A mouthwatering opening fixture between former champions Nima and Sabon Zongo was drawn for the 10th edition of the annual Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup, which comes off this Saturday, April 12, at the Kawukudi Park in Accra.
The tournament, named after the revered National Chief Imam, has, for the past 9 years, been bringing together Zongo communities at the end of every Ramadan, to compete in a special gala.
The 10th edition, described as a special edition by organisers, has only 15 teams competing, instead of the usual 32 from about six regions.
The 15 community teams are made of former champions, founding members and teams that have excelled in past editions.
At the launch of the 10th edition and live draw in Accra on Monday, defending and three-time champions Ashaiman drew a by at the quarter final stage, while former champions Madina, Nima, Mamobi and Kasoa were seeded in the first round draw.
Interestingly, the first round draw pitched two traditional Zongos together, Nima and Sabon Zongo, for the opening fixture of the tournament.
The tournament, which traditionally takes place at the Fadama Park, close to the home of the National Chief Imam, has been moved to the Kawukudi Park, Kanda, due to renovation works at the Fadama Park.
The Sharubutu Ramadan Cup, as usual, is expected to draw football stakeholders as well as key personalities from the Zongo community, including the National Chief Imam himself.
Below are the fixtures:
1. NIMA vrs SABON ZONGO
2. KASOA vrs ASHALE BOTWE
3. SHUKURA vrs ADABRAKA
4. MAMOBI vrs TEMA
5. MADINA vrs TUBA
6. NSAWAM vrs ANYAA ZONGO
7. TUNGA vrs FADAMA
*8. ASHAIMAN (progresses to 2nd round as defending champions)
2ND ROUND FIXTURES
1. Winner 1 vrs Winner 2
2. Winner 3 vrs Winner 4
3. Winner 5 vrs Winner 6
4. Winner 7 vrs Ashaiman
