Nations FC have stunned Dreams FC to lift the Ghana FA Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory, earning a historic qualification to represent Ghana in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup despite being relegated from the Ghana Premier League.
The final, played at the Legon Sports Stadium on Sunday evening, ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time before Nations FC prevailed 5-4 on penalties.
Dreams FC, who went into the match as favourites, were expected to control proceedings but were shocked early as Joseph Effah gave Nations FC the lead with a fine finish around the half-hour mark.
Dreams FC responded just before half-time when 19-year-old Abdul Razak Salifu restored parity with an equaliser in added time of the first half.
Both sides battled through a tense second half and extra time without finding a winner, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout where Nations FC held their nerve to clinch the trophy.
The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for Nations FC, who were relegated from the Ghana Premier League despite ending their season on a positive note with an away win over Karela United in Tamale.
By winning the FA Cup, Nations FC will now represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in the club’s history, becoming the first side from the Bosomtwe area to compete in the continental tournament.
The achievement sets up a rare scenario where a relegated club will still feature on the continental stage next season, while also targeting an immediate return to top-flight football.
