by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Sharks have qualified for the 2024 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), joining seven other teams that will compete in Egypt later this year. The Black Sharks earned their place by defeating CĂ´te d’Ivoire 5-3 in Keta and 5-2 in Abidjan, achieving a 10-5 aggregate victory.
The tournament will feature a competitive lineup, including defending champions Senegal, hosts Egypt, Morocco, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and debutants Mauritania, who qualified by overcoming Nigeria.
CAF will conduct a draw to determine the group stage pairings, with two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The finalists will earn spots in the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, set to be held in Seychelles. The date and fixtures for the tournament will be announced by CAF following the draw.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghana international Stephen Frimpong Manso has revealed the challenging conditions faced by Black Stars players during the 1990s. In an interview with Joy Sports, Manso, who played for Ghana from 1987 to 1994, described inadequate facilities, poor living conditions, and mismanagement during training camps.
Manso highlighted the disparity in treatment between the Black Stars and their opponents, noting that while rival teams enjoyed five-star accommodations, the Ghanaian team often faced subpar conditions. He specifically praised former coach Burkhard Ziese for his efforts to improve player welfare.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Rwandan referee Samuel Uwikunda has been appointed to officiate the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Ghana and Angola. The match is set to take place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Thursday, September 5, 2024, with a 16:00 hrs kickoff.
The experienced 37-year-old Uwikunda, who has previously officiated in the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, CHAN, and AFCON, will be joined by fellow Rwandans Dieudonne Mutuyimana and Eric Mugabo as Assistant Referees I and II, respectively, and Ruzindana Nsoro as the Fourth Official.
Sanusi Mohammed from Nigeria will serve as the Match Commissioner, while Elsayed Morad Attaalla from Egypt will act as the Referee Assessor.
This eagerly awaited clash marks the opening of Ghana’s campaign to secure their 25th appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams are keen to start strong in their quest for qualification.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Eastern Region has earned a spot in the final of the 2024 KGL Foundation Inter-Regional U17 Colts Championship by defeating Volta Region 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time. Despite Volta Region goalkeeper Bless Amerdorme’s standout performance, Eastern Region’s precision in the shootout secured their place in the final, where they will face Western Region in a rematch of their group stage clash, which Eastern won 1-0. The final is set for Thursday, August 8, with Volta Region and Northern Region competing for third place earlier in the day. The tournament, broadcast live on multiple platforms, aims to discover and develop young football talent in Ghana.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Renowned Ghanaian referee Joyce Appiah Obenewa has announced her retirement after a distinguished 15-year career, effective August 1, 2024. Beginning as an assistant referee and rising to the role of center referee in 2013, Obenewa has officiated at the highest levels of Ghanaian football and represented her country on the international stage, including in WAFU and World Cup Youth Championship qualifiers.
In a heartfelt letter to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Obenewa expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she received and stated that it was time to make way for the next generation of referees. The GFA has praised her contributions and plans to continue involving her in the development of women’s refereeing. While her retirement marks the end of an era for Ghanaian women’s football, Obenewa’s legacy as a trailblazer will continue to inspire future generations.
