Madina edge Ashaiman on penalties to lift Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup
Madina Zongo etched their name in the history of the Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup after becoming the first host community to win the prestigious tournament, defeating Ashaiman in a dramatic final to clinch the 11th edition of the competition.
The final, played in front of a vibrant home crowd, lived up to expectations as both sides delivered a tense and competitive contest to crown this year’s champions of the annual post-Ramadan gala for Zongo communities.
Madina made a bright start, capitalising on home support to take the lead and ignite celebrations among their supporters. However, Ashaiman, the most successful side in the competition’s history, responded with determination and restored parity to keep alive their hopes of securing a record-extending fourth title.
With neither side able to find a decisive goal in regulation time, the match was pushed into a penalty shootout, where tension gripped both sets of supporters. Madina eventually held their nerve in the marathon shootout to seal a famous victory and spark jubilant scenes among the home fans.
The match drew a strong presence of dignitaries and traditional leaders from various Zongo communities, with chiefs from both sides turning out in colourful regalia to rally support for their teams. Their presence underscored the cultural significance of the competition beyond football.
The triumph marks Madina’s second title in the competition, placing them alongside Kasoa and Mamobi among communities that have won the tournament twice. Ashaiman, despite the defeat, remain the most successful side with three titles but have now suffered back-to-back final losses.
At the end of the competition, both the winners and runners-up received medals, cash prizes and products from sponsors, while individual awards, including best goalkeeper, top scorer and player of the tournament, were also presented.
The Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup, established in 2015 in honour of the National Chief Imam, continues to serve as a platform to promote unity, peace and discipline among the youth in Zongo communities after Ramadan.
This year’s tournament received support from corporate sponsors and prominent football figures, including Black Stars players Kudus Mohammed and Kamaldeen Sulemana, as well as other stakeholders. Former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was also announced as one of the supporters of the event.
