Ghana’s Accra Shooting Stars FC Clinch Gothia Cup 2026 B18 Title with 2-1 Win Over Newbridge Town FC
Ghana’s Accra Shooting Stars FC etched their name into history after defeating Ireland’s Newbridge Town FC 2-1 to win the Boys Under-18 title at the prestigious Gothia Cup 2026 in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The victory saw the Ghanaian side crowned champions of the world’s largest youth football tournament after an outstanding campaign, with Daniel Opoku emerging as the hero by scoring both goals in a thrilling final at Gamla Ullevi.
Accra Shooting Stars FC dominated the opening stages and looked the more dangerous side from the first whistle. Agbogah Samuel came close to opening the scoring early on, but Newbridge Town goalkeeper Cian Rushe produced a superb reflex save. Moments later, Daniel Opoku was also denied by the inspired Irish goalkeeper as the Ghanaians continued to pile on the pressure.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 18th minute. Karim Mohammed unleashed a powerful long-range effort that Rushe could only parry into the path of Daniel Opoku, who reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and hand Accra Shooting Stars a deserved 1-0 lead.
Newbridge Town FC responded immediately after the restart. Eoghan O’Carroll was brought down inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick. Josh Hamilton made no mistake from 12 yards, calmly converting the penalty to level the score at 1-1.
Despite the setback, the Ghanaian champions remained composed and continued to create chances. In the 35th minute, Yaw Awuni burst down the left flank and delivered a pinpoint cross for Attito Nelson, whose header crashed against the post. Just three minutes later, Nelson thrilled the spectators with a spectacular bicycle kick that narrowly sailed over the crossbar.
The decisive moment arrived soon after. Yenzu Kweku Boadu delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Daniel Opoku, who kept his composure to score his second goal of the match and restore Accra Shooting Stars FC’s lead at 2-1 after 41 minutes.
The Ghanaian side nearly added a third goal in the 48th minute when Topper Elvis Yaw struck a powerful free-kick from 25 metres, only to see his effort hit the outside of the post.
With just three minutes remaining, Attito Nelson had another golden opportunity after rounding the goalkeeper, but his shot drifted narrowly over the crossbar.
Newbridge Town FC mounted one final push in the closing moments and earned a dangerous free-kick just outside the penalty area. However, the effort struck the defensive wall, allowing Accra Shooting Stars FC to hold firm until the final whistle.
The historic 2-1 victory secured the Gothia Cup 2026 Boys Under-18 championship for Accra Shooting Stars FC, making them one of Ghana’s latest youth football success stories on the international stage.
Daniel Opoku, who scored both goals in the final, was deservedly named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match.
Speaking after the victory, the delighted forward said:
“I planned it and God made it happen. I am very grateful for this opportunity and I also want to say a big thank you to our supporters.”
The triumph marks a memorable achievement for Accra Shooting Stars FC and another proud moment for Ghanaian youth football on the global stage.