Sports
Youth football team struggling without proper field
A local youth football team has become the pride of their community, but their dream of competing at higher levels is being thwarted by the lack of a proper football field.
Every afternoon, the boys gather with excitement, carrying their worn-out boots and one old football.
Their training ground is nothing more than a dusty open space filled with stones and uneven patches of grass.
On sunny days, they train under harsh heat with dust after every kick of the ball. When it rains, the ground quickly turns muddy, compelling them to stop practice completely.
Injuries are a common story for the young players. cuts, bruises, and twisted ankles happen often because of the rough surface.
“We have the talent, but no good place to train,” said Kojo, adding that as the team captain. “Sometimes we even play barefoot because our boots get torn on the stones.”
The players, most of them students, are determined not to give up. Despite the challenges, they train almost every evening after school. Their love for the game keeps them going. “Football is our passion. Even when we are tired from school, we come here to play,” said Yaw, a midfielder.
Parents and community members often gather to watch the boys practice. For many residents, the team represents hope and inspiration. However, there is growing concern that without proper facilities, the dreams of these young talents may never come true.
The team lacks not only a good pitch but also proper equipment. They share a single ball, play in torn jerseys, and mostly do not even own boots.
Yet, their determination shines through every training session. The players and their supporters are appealing to local authorities, NGOs, and sports organisations to come to their aid.
They are calling for the construction of a proper football pitches, supply of training kits, and opportunities to compete in organised tournaments.
For now, the dusty field remains their only hope. But the passion and determination of the boys show that with just a little support, they could rise beyond the limits of their community and make their dreams a reality.
*The author is a student of UNIMAC-IJ (BACS26172)
By Adizatu Yakubu
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.
