The competition commenced with eight teams from seven different zones and we are now down to the final two who will cross swords with each other for the ultimate Division One spot.
PAC Academy and Mahala Academy are the final two left and will battle it out tomorrow at the Baba Yara Stadium in the final of the 2022/23 Ashanti Regional Division Two Promotional Tournament.
Both teams played together in zone four in the zonals where PAC Academy topped to qualify and Mahala Academy also coming through as the best second-placed side, and astonishingly have incredibly defied all odds to clash once again in the final of the champion of champions
Despite finishing second, Mahala Academy got the better of PAC with a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg and pinned them by 2-3 in the return encounter at their own grounds.
PAC Academy are the only remaining unbeaten side in the group phase, having won two and drawn one to finish as winners of Group A.
The Offinso-based side started off the competition with a 2-1 win over Royal Kumapem FC, they furthered with a narrow and vital 1-0 triumph over group runners up First Klass FC before playing out a goalless draw with Pro Players Academy in the final round.
On the other hand, Mahala Academy started the competition on a lower note with a defeat but fought so hard with no blemishes in their remaining matches to grab a qualification spot with a better head to head to win Group B.
The club which is owned by ex- Kotoko star Kwadwo Opoku Mahala, conceded at the death to suffer a painful 1-0 loss to Benab FC in their opening fixture, they stunned Jachie United in the next game to redeem themselves before humbling Kumasi Academicals 2-0 on the final day to cruise into the final.
PLAYERS TO WATCHOUT
After a stellar display for the Black Starlets at the last U-17 WAFU Championship, Andrews Appiah continues to excel in the Red and Blacks shirt, having replicated similar in both the zonals and this competition.
Emmanuel Mintakwah happens to be their secret weapon, having come on as a substitute to score the winner in their first game, he assisted in the second game and has now introduced himself as a mainstay in coach Moro Ibrahim's starting line up.
Former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko winger, Olenu Ashitey in the number 25 shirt on the flanks, is always helping out with experience to the young once making the blend very smooth.
With Mahala, goalkeeper Maxwell Gyamfi has been phenomenal so far and has allowed just a goal and they will really count on him in the final.
Asamoah Justice, spotted in number 7 and is affectionately referred to as 'Ronaldo' by the teaming fans and also Anthony Osei Ameyaw, will also expected to be a pain in the neck for the opposition backline tomorrow in what will potentially be a cracking encounter.
However, the Inter-District U-17 Championship final will be the curtain raiser for the big game and that is slated for 11am between the Afigya Kwabre District and KMA District.
KICKOFF: 1500GMT (3:00pm)
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
