Ashanti Region claim 2026 MTN Elite U-19 crown after dramatic final

Ashanti Region are the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship winners after beating defending champions Eastern Region 4-3 in a thrilling final at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Friday.

The decisive match brought an exciting 11-day tournament to a fitting close, with the two regions producing seven goals in an entertaining contest at the GFA Technical Centre.

Ashanti Region led on three occasions as Eastern repeatedly fought back, but Raphael Amankwah’s team held their nerve in the closing stages to dethrone the holders and take the trophy back to Kumasi.

Ashanti made the stronger start and went ahead in the seventh minute when Mohammed Dayvon found the net. Eastern Region responded quickly, with Umar Archraf restoring parity five minutes later.

The defending champions’ comeback was short-lived. Issah Seidu, one of Ashanti’s most dangerous players during the final, put his side back in front in the 18th minute.

Eastern again showed the character that had taken them to the final. Tetteh Narh scored the equaliser to make it 2-2, leaving the sides level at half-time after a lively opening 45 minutes.

Both teams continued to attack after the break, with neither prepared to settle for a draw.

Ashanti finally moved ahead for a third time in the 78th minute through Elvis Kwarteng. His influential display earned him the Most Valuable Player award for the final.

Eastern’s response came almost immediately. The holders scored again three minutes later to level the match at 3-3 and set up a tense conclusion.

Their celebrations were brief, however, as substitute Emmanuel Boateng restored Ashanti’s lead in the 82nd minute. His goal proved decisive in one of the most dramatic finals in the championship’s history.

Eastern Region committed players forward in search of another equaliser and placed sustained pressure on the Ashanti defence. Amankwah’s side remained organised and disciplined, protecting their advantage until the referee’s final whistle.

The result completed an impressive campaign for Ashanti Region, who combined consistency, quality and resilience throughout the competition before producing when it mattered most.

Kwarteng was recognised as the Most Valuable Player of the final after his influential performance and important contribution to Ashanti’s victory.

A number of other individual and team awards were also presented after the 11-day championship.

Central Region received the Fair Play Team award, while Ashanti Region head coach Raphael Amankwah was named Best Coach of the Tournament.

Ashanti goalkeeper Kelvin Osei Owusu was selected as the Goalkeeper of the Championship. Greater Accra Region forward Dennis Adjei finished as the leading scorer after scoring six goals.

Central Region’s Desmond Korlettey was named the Most Valuable Player of the Championship following a series of outstanding displays. The youngster collected four MVP awards during the tournament, underlining his consistency and potential.

The 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship is reserved exclusively for players competing in the Second Division.

The closing and presentation ceremony was led by the Chairman of the Championship Committee, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, and Andy Cofie, representing MTN.

Executive Council members Samuel Aboabire and Eugene Noel Nobel, Juvenile Committee Vice-Chairman Samuel Anim Addo and Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu also attended the ceremony.

The competition again served as an important platform for identifying, developing and showcasing emerging Ghanaian footballers. It gave young players the opportunity to test themselves in a competitive environment, gain valuable experience and take further steps towards fulfilling their potential.

Ashanti Region now return home as champions after a memorable final, while the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship will be remembered for its attacking football, emerging talent and dramatic moments.

For the new champions, the celebrations are only beginning.

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