Bantama and Amakom are the surprise teams through to the semi finals of the 2024 MTN Ashantifest Inter-Community football tournament after upstaging Zone C and D champs, Abrepo and Santasi respectively following the conclusion of quarter final day 2 Friday at the Dichemso Otumfuor Park.
In two tense matches that saw a player sent off in both games on a match day for the first time in the history of this competition instituted by communication giants, MTN to reward their subscriber base in the Ashanti Region, Bantama pipped former champions, Abrepo on penalties whilst Amakom majestically saw off the hitherto high flying, Santasi, 2-0.
Abrepo captain ready to shoot against Bantama
Bantama who finished second in Zone C had Kwadwo Randy sent off but held sway, 4-3 in the shootout following a 1-1 draw against the maiden winners of this tournament, Abrepo who had made it this far for the first time since their 2021 triumph.
Their quest for a second trophy will however have to wait after crashing out despite star player, Kwame Frimpong being named the man-of-the-match.
Bantama vs Abrepo – 2024 MTN Ashantifest Community Soccer quarter final 4
In the second game of the day, last year’s beaten finalists, Santasi had strolled to the top of Zone D, as they did in 2023 but came unstuck in the knockout round, after they were completely outmuscled by Amakom on the goals of Nana Kwame ‘Laliga’ and Elvis Kyei Baffour ‘Awukye.’
Santasi’s Yusif Alhassan Chibsah who plays for Aduana Stars in the Ghana Premier League did not help his side after receiving the marching off orders.
Defending champions, Ejisu remain in hunt for back-to-back trophies
It means defending champions, Ejisu remain the only group winner to remain standing after new entrants, Adoato also bundled Zone B winners, Atonsu out in quarter final 2 on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the 2-month long football extravaganza continues without abatement with confirmation of the two fixtures in the next round.
In the event, Ejisu’s credentials will face the test of battling Bantama in the first semi final tie next Friday, 19th July, to be followed by Adoato versus Amakom for the final spot available in the 2024 decider on July 28.
Semi-final fixtures: Friday, 19th July 2024
Semi-final 1
Ejisu vs Bantama
Semi-final 2
Adoato vs Amakom
MTN Ashanti Fest Inter Community Gala 2024
Top Scorers
1. Ernest Appiah ‘BabyJet’ – 3 (Adoato)
2. Kwame Peprah – 3 (Atonsu)
3. George Antwi ‘Henry’ – 3 (Amakom)
4. Nana Prempeh – 3 (Ashtown)
5. Stephen Appiah Asare ‘Shankiki’ – 2 ( Suame)
6. Samuel Kumah ‘Lewandoski’ – 2 ( Atonsu)
7. Emmanuel Owusu Boakye – 2 ( Kwadaso)
8. Joseph Gordon – 2 (Tech)
9. Elvis Kyei Baffour ‘Awukye’ – 2 (Amakom)
10. Nana Kwame ‘Laliga’ – 2 (Amakom)
11. Emmanuel Asiedu – 2 (Abrepo)
12. Emmanuel Sarpong ‘Agogo’ – 2 ( Bantama)
13. Yusif Alhassan Chibsah – 2 (Santasi)
14. Israel Yakubu – 2 (Santasi)
15. Henry Opoku ‘Pogba’ – 2 (Bantama)
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