Ashanti Region were crowned champions of the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship after defeating defending champions Eastern Region 4-3 in a dramatic final at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Friday.
The final brought an exciting 11-day tournament to a thrilling conclusion, with the two sides producing seven goals in an attacking contest at the GFA Technical Centre.
Ashanti Region took the lead three times and held on through a tense finish to dethrone Eastern Region and take the trophy back to Kumasi.
They made the stronger start and went ahead in the seventh minute when Mohammed Dayvon found the net. Eastern Region responded five minutes later, with Umar Archraf equalising in the 12th minute.
Ashanti restored their advantage in the 18th minute through Issah Seidu, who caused Eastern Region constant problems throughout the match.
The defending champions refused to be discouraged, however, and levelled again through Tetteh Narh. The sides went into half-time at 2-2 after an open and fiercely contested first half.
Both teams continued to attack after the interval in search of the decisive goal. Ashanti Region moved ahead for a third time in the 78th minute when Elvis Kwarteng scored.
Kwarteng went on to be named the Most Valuable Player of the final after an influential performance.
Eastern Region responded once again, scoring three minutes later to make it 3-3 and set up a dramatic closing spell. Their celebrations were short-lived, though, as substitute Emmanuel Boateng struck in the 82nd minute to restore Ashanti Region’s lead and complete the scoring.
Eastern pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the final stages and applied sustained pressure to the Ashanti defence. But Raphael Amankwah’s team remained organised and determined, protecting their one-goal advantage until the referee’s final whistle.
The victory completed a consistent and resilient campaign for Ashanti Region, who delivered when it mattered most in the final.
Individual and team awards
Kwarteng was recognised as the Most Valuable Player of the final for his decisive contribution to Ashanti Region’s success.
Central Region were named the Fair Play Team, while Ashanti Region head coach Raphael Amankwah received the Best Coach of the Tournament award after guiding his side to the title.
Ashanti Region goalkeeper Kelvin Osei Owusu was named Goalkeeper of the Championship. Greater Accra Region’s Dennis Adjei finished as the tournament’s leading scorer after scoring six goals.
Central Region’s Desmond Korlettey was named Most Valuable Player of the Championship following a series of outstanding displays. He collected four MVP awards during the 11-day tournament at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, underlining his consistency and potential.
Championship closes in Prampram
The 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship, which is reserved for players competing in the Second Division, concluded with a closing and presentation ceremony.
The event was led by the Chairman of the Championship Committee, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, alongside Andy Cofie, representing MTN.
Executive Council members Samuel Aboabire and Eugene Noel Nobel also attended, together with Juvenile Committee Vice-Chairman Samuel Anim Addo and Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu.
The tournament again served as a platform for identifying, developing and showcasing emerging Ghanaian football talent. It gave young players the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, gain competitive experience and take important steps towards fulfilling their potential.
Ashanti Region now return home as champions after an unforgettable final, while the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship will be remembered for its attacking football, emerging players and dramatic moments.
