Ghana’s road to the 2026/27 MTN FA Cup final begins on Tuesday, October 13, with the preliminary round draw scheduled to take place at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters in Accra.
The draw, set for 11:00 a.m. local time, will determine the opening fixtures of the country’s premier knockout football competition, with lower-division clubs preparing to compete for a place in the Round of 64.
For many of the participating sides, the preliminary round represents an opportunity to make an early statement, challenge established opponents and begin a campaign that could ultimately lead to national recognition.
Lower-division clubs begin their campaign
Unlike the Ghana Premier League, where clubs compete over a full league season, the MTN FA Cup offers a knockout format in which each match can prove decisive.
The preliminary round will feature clubs from Ghana’s lower divisions, with successful teams advancing to the Round of 64, where Premier League sides are scheduled to enter the competition.
The format provides smaller clubs with an opportunity to test themselves against opposition from across the domestic football pyramid, while also offering a potential route to one of Ghanaian football’s most prestigious trophies.
Cup competitions have historically provided a platform for emerging teams to attract attention, build confidence and challenge clubs with greater resources and experience.
A route to continental football
Beyond the domestic title, the MTN FA Cup carries the prospect of continental competition for its eventual winner.
Victory in the tournament offers a pathway to represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup, adding further significance to the competition for clubs seeking to establish themselves beyond the domestic game.
For the lower-division participants, the journey begins with the preliminary round, but the ultimate ambition is to progress through the successive knockout stages and compete for the trophy.
Fixtures to follow the draw
The full list of preliminary round fixtures and further competition details are expected to be announced following Tuesday’s draw.
Attention will then turn to the opening matchups, as clubs learn the opponents standing between them and a place in the Round of 64.
With the new campaign set to begin, the draw marks the first major step in another season of knockout football, where the prospect of an upset and the pursuit of silverware will shape the competition.
Story by Achore Richard