Mangoase FC of Tema Community 2 have been crowned champions of the fifth edition of the Plan B FM GrassRoot Cup 2026 after edging local rivals Tema Militia FC 15-14 on penalties in a thrilling final at the Tema Community 2 Mexico School Astro Turf on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
The highly competitive final ended goalless after regulation time, forcing both sides into a dramatic penalty shootout. Mangoase FC eventually prevailed in a marathon 15-14 shootout to lift the coveted trophy.
The champions received a giant trophy, medals, a set of jerseys and a cash prize of GH¢12,000.
Tema Militia FC, who finished as first runners-up, received GH¢6,000, medals and a set of jerseys, while third-placed Real Tema City took home GH¢4,000 and medals.
The four-week competition, which kicked off on Saturday, August 22, brought together 32 teams from communities across the region, with the participating sides producing exciting football and showcasing several promising talents.
Individual Awards
Mangoase FC goalkeeper Latif was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament after keeping a clean sheet throughout the competition.
Mulla of Real Tema City won the Top Scorer award with four goals. As part of the prize, he is set to benefit from an international football development opportunity through Kicknation Sports Agency, which announced at the tournament’s launch that the competition’s top scorer would have the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom with the agency.
Saddick Alhassan of Tema Militia FC was named the Best Player of the Tournament.
Alhassan also received the special Ronaldinho Award, introduced by the organisers to recognise a player whose skill and individual brilliance reflected the spirit of the Brazilian legend.
The organisers said the award was inspired by their commitment at the launch to unearth a player capable of dazzling spectators with exceptional ball control and creativity. Alhassan’s spectacular effort, in which he carried the ball from near the halfway line, beat several defenders before striking the post, earned him the special recognition.
Castilla FC from Afienya were presented with the Fair Play Award for their exemplary sportsmanship throughout the competition.
As part of the organisers’ appreciation for their participation, all 32 teams received footballs as consolation prizes.
GrassRoot Football Development
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Free Minds Communication Limited, owners of Plan B FM, Mrs. Comfort Aniagyei, said the competition was organised not only to bring communities together but also to identify and nurture emerging football talents.
She expressed appreciation to all participating teams, officials, sponsors and partners for contributing to the successful organisation of the tournament.
Mrs. Aniagyei said the tournament was designed to provide a platform for grassroots players to showcase their abilities while strengthening unity among communities.
She also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing sports facilities alongside the construction of new stadia.
According to her, while the government’s plans to construct 10 new stadia across the country are commendable, several existing facilities have deteriorated due to poor maintenance.
“President John Mahama recently explained his administration’s decision to initiate the construction of 10 new stadia across Ghana. This, he said, is to address Ghana’s sports infrastructure needs. This is a very good initiative. We, however, tag our appeal to the President on this initiative.
“Mr President, there are some very viable stadia which have fallen into disuse merely because of lack of maintenance. A classic example is the Tema Sports Stadium. Tema is bursting with thousands of grassroots footballers.
“As reflected in our theme for this tournament, ‘Today’s Grassroot, Tomorrow’s Champion’, we therefore call on you, Mr President, to include the repair and maintenance of some existing stadia in addition to the provision of new stadia.
“Tema Sports Stadium is one such very viable stadium, and I believe that the good people of Tema and its environs will be eternally grateful for appropriate maintenance to bring it to international standards.”
The 2026 Plan B FM GrassRoot Cup was organised under the theme “Today’s GrassRoot, Tomorrow’s Global Champion” and was supported by Kicknation Sports Agency, Raphal Medical Centre, Everlasting Business Consultant, Kickedin.app, Verna Sports Water, Techbridges Africa, Nuvivi Cakes and Pastries, Amatola Digital Limited, Little George Health Shop, JoeCarl Group and Last Hour Catering Service.
By: Bernard Mensah / Planbfmonline.com
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