Kumasi based Yfm organized an inter community football gala dubbed the Zongo Hood Games for selected Zongo communities in Kumasi. The games were organized on Saturday, 8th June 2019 as part of the celebration of the Eid at the Asem Park, producing an action packed, fun-filled and entertaining experiences to soccer lovers.
The colorful soccer showpiece, which was being used to preach against Community Violence and Political Vigilantism received massive patronage from football enthusiasts with a heavy crowd presence cheering their teams to victory.
With 8 teams registered prior to the competition, 7 matches were expected to take place at Asem Park but Aswase Zongo inspite of the assurance, failed to show up for the gala, hence their opponent, Pankrono Zongo had a walkover to the next stage when the competition’s stipulated rule regarding “failure to show up” was invoked.
The first game was between Buokrom Estate and Tafo Zongo and with 30 minutes to be played each half, the game ended 2-2 after 60 minutes. Tafo Zongo despite their dominance in the game, producing quality and beautiful football didn’t receive the touch of luck in the penalty shoot-outs as Buokrom won 5-4 to progress to the semifinals.
The next game between Ahwiaa Zongo and Suame Zongo produced fairly a dull match with few chances being created. The game proceeded to penalty shootouts after the goalless draw with Ahwiaa making it to the next stage after winning 3-2 on penalties.
Pankrono Estate also drew 1-1 against Moshie Zongo after an hour with yet again, shootouts being the deciding factor as Moshie Zongo progressed to the last four after a 2-1 win. With Pankrono Zongo, Ahwiaa Zongo, Moshie Zongo and Buokrom Estate making it to the 2nd phase of the competition, the draw for the semifinals was quickly held.
The first semifinal was between Ahwiaa and Pankrono but after an end to end showdown, Pankrono picked their tickets to the finals, coming from a goal down to beat Ahwiaa by 2-1. The 2nd semifinal had Moshie Zongo locking horns with Buokrom Estate and the match ended 0-0 after 60 minutes with Moshie Zongo winning on penalties shootouts by 3-2.
Tension had risen, the rains had started pouring but the determination, passion at this point as demonstrated by the players couldn’t be suppressed as Moshie Zongo and Pankrono Zongo withstood the condition of rains to play the final at the Asem School Park. The game ended 0-0 and eventually, Pankrono Zongo won by 3-2 on penalties.
The climax for the maiden edition of the Zongo Hood Games was graced with representatives of sponsors Amuzu Pee & Amuzu Herbal Mixture, Daybreak Trading Enterprise and Boss Africa Sound who partnered both in cash and kind. Pankrono Zongo were given a giant trophy and a cash prize for emerging champions of the gala whiles top scorer of the competition, Kofi Kyele who scored 2 goals for Tafo was awarded.
Source: Stephen Zando/Yfm-Kumasi
