Nations FC head coach Stephen Frimpong Manso has revealed that winning the MTN FA Cup was a must for his side, describing the triumph as a crucial opportunity to redeem an otherwise disappointing campaign that ended in relegation from the Ghana Premier League.
The Abrankese-based club endured a difficult league season, finishing 16th and dropping to the Access Bank Division One League. However, they ended the campaign on a memorable note, defeating Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw following regulation time and extra time to claim their first-ever FA Cup title.
Speaking after the victory, Frimpong Manso admitted that failure to win the final would have compounded the club’s frustrations following relegation.
“We had to win this game; otherwise, it would have been very bad for us,” he said.
The FA Cup success not only delivered silverware but also secured Nations FC a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, offering the club a chance to compete on the continental stage despite their domestic setback.
For Frimpong Manso, the achievement marks another impressive milestone in his coaching career. The experienced tactician has now guided teams to continental qualification in back-to-back seasons. Last year, he led Bibiani Gold Stars to the Ghana Premier League title, earning a place in the CAF Champions League.
“It’s a great feeling. For me, it’s very good. It doesn’t matter what has happened. We needed to compensate the management and also our fans. They were all determined to play for this game,” he added.
While the pain of relegation remains fresh, the FA Cup triumph has provided Nations FC with a renewed sense of hope and a platform for redemption. The victory ensures the club will fly Ghana’s flag in Africa next season, turning what appeared to be a disappointing campaign into one that ended with silverware and continental qualification.
For Frimpong Manso and his players, the FA Cup was more than just a trophy—it was a statement of resilience and a reward for their determination in the face of adversity.