Bantama are the new champions of the MTN Ashantifest Community Soccer tournament following a 3-2 victory over Amakom in the grand finale on Sunday at the Otumfuo Park in Dichemso.
It was a fitting climax to a 2-month long tournament which began with a record 20 teams, far exceeding the 8 which kicked off this MTN sponsored football competition for their cherìshed customers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana in 2021, expanded to 12 in 2022 and 16 last year.
Ecstasy at its apex – Team Bantama celebrate their historic MTN Ashantifest Community Soccer 2024 conquest
Bantama who have been ever-presents in the history of this tournament, become the 4th different team to emerge winners following the successes of maiden champions Abrepo, Old Tafo the following year and Ejisu in 2023.
Bantama indeed did overcome all former champions on the way to annexing the trophy this term, holding Tafo to a goalless result in Zone D play to advance to the quarter final where they eliminated Abrepo before ending Ejisu’s reign in the last 4.
It was triple delight for Bantama hitman, Emmanuel Sarpong AKA Agogo who scored in the final to bring his tournament leading tally to 5, to squeeze both top scorer and MVP awards in addition to his side also receiving a whopping Gh¢20,000, gold medals and a giant trophy.
Bantama shot stopper, Kwadwo Nimako also received the best goalkeeper gong, best defender went to Kennedy Kofi Mensah ‘K.K.’ of Amakom whilst Nana ‘La Liga’ Kwame of Amakom who notched 3 goals was named Most Promising/ Discovery.
Dethroned champions, Ejisu still went home with victory following a 4-3 penalty shootout over Adoato to take third place after the curtain raiser ended 1-1. Ejisu and Adoato received Gh¢5,000 and Gh¢3,000 consolation prizes respectively.
Beaten finalists, Amakom got Gh¢10,000 and silver medals.
Below are some action shots from the Dichemso Otumfuo Park:
Bantama starting line-up before the final against Amakom
Amakom line-up before the final of MTN Ashantifest Community Soccer 2024 final
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