The Ghana U-15 national team has been crowned champions of the 2025 Mondialito Promise tournament after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv in the final, capping off a flawless campaign on foreign soil.
Held in Israel, the Mondialito Promise tournament brought together top U-15 sides from around the world, including some of the finest young talents from Israel’s top clubs.
Ghana, under the guidance of former international Yaw Preko, entered the tournament as one of the African representatives with high expectations following recent investments in youth development by the Ghana Football Association.
The Ghanaians opened their campaign with two strong wins on the first day of the competition, setting the tone for what would be a dominant tournament run.
On Day Two, they continued their winning streak with a composed 2-0 victory over Maccabi Petah Tikva, followed by a commanding 4-0 thrashing of Hapoel Tel Aviv.
These results secured Ghana’s place in the final, where they would once again face Maccabi Tel Aviv — a side they had already beaten earlier in the group stage.
In the tournament decider, Ghana’s young stars rose to the occasion.
Goals from Robinho Gavi, James Ofori, Ebenezer Adjei, and Abdulai Aziz Issah gave the West Africans an unassailable lead.
Maccabi Tel Aviv managed a consolation goal in the dying minutes, but it was too little too late as Ghana ran out 4-1 winners to lift the prestigious youth trophy.
The standout performer of the tournament was Ghanaian winger John Andor, whose dazzling displays earned him the Best Player of the Tournament award.
His performances, marked by pace, creativity, and technical skill, were a key component of Ghana’s successful run.
This triumph is seen as a significant milestone for Ghana’s youth football program and a promising sign for the nation’s footballing future.
Coach Yaw Preko, speaking after the final, praised his players for their discipline, teamwork, and hunger to succeed on the international stage.
With this victory, Ghana’s U-15s not only return home with silverware but also with their names firmly etched as the next generation of stars to watch.
–BY Daniel Bampoe
