Mahala FA Crowned Nexgen Scouting Tournament Champions After Beating Asante Kotoko SC 2–0

Mahala FA Make a Winning Start

Mahala Football Academy began their Nexgen Scouting Tournament campaign on a positive note, recording a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Bantama SU in the semi-final.

Richard Owusu Ansah opened the scoring with a brilliant, curling long-range free kick that demonstrated his quality and ability to deliver in crucial moments. Zaid Nii Abeo Sekoh also found the net to help Mahala FA secure victory and book their place in the final.

Watch the Full Semi-Final Match

Relive Mahala FA’s 2–1 victory over Bantama SU in the semi-final directly below:

A Commanding Performance in the Final

Having secured their place in the final, Mahala FA faced Asante Kotoko SC in a decisive encounter. The team rose to the occasion, producing another strong performance to win 2–0 and lift the Nexgen Scouting Tournament trophy.

Richard Owusu Ansah once again demonstrated his set-piece ability, scoring with a free kick to give Mahala FA an important breakthrough.

Godwin Anang then produced one of the memorable moments of the final. After noticing that the opposing goalkeeper had moved well away from his goal, Anang executed an audacious long-range curling effort from around the halfway-line area, sending the ball into the net.

His spectacular goal sealed the 2–0 victory and confirmed Mahala FA as champions of the tournament.

Watch the Full Final Match

Watch the complete final as Mahala FA defeat Asante Kotoko SC 2–0 to become champions right here on the page:

Mahala FA Crowned Champions

The final whistle marked a significant achievement for Mahala Football Academy, whose performances throughout the tournament reflected determination, attacking quality and a collective desire to succeed.

The tournament also provided valuable competitive experience as the academy continues preparations for the 2026/27 Division Two season.

Mahala FA’s triumph represents an encouraging start to the preseason programme and provides a foundation on which the team can continue to build ahead of the new campaign.

Scouts Take Notice of Mahala FA Talents

The Nexgen Scouting Tournament provided an important platform for young footballers to showcase their abilities in front of agents and scouts in attendance.

Several Mahala FA players were among those listed by scouts or agents during the tournament:

• Richard Owusu Ansah
• Desmond Sadat
• Evans Ofori
• Francis Darko
• Godwin Anang
• Justice Sika Freh
• Derrick Gyebi

The interest shown in these players highlights the importance of competitive tournaments in creating opportunities for emerging football talents to gain exposure and attract attention from people within the game.

Bernard Dong Bortey’s Influence on the Preseason

The tournament victory also represents an encouraging milestone for Mahala FA’s newly appointed Head Coach, Bernard Dong Bortey, of Accra Hearts of Oak fame, working alongside assistant coach Francis Osei Tutu.

The competition formed part of the club’s preseason exercise, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the squad, observe individual performances and learn more about the team’s strengths and areas requiring improvement.

Guided by the new technical leadership, Mahala FA demonstrated the ability to compete effectively, convert important chances and deliver results when it mattered most.

Beyond winning the trophy, the tournament offered valuable technical and tactical lessons that can help the team continue developing as preparations for the 2026/27 Division Two season progress.

Looking Ahead to the 2026/27 Season

Mahala Football Academy will look to build on this success as preseason preparations continue. With the coaching staff assessing the squad, players gaining competitive experience and promising talents attracting scouting attention, the academy has several positive developments to carry forward.

The Nexgen Scouting Tournament triumph is an important achievement, but the focus remains on continued improvement, teamwork and readiness for the challenges of the upcoming Division Two campaign.

Congratulations, Champions!

Mahala Football Academy congratulates the players, technical team, management and supporters on this achievement. The academy also extends appreciation to the organisers of the Nexgen Scouting Tournament for providing a platform for competitive football and talent identification.

Mahala FA — Champions of the Nexgen Scouting Tournament!