Nations FC win MTN FA Cup after dramatic penalty shootout
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Nations FC defeated Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the 2025/26 MTN FA Cup.
- The match ended 1-1 after regulation time and extra time, requiring a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
- Nations FC became the first club in 34 years to win the FA Cup after being relegated from the Ghana Premier League.
Nations FC has secured a historic victory, clinching the 2025/26 MTN FA Cup by defeating Dreams FC 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout. The final, held at the University of Ghana Stadium, saw an intense battle that concluded in a 1-1 draw after both regulation and extra time, forcing the decision to penalties.
Joseph Effah opened the scoring for Nations FC in the 31st minute with a well-taken goal. Dreams FC responded just before halftime, with Abdul Razak Salifu leveling the score. Despite numerous chances for both teams in the second half and the subsequent extra period, neither side could find a decisive goal, setting the stage for a tense shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Nations FC demonstrated remarkable composure, converting all five of their spot-kicks to secure the coveted trophy. This triumph is particularly significant as Nations FC becomes the first club in 34 years to win the FA Cup following relegation from the Ghana Premier League. Their achievement mirrors that of Voradep in 1992, who also won the cup after relegation.
The victory caps a remarkable cup run for Nations FC and marks one of the most memorable MTN FA Cup campaigns in recent history. The team's performance underscores their resilience and determination, overcoming the disappointment of relegation to achieve cup glory.
Nations FC skipper Razak Simpson proudly receives the MTN FA Cup trophy from GFA Vice President Mark Addo and FA Cup officials
Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.