The much-anticipated clash lived up to expectations, with both sides displaying resilience and a strong desire to lift the trophy.

Mpraeso announced their intent in the semi-finals, where they knocked out defending champions Nteso in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 3-2 after a pulsating game.

So from the first whistle, it was a cagey affair, as neither team was willing to concede ground, resulting in a highly tactical and evenly balanced game.

Chances were few and far between, with both defences standing firm and goalkeepers called into action at crucial moments to keep the scoreline intact.

Tension built in the stands when the match remained deadlocked, which forced the contest into a penalty shootout.

With everything on the line, Mpraeso held their nerve.

Showing composure and precision from the spot, Mpraeso converted their chances while keeping Pitiku under pressure, eventually sealing victory to claim the title.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among players and their supporters, then, the bragging began.

For Pitiku, it was a spirited performance that fell just short, and probably will trigger their determination for a win next season.

But for now, Mpraeso have gained the bragging right, gold medals and a trophy that is evidence of their skills.

The 16-team tournament is now down to just four teams after Kwadaso, Santasi, Dechemso and Ejisu all booked their places in the semifinals.

However, on the top scorers’ chart, two players seem to be getting the better of each other as Owusu Boakye and Antwi are chasing the individual award.

The two players are both locked on six goals with Owusu Boakye’s streak including a hat-trick against Adum while also scoring two goals against Atonsu and one against Kwadaso.

While Antwi is also on six, the Kwadaso forward looks more likely to scoop the prize as his team is in the last four of the competition.

Antwi and Atonsu suffered elimination from the competition before the quarterfinal stage which took place on July 13 and 14.

Owusu Boakye will look to add to his tally when Kwadaso face Ejisu in the first semifinal game on Friday, July 21.

The other semifinal game is between Dechemso and Santasi.

About MTN Ashantifest 2023

The gala is a 16-team Football Competition; each team drawn from a separate community.

Targeted Communities were Asafo, Amakom, Bantama, South Suntreso, Abuakwa, Santasi, Ahodwo, Atonso, Ahinsan, Tech and Ayigya.

The rest were Aboabo, Asawasi, Oforikrom, Asokore Mampong, Krofrom, Suame, Tafo, Abrepo, Bremang, Bohyen, Mamponteng, Kronum, Magazine and Afrancho.

All participating teams will take 1000ghc each for preparation, and the winning prizes announced as 1st. 20,000ghc, 2nd. gets10,000ghc 3rd.collects 5,000ghc.

The competition is going to be the first-ever football competition after the president, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, lifted the ban placed on the body contact games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The competition will take place at New Ebu in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District in the Central Region on October 22, 2020, at exactly 11:00 am.