Nations FC’s MTN FA Cup win, a feat worth celebrating

The world over, the FA Cup is noted as a competition that produces winners whose pedigree can always be called into question.

This year in particular when many predicted an all-conquering Arsenal to win the English version of the championship, they were beaten by a struggling Manchester City side to win the trophy.

The season before, a dominant Manchester City side also surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace in a final many expected the east Manchester side to triumph.

The Ghana version of the competition is not spared of the surprises and uncertainties about the competition.

On Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Nations FC walked a path that only defunct Ho Voradep treaded on 34 years ago when they suffered relegation in the 1992 edition but won the FA Cup competition.

Having faced the ignominy of relegation, Nations FC put up a strong fight to beat Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the MTN FA Cup after drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time.

Joseph Effah put Nations FC ahead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before Abdul Razak Salifu levelled for Dreams FC on the stroke of halftime.

Both sides had good chances in the second half and extra time, but all failed to find the back of the net again until the shoot-outs.

It was not just historic. It is the biggest silverware in their trophy cabinet. Though they would campaign from the lower tier of Ghana football, they would hoist Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederations Cup competition in the next season.

It was a dramatic and memorable season, leaving huge responsibility on the tiny shoulders of Dr Kwame Kyei’s Nations FC.

The focus is now on the future for the winners considering the financial challenge that comes with participation for the continental championship others to arise regarding the acceptance of their home venue.

While commending the FA Cup committee and MTN Ghana, the headline sponsors, one hopes that corporate sectors consider that difficulty and rush to the aid of the club. Ayekoo, Nations FC.

By Andrew Nortey