The Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly (ABNMA) has won the Accra Metropolitan Assembly's (AMA) 125th-anniversary commemorative football match dubbed Mayor’s Cup/Inter-District Competition.

 ABNMA defeated AMA 4-5 on penalties, to win a football match played on the newly constructed Astroturf at the Awudome Cluster of Schools, in Okaikoi South Sub-Metropolitan District in Accra. 

The match which was organized by the AMA to celebrate its 125^th  Anniversary under the theme: “125 Years of Local Governance: Strengthening Community Resilience and Sustainable Development of the City of Accra,” remained evenly contested throughout the first half, with neither side managing to break the deadlock as players displayed remarkable sportsmanship, reflecting the spirit of unity and collaboration.

The second half resumed after 15 minutes break with determination but the AMA team captained by the Head of Planning, Richard Kwame Oduro, who were slightly on top wasted all the scoring chances that came their way.

As the game proceeded to a penalty shootout, tension gripped the stadium but in a surprising turn of events, the AMA team, known for their agility and strategic play, lost to the Ablekuma North squad who exhibited remarkable skill and precision, to secure a 5-4 lead, securing their win.

Each kick was met with heightened anticipation from the spectators, many of whom were staff, and residents supporting both teams.

On route to the finals, the Ablekuma North squad defeated Okaikoi North   1-0 in their opening game before thrashing Ayawaso Central 4-1 in the semifinals.

The AMA team on the other hand defeated Ablekuma Central 2 -1 in their playoff game and continued their championship quest by beating Ablekuma Central   4- 0 in the semi-finals before meeting the Ablekuma North team. 

The Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly on the other hand secured the third position after beating Ablekuma Central 1-0.

Hon Elizabeth Sackey, Chief Executive Officer of the AMA in an address after the win said the 125^th Anniversary Commemorative Soccer match would undoubtedly be remembered as a memorable and unifying event, fostering camaraderie, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle among sister Assemblies and the community.

She congratulated the Ablekuma North team which she described as the AMA's last born for a splendid performance and the perseverance to win the ultimate. 

She said the AMA decided to include a football match as part of activities to commemorate its 125^th anniversary because it was a way to bring all MMDAs together and highlight the longstanding connection between them adding that the event symbolized more than just sporting excellence. 

"The AMA used to be 13 Sub-Metropolitan Councils but has now been left with 3 due to their elevation as Municipalities so we thought it wise to organise a football competition to bring staff of the municipalities who were elevated out of the AMA, " she said. 

She mentioned that as part of the anniversary celebration a free health screening exercise was organised on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th November, 2023 adding that the event aimed to provide essential health services to city staff and the general public to promote a healthier community.

She used the opportunity to urge residents and all Ghanaians to keep their surroundings clean and desist from dumping refuse into drains and indiscriminately as the city celebrates its 100 years of establishment.

"As we celebrate 125 years, let's unite in preserving its cleanliness, refrain from dumping refuse into drains and maintain a clean environment. Let's ensure our city thrives for the next century and beyond. Your commitment to cleanliness contributes to the legacy we pass on to future generations." she said.