Alabokazo displayed amazingly to the admiration of football fans at the Community Astro Turf at Eikwe yesterday to win the massively attended 2024 edition of the West End Radio Independence Day Soccer Fiesta (WEISFA) Festival.
They edged out Ampain 4-3 on penalties in the grand final after a pulsating 1-1 draw to take home a giant trophy, a cash prize of GHC1,000 and other souvenirs from the sponsors.
Ampain, who were tipped by fans to carry the day, went a goal up through Stephen Akane header in the 29th minute from a corner which beat goalkeeper King Bensco after defenders misjudged the kick.
The eventual winners bounced back after a very slow first half to equalise in the 70th minute courtesy of a splendid strike from Pique to set up an intriguing final minute.
The two finalists played well to avoid mistakes, with defenders being careful and calculated, while the forwards strived to hit the back of the net.
After 90 minutes, the winner has to be decided via the shoot-out, where the crowd gingered the Alabokazo lads with high morale and motivation to clinch the victory.
Splended referee Ricardo Mayepe who was in the centre of the final was also a delight to watch with his decisions and management of the game.
In the third-place match, Ngalekpole lost to St Martins .
The final was graced by dignitaries including chiefs, West End Radio staffs, present and former footballers and coaches including Nzema Kotoko coach Mensah Logosu, former Karela United coach Agaza and Ellembelle district football association boss Muniru Usher.
Senior Manager Brands and Marketing at Pott Mineral Water, congratulated the winners for their efforts and commended the other teams for making this year’s tournament very competitive and exciting.
“It had been an interesting journey which saw a display of great talents and also brought communities together in a very competitive but friendly atmosphere,” he said, Samuel Enyan Head of Sports/ Event.
He added that West End Radio is committed to the development and promotion of sports, especially football in the country and would continue to provide the platform for young people to excel.
He promised a bigger event next year as the tournament had seen massive improvement each year.