Great Somas Academy from Dansoman and Young Generation Academy from Sunyani have qualified to play in the final match of the Baby Jet U-16 African football tournament, which will be played today at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
The matches held at the Cape Coast Stadium in Cape Coast and the Glow Lamp Stadium in Elmina saw the presence of notable coaches and former players, including Kuuku Dadzie, the former captain of the Black Stars and national coach, Don Bortey, former star of Hearts of Oak, Yahaya Mohammed, former Ghanaian international star, Odartey Lamptey, Agyeman Badu, and John Paintsil.
The tournament featured 32 teams from various African countries, giving the young players a platform to showcase their talents before international scouts and potentially secure professional contracts.
In the semi-finals, Great Somas secured a 1-0 victory over Taking Over, with Philip Amoateng scoring a penalty in the 68th minute. In the quarter-finals, they defeated Nayan Soccer Academy from Dodowa 3-0, with goals scored in the 13th, 52nd, and 61st minutes.
Young Generation Academy defeated Ken Hammer 2-0, with Eugene Asamoah finding the net in the 20th minute and Righteous Fordjour adding another goal in the 60th minute. In the quarter-finals, they triumphed over Hyperbuzz with goals scored in the 30th and 75th minutes.
As part of the mentorship program, Mfantsipim Senior School emerged victorious over Aggrey Memorial College in a penalty shootout, winning 4-3, while Edinam Senior High School defeated Addisco Senior High School 2-1.
On Saturday, former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, John Paintsil, and other former players mentored the players at the University of Cape Coast, urging them to remain disciplined and work hard to achieve success on the African continent and the world stage.
Kuuku Dadzie, who led the Black Stars to win the African Cup of Nations in 1978, commended Asamoah Gyan for his initiative to develop young players’ talents in Ghana and Africa, stating that it is a step in the right direction for football development.
The former Black Stars player, who also served as a national coach, expressed that they have identified talented and skilful players during the tournament, signalling a promising future for Ghanaian and African football.
Source: Graphiconline
