Sponsors of the MTN FA Cup, MTN Ghana have hailed the level playing field the competition avails to lower tier teams to compete against more illustrious opponents and have acknowledged the impact as a true reflection of the competition’s own motto since the country’s leading telecommunications provider partnered the competition back in 2011.
Speaking at the draw for the quarter finals of the 2024/25 season which featured more lower tier sides than Premier League sides, Germain Naatey, Senior Manager, Brands & Communications, Marketing Services, MTN Ghana expressed the company’s commitment to the competition. He revealed their immense pride that the competition has over the years continued to witness upsets and a further demonstration of the power of football to change lives.
In a monumental upset, Abedi Pele’s Nania FC beat giants Asante Kotoko to win the maiden MTN FA Cup in 2011
“The MTN FA Cup journey has been exciting and indeed lived up to the slogan that says ‘obiara nnye obiaa.’ Since we got involved in 2010/2011, we have frequently seen smaller clubs beat bigger ones to lift the trophy,” Mr. Naatey said.
“I must say that the FA Cup tournament has contributed immensely to strengthening local Football Clubs and contributed to unearthing talents,” he added.
Nsoatreman players celebrate becoming the new MTN FA Cup champions
The Ghana cup tournament started in 1958, a complimentary competition to the league gave lower tier sides the chance to flex muscles with the top division clubs. This has often given occasions for massive upsets throughout the history of the competition, but this has been more prevalent since MTN ignited the rebirth of the tournament following an 8-year hiatus between 2002 and 2010.
The shocks started from the very first edition in 2011 when Division One League side, Nania FC, owned and coached by the legendary Abedi Pele, shocked the great Asante Kotoko in the final to become the maiden MTN FA Cup champions in a stunning upset.
Ghana FA General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo picks a ballot during the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup draw at MTN House in Accra on Friday
A team playing in the Premier League has won every edition since including Nsoatreman FC who refused Tano Bofoakwa in last year’s final. But no side since has won the trophy more than once aside Tarkwa based Medeama SC who annexed the cup in 2013 and 2015, beating Kotoko both times.
The quarter final pairings pit Division One League side, True Democracy await winner of the postponed round of 16 tie between Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Sekondi Eleven Wise in the eye fixture.
The full quarter final draw – 2024/25 MTN FA Cup
Other ties match-up former league champions, Berekum Chelsea against 2016 MTN FA Cup winners, Bechem United in the only all-Premier League clash whiles Karela United take on Golden Kick, the second tier side who sensationally knocked record winners Accra Hearts of Oak out in the last round.
The last 8 fixtures list is concluded by Attram De Visser Academy versus PAC Academy battle that guarantees a semi final ticket for a lower League side this campaign. The quarterfinal matches will take place on the weekend of March 28-31.
“This year’s competition has been nothing short of thrilling, showcasing the exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork of our talented footballers,” the MTN Brands Manager said.
“At MTN, we believe in the power of football to inspire and transform lives, that is why we remain committed to investing in Ghanaian football. Our goal is to help create an ecosystem where young talents can thrive, where fans can engage more deeply with the game, and where Ghana’s football can continue to shine on the global stage,” he stated.
He added:
“We call on all fans to troop to the various stadia during the quarter finals, semis and the final match to support their teams and nurture the love for local football. MTN has a line up of surprises for fans who visit the stadia. Do not miss any match day because its going to be fun.
“We urge all competing clubs to let the spirit of competition drive them to give off their best, and may the fans enjoy every moment of this journey.”
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