Madina Zongo made history Tuesday night when they became the only side to host and win the prestigious Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup.
In a thrilling finale, which climaxed a highly competitive 11th edition of the annual post Ramadan gala involving Zongo communities, Madina showed grit and purpose as they held through a nervy encounter watched by a host of dignitaries from various Zongo communities.
With a partisan home crowd behind them, Madina fired into the lead, but their dream was cut short by a determined Ashaiman – the most successful side in the history of the competition – who equalised, to keep their hope of winning a record-extending fourth title alive.
None of them could find the winner in normal time, and the match was decided through a nerve-wracking, marathon penalty shootout, from which Madina emerged victorious.
Interestingly, both sides were cheered on by their respective community leaders of various tribal chiefs, who were adorned in beautiful royal regalia.
Madina have now won the tournament twice, joining Kasoa and Mamobi in the class of communities to have won the event twice, while Ashaiman, who have now lost two successive finals, remain the only side to win the competition three times.
Both the champions and runners-up received medals, cash prizes and products from tournament sponsors NASCO Electronics.
The best goalkeeper, top scorer and player of the tournament received NASCO television sets and trophies.
The Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup, which started in 2015 and named in honour of the National Chief Imam, is an annual football tournament which brings together youth from Zongo community at the end of every Ramadan to strengthen peace, unity and discipline.
This year’s edition was supported by NPA, NASCO Electronics, AFRO Arab Group, Kivo group and the Ghana Football Association.Black Stars players Kudus Mohammed and Kamaldeen Sulemana as well as Abdul Hakeem Sulemana, Araphat Mohammed FC, and Maxwell Nashville joined forces to support the tournament with medals, trophies and some prizes.
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was also announced as having supported the tournament.