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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
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
