Ghana’s MTN FA Cup will break new ground in the 2026/27 season, with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) introducing a two-legged final as the competition prepares to kick off on October 23.
The historic change was announced at Tuesday’s preliminary-round draw at the GFA headquarters in Accra, where lower-division clubs learnt their opponents for the opening stage of the country’s premier knockout competition.
Under the new arrangement, the final will be played over two legs, with the first scheduled for June 5–7, 2027, and the return leg set for June 12–13.
Frank Nelson of the FA Cup Committee described the format as a pilot initiative intended to give both finalists the opportunity to stage a major cup match before their home supporters.
“The two-legged final is a pilot project; however, if it works, it goes on,” he said, urging communities to embrace the competition.
The preliminary draw divided participating teams into 10 zones, producing several intriguing match-ups. Victory Club Warriors will face Eleven Wonders, Real Tamale United meet Yapei United, while Okwawu United take on Kotoku Royals.
Other notable fixtures include Great Olympics against MSK Zilina Africa, Golden Kick SC versus Attram De Visser, Accra Lions against John Paintsil FC and Tamale City’s clash with Wa Power SC.
The preliminary round will determine which lower-division sides advance to the Round of 64, where Ghana Premier League clubs will enter the competition. The remaining stages comprise the Round of 32, quarter-finals and semi-finals before the two-legged finale.
This season’s campaign will run under the theme “My MTN FA Cup, My Community”, with organisers calling on traditional leaders and residents to support their local teams and promote peaceful competition.
Established in 1958, the FA Cup remains a pathway for clubs beyond the top flight to challenge established sides. MTN Ghana became the competition’s headline sponsor in the 2010/11 season, when Nania FC beat Asante Kotoko 1–0 in the final.
Nations FC begin their title defence after beating Dreams FC on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time last season. The winners will earn the opportunity to represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup, subject to qualification requirements.