Kibi Technical Institute (KITECH) and Abuakwa State College (ABUSCO) will be part of history when they meet in the finals of the maiden edition of the Kingsley Inter High School Football gala competition Saturday, May 27, 2022.
The two teams will seek to etch their names in the history folklore when they battle it out at the Kibi Astro turf with a lot at stake for these cross-street rivals including bragging rights. Expectation has hit the rooftop, anxiety brewing and a burning desire for success beckons as the two combatants prepare to make history.
The final pits two of the finest teams in the competition against each other in what is expected to be an explosive and nerve-racking contest in the Abuakwa South Municipality.
For high-scoring KITECH, this will be an opportunity to plug an incredible journey into achieving the ultimate. For ABUSCO, a chance to put paid to a technically gifted team which has consistently defied doubts to clinch the ultimate diadem.
The two teams threw up a spirited and fascinating stalemate when they met in their opening Group A match at Akyem Nkronso a month ago. Despite the dominance of free-scoring KITECH, Francis Akwaffo’s charges failed to break down a resolute ABUSCO defence with a marshaling force to sniff a point.
The two teams go-at-each other again in the finals after they negotiated their respective semi-final matches last week. KITECH dismantled Akyem Asafo Senior High 4-2 while ABUSCO pulled the chestnuts out of the blazing fire to pip favourite St Stephens Senior High School (STEPSS) 1-0 – with young enterprising goalkeeper Kelvin Addo pulling the stops at the SOS Park at Akyem Asiakwa.
While the fluidity and efficiency of KITECH is well documented, they will not be oblivious of the threat posed by the resilient and technically gifted ABUSCO side – which is yet to concede a goal in the competition.
While the finalists are formidable, fans await the team with a habit of rising to the big occasion – and will need to put in the performance of their lives to lift the crown. It is perhaps fitting that these two sides meet in the showpiece event, as although it is not quite the battle of the underdogs, both have had to get there under different circumstances.
Both KITECH and ABUSCO will think their name is written on the trophy given their respective journeys to the final. But we will find out who is right in what will be a memorable night for local football in the Abuakwa South Municipality on Friday May 27, 2022.
Free-scoring KITECH facing biggest task
KITECH’s scoring ability will be put to the test when they come up against a side yet to pick a ball in their net.
The free-scoring side have notched seven goals and conceded three in three matches so far. They ripped apart Apedwa Senior High 3-1 and thrashed ASASHS 4-2 in an epic semi-final contest to set-up a mouth-watering final against their rivals.
While they have been impressive in attack, conceding three goals means they are vulnerable at the back and will need to be wary against a side they failed to put a goal past in the group stage.
Kelvin Addo factor for ABUSCO
Young ABUSCO goalkeeper Kelvin Addo has won hearts and minds with his imposing displays in-between the sticks.
The youngster is the only goalkeeper yet to concede a goal after three matches and
appears 2022 Qatar-bound for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
His injury-time penalty save against STEPSS has capped a remarkable journey for the talented glovesman.
His calm, clear headed nature on the pitch has immensely impacted ABUSCO, steering them to the finals in an unbelievable fashion.
He is now a sought-after personality in the municipality thanks to his excellent reflexes, acrobatic saves, and command of the penalty area.
A real genius, Kelvin Addo could be the youngster to hand the trophy to ABUSCO if he does not choke at the crucial moment.
Top scorer Stephen Nyanne
The promising KITECH star has enjoyed an outstanding recognition in the competition for his goal-scoring prowess.
The talented goal-getter is the top scorer with four goals in three matches – including a sensational hattrick against ASASHS last week.
The lightning-quick starlet is developing into an ice-cold finisher, helping to take his side to the final.
Nyanne, who is a classic No.9, surprisingly glides by opponents and splits defences with laser-like precision.
The youngster has won many admirers as he has become a deadly frontman for his side.
Touted as the next big thing for his school, the highly-rated youngster has the ability to stick leather in the onion bag.
His pace, strength and remarkable composure makes him the biggest threat to ABUSCO on May 27.
Face-Off – Hearts vs Kotoko showdown in Kofi Abanga and Francis Akwaffo
While hardworking coaches of both teams have thrived and showcased their technical ingenuity, the final takes a different twist with two former stars of giants Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak holding out respective roles for the two finalists.
Former Asante Kotoko winger Francis Akwaffo will offer technical support to KITECH while ex-Hearts of Oak midfield enigma, Kofi Abanga will be in the dugout for ABUSCO.
While the involvement of other football greats like Eric Bekoe, Gabriel Opoku Ware, Bernard Don Bortey and Stephen Kumah will not go unnoticed, it’s Francis Akwaffo and Kofi Abanga who have stolen the show after steering the sides to an epic final.
It could well turn out to be an Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak final in what is expected to be a taciturn affair.
Scouts / Dignitaries
The final will experience an influx of local and foreign scouts at the Kibi Astro turf as talents will be observed.
It presents a unique opportunity for these mushrooming talents to be identified and scouted for the local and international markets.
This will serve as a platform to hone the talents of several young talented footballers across the various Senior High Schools in the Abuakwa South municipality.
Ghana FA boss Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku will be the Special Guest of Honour and will be in the company of the “brainchild” – Dr Kingsley Agyemang, the outstanding Registrar of the Scholarship Secretariat.
Awards
The Winner will walk away with a cash prize of GHC5000, a set of jerseys, 15 footballs, 500 exercise books, free registration for the WAEC online past questions for all final year students of the school, a chance to watch all Black Stars game in Ghana for this year in the country and a project not costing more than GHC20,000 will be undertaken in the school.
The First runner up will walk away with a cash prize of GHC3,000, a set of jerseys, 10 footballs, 300 exercise books with all final year students being given free registration for the maiden WAEC online past question.
Top individual awards will be handed out including the Luki Golden Boot Award for the top goal scorer, the GFA Best Player Award, and the Beulah Golden Gloves Award for the best goalkeeper who will all have the opportunity to go to Qatar to watch for the 2022 World Cup.
By Patrick Akoto
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