2026 MTN Elite U-19: Upper East shine as Brong Ahafo open campaign with victory

Brong Ahafo and Upper East Region made impressive starts to their 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship campaigns, securing victories in contrasting fashion as Group B burst into life with goals, attacking flair and plenty of excitement at the GFA Technical Centre on Tuesday, August 25.

Brong Ahafo began their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Central Region, controlling proceedings for large spells and producing a composed performance to secure all three points.

Young forward Seidu Nayilu set the tone for Brong Ahafo with an early breakthrough, finding the back of the net in the fourth minute to give his side a dream start.

Central Region struggled to respond as Brong Ahafo continued to dictate possession and create opportunities. Substitute Osafo Antwi then made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, scoring just four minutes after his introduction in the 49th minute to double the advantage and effectively seal victory for Coach John Danso Nimade’s side.

Brong Ahafo maintained control thereafter to comfortably see out the game and open their Group B campaign on a positive note.

Upper East produce six-goal thriller

The second Group B encounter produced a far more open contest, with Upper East Region overcoming Northern Region 4-2 in a thrilling six-goal encounter.

Northern Region drew first blood in the 27th minute when Ibrahim Mohammed capitalised on an opportunity to put his side ahead.

Upper East responded strongly and restored parity shortly before the break through Rashid Yakubu, who struck in the 42nd minute to send the two teams into halftime level.

The momentum shifted dramatically after the interval as Upper East took control. Augustine Atogdikimi put Coach Nicholas Ayine Ayiduah’s side in front just two minutes after the equaliser before completing his brace - and Upper East’s third - in the 54th minute.

With Upper East firmly in command, Ezekiel Mbalebna Taabaya added another with a stylish finish to extend the lead to 4-1.

Northern Region refused to give up and substitute Abdulai Rafiu pulled one back late on, but Upper East held firm to secure a deserved 4-2 victory.

The result represents a significant improvement for Upper East, who failed to progress from the group stage during the inaugural edition of the MTN Elite U-19 Championship in 2025. Their emphatic opening-day performance will therefore provide a major confidence boost as they look to make a deeper run this time around.

With Brong Ahafo’s disciplined 2-0 victory and Upper East’s attacking 4-2 triumph, Group B has already provided an exciting glimpse of the quality and competitiveness on display at this year’s championship.

The opening day delivered goals, drama and individual brilliance, setting the stage for an intriguing battle as Ghana’s emerging U-19 talents compete for regional pride, development opportunities and the coveted MTN Elite U-19 Championship title.

GFA Communications