Young Apostles secured a historic promotion to the Ghana Premier League after defeating Techiman Heroes 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout in the Zone I play-off in Accra on Tuesday.
Suleman Yahaya Abu scored the decisive penalty at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, with 30 minutes of extra time failing to produce further goals, leading to the penalty shootout.
Techiman Heroes seemed destined for a historic qualification when Young Apostles missed their first two spot-kicks.
However, Emmanuel Owusu and Ebenezer Agyapong missed their efforts for Techiman Heroes, bringing the sides back on level terms.
Mathew Amponsah’s miss for Techiman Heroes allowed Abu to score the crucial goal that sent Young Apostles into the Ghana Premier League.
Young Apostles join Vision FC and Holy Stars FC as the three teams promoted to the Ghana Premier League next season.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/qbMhNHsM5v
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) June 4, 2024
Despite having the better chances during the 120 minutes that preceded the shootout, Techiman Heroes faced a harsh defeat. Both teams had won their respective groups in Zone I of the Access Bank Division One League, leading to the playoff to determine who would secure promotion.
Young Apostles’ victory makes them the fifth team from the Bono Ahafo region to join the top-flight league, alongside Nsoatreman FC, Aduana Stars, Berekum Chelsea, and Bechem United.
They became the latest club to secure promotion to the top flight after Vision FC.
