KGL U17 Colts 2026: Prempeh Elite Academy shine as group stage ends, semifinalists emerge

The group stage of the 2026 KGL Foundation Inter-Regional U17 Colts Championship has come to a close, with Prempeh Elite Academy emerging among the standout performers as the competition advances to the semifinals.Prempeh Elite Academy sealed top spot in Group A after a narrow 1-0 victory over Upper East Region on Thursday at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram. Yusif Sabits scored the decisive goal and was subsequently named the Most Valuable Player of the match.Northern Region also ended the group stage on a high, recording a 1-0 victory over Greater Accra Region. Adjei Kobby Emmanuel Obene struck in the 72nd minute to secure the win, while Halifa Iddrisu earned MVP honours.Brong Ahafo Region booked their place in the next stage after edging Western Region 5-3 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time. Western Regions Bismark Yalley was named MVP.In another penalty shootout, Elite BIG Boss defeated Eastern Region 5-3 after the two sides played out a goalless draw. Despite the victory, Elite BIG Boss failed to secure a place in the semifinals, with Eastern Regions Amoah Marco Felix taking the MVP award.Defending champions Ashanti Region ended their campaign with their first win of the tournament, coming from behind twice to beat Upper West Region 3-2 in an entertaining encounter at the GFA Technical Centre.Osman Hamdan scored twice for Upper West, but goals from Atieso Thompson and Thomas Frimpong brought Ashanti level before MVP Mensah Junior Jeffrey completed the comeback in the 67th minute. The result brought a positive end to Ashantis title defence, although they will not feature in the semifinals.Volta Region also concluded the group stage with a comeback victory, defeating Central Region 2-1. Issaka Mahmoud gave Central the lead before Nyande Nafiu Iddrisu equalised and Agbali John completed the turnaround with the winning goal.With the group matches now concluded, the focus shifts to the semifinals on Friday, October 9, 2026, as the remaining teams battle for a place in the final.Organised as part of the Ghana Football Associations Talent Development Scheme (TDS) and sponsored by the KGL Foundation, the Inter-Regional U17 Colts Championship continues to provide a competitive platform for young footballers to develop their technical, tactical and competitive skills.The tournament now enters its decisive phase, with the surviving teams one step closer to lifting the 2026 title and showcasing the next generation of Ghanaian football talent.