Former Black Stars midfielder Ebenezer Ofori former school Simms SHS stun OKESS on penalties to make history winning first ever trophy in Ashanti Regional Inter-school soccer competition
Simms Senior High School have made history of their own after beating OKESS on penalties in final to win their first ever Ashanti Regional Inter-school football competition trophy.
Former Black Stars midfielder Ebenezer Ofori attended and played for Simms SHS in qualifiers of the competition during his school days and will be one of the immediate men to be happy after failing several times to qualify his school to the finals proper.
Simms beat OKESS 5-4 on penalties at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday afternoon.
Ofori, who plays for Danish club Vejle Boldklub, was one of the main stars the schools always counted on during his days in the qualifying round but lack of coaching prowess always seized Simms’ chances to qualify for the competition’s finals.
In recent times, Simms SHS have improved their technical abilities reaching final in 2011 and lost 1-0 to Adu Gyamfi SHS. The technical and other aspects adjustments have seen the school a habitual quarter-finalists over the last couple of years.
This season, the school have been led by former Black Princess star Sandra Boakye crushing out former champions Obuasi Senior High Technical School and I.T Amass SHS- led by Ghana Premier League and Asante Kotoko youngster Rocky Dwamena, to book a final place against record holders OKESS who have won it 8 times.
The Fawoade-based school seized the opportunity to rewrite its story by prevailing against favourites Osei Kyeretwie SHS with a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout victory after a tense 1-1 draw in the final match held at the Baba Yara Stadium.
In an enthralling encounter, Simms SHS took an early lead, only to face a determined resurgence from Osei Kyeretwie SHS, who managed to level the score late in the game, leading to the penalty shootout to determine the winner.
The atmosphere at the Baba Yara Stadium was electric, with a half-full stadium passionately cheering on the teams in the gripping final. The captivating match showcased the immense talent and competitive spirit of the young players.
Ultimately, under the adept guidance of Sandra Boakye, Simms SHS emerged victorious, securing the prestigious trophy and etching their name in the school’s history books as the first-ever male soccer champions. Sandra Boakye’s accomplishment also made history as she became the first female P.E. Tutor to coach a team to victory in a male soccer competition.
In addition to Simms SHS’s remarkable achievement, Our Lady of Grace SHS also created their own piece of history by clinching third place in the tournament. The Catholic private institution defied all odds to triumph over the favoured T.I. Amass Kumasi, securing a memorable 1-0 victory in the third-place game.
Simms’s victory over OKESS was made even more remarkable as the school’s team was skillfully guided by their first-ever female Physical Education Tutor to win the coveted title.
