Ashanti Region secured the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship after a 4-3 victory over Eastern Region in a pulsating final at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Friday. The match, the culmination of an 11‑day tournament, delivered a seven‑goal spectacle that left fans in awe.
The Aztec‑red team opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Mohammed Dayvon, only to see Eastern Region level the score six minutes later with a goal from Umar Archraf. Ashanti’s Issah Seidu restored the lead in the 13th minute, and the first half finished 2-2 after Tetteh Narh equalised for the visitors.
In the second half, Elvis Kwarteng netted for Ashanti in the 78th minute, earning the Most Valuable Player award for the final. Eastern responded with a goal three minutes later to make it 3-3, but substitute Emmanuel Boateng sealed the win for Ashanti with a decisive strike in the 82nd minute.
Despite a late surge from Eastern, Ashanti’s defense, marshalled by coach Raphael Amankwah, held firm to preserve the narrow lead. The match ended 4-3, handing Ashanti Region the championship trophy and a triumphant return to Kumasi.
Across the tournament, Ashanti’s Raphael Amankwah was named Best Coach, Kelvin Osei Owusu received Goalkeeper of the Championship, and Greater Accra Region’s Dennis Adjei finished as the top scorer with six goals. Central Region earned Fair Play Team honors, while Desmond Korlettey of Central Region was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
The championship, reserved for Second Division players, showcased emerging talent and reinforced its role as a key platform for Ghana’s next generation of footballers. Ashanti Region’s celebrations are just beginning as they return home as champions.
