Champagne moment

Kwabena Wireko used to hear the roar of the Wembley crowd when he was growing up – now he's part of a select bunch who have won a trophy at the famous stadium.

The victorious MDU goalkeeper proved an almost impenetrable force as his side swept all before them on Sunday to lift The FA Umbro Fives trophy.

"Winning at Wembley - it’s amazing," said Wireko, who was covered in streamers and soaked in champagne when he spoke to TheFA.com. "Walking up to the Royal Box and collecting the trophy is something lots of Premiership players will never experience. It was a great feeling.

"I never thought I would get the chance to play here. I live just across the road. I used to hear the goals as they went in."

MDU were heavily tipped at the start of the tournament and the London-based side certainly lived up to their billing.

Having qualified in style for Sunday's Finals via the regional heats, MDU took a little time to adjust to the Wembley format – there were no perimeter boards – but soon hit their stride.

"We had to adapt," Wireko explained. "We got used to it and went from strength to strength. We started off a bit slow. The groups were really tight but we persevered and motored on from there. We worked as a team."

Wireko and his team-mates came into their own once they reached the knock-out stages, eventually booking a place in the Final against rivals New Liberty.

"They are a team we know very well, we have played them many times," he added. "It was always going to be a tight game as we know each other’s game."

But MDU were too strong – their opening goal was sublime – while at the other end Wireko resisted everything New Liberty had to offer, even repelling former Marseille reserve player Sofianne Ferrad.

Wireko’s celebrations at the final whistle, which included a rendition of ‘We Are The Champions’ with his team-mates, contrasted sharply with his opposite number who sank to his knees on the Wembley turf Samuel Kuffour style.

"I don’t think we let any goals in during the last three games," said Wireko. "I did my bit but I’m not going to take all the glory. It’s a team effort. There will be loads of drinks tonight."

As well as savouring the victory, Wireko and his team-mates will always have wonderful memories of the day they tasted glory at Wembley.

"It’s been a special day," he said. "When I first came into the ground I was standing at the back looking at the whole stadium. The builders have done a great job."