Sports
FC Samartex 1996 beat Cameroon champions in historic CAF Champions League game
FC Samartex 1996 made a significant statement in their maiden CAF Champions League campaign by recording a historic 1-0 victory over Cameroonian champions Victoria United in the first leg of the preliminary round.
The match, held in Cameroon, saw the Ghana Premier League champions assert their dominance in a tightly contested affair.
After a goalless first half, the deadlock was finally broken early in the second half when Emmanuel Mamah found the back of the net, outjumping his markers to score the only goal of the game from a corner kick.
Mamah’s crucial strike not only gave Samartex the lead but also ensured that the Ghanaian side left Cameroon with a vital away victory.
This win marks a monumental moment for FC Samartex 1996, as it is their first-ever match in the CAF Champions League, having secured their place in the competition by winning the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League.
The victory in Cameroon provides a significant boost to the team’s morale as they prepare for the return leg.
FC Samartex 1996 will host Victoria United in the second leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on August 25, 2024.
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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