The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, who celebrated his 104th birthday last week, showed up for the grand finale of the 2023 Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup, as Mamobi defeated Darkuman for the trophy.
Sheikh Sharubutu, who has attended all but one of the previous finals, showed up, once again, for the grand finale of the 2023 edition, which featured about 30 Zongo communities from various parts of the country.
In the end, Mamobi, who were earlier disqualified from the tournament, staged a stunning return to the 2023 Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup to lift the trophy, following an appeal.
Mamobi were scheduled to kick off the tournament with Nsawam Zongo on Saturday, but they were over an hour late, and organisers of the competition decided to disqualify them in accordance with the regulations of the tournament.
However, Mamobi launched an appeal, which was upheld, and they were readmitted into the tournament, marching on to victory, their second in five years.
The determined Mamobi side swept aside all their opponents once they were pardoned, and they composed themselves to seal a penalty shoot-out win over Darkuman in a tight final in the presence of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu..
After defeating Salaga, from the Savannah Region, Accra New Town, Akim Oda Zongo from the Eastern Region and Madina, Darkuman, playing their first finals in the competition, posed a real threat to Mamobi.
After a gruelling 0-0 draw, the trophy had to be decided on penalties and mother luck, once again, smiled on Mamobi.
Mamobi now joins Ashaiman and Kasoa as the only communities to win the tournament twice since its inception in 2015.
High-profile dignitaries, including the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, joined the National Chief Imam for the climax of the two-day tournament.
The founder of the tournament, Tamimu Issah, after the grand finale, was excited that the tournament is realising its objectives of using it to unite the youth of Zongo communities, and also to celebrate the National Chief Imam.
The 8th edition of the tournament was supported by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ministry of Youth and Sports, Zongo Development Fund, Nasco Electronics, and Perla Natural Mineral Water.