Volta Region’s U-19 boys opened their 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Inter-Regional Championship campaign with a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat to Ashanti Region after a 2-2 draw in the tournament opener at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
Ashanti took the lead early, but Volta responded through Zakaria Mohammed to equalize.
The Volta boys then pushed ahead as Afetor Paris made it 2-1, only for Ashanti to score again late on and force the game straight to penalties.
From the spot, Ashanti converted all five kicks. Volta scored four, but one was saved to seal a 5-4 win for Ashanti.
With a point earned, and despite the result, Team Volta produced a spirited performance that reflected their preparation for the championship.
Volta will now look to bounce back when they face Upper West Region on Wednesday, August 26 at 3:30PM on the FIFA Pitch in Matchday 2.
They will then take on Western Region on Friday, August 28 at 10:30AM, before concluding the group stage against Eastern Region on Saturday, August 29 at 1:00PM.
With three group games remaining, Volta will be aiming for maximum points to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
The championship continues on Wednesday with more matches across Groups A and B.
VRFA Communications
