By Sankofaonline Sports News Desk / Contributing: Dennis Eli Agbanyo-Anloga
The Southern Zone Games delivered another unforgettable chapter in Anloga as rivalries deepened, champions fell, and new heroes emerged across handball and soccer. From tactical masterclasses to nerve‑shredding penalty shootouts, the day’s contests showcased the grit, pride, and competitive fire that define inter‑school sports in the Volta Region.
The girls’ handball final started with a fierce, fast‑paced showdown between ANSECO and KETASCO. ANSECO’s girls, determined to keep their school’s handball legacy alive, fought with precision and heart, ultimately overpowering KETASCO 9–6 to lift the championship. Their victory was a statement of resilience, especially after the heartbreak their boys’ team suffered earlier in the day.
If the girls’ triumph was expected, the boys’ final was a seismic shift. ZICO stormed onto the court with purpose, discipline, and a tactical clarity that stunned the defending champions. In a commanding 24–16 victory, Zion College ended ANSECO’s two‑year dominance in boys’ handball, seizing the title with authority and rewriting the balance of power in the zone.
ZICO’s head coach, Agbeme, revealed the blueprint behind the upset. Their strategy centered on neutralizing ANSECO’s celebrated playmaker, Saviour, a player whose creativity and control often dictate the rhythm of ANSECO’s attack. “We studied their technique, especially the influence of Saviour,” he explained. “Once we shut him down, the game opened for us. The boys executed the plan perfectly.” With confidence and a champion’s swagger, he vowed to defend the title next year when KETASCO hosts the 2027 tournament.
ANSECO’s coach, Sway, admitted the loss was a heavy blow to a team chasing a historic treble. “Losing two finals would have crushed our morale,” he said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the defeat. But the setback fueled their determination. The girls’ team, inspired by the boys’ disappointment, fought with renewed intensity to secure their own championship. “KETASCO pushed us hard, but we couldn’t afford another loss. We’ll regroup and defend our titles next year,” he added.
The soccer fields delivered their own brand of drama, with nearly every match decided by penalties due to shortened game times, 15 minutes per half for girls and 20 for boys. The compressed format intensified every touch, every tackle, and every missed chance.
In girls’ soccer, Voltasco and Anyasco battled to a 1–1 draw before Anyasco held their nerve to win 3–1 on penalties.
The boys’ matches were equally tense. ZICO and ABORSCO played out a goalless stalemate before ZICO triumphed 4–2 from the spot, sending their supporters into wild celebration. KETABUSCO edged ATIASEC 4–2 on penalties after another 0–0 draw, while KETASCO survived a scare from TSIAMESCO, winning 5–4 in a dramatic shootout.
Across handball and soccer, the day belonged to teams that adapted, endured, and believed. ZICO’s boys rose to the moment, ANSECO’s girls defended their pride, and the soccer fields reminded everyone why school sports remain one of the purest expressions of passion and community.
Preliminaries basketball action saw ZICO fall 18–26 to KETABUSCO, a result that briefly checked their early momentum and reminded the tournament that nothing comes easy at this stage. The defeat, though disappointing, sharpened the team’s resolve as they prepared for the tougher battles ahead.
As the Southern Zone Games continue, Sankofaonline will remain on the ground, capturing every storyline, every rivalry, and every rising star shaping the future of school athletics in the Volta Region.
