It was a day of drama, passion, and unrelenting competition at the Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III Park in Ampain as Anokyi United emerged victorious in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah’s Ellembelle MP’s Cup final after a pulsating 1-1 draw with Kamgbunli FC. The match was packed with excitement from start to finish, and the final outcome was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
Both teams came out with high intensity, each creating chances, but neither side was able to break the deadlock. Kamgbunli FC, led by former Karela United attacker Stephen Akene, looked dangerous in attack, while Anokyi United defended resolutely.
The match came alive just after the break. On the 49th minute, Kamgbunli’s Stephen Akene scored a sensational goal, putting his side 1-0 up and sending their fans into raptures. It seemed like Kamgbunli would hold on for the win, but Anokyi United wasn’t ready to go down without a fight.
With just 9 minutes remaining, erstwhile Nzema Kotoko’s Augustine Ofori Kakadinho produced a stunning equalizer to level the game 1-1. The strike sent Anokyi United fans into a frenzy, and the tension in the stadium was palpable as both sides pushed for a winner.
With the score tied at 1-1, the match went straight to penalties, as there was no extra time. This was where the real drama began.
Kamgbunli FC struggled under the pressure, managing to score just 1 out of 5 penalties. Their inability to convert their spot kicks was a decisive factor in the final outcome.
On the other hand, Anokyi United showed composure and confidence, scoring 2 out of 4 penalties to seal a dramatic victory. Their solid penalty-taking, coupled with Kamgbunli’s misses, handed them a 2-1 win in the shootout.
The jubilant players and fans of Anokyi United celebrated their hard-earned victory, which was made even sweeter by the dramatic nature of the penalty shootout. It was a well-deserved win for the team, who showed resilience and mental strength throughout the match.
It was a final to remember, filled with drama, excitement, and heart-stopping moments. Anokyi United’s triumph in the penalty shootout will be talked about for a long time, and their victory in the 2nd edition of the Ellembelle MP’s Cup is a testament to their determination and resilience. Kamgbunli, despite the loss, can hold their heads high for their brave efforts throughout the match.
The 2024 Ellembelle MP’s Cup will surely be remembered as a classic encounter!