Adabraka Zongo community over the weekend emerged champions of the 10th annual Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup in Accra, after defeating defending champions Ashaiman in the grand finale.
Adabraka, making only their third appearance in the prestigious Zongo community football tournament, displayed remarkable form, by eliminating three former champions of the competion; Mamobi, Kasoa and Ashaiman, who have between them, won 6 of the 9 previous editions.
Adabraka started their glorious by defeating Shukura 3:1 on penalties after draw 0:0 in the first round, to advance to the quarter finals.
In the quarter finals, they stunned hosts and former champions, Mamobi by defeating them 1:0. Adabraka showed their superiority again when they defeated another former champions, Kasoa 3:1 on penalties, after a goalless draw, to set up a dream final with Ashaiman.
Ashaiman, with their status as defending champions, drew a by in the preliminary stage, and in their opening match at the 2nd round, they defeated Tunga 3:1 on penalties after drawing 1:1 in normal time.
In the semi finals, Ashaiman defeated a very impressive Nsawam Zongo side 3:1 on penalties, following a tight goalless score in normal time to book another final appearance.
Ashaiman were aiming to win a record-extending 4th title, and after a 0:0 score in an exciting final watched by dignitaries, including Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, it moved to penalty shootout to determine the winner.
Ashaiman were on the cusp of retaining the trophy, after Adabraka missed in the initial set of the shootout. All Ashaiman needed to do was to score their final penalty, but they missed, giving a huge lifeline to Adabraka.
Adabraka ceased the golden, second opportunity, and kept their composure, this time, to emerge winners, and join the elite class of former winners of the competition, named after the eminent National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, assisted by the Chief Protocol Officer at the Office of the National Chief Imam, presented the glittering trophy and medals to the champions.
The trophy and medals were donated by Black Stars players, Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Suleiman, while Ernest Nuamah, another Black Stars player, also donated two sets of jerseys, which were used by the two teams for the grand finale.
Founder of the tournament, Tamimu Issah, on behalf of the organisers, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the media, for their support in making the Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup one of the best community football tournaments in the country.
