by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Amid mounting criticism toward Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA) for deteriorating stadium conditions, particularly at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, sports business consultant Magnus RexDanquah is advocating for innovative revenue solutions that protect these venues.
The NSA recently lost Baba Yara’s Category C match hosting license, forcing international matches to relocate to the Accra Sports Stadium under temporary approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The backlash centers on the lack of pitch maintenance and poor management practices, which many claim have degraded the quality of Ghana’s sporting venues.
Addressing the issue on Channel One Sports, RexDanquah proposed that stadium rentals for non-sporting events could be beneficial if managed with greater care. He emphasized the importance of protecting the playing surface, suggesting pitch covers and rental fees that also include a clause for potential damages. This approach, he argued, would generate income without compromising the field’s integrity.
“NSA deserves criticism,” he remarked. “But with proper protections in place, stadiums could support events without sacrificing the pitch quality.”
As Ghana works to restore standards at its stadiums, these recommendations could become vital in securing both revenue and the longevity of sporting venues.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Stars of Ghana have arrived in Luanda with determination, set to hold an official training session on Thursday night, November 14, 2024, at the Estádio 11 de Novembro. This session, scheduled for 8:00 pm local time, will be the final tune-up ahead of a critical 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against group leaders Angola.
The journey to Luanda follows three intensive training sessions in Accra, where Ghana’s squad worked on sharpening tactics and boosting morale. The stakes are high for Friday’s match, as Ghana sits in third place in Group F with only two points from four games, trailing both Angola and Sudan. Angola, undefeated so far, leads the group with a perfect 12 points and is 10 points clear of Ghana.
For the Black Stars, Friday’s clash is a must-win to revive their AFCON qualification hopes. With a final group match against Niger on the horizon, coach Otto Addo and his team know the importance of securing all three points in Luanda. Ghana’s fate in the 2025 tournament, set to be hosted by Morocco, also depends on the results of Sudan’s remaining games, intensifying the pressure.
The team is focused and prepared, aiming to put forth a strong performance in this penultimate qualifier. The match represents Ghana’s best chance to turn their qualification journey around and join the continent’s elite next year.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a significant step for girls’ football in Ghana, schools taking part in the FIFA Girls’ Football Campaign gathered in Kumasi for a specialized training session on safeguarding. Led by Evelyn Nsiah Asare, Chairperson of the Ashanti Regional Football Association’s Women’s Committee, the training emphasized the importance of a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for young players.
Nsiah Asare highlighted FIFA’s dedication to child safety in sports, emphasizing the need for grassroots programs that promote inclusivity, respect, and encouragement for young girls in football. “The growth of women’s football is crucial for the Ghana Football Association. That’s why we are committed to introducing it at the grassroots level, giving every girl a chance to showcase her talent,” she explained. “Our aim is to ensure that every child with a dream of playing football can do so in a secure, positive setting.”
The FIFA Women’s Football Campaign seeks to uplift women’s football by organizing small-sided games, ensuring equal opportunities, and creating a welcoming environment for newcomers to the sport. This campaign is laying the foundation for a strong future in women’s football across Ghana, with Kumasi’s training session marking a critical step forward in this mission.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a touching display of compassion, Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, made a memorable visit to the Dzorwulu Special School in Accra ahead of their journey to Luanda for a decisive AFCON qualifier against Angola. Captain Jordan Ayew, accompanied by teammates Kingsley Schindler, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Gideon Mensah, Ransford Yeboah Koningsdorffer, and Razak Simpson, led the outreach effort to uplift the school community.
The players, along with Team Manager Ameenu Shardow, Director of Communications Henry Asante Twum, and GFA Foundation Director Malcom Appeadu, spent quality time with the students, engaging in heartfelt conversations and spreading joy. The Black Stars provided donations, including food, water, and an undisclosed amount of money, bringing smiles and encouragement to everyone present.
Speaking to Sportsblog247.com, Ayew expressed the team’s motivation for the visit: “On behalf of the Ghana Football Association, the Black Stars technical team, and my teammates, we wanted to spend time here and offer our support as part of our contribution to your growth,” he said, emphasizing the importance of helping others in need. “We cherish this act of support as a virtue and hope to continue making a difference.”
Ayew also shared a personal appeal, asking the students to pray for the team’s success as they prepare for their critical clash with Angola. “We seek your prayers and support going into our crucial game,” he added with a smile.
The Black Stars’ gesture underscored their dedication to community service and goodwill beyond the football field. As they strive to secure AFCON qualification, the team hopes to inspire unity and pride across Ghana with their efforts both on and off the pitch.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Stars of Ghana are set to conduct an official training session at Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 8:00 pm local time. This session marks their final preparation for a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Angola, a match that could make or break their tournament hopes.
Ghana’s national team touched down in Luanda on Wednesday night after a series of focused training sessions in Accra. With just two points from their four qualifying matches, the Black Stars currently sit third in Group F, trailing both Angola and Sudan. Angola leads the group with a flawless 12-point record, placing Ghana 10 points behind and facing an uphill battle for qualification.
Friday evening’s clash with Angola is a must-win for the Black Stars. The team is not only aiming to secure a critical three points in Luanda, but they also have their sights on an upcoming second leg against Niger, which will further determine their qualification outcome. To reach the AFCON tournament in Morocco, Ghana must achieve strong results in these remaining games and hope for favorable outcomes in Sudan’s fixtures.
Led by Coach Otto Addo, the Black Stars are expected to approach this penultimate qualifier with determination and focus, as they seek to keep their AFCON dreams alive.
