Sika Kroabea triumph in penalty shootout to clinch 2024 Standard Chartered Cup  

Sika Kroabea emerged victorious in the 2024 Standard Chartered Cup, defeating Ghana Link in a nail-biting penalty shootout at the Ghana International School Football Park last Saturday. 

The Tema-based team’s triumph not only earned them the coveted trophy but also secured an all-expenses-paid trip to Anfield to watch a Liverpool home game of their choice, courtesy of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana.

The intense five-a-side contest ended goalless after regulation time, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout. Sika Kroabea's goalkeeper proved to be the hero of the day, pulling off three spectacular saves to secure a 2-0 victory in the shootout. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious *Player of the Year* award.

Hard-fought contest  

With the allure of a trip to the iconic Anfield stadium on the line, both teams played with unmatched determination and skill. Every tackle, pass, and shot carried the weight of the grand prize, resulting in an electrifying atmosphere. Despite their best efforts and moments of brilliance, neither side could break the deadlock during normal time, leading to the high-stakes penalty decider.  

The jubilant scenes that followed Sika Kroabea's victory reflected the magnitude of their achievement. Players celebrated wildly on the pitch, holding aloft the gleaming trophy and donning medals, their dreams of visiting the UK now a reality.  

Memorable moments for the winners  

“This is our first time going to visit Anfield,” said an elated Ibrahim Mdaihly, a player for Sika Kroabea. “We are really happy, we played good games, and Alhamdulillah that we’re going to Anfield. In Sha Allah, we are waiting now to go and visit the UK.”  

The prize includes tickets for seven team members to attend a Liverpool home game, along with a tour of the world-famous Anfield stadium.  

The Standard Chartered Cup, exclusively for the bank’s clients, featured eight teams divided into two groups. The competition has been a mainstay of the bank's partnership with Liverpool FC since 2015, offering participants a unique chance to connect with the global footballing brand.  

“So they [Sika Kroabea] will get to choose which date to go to Anfield, which is great,” explained Asiedua Addae, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand, and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Ghana. “They also get to choose any home match of their choice, and it could even be next month, but it's really up to the winning team to decide.”  

Addae praised the high level of competition throughout the tournament, saying, “The teams came knowing very well what the prize was. You know, going to Anfield is exciting, and the energy on the field was just amazing.”