The girls from Eastern Region set the tone for the day, though not without a fight from a determined Upper West Side. The deadlock was broken early by Koah Mavis, who found the net in the 20th minute, setting Eastern on their way. Just as Upper West began to find their footing, they were rewarded with a well-taken goal from Yirikuu Mercy, leveling the score before halftime. However, the second half belonged to Eastern’s Kpentey Belinda, who restored her team’s lead with a crucial 52nd-minute strike, calming any growing nerves. The victory was sealed late on by Zikpi Janet Eyram, whose 70th-minute goal put the result beyond doubt, finalizing a hard-earned 3-1 win.
Ashanti Region easily defeated the Brong Ahafo team in the day’s second game. Ashanti came out with obvious intensity, and Anna Foriwaa Thompson’s cool finish put them ahead in 14 minutes. As the pressure increased, Brong Ahafo gave away a penalty, which allowed Onyinah Franklina to double Ashanti’s lead from the penalty spot just before the half. The Ashanti defence remained strong and determined, and despite Brong Ahafo’s best efforts, they were unable to regain the lead. Ashanti’s clinical edge and ability to dominate the game from the front were demonstrated by the 2-0 score at the end of play.
Should a match be defined, it would be the spectacular clash between the GFA Elite Academy, Bolga and Central Region. With a spectacular goal from Akanliisikum Angela in the first minute. The Central Region showed great character. Their tenacity was exemplified by Alberta Ebube, who gave her team the lead early in the second half after first tying the score in the 26th minute. With all the momentum in their favour, Central appeared to be wrapping up the match when they added a goal a minute later. Atimoaning Faustina pulled one back to set up a nervy finale, but the GFA Elite girls battled to the very end. Central Region managed to hold on for a thrilling 3-2 triumph.
In Group A, Western Region’s fully dominating game sent a strong message to its opponents. In the eighth minute, Olivia Minah opened the floodgates, and they maintained dominance from the first whistle until the end. Eastern Elite B had a mountain to climb after Sheila Owusu and Jennifer Awuku added to the total before halftime. When Christabel Arthur made it four right before the break, any chances of a comeback were dashed. Western maintained its lead with expert ease in the second half, winning 4-0.
Against the Volta team, Northern Region won handily thanks to a dominant away performance. Sulemana Salwa was the clear star of the show, scoring an amazing brace to demonstrate a striker’s instinct. She and Alhassan Fuseina’s goals combined to give the Northern girls a resounding 3-0 victory. Northern Region is a team to keep an eye on as the campaign goes on.
The final match of the day was a showcase of sheer firepower from Greater Accra. They exploded out of the blocks, with Patience Gyaglo and Venunye Aglebe scoring in a dizzying 60-second spell within the first six minutes, leaving Upper East shell-shocked. The onslaught continued as Vida Boafo and Jessica Benni added two more before halftime. Benni, not content with one, grabbed her second just before the break to complete a first-half blitz. The 5-0 scoreline at full-time was a statement of intent.
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