Sports
Autistic cyclist dazzles at Homowo Cycling Challenge
Autistic cyclist, Young Phil Bertino was the toast of fans at this year’s Homowo Cycling Challenge at Teshie recently when he joined over 70 professional cyclists for the event.
Young Phil, who was the guest rider, put up a splendid performance to finish his 76km race in a time of 2:45:33secs with an average speed of 27.56km/h, and received massive cheers for his effort.
The cycling sensation was presented with a special trophy, medal and jersey for his tremendous achievement on the day.
Speaking after the event, Founder of the Liztino Centre for Children with Special Needs and mother of Young Phil, Mrs Angel Bertino expressed appreciation to organisers for providing the platform for her ward to exhibit his talent.
Mrs Bertino, who also sponsored the event, called for the need to expose children with autism to physical activities such as cycling.
“There are many of such children like Phil in our communities and are rejected and called names because of their attributes. But just like Phil managed to get better and gradually becoming one of the best cyclists in the country, every other kid could also get well and live a normal life,” she stated.
She added that, the public must accept such children and support them to grow and become responsible to society.
Organiser of the Challenge, Nathaniel Sowah Agoe, also commended Phil and all cyclists for showing up for 17th edition of the event.
The main 90km criteria race was however won by Ghana’s top cyclist, Frank Akuffo with Frank Quaye and Prince Kudufia settling for the second and third positions respectively.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
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.
