The Rich History of the MTN FA Cup in Ghana

The Ghana FA Cup, now known as the MTN FA Cup, has a storied history that dates back to 1958, just a year after Ghana gained independence.

Over the years, the competition has seen various winners, with 19 different clubs lifting the trophy since its inception.

The first edition of the FA Cup was won by Asante Kotoko, who beat arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the final. This set the stage for a competition that would become a beloved tradition in Ghanaian football.

The competition has had its ups and downs over the years, including an eight-year hiatus from 2002 to 2010. However, MTN’s sponsorship since the 2010/2011 season has revitalized the competition, making it the most respected football competition in Ghana.

The MTN FA Cup is known for its unpredictability, with lower-tier teams often causing upsets against top-flight clubs.

This has made the competition exciting and highly competitive, with clubs from different divisions competing against each other.

Recent winners of the MTN FA Cup include New Edubiase United, Ashanti Gold, Bechem United, Medeama SC, and Dreams FC.

The most recent champions, Nsoatreman FC, won the 2023/24 title by beating Bofoakwa Tano 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

The MTN FA Cup provides a platform for clubs from different divisions to compete against each other, with 44 Division 2 clubs, 48 Division 1 clubs, and 18 Premier League clubs participating every year. This diversity and unpredictability make the MTN FA Cup an exciting and highly competitive tournament in Ghanaian football.

MTN’s sponsorship of the FA Cup has been instrumental in revitalizing the competition. The telecommunications company has brought a new level of excitement and professionalism to the tournament, making it a must-watch event in Ghanaian football.