A select side from the Southern Sector of Ghana emerged winners in the finals of the Airtel Rising Stars Football Competition played at the El Wak Stadium- Accra, on Friday.

The Southern Select side defeated the Northern Select side by a lone goal scored in the second half of the finals through Alarbi Borkwei who converted a penalty for his side which eventually was the only goal of the game.

The Southern Select side will now represent the nation at an Inter-Country Under-17 competition in Kenya later in the year.

They in addition took home a giant trophy, medals, souvenirs from the headline sponsors Airtel and a cash prize of GH?1,500.

The Northern Select side were also presented with a trophy, medals, souvenirs from the headline sponsors and a cash prize of GH?1000 whilst the Brong Ahafo Region Select side, took the third place and went home with a trophy, medals, souvenirs and GH?500 as their cash prize.

In the Ladies division, Inter Royals became the champions after defeating GHATEL Ladies from the Central Region, whilst Liver Rose Football Club took the third place.

Royals will also represent the nation at the Inter-Country Under-17 Women Football competition. They took home a trophy, medals, souvenirs and a cash prize of GH?1,500.

GHATEL Ladies and Liver Rose were also presented with trophies, medals, souvenirs and GH?1,000 and GH?500 respectively, for becoming the second and third placed teams in the female category of the competition.

Nasiru Nuruudeen was voted the Best Player in the male category, whilst Priscilla Okyere was voted the Best Player in the females category.

Airtel Rising Stars is a sports talent initiative introduced by the communications company to develop the football prowess of the youth from the grassroots level.

It was aimed at discovering and grooming talents as part of efforts to help in the development of the game in the country.

The initiative, which is in its second year has the backing of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).**