Jubilant Ejisu team with the trophy aloft
Ejisu displayed brilliance at the Otumfuo Park, Dechemso, last Sunday to win the well-patronised 2023 MTN Ashantifest Soccer Festival.
They defeated Santasi 4-3 on penalties in the final after a 1-1 drawn game to take home a giant trophy, cash prize of GH¢20,000 and other souvenirs from MTN.
Pre-match favourites, Ejisu went a goal down after Enock Morrison gave Santasi the lead in the 55th minute from a free kick to beat goalkeeper Fatau Seidu.
The eventual winners equalised in the 70th minute courtesy a splendid strike from Raruf Abubakar to set up an intriguing final minutes.
Female referee Juliet Asante, who was in the centre of the final, was also a delight to watch with her decisions and management of the game.
In the third place match, Dichemso lost to Kwadaso 3-1. Samuel Sarpong scored twice, and George Agyemang added another for Kwadaso, while Ransford Bonsu got a consolation goal.
The finals was graced by dignitaries including chiefs, MTN officials, present and former footballers and coaches including Samuel Boadu, Paa Kwesi Fabin, Akwesi Appiah, Kweku Frimpong, Abdul Razak ‘Golden Boy’ and Ibrahim Danlad of Asante Kotoko and Black Meteors fame.
Senior Manager, Brands and Communications at MTN, Mr. Germain Naatey, congratulated the winners for their efforts, and commended the other teams for making this year’s tournament very competitive and exciting.
“It had been an interesting journey which saw a display of great talents and also brought communities together in a very competitive but friendly atmosphere,” he said.
He added that MTN Ghana is committed to the development and promotion of sports, especially football in the country and would continue to provide the platform for young people to excel.
He promised a bigger event next year, as the tournament had seen massive improvement each year.