Ashanti Region were crowned 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship winners after beating defending champions Eastern Region 4-3 in a dramatic final at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Friday.
The thrilling contest brought an 11-day competition to a memorable conclusion, with the two teams producing seven goals in an engrossing final at the GFA Technical Centre.
Eastern Region twice came from behind and levelled the match on three occasions, but Ashanti Region held firm late on to end their opponents’ reign and take the trophy back to Kumasi.
Ashanti started at pace and went ahead in the seventh minute when Mohammed Dayvon found the net. Eastern responded quickly, with Umar Archraf equalising five minutes later.
Ashanti restored their advantage in the 18th minute through Issah Seidu, who caused Eastern’s defence problems throughout the match.
The defending champions refused to surrender and were rewarded when Tetteh Narh made it 2-2. Neither side could find another goal before half-time in an entertaining opening period.
The attacking approach continued after the interval, with both teams committing players forward in search of the decisive breakthrough.
Ashanti regained the lead in the 78th minute through Elvis Kwarteng. His influential display would later earn him the Most Valuable Player award for the final.
Eastern responded yet again, scoring three minutes later to level the match at 3-3 and set up a tense finish.
Their latest equaliser did not last long, however. Substitute Emmanuel Boateng struck in the 82nd minute to put Ashanti back in front and complete the scoring.
Eastern pushed forward in the closing stages, applying sustained pressure as they looked for a fourth goal. Raphael Amankwah’s team defended with discipline and determination to protect their lead until the final whistle.
The victory completed an impressive campaign for Ashanti Region, who combined consistency and resilience throughout the competition before producing the winning performance when it mattered most.
Kwarteng named final MVP
Kwarteng was recognised as the Most Valuable Player of the final after playing a central role in Ashanti Region’s victory, including scoring their third goal.
Several other individual and team awards were presented to recognise performances across the tournament.
Central Region received the Fair Play Team award, while Ashanti Region coach Raphael Amankwah was named Best Coach of the Tournament after guiding his side to the title.
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 performances.
Korlettey won four MVP awards during the 11-day tournament at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, highlighting his consistency and potential.
Championship provides pathway for young talent
The 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship is reserved exclusively for players competing in the Second Division.
The closing and trophy presentation ceremony was led by Championship Committee chairman Hon. Eric Edem Agbana and Andy Cofie, representing MTN.
They were joined by Executive Council members Samuel Aboabire and Eugene Noel Nobel, Juvenile Committee vice-chairman Samuel Anim Addo, and Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu.
The competition again served as a platform for identifying, developing and showcasing emerging Ghanaian footballers. It also gave the players the opportunity to gain competitive experience and demonstrate their abilities as they work towards fulfilling their potential.
Ashanti Region leave the tournament as champions after a final filled with attacking football, late drama and determined comebacks. The 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship will be remembered for its exciting matches, emerging talents and memorable moments.
For Ashanti Region, the celebrations can now begin.
