MTN Elite U-19: Brong Ahafo and Eastern Region renew title rivalry

The MTN Elite U-19 Championship semi-finals will feature a repeat of the inaugural final when Brong Ahafo Region meet defending champions Eastern Region on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.

The last-four matches will be played at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, with the four remaining regions competing for places in the final of the prestigious youth tournament.

Ashanti Region face Central Region in the opening semi-final at 13:00 GMT (1pm local time), before Group B winners Brong Ahafo Region take on Eastern Region in the second match.

Ashanti Region reached the semi-finals after finishing top of Group A, while Central Region advanced as runners-up in Group B, behind Brong Ahafo Region.

Ashanti will look to build on an impressive group-stage campaign and maintain their momentum as they pursue a place in the final. Central Region, meanwhile, will attempt to overcome the Group A winners and move one step closer to the title.

Both sides will know that victory would leave them within reach of championship success, adding importance to what is expected to be a closely contested opening semi-final.

Repeat of inaugural final

The second match will renew a rivalry established in the first edition of the MTN Elite U-19 Championship.

Brong Ahafo Region and Eastern Region met in last year's final, when Eastern Region eventually claimed the trophy after winning a dramatic penalty shootout.

Brong Ahafo therefore have the chance to avenge that defeat when the two sides meet again, while Eastern Region will begin their bid to retain the championship with another appearance in the final in their sights.

Their previous encounter remains fresh in the minds of those following the competition, and Wednesday's rematch is expected to produce another major contest between two of the most exciting and talented youth teams in the tournament.

Regardless of the result, either Brong Ahafo Region or Eastern Region will reach the final of the 2026 edition. It means one of the two finalists from the inaugural championship will once again have the opportunity to compete for the coveted trophy.

The semi-final line-up has brought together Ashanti Region, Central Region, Brong Ahafo Region and the defending champions Eastern Region as the final four contenders in this year's competition.

The MTN Elite U-19 Championship is designed to provide a platform for identifying, developing and showcasing emerging Ghanaian football talent. It brings together promising young players from regions across the country and gives them the opportunity to test themselves in a highly competitive environment.

The tournament returns to action on Wednesday as the four regions compete for the two places in the final.