Sports
Ghana vs Egypt – Quarterfinal Thriller at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations
In a pulsating quarterfinal clash between Ghana and Egypt at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, the young Pharaohs edged the gallant Black Satellites 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time.
Ghana controlled the early exchanges, nearly capitalizing on a second-minute chance. Egypt responded with a wasted freekick in the 6th minute, setting the tone for a tightly contested opening.
Both teams showed flashes of attacking threat, but the first 15 minutes remained cagey, with Egypt committing multiple fouls to disrupt Ghana’s rhythm.
Ghana’s Phenyin-Denis Marfo received a yellow card in the 15th minute, followed by Egypt picking up their own caution three minutes later.
A costly error by the Satellites’ defence in the 19th minute gifted Egypt the opener, scored by Mohammed Sherif after a lengthy VAR check confirmed the goal. Just eight minutes later, a defensive mix-up allowed Sherif to double Egypt’s lead.
Despite the setback, Ghana pressed forward, with Aziz Issah firing over the bar from a 36th-minute freekick and a header from a goalmouth scramble cleared off the line in the 43rd minute. Their persistence paid off when Issah rifled in a long-range strike in the first minute of first half added time to halve the deficit.
The Satellites began the second half with renewed energy. A series of chances followed — DaCosta and Denis both coming close — and Egypt had to make several defensive adjustments through substitutions. Jerry Afriyie missed two promising headers, and Aziz Issah continued to test the Egyptian goalkeeper.
As Ghana mounted pressure, tempers flared; an Egyptian official was red carded in the 77th minute.
The Satellites appealed for a penalty in the 85th minute, but VAR ruled against them. Lord Afrifa, in midfield, and Joseph Opoku, on the left flank, were very influential throughout the 90 minutes of regulation time.
Ghana’s resilience paid off in stoppage time: after a long VAR check, the Satellites were awarded a penalty and Hakim converted the spot kick to level the match at 2-2.
Ghana dominated extra time, despite going a man down when Essel was red carded in the 2nd minute of the second period. Aseako made a crucial save from the resulting freekick, and the team battled on bravely. Aidoo and Aziz Issah had chances, while Musibau headed over in the dying moments of the first period.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Ghana still created chances but could not find the winner. Egypt replaced their goalkeeper just before the end of extra time, perhaps anticipating the shootout.
In the shootout, Ghana scored through Aziz, Denis, Opoku, and Musibau — but DaCosta’s miss proved decisive. Egypt converted all five of their kicks, sealing a dramatic victory and booking their place in the semifinals.
Final Score: Egypt 2 (5) – 2 (4) Ghana (after penalties)
A valiant fightback by the Satellites ended in an undesired outcome, but their spirit and determination shone throughout, and they exit the tournament with heads held high.
Hakim Abdul Sulemana won the Player of the match award.
Sports
Follow official procedures when making donations to the club – Hearts of Oak to fans
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has reminded its supporters and well-wishers to follow official procedures when making donations to the club.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the club said it appreciates the continuous support shown by individuals and groups toward its teams, including the Senior Boys Team, Auroras, Oak Ladies and Royal Oaks.
However, management expressed concern over unsolicited donations and public fundraising activities outside the club’s structures.
It noted that while goodwill is welcome, all forms of support must be routed through the Supporter Liaison Office at the club’s secretariat.
According to the statement, the welfare of the teams is the responsibility of management, and any attempt to bypass established protocols undermines transparency and accountability.
The club stressed that donations not channeled through the official process would not be accepted by team officials or coaching staff.
Hearts of Oak assured supporters that it remains committed to building a united club culture based on professionalism, discipline and respect.
It also encouraged stakeholders to work with management to uphold the dignity of the club.
The club urged the public to contact the Supporter Liaison Office through the secretariat for inquiries and support,
By: Jacob Aggey
Sports
Armwrestling: Immigration, Prisons meet African champions
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) in separate ceremonies have welcomed officers of both security institutions who recently returned from Abuja, Nigeria after participating in the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr. Patience Baffoe Bonnie, and the leadership of the Service, were present to congratulate the champions, Daniel Acquah (four gold medals), Mabel Yeboah (four gold medals) and Henry Otoo (two silver, two bronze), on their impressive performances.
The champions presented their medals to the Director-General, and shared their experiences and insights with the top officials.
During the meeting, the Director-General of the GPS, Mrs Baffoe Bonnie, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of sports for inmates.
She noted that sports could play a significant role in rehabilitation and pledged to support the development of armwrestling within the prisons service.
In a related development, the Comptroller-General of the GIS, CGI Samuel Basintale, commended his members – Edward Yamoah Asamoah (two gold medals), Blessed Abeka Nunoo (one gold, one silver, two bronze), Godwin Sackey (one gold, one silver) and referee Nii Otoo Larkyne, for the feat.
Mr Basintale promised to provide support for the development of armwrestling within the service, including training facilities, equipment, and sponsorship.
The African Armwrestling champions from the security services won a total of 20 medals out of Ghana’s 55 medal haul.
They expressed gratitude and promised to continue promoting the sport and inspiring others to take up armwrestling.
Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President for Ghana Armwrestling Federation, was thrilled by the promise and continuous collaborations and support for the development of armwrestling in Ghana by the security services.
—GNA
