2025/26 Women’s FA Cup Semifinals: Hasaacas Face Jonina Ladies; Army Play Samartex Ladies

Introduction

The stage is set for the pinnacle of the 2025/26 Ghanaian women’s football domestic season. The semifinal line-up for the prestigious Women’s FA Cup has been confirmed, promising two fiercely contested ties that will determine who competes for the ultimate prize in Ghanaian club football. Following a weekend of dramatic quarterfinal action, four formidable clubs from the Southern Zone Premier League have emerged victorious, showcasing the depth and growing quality of women’s football in the country.

This year’s last four features a compelling narrative of redemption, rivalry, and military precision. Hasaacas Ladies, one of Ghana’s most celebrated women’s clubs, secured their spot with a characteristic comeback victory. They will face Jonina Ladies, the determined finalists from the previous season, in a rematch of a developing Southern Zone rivalry. In the other semifinal, the disciplined Army Ladies will test their credentials against the resilient Samartex Ladies, who also needed a penalty shootout to progress. These matches, scheduled for the weekend of March 20-23, 2026, are not just about reaching the final; they are pivotal moments for club prestige, player development, and the broader visibility of the women’s game in Ghana.

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed, SEO-optimized breakdown of the semifinals. We will explore the key results that led here, delve into the background and history of the competing clubs, analyze the tactical and personnel factors that could decide each tie, offer practical advice for supporters, and answer pressing questions. Our aim is to deliver a pedagogical, accurate, and engaging resource for fans, analysts, and anyone invested in the future of Ghanaian women’s football.

Key Points: The Road to the Semifinals

The quarterfinal stage provided high drama, with two matches requiring the tension of penalty shootouts to separate the teams. Here is a concise summary of how each semifinalist advanced:

• Hasaacas Ladies vs. Ampem Darkoa Ladies: In a classic Western Region derby played in Takoradi, Hasaacas Ladies overturned a one-goal deficit to win 2-1. Linda Owusu Ansah put the visitors from Sunyani ahead, but goals from Grace Ntsiful and Abiba Issah secured a famous comeback, echoing the resilience of top European clubs.
• Jonina Ladies vs. Supreme Ladies: This match was a goal-fest that ended 2-2 after extra time. Jonina Ladies held their nerve to win 4-2 in the subsequent penalty shootout, demonstrating their mental fortitude in high-pressure knockout scenarios.
• Army Ladies vs. Tamale Super Ladies: The most one-sided quarterfinal saw Army Ladies assert their dominance with a commanding 4-0 away victory in Tamale. This performance highlighted their offensive firepower and defensive solidity.
• Samartex Ladies vs. FC Savannah: Another tense affair that remained deadlocked at 1-1 after 120 minutes. Samartex Ladies prevailed in the penalty shootout (details not specified), showcasing their ability to grind out results in marathon matches.

Key Takeaway: All four semifinalists are members of the Southern Zone Premier League, underscoring the competitive strength of that division in this season’s cup competition. The pathways to the semis—comebacks, shootouts, and dominant wins—hint at the diverse challenges each team will face in the next round.

Background: Clubs, History, and Tournament Context

The Prestige of the Women’s FA Cup

The Ghana Women’s FA Cup is the premier knockout tournament for women’s football clubs in the country, organized by the Ghana Football Association (GFA). It runs parallel to the league season and provides a unique, single-elimination format where underdogs can topple giants, and legends are made. Winning the FA Cup is a historic achievement, often a club’s most cherished trophy, and it grants a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers, adding continental significance to the domestic competition.

For the 2025/26 season, the tournament has captured attention due to the intense competition in the Southern Zone, widely regarded as the strongest regional league in Ghana. The presence of all four semifinalists from this zone is a testament to its quality and depth.

Club Profiles: The Final Four

Hasaacas Ladies (Sekondi-Takoradi): Affiliated with the iconic Sekondi Hasaacas FC, the ladies team is a powerhouse in Ghanaian women’s football. They are the most successful club in FA Cup history, having won the trophy multiple times. Known for their passionate fanbase and attacking style, they play their home games in the Western Region. Their quarterfinal comeback against rivals Ampem Darkoa reinforces their reputation for never-say-die spirit.

Jonina Ladies (Accra): Based in the capital, Jonina Ladies have rapidly ascended to become a top-tier club. They were the runners-up in the 2024/25 Women’s FA Cup final, losing a close contest, which gives them a burning desire to go one better this season. Their ability to win tight, high-scoring games via penalties marks them as mentally tough competitors.

Army Ladies (Accra/Tema): Representing the Ghana Armed Forces, this team combines athletic discipline with footballing talent. They are a consistent presence in the top half of the Southern Zone Premier League. Their emphatic 4-0 quarterfinal win in Tamale demonstrated their capacity for ruthless efficiency, particularly against teams from other regions.

Samartex Ladies (Samreboi): Affiliated with the timber giant Samartex, this club represents the Western North region. They are known for their physicality and organized defending. Their progression via a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw against FC Savannah highlights their resilience and ability to endure pressure in knockout scenarios.

Seasonal Context and Previous Encounters

The semifinal between Hasaacas Ladies and Jonina Ladies will be their third meeting of the season, adding a layer of tactical familiarity and heightened rivalry. Previous results in league and cup encounters will be meticulously analyzed by both coaching staffs. Army Ladies and Samartex Ladies may have met in league play, but the knockout cup context elevates the stakes exponentially. For Jonina Ladies, reaching the final again is a clear objective after last year’s disappointment. For Hasaacas, it’s about reclaiming their throne. Army and Samartex will be motivated to prove they belong among the elite by securing a place in the final.

Analysis: Tactical Battles and Deciding Factors

Each semifinal presents a distinct tactical chess match. Success will hinge on which team best imposes its style while neutralizing the opponent’s strengths.

Semifinal 1: Hasaacas Ladies vs. Jonina Ladies

Form Guide: Hasaacas enters on a high after a dramatic comeback, showcasing their attacking prowess and ability to respond to adversity. Jonina Ladies have shown they can manage the emotional rollercoaster of knockout football, winning a shootout after a pulsating draw.

Key Tactical Battle: This is likely to be a contest of Hasaacas’ proactive, possession-based attacking against Jonina’s potentially more pragmatic, counter-attacking setup. Hasaacas will look to control the midfield and use the pace of wingers like Abiba Issah to stretch the play. Jonina, having scored twice against Supreme, possess offensive threats of their own and will aim to be efficient on the break.

Decisive Players:

• Grace Ntsiful & Abiba Issah (Hasaacas): Their goals in the quarterfinal were crucial. Their ability to create and finish chances will be central to Hasaacas’ strategy.
• Jonina’s Penalty Heroes: The players who converted in the shootout will have confidence, but the team’s primary striker or creative midfielder in open play will be vital for avoiding another shootout.
• Midfield Control: The battle in the center, likely involving Hasaacas’ Linda Owusu Ansah (despite scoring for the opposition in the QF, she is a key Hasaacas player—note: original text says “Linda Owusu Ansah had given the guests the lead” implying she plays for Ampem Darkoa? Correction needed. Original: “after Linda Owusu Ansah had given the guests the lead.” Since Hasaacas were at home, Linda Owusu Ansah likely plays for Ampem Darkoa. So she is an opponent. For Hasaacas, key midfielders are Ntsiful and Issah. For Jonina, their own key playmaker needs to be identified. Since not named, I’ll be general.)