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Ghana beat Central African Republic for AFCON ticket
Ghana staged a remarkable come from behind win to secure a place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire.
The Black Stars recovered from an early setback to beat Central African Republic 2-1 at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on Thursday.
Ghana coach Chris Hughton named Jordan Ayew as captain of the day with Elisha Owusu and Abdul Salis Samed partnering in midfield.
Mohammed Kudus was deployed behind Inaki Williams with Jordan Ayew and Osman Bukari playing on the wings.
The hardworking Alexander Djiku formed a solid pair with Joseph Aidoo in central defence as Alidu Seidu and Baba Rahman played as full backs.
Goduine Koyalipou was the first player to strike on target in the 18th minute but Lawrence Ati Zigi dealt with the situation with ease.
Central African Republic got the breakthrough in the 25th minute through Louis Mafouta, who rounded up Ati Zigi to slot home.
Mafouta received a beautiful pass from Amos Youga before slotting home the opener.
The Black Stars drew level few minutes to end the first half. Mohammed Kudus’ stupendous free-kick from the edge of the box beat goalkeeper Geoffrey Lembet to level matters for Ghana.
Antoine Semenyo later came on for Inaki Williams and his introduction yielded the desired results as he made the winning goal for Ghana.
Gideon Mensah, Ernest Nuamah and Baba Iddrisu made a second half appearance in place of Baba Abdul Rahman, Osman Bukari and Elisha Owusu respectively.
Antoine came close to getting the second goal for Ghana, but his curled shot from close range was saved by goalkeeper Lembet in the 88th minute.
A few seconds later, Semenyo won a tussle with a defender before setting up youngster Ernest Nuamah, who tapped the ball into the back of the net for the match winner.
Semenyo nearly got his name on the scoresheet moments later, but his effort struck the side post to the relief of the visitors.
Mohammed Kudus got on the end of a sweet pass from Abdul Salis Samed but an appeal for a spot kick was ignored by the referee following what looked like a foul in the box.
After five minutes of added time, the referee whistled to bring proceedings to a close as Ghana cruised to a 2-1 win.
Ghana finished the campaign with 12 points – and also as group winners, making it alongside Angola, who were second after six matches.
Source: GFA COMMUNICATIONS
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
