Nations CEO fires warning to FC Diarra ahead of CAF Confederation tie

Kennedy Boakye Ansah, CEO of Nations FC, expressed confidence ahead of the club's maiden African campaign, insisting the FA Cup winners are unfazed by their preliminary-round draw against Mali's FC Diarra. The Abrankese-based club has been paired with FC Diarra of Mali in the opening round of the 2026-27 CAF Confederation Cup, with the first leg set to be played in Bamako in September. Nations FC secured qualification by winning the MTN FA Cup, despite suffering relegation from the Ghana Premier League at the end of last season.

Their opponents, FC Diarra, placed fourth in the Malian Première Division and were runners-up in the Coupe du Mali. Reacting to the draw, Kennedy told Luv FM that Nations FC are embracing the challenge and are determined to make a strong impression. He stated, "It's going to be a very good experience in Africa, and Nations FC is quite a young club." He also mentioned, "Unfortunately, there were some issues that came up, and that culminated in us getting relegated back to Division One." Kennedy added that he has done background checks on FC Diarra, noting they came out of an academy and play at Stade Mamadou Conaté in Bamako.