Young Apostles secure Ghana Premier League promotion after dramatic penalty win over Techiman Heroes
Young Apostles have secured promotion to the Ghana Premier League after beating Techiman Heroes 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout win in the Zone One play-off in Accra on Tuesday.
Suleman Yahaya Abu scored the decisive penalty to seal qualification for Young Apostles to the Ghanaian top-flight next season at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The entertaining match ended 1-1 in regulation time, with the 30 minutes of extra-time failing to produce further goals to head into the lottery of a penalty shootout.
It looked like Techiman Heroes were heading to a historic qualification when Young Apostles missed their two spot-kicks.
But Emmanuel Owusu and Ebenezer Agyapong failed with their efforts for Techiman Heroes and the sides were back on level terms.
Mathew Amponsah missed for Techiman Heroes – allowing Suleman Yahaya Abu to rattle home the much needed goal to send Young Apostles into the Ghana Premier League.
Defeat was perhaps a little harsh for Techiman Heroes, who had the better of the chances in the 1-1 draw in 120 minute that preceded the shootout.
The two teams won their respective groups in Zone 1 of the Ghana second-tier after the regular season, pitting them in a playoff to determine who secures promotion for top-flight football next season.
Young Apostles’ victory secured their promotion to the Ghanaian top-flight , making them the fifth team from the Bono Ahafo region to join the topflight league, alongside Nsoatreman FC, Aduana Stars, Berekum Chelsea, and Bechem United.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for the club, and they will now compete against the best teams in Ghana’s top division.
The 2024-25 GPL season will also feature Vision FC from Zone 3 who have already secured promotion, with Zone 2 yet to declare a winner.
Young Apostles’ historic promotion is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they will look to make a lasting impact in the Ghana League.
