NDC wins unity soccer competition

Sunyani (B/A) Sept. 6, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) branch's football team in the Sunyani Municipality at the weekend walloped a representative team of the People's National Congress (PNC) 6-2 in the final match of a Special Unity football competition organised for political parties in the Sunyani Municipality at the Sunyani Coronation Park.

The NDC team led 5-0 in the first half with Isaac Asare scoring two goals and Kwasi Muller, Abdulai Abdraman and Kwame Amando adding one goal each.

The peace or "Asomdwee" competition was organized by the newly-formed Sunyani-based Over-Comers Mass Choir Association of choristers of Christian Churches in the Sunyani Municipality. It was aimed at driving home the need for political parties to regard each other as "opponents" and not "enemies".

Shortly after resumption of the second half of the final match, Daniel Mensah of PNC redeemed a goal for his side but this seemed to incense the NDC team who burst into renewed attacks, forcing a PNC defender to score an own goal.

Undaunted, the PNC team fought back in a face-saving effort and got their second goal through Alfred Brenyah before the referee's final whistle to bring the proceedings to an end.

Before reaching the finals, the "Umbrella" team thrashed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) "Osono" football team, 3-0 whilst the PNC (Kube) team also defeated the NPP 3-1.

The other registered parties could not raise teams for the competition even though some of their executives, including Ms. Juliana Abebrese, popularly called Brong-Ahafo Yaa Asantewaa of the Convention People's Party (CPP) were at the park.

Mr. Oduro Mensah Boahen, President of the Association and the Secretary Mr. Kwadwo Oteng in separate interviews with the GNA Sports expressed disappointment at the failure of the other political parties to be present teams for the peace competition.

They also expressed disappointment for the failure of representatives of the other political parties and the Electoral Commission (EC) to honour the invitation.

Some of the spectators expressed disgust at the absence of some of the parties in the first-ever "Peace" soccer competition in the Municipality, saying it was a laudable initiative that would not only unite the people but further educate supporters of political parties on the need to maintain peace before, during and after the December elections.