4 MVP AWARDS, 6 GOALS, 1 ASSIST — DESMOND KORLETTEY LIGHTS UP MTN ELITE U-19

Kenpong Academy forward crowned Championship MVP after sensational Central Region campaign

Desmond Korlettey has officially announced himself as one of Ghana’s brightest emerging football talents.

The Central Region forward capped a remarkable 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship campaign by being crowned the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, after producing a series of outstanding performances for his region.

Korlettey finished the competition with an impressive six goals in five matches, one assist and four Man of the Match awards — statistics that underlined just how influential he was throughout the 11-day tournament.

FOUR MVP AWARDS — AND HE WASN’T DONE

Korlettey’s consistency was perhaps the most remarkable part of his campaign.

The youngster collected the MVP award four times, emerging as the standout player in Central Region’s matches against Greater Accra, Northern Region, Upper East and Brong Ahafo.

His final MVP performance was arguably his most memorable.

In the third-place playoff against Brong Ahafo, Korlettey scored twice inside the opening 16 minutes, putting Central Region firmly in control as they cruised to a 3-0 victory and secured the bronze medal.

SIX GOALS. FIVE GAMES. ONE BIG STATEMENT.

While Greater Accra’s Dennis Adjei finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals in just three appearances, Korlettey’s overall contribution earned him the competition’s biggest individual prize.

His six goals, assist and four MVP awards demonstrated that his impact went well beyond simply finding the back of the net.

He repeatedly influenced matches, created danger and delivered when Central Region needed him most.

CENTRAL REGION’S BRONZE MEDAL HERO

Korlettey played a central role in Central Region’s successful campaign, helping the side finish third overall.

The team also received recognition for its conduct throughout the tournament, being named the Fair Play Team of the Championship.

For the young forward, however, the individual recognition was the ultimate reward.

His performances earned him a place in the MTN Elite U-19 Championship Best XI, further confirming his status as one of the tournament’s outstanding players.

KENPONG ACADEMY TALENT ON THE RISE

Korlettey’s breakthrough campaign also shines a spotlight on Kenpong Academy, where the youngster has continued his development.

The MTN Elite U-19 Championship is designed to provide young Ghanaian players with competitive exposure and a platform to showcase their abilities.

Korlettey took full advantage of that opportunity.

From his goalscoring exploits to his repeated MVP performances, he transformed the tournament into a personal statement of intent.

A STAR TO WATCH

The championship may be over, but Korlettey’s performances are unlikely to be forgotten quickly.

At just the beginning of what could be a promising football journey, the forward has already demonstrated three qualities every aspiring attacker needs — goals, consistency and the ability to perform when it matters.

Four MVP awards.

Six goals.

One assist.

A bronze medal.

And ultimately, the MTN Elite U-19 Championship MVP award.

Desmond Korlettey didn’t just participate in the tournament — he owned the spotlight.