The Eastern Region side produced a spirited comeback to defeat Upper West 5–2 in the opening Group A match of the maiden MTN Elite U-19 Championship at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Upper West started brightly, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Seidu Ganiu, before Michael Tetteh Jnr restored parity for Eastern Region. Abdulai Yakubu struck on the stroke of halftime to hand Upper West a 2–1 advantage going into the break.

However, the second half belonged entirely to Eastern Region. Swin Ansah inspired the comeback with a brace in the 50th and 79th minutes, while substitute Bawa Alhassan (69’) and Prince Boakye (76’) also got on the scoresheet to complete a dominant turnaround on the FIFA-standard pitch.

The emphatic win sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament, with Volta Region set to face Ashanti Region in the second fixture of the day.

Running from October 23 to November 2, 2025, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, the 11-day championship features ten Regional Football Association (RFA) U-19 teams from across the country.

The competition provides a platform for Ghana’s most promising young footballers to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and catch the attention of national youth selectors and professional clubs.

Proudly sponsored by MTN Ghana, the Elite U-19 Championship forms a key component of the GFA’s “Power to the Youth” initiative, aimed at unearthing, nurturing, and developing young football talent. Beyond the competition itself, the championship seeks to instill values of discipline, teamwork and perseverance, fostering the next generation of football excellence in Ghana.

GFA Communications