Nations FC have won the MTN FA Cup for the first time in their history after defeating Dreams 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on Sunday.
The victory secures Nations FC a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup and caps a memorable campaign for the club.
Nations took the lead in the 31st minute through Joseph Effah. The forward was perfectly positioned inside the penalty area to head home after a series of aerial duels following a long throw into the box.
The lead lasted only a short while as Dreams responded through Abdul Razak Salifu. The forward finished off a flowing move with a powerful header after excellent combination play and a precise cross into the area.
Salifu’s goal not only restored parity for Dreams but also took his tally to six goals in this season’s competition, moving him to the top of the FA Cup scoring chart and putting him in pole position for the Golden Boot award.
Neither side could find a winner during the remainder of the match, forcing the final to be decided by a penalty shootout.
Nations held their nerve from the spot to prevail 5-4, sparking celebrations among their players and supporters as they lifted the FA Cup trophy for the first time.
For Dreams, the defeat denied them a second FA Cup title after their maiden triumph in 2023.
The cup success provides a significant boost for Nations after a disappointing league campaign that ended in relegation. The club will now turn their attention to competing in the CAF Confederation Cup while pursuing an immediate return to the Ghana Premier League.