Hasaacas Ladies emerged as the champions of the 2025/26 Women’s FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, defeating Army Ladies 5-3 in a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of play. The victory secured the Takoradi-based club their second FA Cup title and a triumphant end to their season.
Season Climax and Tactical Battle
The final, held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, saw Hasaacas Ladies aiming to rebound from their recent loss in the Women’s Premier League final to Ampem Darkoa Ladies. Army Ladies, conversely, sought to salvage their season with a cup victory after missing out on the league final.
Both teams showed early promise, creating several scoring opportunities in the first half. However, solid defenses and perhaps a touch of early-game nerves prevented either side from breaking the deadlock. The first half concluded goalless, setting the stage for a more decisive second half.
Second Half Drama and Extra Time
The scoring opened in the second half when Hasaacas Ladies substitute Linda Epo found the back of the net in the 87th minute, seemingly putting her team on course for victory. However, Army Ladies responded swiftly.
Just two minutes later, Esther Asamoah Yiadom scored her seventh goal of the tournament, leveling the score at 1-1. This late equalizer forced the match into extra time, adding another layer of suspense to the already dramatic final.
Despite the additional thirty minutes of play, neither team could find a match-winning goal. The intensity of the contest meant the championship would be decided from the penalty spot.
Penalty Shootout Decides Champions
The penalty shootout saw Hasaacas Ladies demonstrate superior composure. They successfully converted all five of their spot kicks.
Army Ladies managed to score three of their four penalties but missed one crucial attempt. This miss ultimately handed the FA Cup trophy to Hasaacas Ladies, capping off a hard-fought victory.
Historical Significance and Coaching Milestone
This triumph marks Hasaacas Ladies’ second Women’s FA Cup title, with their previous win occurring in the 2020/21 season. The victory is particularly significant for head coach Raymond Fenny, who has now become the first coach to win the competition in consecutive seasons.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of the 2025/26 Women’s FA Cup sets a new benchmark for Hasaacas Ladies, highlighting their consistent performance and resilience. For Army Ladies, the loss is a disappointment, but their strong performance throughout the tournament suggests potential for future success.
Fans and analysts will be watching to see how these two teams build on their performances. The success of Hasaacas Ladies and coach Fenny’s coaching prowess will likely influence tactical approaches and player development across the league in the upcoming seasons. The consistent emergence of clutch performers like Esther Asamoah Yiadom also points to the growing talent pool within women’s football.
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