The organisers of the Sheikh Shaributu Ramadan Cup have announced that the third-place match and the Grand Finale of the 2024 edition will be played on April 27, a week after the initial dates of April 20–21.
The 9th edition of the tournament, which was held at the Fadama Astro Turf, saw Ashaiman Zongo and Anyaa Zongo emerge as finalists, while Fadama and Oda Zongo will clash in the third-place encounter.
This year’s edition featured a record 32 Zongo Communities, a significant increase from the 8 teams that participated in the inaugural edition in 2015.
The Sheikh Shaributu Ramadan Cup has a rich history, dating back to 2015, when it was founded by Tamim Issah. The tournament was established to promote unity and friendly competition among Zongo Communities in Ghana. Over the years, it has grown in popularity, with more communities expressing interest in participating.
Speaking after the finalists were decided on Sunday, Tamim Issah, the founder of the tournament, expressed his excitement about the growth of the competition.
“We are thrilled to see how far this tournament has come,” he said.
“From 8 teams in 2015 to 32 teams in 2024, it’s a testament to the unity and passion of the Zongo Communities. “We are postponing the 3rd place and Grand Finale to give the teams and fans more time to prepare and enjoy the climax of the tournament.
“As I always say, ‘the Ramadan Cup is not just a tournament, it’s a symbol of our unity and brotherhood.”
In an exciting development, the organisers have also announced that the third place match and the Grand Finale will feature the standard 45 minutes of play for each half, upgrading from the usual 20 minutes per half format used in the previous matches.
Ashaiman Zongo, two-time champions of the tournament, will be looking to add a third title to their collection, while Anyaa Zongo will be seeking to make history by winning their first-ever Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup title.
The changes are expected to add an extra layer of excitement to the already highly anticipated matches, and fans are eagerly looking forward to the thrilling conclusion of the 2024 Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup.
In addition to the football matches, the organisers have announced some exciting side attractions to make the event a memorable one. A musical bash featuring some of Ghana’s top artists is scheduled to take place on the day of the final, and fans are eagerly looking forward to the entertainment.
The Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, in whose honour the tournament was established, is expected to present the trophy to the winner of the Grand Finale. This will be a special moment for the teams and fans, as they will have the opportunity to receive the trophy from the revered Chief Imam himself.
With the extended date, fans are expected to come out in their numbers to support their teams and enjoy the festivities.
The Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup has become a symbol of unity and brotherhood among Zongo communities, and this year’s edition promises to be the biggest and best yet.
