The finals of the 2026 Osu Duku Football Festival between Ga Mashie and La ended abruptly with confusion last Saturday at the Osu Salem Park after the referee messed the well-attended encounter with doubtful decisions.
The referee, who is noted for not ending matches, showed a double yellow card to a Ga Mashie defender for no serious offence when the ball was near their goal area, and that was the cause of some fans rushing to the field to launch and land punches on him.
Security had to be called in to salvage the heated situation, but the fans stood firm to watch the game which was part of the Homowo Festival celebrations.
Present at the Osu Salem Park to watch the match were dignitaries including the CEO of DVLA, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, Madam Joyce Mahama, President of African Women In Sports Association and Women Sports Association of Ghana, Hon Benjamin Kotey Neequaye, NDC Chairman, Korle Klottey Assembly member, and planning committee members of the Osu Duku Festival.
Earlier in the day, Osu Females beat Nima Females in an exciting game.
Hon. Benjamin Kotey Neequaye presented an undisclosed amount of money to the Osu Ladies. He said it is a promise to encourage them and wished that all of them would play for the Black Queens of Ghana.
Meanwhile, the organising committee will meet to decide on the next move on who wins the cup.
The epic Health Walk is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, from Osu One Way through some principal streets to the Independence Square.
The Duku Cycling Race is happening live on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
