The maiden edition of the Hon. Yussif Jaja community Gala has ended successfully with Accra New Town's Sweet Apple emerging as champions in a fratricidal Grand Final.

They beat a fellow New town team, Paradise FC 4-2 on penalties after the two sides had settled for a nerve-racking goalless draw after regulations time.

Sunday's grand finale saw the two teams battling for supremacy in a competition that brougt the legendary Mohammed Polo to the kawo kudi park.

It was a stupendous performance of a game that added more entertainment to the tournament organised by the MP for the Ayawaso North

Both teams had fought their way into the final with scintillating performances from the beginning of the tournament.

Their efforts right from the preliminary stage had given indications that it could be an all-New-Town affair in the final, and it came to pass after both sides won their Semi Final games with total dominance over their respective opponents.

It had looked like Paradise were on their way to grab the Ghc 2000 prize money when they pushed their opponent back to their shelves.

Defeat was perhaps a little harsh on Paradise FC, who had the better of the chances in the scoreless 90 minutes that preceded the shootout and twice hit the woodwork.

They were unlucky to see a superb 20-yard shot come back off the keeper's right-hand post, while another long drive struck the outside of the other upright from a tight angle.

But resiliency and character kept Sweeto Apple in the game as the looked threatening anytime they caught their opponent on the break.

They both kept promising until their differences were settled by the dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout.

Paradise missed their first two spot-kicks but Sweet Apple brilliantly took theirs to admiration of the thousands who had gathered to see the finality of burgeoning soccer fiesta that has the potential of becoming a big  sports festival.

For the prize, Sweet Apple received a giant trophy, Ghc 2000.00 with a set of , while Paradise were awarded with Ghc 1500.00 and a set Jerseys for their efforts.

Speaking to ghanaguardian.com after the end of the three weeks competition, MP for Ayawaso North Yussif Jaja, expressed delight for the success of the tournament, which was initiated to unearth talents and to consolidate the peace and tranquillity the cosntituency has enjoyed.

"This is the maiden edition and I must say it has been very successful," he said.

"The aim is to promote unity and to unearth talent for the community and the nation.

As the Member of Parliament for the Ayawoso North it behoves us to ensure the development of this community and sports is one of areas we can rely on."

An annual affair

According to the organising committee, it is planing to make it an annual affair and says it will ensure to make subsequent editions "bigger and better."

The tournament started with selected 18 teams  from the constituency.

Each of them took an appearance fee of Ghc 100.00 and a set of Jerseys.

There were individual awards that went to the best player, best goalkeeper and the highest goalscorer.

By: Tanko Abdul Malik/ghanaguardian.com