Hon. Mark Akudugu's Christmas Gala ends

Trophy

It was all joy in the land of Tempane when Hon. Mark Akudugu's Annual Christmas Gala kicked off in a grand style, Tempane United locking horns with Kpikpira United on the 24 December,2022 at The Tempane JHS park, popularly known as Tempane Santiago Bernabeu. Tempane United, a finalist in the previous tournament convincingly blew away the minors by four goals to nil to begin a tournament that promised to be an upgrade on the last one. With two goals in each half, the excitement of the fans came to a halt.

COMPOSITION
Eleven teams registered to play the gala, with each team having 26 slots for player's registration.

Group A being Tempane United, Woriyanga Wonderful Babies and Kpikpira United. Group B had Kugrago FC, Kugrago GN Bank, Barboaka Talented S and Bulpielisi and Group C featuring likes of Athletico Madrid, Bugri United, Kugsabilla and Gban Corner Mighty Warriors. Two qualified to the next stage, where the six teams were re-grouped to two groups of three. At this stage, all drawn matches went straight into penalties with the winner taking two points.

THE CLASSICO
The grand finale was played on 5th January, 2023 on the soils of Tempane Santiago Bernabeu, kicking off at exactly 3:00pm. It proved to be a real final as the trills lasted 90minutes. The field was full to capacity. Tempane United, who play a game style popularly known as Typical Tempane Soccer couldn't defeat the All-inclusive soccer style of the Woriyanga lads the second time in the tournament. The Boys from Woriyanga came into the game with a 'domineering spirit', bossing the midfield from the first minute. The United players remained resolute and unperturbed as they believed they could soak the pressure to the end. Counter attacking, the unrivaled weapon the team possessed was believed to always be the way out in cagey encounters, combining it with fluid-passing, close control and dribbling, speed and a decisive finishing ability. The nimble-footed nature of the attacking department of both teams made this game delectable and possible.. After 90 minutes without the first blood being drawn, penalty shoot out was next. Rasheed Navas saved the forth kick, with Anawini Latif(popularly known as Pepe) scoring the most important last penalty to make TEMPANE UNITED champions of the Mark Akudugu's Xmass Gala 2022/23 who lost last year on penalties. The fans went wild in celebration. What a way to begin the year! What a way to wipe their tears from last year's disappointment!! What a restoration!!! After waiting for so long, Tempane United won. It took Argentina 36 years to win the world cup again but Tempane United won this gala after trying the second time, ending the trophy drought of the team. The foundations of the team was perfect this time round. The team was adequately prepared for the tournament and no wonder they played the best football in the tournament. Well deserved Champions. Though cagey as it was, they learnt to do it even in the hardest way. TEMPANE are CHAMPIONS!

AWARDS
The Best Coach category went to Coach Abel of the only unbeaten team in the tournament, with the Goal King going to Tanimu Neymar of Woriyanga with 5goals in 5 matches. The best player of the league went to Awal, captain of the Boys from Woriyanga, with the best goalkeeper going to last year's best, Rasheed Navas again for his fantastic shot stopping skills and highest number of clean sheets through out the tournament. Athletico got 3rd to mark a good year for themselves. All players and coaches in the finals were given medals. The 3rd, 2nd and 1st team were also given cash prizes

WORDS FROM THE ORGANIZERS

Tempane Youth Association organized this tournament with Hon. Mark Akudugu being the sole sponsor. The Team led by Mohammed Fatawu Owen (formerly of Kotoko, RTU and Wa All Stars), Prosper Akolwin, Mbilla Emma and Christian Ayamba, thanked all people in Tempane, the Youth, Sports - Loving fans, Nooryinne FM Management, etc

Special thanks went to the Sponsor (Hon mark AKUDUGU) DCE of Tempane (Hon. Issaka Anabida),The Palace and Chiefs, The former GES Regional Director(Mr Edward Azure) Chairman Peter Arabe all invited guests, all registered teams and their supporters,all benevolent individuals who supported the program in any form, The Sports Presenter for Nooryinne FM, Mbilla Samuel (Minister for Youth and Sports) for being there to air the tournament.

It ended in Glory!