History has been rewritten in the Upper East Region after Berekum City sealed qualification to the Access Bank Division One League with a commanding victory over Soccer Masters in the final game of the Division Two Middle League.
The result brought redemption, relief, and raw emotion at the centre on Matchweek Five as goals from Bright Amoateng, Cancelo, and Yinemi Gerald delivered the three points for Berekum City which they needed to finish top of the Middle League table with twelve points.
Zorkor United finished behind them with ten points while soccer masters placed third with nine points. For Coach Emmanuel Azudaa Yaro and his players, the win carried extra weight after the disappointment of missing out on qualification last year on the head-to-head rule.
Berekum City’s campaign began with strong intent when they recorded wins against Paga Crocodile Stars, Zorkor United and Samba Stars, they continued their momentum before suffering a setback against Navrongo Liberty Stars. That defeat only strengthened their resolve, and on the final day with promotion on the line against Soccer Masters, they produced their most complete performance of the competition.
The first half was a tense affair, Berekum City looked the more dangerous side and created several opportunities but could not find the breakthrough. Soccer Masters also had their own chances to score, yet both teams went into the break with the game still goalless. The deadlock did not last long after the restart, seven minutes into the second half, Berekum City took the lead through a beautiful cross that caused confusion in the Soccer Masters penalty area before being turned home. That goal opened the game up completely, and two more goals followed to secure the result and confirm promotion for Azuda’s team.
After the match, Soccer Masters manager Coach Nicolas Ayine Ayidah expressed his frustration with the officiating when he spoke to Gumzang FM. He was not happy with several of the referee’s decisions and felt those calls had a major impact on the outcome of the game. Despite his disappointment, the result he indicated that Soccer Masters are capable of getting to this level again and they will surely fight back .
Speaking to Gumzang FM, Coach Emmanuel Azuda explained how he inspired the turnaround. He stated that, he went into the dressing room at halftime and encouraged his players because he believed they could deliver, and they responded exactly as he had asked.
The victory marks a historic return to Division One for Berekum City after several years away from the competition following their relegation.
Azuda also used the opportunity to address rumours about the club’s future. He stated emphatically that Berekum City is here to stay and dismissed claims that the team would qualify and relocate to play in a different region. He added that the club intends to join Bolga All Stars in Division One to represent the Upper East Region with pride. Plans are already being discussed to change the name Berekum City to one that better reflects the region’s identity.
The promotion has set up an exciting prospect for football in the Upper East, with a Division One derby now on the horizon. Cancelo, who was among the goal scorers on the day, expressed his excitement about what lies ahead. He said what makes him the happiest is the chance to play in a local derby against Bolga All Stars and give the region a fixture to look forward to every season.
For Berekum City, the long wait is finally over. The pain of last season’s near miss has been erased. Under the guidance of Emmanuel Azuda, the club has returned to where it believes it belongs, and the message from the camp is clear that Berekum City is here to stay.
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