Sports
Another heartbreak for Ghanaians as Black Stars exit AFCON
Just when Ghanaian supporters thought there will be at last a win for the Black Stars, the night turned into sorrow when they gave away a 2-0 lead in additional time to draw two all in their third Group B game at the ongoing African Cup of Nations(AFCON).
The result meant that the Black Stars exited the competition at the group stages for the third consecutive time.
The team failed to win a match at the competition, after suffering humiliation from Cape Verde in the first group game, drawing with Egypt in a game littered with errors before giving away a two goal lead to share the spoils with Mozambique in additional time.
The team turned what was supposed to be a comfortable victory to a disappointing end as devastated fans took a long,painful and lonely walk to their destinations in Abidjan,to be on the first available flight or bus back home the next day.
The Black Stars took the lead in the 14th minute courtesy a brilliantly taken penalty from Jordan Ayew after Joseph Paintsil was fouled by his marker in the box.
Jordan stepped up again to convert Ghana’s second penalty of the game in the 68th minute after a Mozambique defender practically caught a Kudus Mohammed’s goal-bound strike.
The game appeared settled for the Black Stars as they remained composed until the 90th minute when Andre Ayew also gave away a penalty after he handled the ball in the box.
Geny Catamo made no mistakes as he converted to reduce the deficit.
The Mozambicans mounted pressure on the Black Stars after the goal, in search of the equaliser which paid off in additional time after indecisive goalkeeper Richard Ofori touched a goal kick-bound ball to give away a corner to Mozambique.
Reinildo Mandava then rose highest to head home a well-taken corner kick to give his side the equaliser,much to the frustration of the Ghanaian players and supporters.
The Black Stars attempted to find another goal but it appeared too late as they settled for a point to exit the tournament.
It was a very sad situation especially for the many Ghanaian fans who were looking forward to a win to hit the streets of Abidjan in jubilation.
That included a team of over 160 supporters sponsored by MTN to Abidjan to support the national team.
The disappointed fans would depart Abidjan Tuesday morning to Accra, hoping that there would be victories for Ghana in subsequent competitions.
From Michael D. Abayateye,Abidjan
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
