Defending champions Eastern Region have powered their way into the final of the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship after an impressive 4-2 victory over Brong Ahafo Region in Wednesday's semi-final at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The reigning champions produced a strong second-half performance to overcome a determined Brong Ahafo side and set up a highly anticipated final against Ashanti Region on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Eastern Region have now given themselves a real opportunity to successfully defend the inaugural title they won last year. After suffering a 3-2 defeat on the opening day of this year's competition, the champions have responded impressively, recovering strongly to reach their second successive final.
Michael Tetteh Jnr gave Eastern Region the breakthrough in the 38th minute, putting the defending champions ahead as they looked to take control of the semi-final.
Brong Ahafo, however, refused to give up and mounted a strong response after the break. Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Osafo Antwi found the equaliser to bring the contest level and set up a tense finish.
Eastern Region responded with determination expected of defending champions. Ransford Siaw restored their advantage in the 77th minute before Sahd Dawud extended the lead five minutes later, putting Eastern firmly in control of the contest.
Seidu Nayilu pulled a goal back for Brong Ahafo Region late in the game, but it proved to be too little, too late as the defending champions held on to secure their place in another final.
The victory sets up a mouth-watering championship decider between Eastern Region and Ashanti Region, who booked their place in the final after a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the first semi-final.
Eastern Region will now take on Ashanti Region in the grand final on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the GFA Technical Centre, with the defending champions aiming to retain their crown and Ashanti seeking to make history by winning the title for the first time.
Before the final, Brong Ahafo Region will face Central Region in the third-place playoff on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
The MTN Elite U-19 Championship continues to serve as an important platform for identifying, developing and showcasing the next generation of Ghanaian football talent. The competition brings together some of the country's most promising young footballers, providing them with the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and potential in a highly competitive environment.
GFA Communications