In the often predictable arena of Ghanaian football, where top-tier clubs dominate the narrative, a rare magic sometimes unfolds; a story where lower-league teams punch far above their weight and shake the foundations of the status quo.
The MTN FA Cup has, in its best moments, become the theatre for such magic. And in recent years, a quartet of Division One clubs; Narnia FC, Okwawu United, Boafoakwa Tano, and Golden Kicks FC have delivered drama, defiance, and dreams fulfilled on the national stage.
Nania FC: A Cinderella Story for the Ages (2010/11)
The fairy tale began in the 2010/11 season when Narnia FC did what many thought impossible; not only reaching the FA Cup final but winning it outright.
Facing off against Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s football powerhouses, Narnia stood fearless at the Accra Sports Stadium.
In a match that echoed with disbelief and wonder, Evans Omani’s decisive strike stunned the crowd and secured Narnia’s place in history as the first lower-tier side in recent memory to lift the FA Cup.
That moment wasn’t just a win; it was a signal that dreams could become reality, even from the shadows of Division One.
Okwawu United: The Soccer Mountaineers Climb (2016)
In 2016, the spirit of Narnia lived on through Okwawu United. Nicknamed the Soccer Mountaineers, they embarked on a daring climb toward the FA Cup summit.
Their tactical discipline and team spirit earned them a place in the final at the Cape Coast Stadium, where they squared off against Bechem United.
Though they narrowly lost 2-1, their journey gripped the hearts of fans nationwide. They didn’t leave with a trophy but they left with respect, and a clear message: the gap between leagues was shrinking.
Boafoakwa Tano: So Close, Yet So Far (2024)
In 2024, another Division One side emerged with fire and belief; Boafoakwa Tano. Their path to the final was gritty and determined, culminating in a pulsating showdown with Nsoatreman FC at the University of Ghana Stadium.
After 120 minutes, the sides couldn’t be separated, finishing 1-1. But the heartbreak came in the penalty shootout, as Boafoakwa fell just short, losing 5-4. Still, the journey echoed loudly across the footballing landscape: this was a team that belonged on the big stage.
Golden Kicks FC: The Newest Dreamers (2024/25)
Now, as the 2024/25 season nears its end, Golden Kicks FC has stepped into the spotlight. In a high-stakes semifinal, they dispatched fellow Division One side Attram De Visser 3–1 to book their place in the final.
Only the third second-tier team in over a decade to reach this stage, Golden Kicks are writing their own chapter, building on the belief first lit by Narnia FC.
They now await the winner of the other semifinal clash between Asante Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea, with a historic final set for June 15, 2025, again at the University of Ghana Stadium.
