Afigya Kwabre North District has been crowned champions of the first-ever MTN Ashantifest Regional U-17 Football Tournament after edging Atwima Nwabiagya North 5-4 on penalties following a scoreless final at Paa Joe Park, KNUST, Kumasi. The match was played on a soggy pitch, but Kwabre North held their nerve to claim the title against a highly-favoured Atwima Nwabiagya North side.
The tournament, organized under the auspices of Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene and supported by MTN Ghana, forms part of the Ashantifest celebrations currently ongoing in the region.
A total of 41 out of the 43 districts in the Ashanti Region participated in the competition, which began in September 2025. As champions, Afigya Kwabre North received a giant trophy, gold medals, and a cash prize of GH₵50,000. Runners-up Atwima Nwabiagya North took silver medals, a trophy, and GH₵30,000.
In the third-place playoff, Afigya Kwabre South defeated Kwabre East 1-0 to claim bronze medals and GH₵20,000, while Kwabre East received GH₵10,000 for their efforts. MTN Ghana, the headline sponsor, provided the trophies, medals, jerseys, and other souvenirs for the tournament.
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Amoakohene highlighted the importance of the competition in nurturing grassroots football and providing young players with a platform to showcase their talent. He also announced plans to form a regional team from the tournament participants.
Individual awards were also presented. Agyei Wiafe Isaac of Afigya Kwabre South was named Best Goalkeeper, Yussif Seidu of Kwabre East won Best Defender, and Desmond Ahiatsi claimed Top Scorer with three goals. Haruna Nurudeen of Afigya Kwabre North was recognized as the Most Promising Player, while Desmond Nkrumah was named Most Valuable Player.
Dignitaries at the event included Kumasi Mayor Richard Boadi Agyemang, Deputy Finance Minister Brogya Gemfi, Otumfuo’s representative Nana Mamensenhene, MTN’s Brands and Communications Senior Manager Germaine Naatey, senior National Sports Authority executives, and members of the Actors Guild led by Christopher Bonney (Mr Beautiful) and Wayoosi.
The Ashantifest U-17 tournament is set to become an annual event, with preparations for the next edition already underway.
