The 2024 MTN Ashantifest Community Soccer tournament enters the group phase this Friday, following four playoff matches last week to determine the final two spots in what began with a record 20 teams this term, spanning till the final on July 28.
Fixtures in Zone A as the 2024 MTN Ashantifest Community Soccer tournament kicks off the group stage this weekend in Ejisu
Defending champions, Ejisu kick off this year’s community football competition against Suame in the opening game in Zone A, followed by Fante Newtown versus new entrants, Adoato, all at the Okese Park in Ejisu, where all 6 matches in this group will be played Friday and Saturday, June 13-14 respectively.
“I commend the players, coaches, and officials for your hard work over the years. Your passion for football is what brings us together, brings out the best in us and inspires us. Let us cherish this spirit and carry it beyond this competition into our daily lives,” said a message delivered on behalf of Adotey Mingle, General Manager. Distributive Trade., MTN Northern Ghana at the launch of the 2024 Ashantifest at the MTN office in Kaase, Kumasi on Monday.
Simon Amoh, Commercial Head, MTN Northern Sector reads speech on behalf of Adotey Mingle, General Manager, Distributive Trade, MTN Northern Ghana
The community football gala was introduced in 2021 with only 8 teams in Kumasi won by Abrepo. It expanded to 12 in 2022 with Tafo becoming winners before it became a 16-community event that included a team from outside Kumasi for the first time last year in Ejisu who went on to emerge champions in their debut campaign.
Four more teams who didn’t partake in 2023, the aforementioned Adoato, Asokore Mampong, Mamponteng and Tech were added to the mix this year to bring the total number to 20, necessitating a playoffs featuring these four new entrants against 4 others to determine who join the 12 who drew a bye into the group phase of 16 teams divided into 4 groups of 4 teams each.
Abrepo defeated Dade to win the 2021 MTN Ashantifest community soccer gala in Kumasi
In the event, Adoato defeated 2023 debutants, Adum 2-0 in the preliminary playoffs last Thursday courtesy goals of Ernest Appiah AKA Baby Jet and Philip ‘Olumbey’ Kwaako, same day on which Mamponteng overcame Asafo 2-1 to also grab a group stage ticket.
The playoffs concluded on Friday with 2021 and 2022 participants Tech defeating Krofrom 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 tie to ensure their return whilst maiden MTN Ashantifest Community Soccer champions, Abrepo saw off 2-time participants Asokore Mampong 3-2 to complete the 16-team line-up.
The qualified 16 communities for the final tournament which of course begins this weekend are thus Aboabo, Abrepo, Adoato, Amakom, Ashtown, Atonsu, Bantama, Dichemso, Ejisu, Fante Newtown, Kwadaso, Mamponteng, Santasi, Suame, Tafo and Tech.
Ejisu captain receives the giant trophy for the winners of the 2023 MTN Ashantifest Community Soccer tournament
As usual, all 16 participating communities will receive jerseys and participation fees from the MTN sponsors, aside the mouthwatering cash prizes and trophies on offer for the eventual winners and individual standouts.
“Ashantifest is an annual regional festival created by MTN over a decade ago to bring us closer to the people of Asanteman and to show our appreciation to our valued customers in this region,” the MTN message emphasised.
“MTN Ashantifest celebrates the community spirit of Asanteman, bringing together neighborhoods across the region. It is a fantastic festival that fosters friendship and showcases the strong bond between MTN and this great region,” it concluded.
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