Bashit, Bauh claim MVPs in MTN Elite U-19 Group A, 3-2, 5-4

Abdulai Bashit and Abdul Rahaman Bauh have been named the first Most Valuable Players of the MTN Elite U-19 Championship after standout displays in Group A. Bashit helped Upper West Region defeat defending champions Eastern Region 3-2, while Bauh’s Ashanti Region overcame Volta Region 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Bashit produced the decisive performance in Upper West’s opening fixture at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence. The forward scored all three of his team’s goals, giving Upper West an early advantage in the group and securing the first individual award of the championship.

His three-goal contribution settled a match that remained closely contested against the reigning champions. Bashit’s finishing and calmness in attacking positions made the difference as Upper West began its campaign with a 3-2 victory over Eastern Region.

Bauh was recognised after Ashanti’s meeting with Volta, which could not be decided during regulation time. The game ended 2-2 before Ashanti prevailed in the penalty shootout, with Bauh playing an important part in the team’s effort during the match.

The two awards came from the opening round of Group A fixtures and highlighted the individual quality on display at the competition. Upper West’s three-goal win and Ashanti’s shootout success have provided both teams with positive starts, while Eastern and Volta will seek to respond in their next group matches.

The MTN Elite U-19 Championship is designed to give young players competitive experience while helping them develop technically and tactically. The tournament also offers a platform for their abilities to be seen by scouts, professional clubs and national-team selectors.

Sponsored by MTN Ghana, the championship is part of the Ghana Football Association’s Power to the Youth initiative. The programme aims to create a clear route from grassroots football into the professional game and, eventually, Ghana’s national teams.