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium but suffered a 3-1 defeat. Hearts of Oak returned to glory in the 2020-21 final, beating AshantiGold SC on penalties before going on to defeat Bechem United 2-1 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in the 2021-22 final.

Dreams FC reached the final for the first time in the 2022-23 season and secured a 2-0 victory over King Faisal. Nsoatreman FC later lifted the trophy after defeating Bofoakwa Tano on penalties in 2023-24, while the most recent final saw Asante Kotoko beat Golden Kick 2-1 at the University of Ghana Stadium.

This season’s final will see Dreams FC take on Nations FC on Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm.

Credit: Ghana FA

19 hours ago

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has named a 28-man squad for the World Cup preparation camp and the international friendly against Wales in Cardiff. The team comprises five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and seven forwards.

The team opened camp on Monday, May 25, 2026, and trained at the Dragon Park in Cardiff ahead of the friendly against Wales on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Greece-based defender Baba Abdul Rahman returns to the team for the first time since September 2023, following consistent performances for PAOK. The former Chelsea left back has made 35 appearances this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists across all competitions.

Also returning is Olympique Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah, who has been absent for close to a year. He is back to full fitness after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for more than 12 months.

Other notable returnees include Rayo Vallecano’s Abdul Mumin, who is back from a long layoff due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury; Saint-Étienne midfielder Augustine Boakye; and Stade Rennes defender Alidu Seidu.

Ajax Amsterdam youngster Paul Reverson has also been included. The 20-year-old has been called up for further assessment with a long-term view, having impressed for Ajax’s youth side in the Netherlands.

The squad will assemble in Cardiff on Monday, May 25, 2026, in preparation for the international friendly against Wales and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Ghana will face Panama in the opening Group L match in Toronto before taking on England and Croatia in Boston and Philadelphia, respectively.

Credit: Ghana FA

The contest lived up to its billing, delivering intensity, quality and moments of brilliance as both sides battled fiercely for a coveted spot in the final.

Dreams FC drew first blood in the 23rd minute through Kelvin Ahiable, who calmly finished to give his side the early advantage.

Their momentum continued as in-form forward Suraj Seidu doubled the lead in the 36th minute, putting Dreams firmly in control heading into the latter stages of the first half.

However, Medeama responded with resilience and determination Prince  Owusu pulled one back before halftime to reignite hopes for the Mauve and Yellow.

Just four minutes into the second half, Richard Appiah struck to level the score at 2-2, setting the stage for a tense and finely poised finish.

With the match hanging in the balance, veteran striker John Antwi rose to the occasion, netting the winning goal to restore Dreams FC’s lead and ultimately seal a hard-earned victory.

The result sends Dreams FC into yet another FA Cup final, where they will face Nations FC in what promises to be an exciting showdown for the prestigious trophy.

Credit: Ghana FA

The decisive moment came early in the contest, as Emmanuel Annor struck in the 7th minute to give the Abrankese-based side a lead they would fiercely protect until the final whistle.

His clinical finish ultimately proved the difference in a tightly contested encounter that lived up to its billing.

Led by the composed and influential Razak Simpson, Nations FC delivered a disciplined and resilient performance, demonstrating tactical maturity and mental strength to withstand pressure from a determined Aduana side.

Their organization and composure ensured they held firm, sealing a landmark victory that sends them one step away from lifting their maiden FA Cup title.

Both teams showcased quality and attacking intent, but it was Nations FC who capitalized on their opportunity, turning an early breakthrough into a historic triumph.

The victory continues an impressive cup run that has seen them overcome Ebony FC, AshantiGold SC, Swedru All Blacks, Berekum Chelsea, and now Aduana FC on their path to the final.

Nations FC will now await the winner of the second semi-final clash between Medeama SC and Dreams FC, as they prepare for what promises to be a historic showdown.

Credit: Ghana FA

The GFA wishes to announce that all the players and team officials of the 6 clubs playing this weekend competitions will wear black armbands on their jerseys as a mark of respect during their respective matches.

In addition, a minute of silence will be observed before the commencement of each game in his honour.

This tribute will take place during the MTN FA Cup semi-final matches as well as the Women’s Premier League final scheduled for this weekend.

Credit: Ghana FA