By Daniel Adu Darko
Accra, Sept. 29, GNA – The 2025 KGL U-17 Inter-Regional Championship ended in a thrilling fashion on Saturday with Ashanti Region lifting the trophy, while Greater Accra’s midfielder, Jeremiah Abalo, claimed the prestigious Overall Best Player Award.
Despite Greater Accra falling short of the top prize, Abalo’s dazzling skills, vision, and consistency throughout the nine-day tournament earned him recognition as the standout player.
His performances inspired his side to a fourth-place finish behind bronze medalists Central Region, dethroned champions Western Region, and eventual winners Ashanti Region.
The final, played at the McDan Teshie Sports Complex, saw Ashanti Region secure their second title with a 2–1 victory over defending champions Western Region in a match that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.
Ashanti further underlined their dominance in the competition by sweeping most of the individual awards. Strikers Agyei Duah and Alidu Issah shared the Top Scorer accolade with seven goals apiece, while teammate Kelvin Baffoe was adjudged the Most Promising Player.
Western Region’s Frank Abu was named Best Goalkeeper after a string of commanding performances that helped his side reach the final and secure the silver medal.
Launched in 2021, the KGL U-17 Inter-Regional Championship has grown into one of Ghana’s foremost platforms for grooming emerging football talent.
The 2025 edition, expanded to feature 12 teams, included all ten Regional Football Associations alongside two GFA Elite Academies, ensuring full nationwide representation and heightened competition.
Backed by a five-year, $1 million partnership with the KGL Foundation, the tournament remains central to the Ghana Football Association’s grassroots development strategy, offering young players pathways to the national youth teams while providing Premier League and Division One clubs fertile ground for scouting talent.
Organisers say the next edition promises to unearth even more rising stars as the championship continues to provide a platform for the next generation of Ghanaian footballers.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade