The MTN FA Cup 2026/27 preliminary round is set to bring clubs from Ghana’s Division One and Division Two leagues into the national knockout competition, with several regional rivalries giving supporters plenty to anticipate. The Ghana News Agency reported on October 15 that the draw had been completed, setting up ties involving former top-flight clubs, ambitious lower-division sides and teams hoping to use the cup as a platform for a memorable run.
The 18 Ghana Premier League clubs have been exempted from the preliminary stage and will enter at the Round of 64. That structure gives lower-division teams an early opportunity to progress, while established Premier League sides wait to discover their opponents in the next phase.
Photo note: Archive image of Ghana FA Cup match action, not a photograph of the upcoming preliminary fixtures.
Regional derbies headline the preliminary round
One of the notable match-ups is the Bono derby between Victory Club Warriors FC and Eleven Wonders FC in Group One. Eleven Wonders have experience of the Premier League and will want to make a positive start as they pursue a return to the top flight. Victory Club Warriors, meanwhile, will look to turn their squad investment and local support into a strong cup performance.
Group Two also offers northern interest, with Real Tamale United facing Yapei United and Tamale City taking on Wa Power SC. RTU’s history at the top level gives the fixture added interest, while Tamale City will be keen to build on its recent competitive standing after narrowly missing out on promotion last season. Wa Power will have its own ambitions and will not want to be treated as an easy opponent.
In Group Nine, Okwawu United will host Kotoku Royals in an Eastern Region derby. Both clubs have Premier League history, making the tie an opportunity to reconnect with supporters and demonstrate that their ambitions remain alive outside the top division.
Other ties to keep on the radar
King Faisal FC begin their campaign against Pro Sports Academy, while Ebony FC have a demanding assignment against Nations FC in Group Five. Great Olympics FC meet MSK Zilina FC in Group Eight, a match that brings a club with top-flight experience against an academy side seeking a high-profile result. Accra Lions FC will also face John Paintsil FC in the same group.
Last season’s finalists Golden Kick SC have been paired with Attram De Visser, while Sefwi All Stars FC host Skyy FC in a Western Region derby. These fixtures underline one of the FA Cup’s strongest features: clubs from different parts of the football pyramid can meet in a competition where a single performance can change a team’s season.
Why the preliminary stage matters
For lower-division teams, a cup run can provide more than a chance to progress. It can bring attention to players, attract supporters, create opportunities for sponsorship and offer coaches a test against unfamiliar opposition. A strong performance can also build confidence for league matches, although clubs must balance cup ambitions with the demands of their regular competitions.
Knockout football rewards preparation and discipline. Teams need to manage set pieces, avoid preventable errors and remain organised when momentum shifts. Coaches must also think carefully about substitutions and player fitness, especially when travel and a busy schedule place demands on smaller squads.
When do the ties take place?
The Ghana Football Association’s published season schedule indicates the 2026/27 MTN FA Cup will begin in October, with the preliminary round window scheduled for October 23–26, 2026. Fans should check the GFA’s official fixture updates for any changes to individual kick-off times, venues or match arrangements before travelling.
What happens after the preliminary round?
Winners advance towards the Round of 64, where the Ghana Premier League clubs enter the competition. That next stage is likely to raise the profile of the tournament further, but the first challenge for each lower-division team is to get through its opening tie. Supporters should avoid assuming that reputation alone will determine the outcome: cup football often creates difficult games for favourites when opponents defend with discipline and make the most of their opportunities.
Official sources and updates
Read the Ghana News Agency report on the preliminary draw and follow the Ghana Football Association’s MTN FA Cup page for official notices. SportAirwave will continue to cover Ghana football, fixtures and results. Visit SportAirwave.live for more local and international sports coverage, including our guide to spotting fake football recruitment offers.
Frequently asked questions
Which teams are involved in the preliminary round?
The preliminary stage features clubs from the Division One and Division Two leagues. The 18 Ghana Premier League clubs enter at the Round of 64.
Which ties are among the main talking points?
Notable fixtures include Victory Club Warriors versus Eleven Wonders, RTU versus Yapei United, Tamale City versus Wa Power, Okwawu United versus Kotoku Royals and Golden Kick versus Attram De Visser.
Where can supporters confirm match details?
Use the Ghana Football Association’s official FA Cup updates to confirm dates, venues and kick-off times before travelling.
