The Cheetah Cup 2026 reached a spectacular climax on Saturday, August 23, with a collection of outstanding individual performances recognised as the tournament celebrated its finest players at the Yartel Okoso Park, popularly known as the Predators Den, in Senya Beraku in Ghana’s Central Region.
After eight days of compelling football since the tournament kicked off on August 16, the competition not only produced champions but also provided a stage for some of the country’s most promising young talents to announce themselves.
In the girls’ category, Value Girls goalkeeper Nana Ama Duodu claimed the Best Goalkeeper award after an impressive campaign that saw her emerge as one of the tournament’s most dependable shot-stoppers.
Although Value Girls suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nigeria’s FEFCAN Ladies in the final, Duodu’s performances throughout the competition earned her individual recognition.
Her Value Girls teammate Danielle Abass also enjoyed a memorable tournament, taking home the Golden Boot award after finishing as the competition’s leading scorer.
The ultimate individual prize in the girls’ category, however, went to Esther Stephen of FEFCAN Ladies, who was named Best Player of the Tournament following a consistently outstanding display throughout the competition.
Stephen’s influence was particularly significant as FEFCAN Ladies secured the girls’ title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Value Girls in the final.
MSK Zillina Africa goalkeeper claims Golden Glove
In the boys’ category, MSK Zillina Africa goalkeeper Shadrach Adjei was rewarded for his exceptional goalkeeping campaign with the adidas Golden Glove award.
Adjei capped his impressive tournament with another clean sheet in the final as MSK Zillina Africa defeated hosts Cheetah FC 1-0 to lift the boys’ trophy.
The tournament’s scoring crown went to Cheetah FC forward Owen Fafa, who was named the 2026 Cheetah Cup Goal King after finishing as the leading scorer.
Meanwhile, Curtis Kalaba Boateng of Cheetah FC continued what has been a sparkling start to his football career by collecting the prestigious Best Player of the Tournament award.
Despite Cheetah FC falling short in the final, Kalaba Boateng’s individual performances throughout the competition stood out, earning him one of the tournament’s biggest honours.
Special recognition for courage and commitment
Beyond the playing field, the 2026 Cheetah Cup also used its awards ceremony to recognise individuals whose contributions extended beyond football.
Dagudu Prosper of Emmanuel City received a Special Recognition Award for playing a life-saving role while on duty, demonstrating courage, responsibility and the spirit of putting others first.
The tournament also honoured Ismail Lamptey, President of MSK Zillina Africa, for his continued support of the Cheetah Cup and his contribution to the growth and development of the competition.
With another successful edition now in the books, the 2026 Cheetah Cup leaves behind not only new champions but a group of emerging stars whose performances at the Predators Den could prove to be important milestones in their football journeys.
Full List of 2026 Cheetah Cup Individual Award Winners
Girls Category
– Best Goalkeeper: Nana Ama Duodu — Value Girls
– Golden Boot: Danielle Abass — Value Girls
– Best Player of the Tournament: Esther Stephen — FEFCAN Ladies, Nigeria
Boys Category
– Best Goalkeeper / Golden Glove: Shadrach Adjei — MSK Zillina Africa
– Goal King / Golden Boot: Owen Fafa — Cheetah FC
– Best Player of the Tournament: Curtis Kalaba Boateng — Cheetah FC
Fair Play Awards
Girls
Cabfix Ladies
Boys
FC Samartex
Special Recognition Awards
– Dagudu Prosper — Emmanuel City: Honoured for his courageous, life-saving intervention while on duty.
– Ismail Lamptey — President, MSK Zillina Africa: Honoured for his continued support of the Cheetah Cup and contribution to the competition’s growth and development.
