Yussif Saani: The rising 17-year-old star who lit up the MTN Elite U19 Championship

Praise continues to pour in for Greater Accra’s teenage sensation, Yussif Saani, whose dazzling displays at the MTN Elite U19 Championship have made him the talk of Ghana’s football scene.

The 17-year-old winger delivered a spellbinding performance throughout the 11-day tournament, earning widespread admiration from fans, coaches, scouts and fans.

At just 17, Saani emerged as one of the brightest prospects in Ghanaian youth football, a player whose flair, maturity and raw talent captivated everyone at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, where the championship concluded on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Not only did he scoop the Player of the Tournament award, but he also claimed the Goal King title and a well-deserved place in the Team of the Tournament, completing a rare personal treble that highlights his dominance and consistency.

Representing the Greater Accra Region, Saani featured in all six of his team’s matches, guiding them to a bronze medal after a convincing 2–0 victory over Ashanti Region in the third-place playoff. He capped off an extraordinary campaign with his fifth goal of the tournament, a fitting finale to a competition where he was simply unplayable.

Operating primarily from the left-wing and occasionally on the right, Saani terrorized defenders with his blistering pace, clever footwork and eye for goal. His ability to beat opponents in one-on-one duels, coupled with his composure in front of goal, drew comparisons to some of Ghana’s most exciting attacking talents in recent memory.

Those who watched him in action described his performances as “electric”, a perfect blend of power, precision and personality.

Currently on the roster of Dansoman Liberty Academy, Yussif Saani has been tipped for greatness by many within Ghana’s football circles. Coaches and scouts have lauded his technical ability and game intelligence, noting that he possesses the rare combination of creativity, confidence and maturity beyond his years.

“He’s fearless, skillful  and has the natural instincts of a born attacker,” one national team scout remarked. “If he remains disciplined and continues to work hard, Yussif Saani can become a major figure in Ghanaian football  and beyond.”

Indeed, his performances have not gone unnoticed. National youth team selectors are believed to be closely monitoring his progress, with several professional clubs reportedly expressing early interest in the prodigious winger.

Yussif Saani’s exploits perfectly embody the vision behind the Ghana Football Association’s “Power to the Youth” initiative, championed by GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku. The programme aims to provide young talents across the country with the platform, exposure, and mentorship needed to transition into professional football, and Saani stands as a shining example of its success.

The MTN Elite U19 Championship, powered by MTN Ghana, brought together ten regional teams, serving as a proving ground for Ghana’s most promising young footballers. For Saani, it became the stage where he announced himself to the nation.

As he continues his development under the guidance of his academy coaches, the young winger remains grounded yet ambitious. His story reflects a new generation of Ghanaian talent,  fearless, expressive and ready to carry the nation’s proud football legacy into the future.

With the right mentorship and opportunities, Yussif Saani could well become the next big name in Ghanaian football,  a future Black Star in the making, destined to shine far beyond the local stage.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Read Full Story