The 2023 Ramadan Cup has been duly launched at a ceremony held at the Kempinski Hotel on Thursday, April 6, with a clarion call to communities to uphold “the value of the tournament.”
Thirty Zongo communities have been drawn to participate in this year’s edition, representing an increase of six teams for the two-day soccer fiesta played annually in honor of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osumanu Nuhu Shaributu.
It marks an expansion of the competition to more regions as Koforidua Zongo, Kumasi Zongo Yendi, Salaga, and two others become the new entrants in the tournament that began with only six teams in 2015.
The Sports Minister, Honourable Mustapha Ussif, officially declared “the tournament duely launched” at the well-attended ceremony, as he urged all the communities to take it seriously.
In his key note address, the MP for Yagaba-Kubori Constituency expressed his ministry’s pride in supporting the growth of the tournament while revealing the uniqueness of the 2023 edition.
“What is so unique about this year’s tournament is that we are bringing international scouts to the tournament,” he said.
“So those participating Zongo communities and the players should take it seriously because you never know where your destiny lies.”
“The international scout might identify you, and who knows, you will be the next person on the flight going to most of the prominent clubs globally as far as football is concerned.”
He therefore advised the participating communities to invest their seriousness in the tournament as they seek football honours in Fadama to honour the Grand Mufti
“Before I conclude, let me urge the youth from all the participating communities to continue upholding the values of the competition,” thus: discipline, unity, togetherness, and the opportunities therein.
“It is also possible that Ghana Sports will grow bigger and bigger, insha Allah.”
“On this note, I have the singular honor as the sector minister of sports to declare the 8th Sheikh Shaributu Ramadan Cup duly launched.”
Thursday’s event saw the draw held for the competition, which will be played over a 2-day period between Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, 2023, on the Fadama Astroturf.
The event was graced by dignitaries such as the member of parliament for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama, who was the chairman for the occasion; the general secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo; the head coach of the Black Meteors, Ibrahim Tanko; the Chief Protocol Officer from the Chief Imam’s office, Sheikh Torphic Sienu; Mr. Amin Lamptey, who emceed the event; and Mr. Tamim Issah, who is the founder of the tournament;
Below is the full draw for the preliminary stage.
1. Maamobi vs. Nsawan Zongo
2. Accra New Town vs. Kumasi Zongo
3. Nima vs. Oda Zongo
4. Cowlane vs. Tema Zongo
5. Koforidua vs. Adabraka
6. Madina vs. Tunga
7. Shukura vs. Alajo
8. Sabon Zongo vs. Suhum Zongo
9. Fadama vs. Kaneshie
10. Ashaiman vs. Akuapem Zongo
11. Kasoa vs. Ashale Botwe
12: Hohoe vs. Salaga
13. Tudu vs. Anya Zongo
14. Darkuman vs. Yendi
15. Nungua Zongo vs. Abeka
Round of 16
16. Winner Match 1 vs. Winner Match 2
Winner Match 3 vs. Winner Match 4
Winner Match 5 vs. Winner Match 6
19: Winner Match 7 vs. Winner Match 8
20. Winner Match 9 vs. Winner Match 10
21. Winner Match 11 vs. Winner Match 12
22. Winner Match 13 vs. Winner Match 14
23. Winner Match 15 vs. Best Loser from the Preliminary Round
QUARTER FINAL
24. Winner Match 16 vs. Winner Match 17
25. Winner Match 18 vs. Winner Match 19
26. Winner Match 20 vs. Winner Match 21
27. Winner match 22 vs. Winner match 23
SEMIFINALS
28. Winner match 24 vs. Winner match 25
29. Winner match 26 vs. Winner match 27
FINAL
30. Winner Match 28 vs. Winner Match 29
DATE AND VENUE
The competition will be played on Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, 2023, on the Fadama Astroturf.
