The most anticipated offseason game that brings all footballers from Ghana and beyond together, dubbed “The All Star Festival” came to light at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Wednesday, June 18 2025.
The game that had its fourth edition staged at the stadium in Accra, saw a host of Ghanaian stars compete against each other in a friendly and bonding contest. This year’s edition was very special as other parties were involved, having been the best yet after the all three editions which were hosted in Accra, Tamale and Dormaa.
The annual festival that brings renowned Ghanaian footballers and celebrities closer to their fans and loved ones kicked off in a fabulous fashion as the program lineup was uniquely designed for the 2025 edition. In the event, the stars roam around the city of Accra in an open bus, engaging with fans in the marketplace and on the streets first before heading to the stadium for preparations for the big game on the night.
Prior to the game, the organizers involved students and celebrities this time as students from the University of Ghana, the hosts faced off against the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) students in a curtain raiser game before Ghana Media Group and Gh Entertainers which included actors and musicians as well as dancers, locked horns in the second curtain raiser game.
Both curtain raiser games resulted in a goalless stalemate as no team emerged victorious in that regard. Also, the fans trooped in to grace the occasion in their huge numbers, also to witness the blistering events. There were musical performances by artists who were able to light up the atmosphere at the stadium on the night.
The main event came into fruition as the football stars who have been divided into two teams, namely the Northern Sector squad and the Southern Sector squad which were managed by “Coach Essien” of Legon Cities and Coach Christopher Nimley of Citi FM, overseeing affairs for both teams respectively.
Northern Sector team which consisted of Emmanuel Boateng, Jordan Ayew, Emmanuel Toku, Stephen Amankona, Danlad Ibrahim and others was captained by the Black Stars captain, Jordan. The Southern Sector team was also having names like goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Majeed Ashimeru, David Oduro, Bernard Mensah, Lawrence Agyekum and others was captained by Lens midfielder who helped Sunderland regain promotion to top flight football, Abdul Salis Samed.
The game began with Southern Sector being the dangerous side, initiating threatening attacks at Northern Sector and dominating them to a point where they could easily score more goals but Danlad Ibrahim denied attempts to get the ball in his net.
It did not take so long for Southern Sector to get a goal through Anderlecht midfielder Majeed Ashimeru who slotted in a beauty that went past Danlad Ibrahim who tried so hard to save it. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare on the other end of the pitch also had a great day as he made crucial saves to help his side win the encounter.
The game ended 2-1 in favor of Southern Sector team as Majeed Ashimeru and Bernard Mensah scored the goals for coach Christopher Nimley’s side whilst Emmanuel Boateng scored the consolation for the Northern Sector team via a penalty kick.
The festival ended in grand style as dignitaries and fans celebrated Ghanaian football as well as engaged eachother in high spirits.
The organizers of the annual event promised to keep it going and to keep it becoming bigger and better each year as it continues to expand going forward.
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