Dreams FC, Nations FC set for MTN FA Cup final showdown

The 2025/26 MTN FA Cup reaches its climax on Sunday as Dreams FC face Nations FC at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra in what promises to be a thrilling finale to Ghana’s domestic football season.

Aside from the prestige of lifting Ghana’s oldest football trophy, the final presents both clubs with an opportunity to crown their seasons in very different but equally significant fashion.

For Nations FC, the competition has become a symbol of resilience and redemption after a difficult Ghana Premier League campaign that ended in relegation. The Abrankese-based side finished the season with 44 points and suffered the disappointment of dropping out of the top flight.

However, their impressive run in the FA Cup has restored hope among the club’s supporters and given them the chance to turn a painful season into a memorable one.

A victory on Sunday would secure Nations FC their first MTN FA Cup title and also hand them qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup despite their relegation from the Premier League.

Nations FC opened their campaign with victory over Division One side Ebony FC before eliminating former Premier League champions AshantiGold SC. They later defeated Swedru All Blacks 2-1 and edged out Berekum Chelsea on penalties in the quarter-finals.

In the semi-finals, they recorded a narrow win over Aduana FC in Swedru to book a historic place in the final.

The team has impressed throughout the competition with its defensive discipline and tactical organisation, conceding only two goals while scoring eight.

Winger Emmanuel Annor has been one of the standout performers in the tournament with his pace and creativity, while captain Razak Simpson has provided leadership and stability in defence.

Standing between Nations FC and history is a Dreams FC side that continues to grow in stature within Ghanaian football.

The “Still Believe” lads arrive in the final after another strong Ghana Premier League season, finishing in the top four. Dreams FC are also familiar with the pressures of big occasions, having won the MTN FA Cup during the 2022/23 campaign.

The club will now be chasing a second FA Cup title in three years as they seek to further establish themselves among Ghana’s elite sides.

Dreams FC booked their place in the final after an exciting 3-2 semi-final victory over Medeama SC in one of the competition’s most entertaining matches this season.

Before that, they defeated Semper Fi 2-1, beat Asanska FC 2-0 and eliminated Inter Allies on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the quarter-finals.

Midfielder Kevin Ahiable has played a key role in Dreams FC’s campaign with his creativity and work rate, while Suraj Seidu has consistently impressed in attack.

Veteran striker John Antwi is also expected to play an influential role in the final, bringing experience and composure to the youthful Dreams FC squad. His leadership and eye for goal could prove decisive on the big stage.

The MTN FA Cup has developed a reputation in recent years for producing dramatic storylines and unexpected champions.

Last season, Asante Kotoko defeated Golden Kick 2-1 at the same venue to win the trophy, while Nsoatreman FC enjoyed historic success the previous year after beating Bofoakwa Tano on penalties. Dreams FC themselves secured their maiden FA Cup triumph in 2022/23 with victory over King Faisal.

With both clubs carrying huge motivation into Sunday’s encounter, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle under the lights at the University of Ghana Stadium.

For Nations FC, the match offers the chance to complete a remarkable redemption story after relegation.

For Dreams FC, it represents another opportunity to strengthen their growing reputation as one of Ghana’s emerging football forces.

Headline sponsors MTN Ghana are also expected to add to the occasion with entertainment, fan engagement activities and several “Yello Moments” as thousands of supporters gather in Legon for what is anticipated to be a memorable football spectacle.