Ashaiman lifts Chief Imam Cup

Ashaiman, a suburb of Tema, shrugged off stiff opposition from seven Zongo communities to reign supreme in the maiden Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup at the Wembley Park, Kotobabi in Accra.

In the finals, they defeated a well-composed Nima side 7-6 on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate regulation scoreline.

Earlier, the ultimate winners thrashed New Fadama 4-1 in the first round and defeated Sabon Zongo 2-0 in the semi finals, while Nima beat Alajo 2-0 in the first round and walloped their neighbours New Town 4-1 in the semi finals.

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, in whose honour the competition was held, performed the symbolic opening kick-off to the admiration of spectators that besieged the match venue.

The well-attended event was also graced by Imams, community leaders, football icons and some football administrators.

Put together by Crisp Communications, the tourney attracted eight Zongo communities comprising Nima, New Town, Alajo, Fadama, Darkuman, Sabon Zongo, Madina and Ashaiman, to mark the successful end of Ramadan.

Tournament coordinator, Tamimu Issah, described the Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup as a huge success and pledged to take it a notch higher subsequently.

He revealed that the event was instituted to honour the Chief Imam as well as promote peace, unity and discipline among the youth of these communities.

The tournament was supported by GN Bank, TT Brothers, Afro Arab Group, Sasso Mosquito Spray and Abdul Gani Company Ltd.