Central Region seal MTN Elite U-19 podium place with convincing win

Central Region secured third place in the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brong Ahafo in the playoff at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

Desmond Korlettey was the decisive figure for Central Region, scoring twice in the opening 16 minutes before Orlando Baffoe completed the win late in the match. Korlettey was also named Most Valuable Player for the fourth time in the tournament, further highlighting his influence during the championship.

The forward needed only nine minutes to put Central Region in front. He capitalised again seven minutes later, doubling the advantage in the 16th minute and giving his side a firm grip on the contest.

Brong Ahafo were left with a difficult task as they tried to recover from the early setback. Central Region, however, remained composed and managed the match effectively after establishing their two-goal lead.

The result was finally put beyond doubt in the 80th minute when Baffoe scored Central Region’s third goal. His effort confirmed a convincing performance and secured a place on the podium for the region.

The victory capped a strong individual display from Korlettey, whose two goals once again underlined his importance to the team. His fourth Most Valuable Player award of the competition also reinforced the consistency of his performances throughout the tournament.

The championship now moves towards its decisive fixture, with defending champions Eastern Region set to face Ashanti Region in Friday’s final.

Eastern Region will attempt to retain the trophy, while Ashanti Region will be seeking to stop the defending champions and finish the second edition of the competition as winners.

The final will bring this year’s MTN Elite U-19 Championship to a close after another tournament designed to identify, develop and showcase some of Ghana’s most promising young footballers.

Central Region’s third-place finish provides a positive conclusion to their campaign, while Brong Ahafo will have to settle for fourth place after being unable to overturn the damage caused by Korlettey’s early double.

The result also means that attention will now be focused entirely on Friday’s meeting between Eastern Region and Ashanti Region, with the championship trophy at stake. The holders will be aiming to complete a successful defence of their title, but Ashanti Region will be determined to prevent them from doing so and claim the honours in the competition’s second edition.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Read Full Story