Ashanti beat Central 2-1 to reach 2026 MTN Elite U-19 final for first time

Ashanti Region defeated Central Region 2-1 in the opening semi-final of the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Wednesday. Oscar Frimpong scored in the 22nd minute, Prince Ofori Boateng equalised from the penalty spot in the 52nd, and Kyei Baffour restored Ashanti’s lead four minutes later.

Ashanti took control of the first half after Frimpong finished an attacking move to put them ahead. Central could not respond before the interval, with Ashanti protecting their advantage through a disciplined defensive display.

The match changed after the break as Central returned with more attacking intent. Their pressure produced a penalty, which Boateng converted to bring the score level and leave the semi-final finely balanced.

Ashanti reacted quickly to the equaliser. Baffour’s goal in the 56th minute gave them a second lead, and Central were unable to find another response before the final whistle. Kelvin Osei Owusu was named the match’s Most Valuable Player.

The victory sends Ashanti Region into the championship final for the first time. Their place in Friday’s decider gives them the chance to complete a landmark campaign with the title, while Central’s run ends in the semi-finals.

Ashanti will face either defending champions Eastern Region or Brong Ahafo Region, who lost last year’s final. The two regions will meet in the second semi-final to decide Friday’s opponents. The MTN Elite U-19 Championship brings together emerging players from across Ghana as a platform for competition, development and exposure.