Hadina Bariu's shoot-out heroics power relegated Nations FC to MTN FA Cup success
Substitute goalkeeper Hadina Bariu scored one penalty and saved another as relegated Nations FC completed one of the most remarkable acts of redemption in recent Ghanaian football, defeating Dreams FC 5-4 in a dramatic shoot-out after a 1-1 draw to lift the 2025/26 MTN FA Cup at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday.
Just a week after suffering the heartbreak of relegation from the Ghana Premier League, Nations rewrote their story in extraordinary fashion, transforming despair into history by claiming their first major trophy and securing a place in next season's CAF Confederation Cup at the expense of a Dreams FC side that had finished fourth in the league and arrived in the final as favourites.
The defining moment came in the tie-breaking penalty shoot-out. Having been introduced specifically for penalties, Bariu calmly converted his kick before producing the save that mattered most, diving to deny Chris Yaovi Guede and sparking wild celebrations among the Nations players and supporters.
It was a fitting climax to a contest that swung dramatically from end to end and showcased the enduring magic of the FA Cup.
Dreams FC started like a side determined to return to continental football. From referee Selorm Yaw Bless's opening whistle, they dominated possession, pinned Nations deep inside their own half and created a series of early openings. Their pressure yielded the first corner of the match in the 15th minute, while goalkeeper Abraham Odonkor was repeatedly called into action to keep Nations in the game.
Yet against the run of play, Nations FC gradually found their footing. The lively Brandon Antwi Sarpong, later named Man of the Match, began driving his side forward and won a free-kick in a dangerous position after being brought down by Christian Owusu. Asante Boahen's effort failed to trouble Dreams goalkeeper Rahman Osman, but it signalled a growing threat.
The game's first major turning point arrived in the 25th minute. A defensive lapse gifted Samuel Tetteh possession and the striker immediately slipped Emmanuel Annor through on goal. Annor delicately lifted the ball over the advancing Osman, only to watch in agony as his effort crashed against the crossbar and bounced clear.
It was a warning Dreams FC failed to heed. Ten minutes later, Nations FC struck the opening blow. A dangerous delivery into the penalty area caused panic inside the Dreams box. The ball ricocheted off a cluster of players before dropping invitingly for Joseph Effah, who reacted quickest to nod beyond Osman and hand Nations a 35th-minute lead.
The celebrations had barely subsided when controversy followed. Less than a minute after the opener, Tetteh appeared to be clipped after rounding Osman inside the box, prompting furious penalty appeals from Nations. Referee Bless, however, waved play on and awarded a goal-kick.
Dreams FC responded exactly as top sides do. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Christian Owusu whipped in a superb cross from the right flank, and Abdul Razak Salifu rose powerfully above the defence to thunder a header past Odonkor, restoring parity and sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The second half produced intensity rather than goals. Nations FC emerged aggressively after the restart, forcing two quick corners and creating another inviting opening for Annor, who failed to convert.
Dreams FC continued to probe and almost capitalised in the 55th minute when Kelvin Ampoful conceded a free-kick in a dangerous area. The resulting delivery caused concern but was eventually cleared. As fatigue began to set in, both sides exchanged attacks in a tense battle for the decisive breakthrough. Neither defence, however, was willing to yield.
Extra time followed the same script. Coach Winfred Dormon’s side enjoyed the better opportunities and controlled longer spells of possession, while Nations remained dangerous on the counter-attack and defended with admirable discipline.
Then came another moment of agonising drama. With penalties looming and just two minutes remaining in extra time, Nations substitute Abdula Mashud unleashed a fierce long-range strike that beat everyone, including the goalkeeper, but crashed against the top of the crossbar and flew out for a goal-kick.
The match's final twist came before the shoot-out itself. Both coaches rolled the dice by changing goalkeepers. Dreams introduced Gidios Aseako for Rahman Osman, while Nations sent on Bariu for Odonkor. Only one substitution would prove decisive.
Captain Razak Simpson, Brandon Antwi Sarpong, Samuel Tetteh, Bariu and Mashud converted for Nations, although Michael Abrokwa missed.
For Dreams FC, Ebenezer Adade, Kofi Kumah Jnr, John Antwi and Guede found the net, but misses from Seidu Suraj and Guede ultimately proved costly.
As Bariu's save settled the contest, Nations FC completed a journey few thought possible. Seven days after relegation heartbreak, they stood as FA Cup champions.
Instead of preparing solely for life in Division One next season, the Abrankese-based club will now carry Ghana's flag in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, a remarkable reward for a team that refused to let its season end in disappointment.
