The race for the 2026/27 MTN FA Cup title is gathering momentum, with clubs from Ghana’s lower divisions battling for a place in the Round of 64 and an opportunity to test themselves against the country’s top-flight sides.

The competition provides a platform for Division One and Division Two clubs to showcase their talent, challenge established teams and pursue a memorable cup run that could put them on the national football map.

Among the clubs featured in the Ghana Football Association’s published list are Yapei FC, Tamale City, Pro-Sports Academy, Victory Club Warriors, Future Stars FC, Nsuopun Fidelity, WAFA SC, Inter Allies, Great Olympics, Accra Lions FC and Elmina Sharks.

Other sides named include Okwawu United, Golden Warriors, Berekum City, Sefwi All Stars, Fiaseman United, Accra Elite Academy, Dynamo FC-Ho and Techiman Liberty Youth, highlighting the competition’s wide geographical reach and the diversity of clubs seeking to make an impression.

The preliminary round has already produced several eye-catching results, underlining the unpredictable nature of the knockout competition.

According to the GFA, Yapei FC defeated former Premier League side Real Tamale United 2-1 away from home, while Tamale City secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Wa Power Sporting Club.

Victory Club Warriors also recorded an impressive 2-0 win over Techiman Eleven Wonders, while Nsuopun Fidelity delivered one of the biggest results of the round with a 7-1 thrashing of Bhog Football Club.

There was also penalty shootout drama, with Kumasi King Faisal FC overcoming Pro-Sports Academy 9-8 after a goalless draw and Golden Kick FC defeating Attram De Visser SC 4-3 on penalties.

The results demonstrate the fine margins separating success and elimination in the competition, where a single moment can determine a club’s fate.

Under the competition format announced by the GFA, the 18 Ghana Premier League clubs are exempted from the preliminary round and will enter the competition at the Round of 64 stage. The preliminary-round winners will join them in the next phase.

For the lower-tier clubs, progression offers more than just another fixture. It presents an opportunity to attract attention, build confidence and compete against opponents with greater experience at the highest level of domestic football.

With established names and ambitious lower-division sides all chasing the same trophy, the MTN FA Cup remains a competition in which determination, tactical discipline and consistency can make the difference.

As the tournament progresses, the focus will be on which clubs can sustain their momentum and emerge as genuine contenders for the title.