Sports
Ghana claims 5th place in Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations with thrilling 5-3 victory over Mozambique
Ghana’s Black Sharks defeated Mozambique 5-3 in a fierce classification match to earn fifth place in the Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with an impressive display of talent and tenacity.
After placing seventh in the 2015 and 2016 Beach Soccer AFCONs, this is Ghana’s best performance in the competition.
The match, played on Thursday, showcased the prowess of Ghana’s star player, Alexander Adjei, who netted a remarkable hat-trick, bringing his tournament total to 11 goals and earning him the Man of the Match award.
From the outset, Ghana set the pace, with Wise Nyamadi opening the scoring early in the first period. His first goal came just two minutes in, capitalising on a defensive error from Mozambique.
The momentum continued as Ghana’s relentless offence pressured the Mozambican defence, leading to two more goals before the end of the first period.
Mozambique, undeterred by the early deficit, fought back valiantly. They found the net twice in quick succession during the second period, narrowing Ghana’s lead and igniting hopes of a comeback.
But Ghana’s two-goal lead was restored when Adjei, the tournament’s top scorer, scored again, displaying his outstanding form.
As the match progressed, both teams exchanged chances in a frenetic third period. Mozambique’s efforts to close the gap were met with staunch resistance from Ghana’s defence.
Ghana scored their fifth goal in the closing minutes with a spectacular long-range attempt that gave the Mozambican goalie no chance.
Ghana’s decisive victory at the end of the game cemented the country’s standing as a powerful force in African beach soccer.
In addition to showcasing his individual skill, Alexander Adjei’s outstanding performance in the competition emphasised the team’s concerted effort throughout the competition.
Daniel Kotey Neequaye, Ghana’s coach, commended the team’s skill and tenacity while highlighting the significance of the win as they aim to build on it in upcoming tournaments.
“This victory is a result of our diligence and hard work. We got here as a team, but Alex’s incredible performance was essential,” he said after the game.
As the tournament concludes, Ghana can take pride in their performance, with eyes now set on preparations for subsequent competitions, where the Black Sharks will aim to climb even higher in the ranks of African beach soccer.
Defending Champions Senegal will face Mauritania in the final match on Saturday, October 26, 2024 after the third-place playoff match between hosts Egypt and Morocco.
Ashantigold SC has terminated the contracts of three members of its technical team with immediate effect.
The affected officials are head coach and technical director Abdul Karim Zito, assistant coach Ernest Okyere, and goalkeepers’ trainer Robert Dabo.
The decision was announced in a statement signed by the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Edward Kwasi Akuoko.
According to the statement, the decision was taken following a consultative meeting by the Interim Management Committee on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The club says a caretaker coach has been appointed to steer the affairs of the team until a substantive coach/technical director is appointed.
Management expressed gratitude to the affected officials for their contribution and service to the team and wished them well in their future endeavours.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
England captain Harry Kane says it was extra special to be presented with the Ballon d’Or by one of his childhood idols.
Kane made the comment after receiving the prestigious award from former Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario.
“Ronaldo was one of my idols growing up,” Kane said.
The Bayern Munich striker described the moment as surreal, being honoured by a player he looked up to as a young footballer.
Kane was announced as the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner on Monday, October 26, at the London Palladium, marking the 70th anniversary of the award and the first time the ceremony was held outside France.
The 33-year-old beat stiff competition from second-placed Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal to win his first ever Ballon d’Or.
He becomes the first Englishman to win the coveted individual award in 25 years since Michael Owen in 2001, and only the fifth Englishman ever after Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
He is also the first Bayern Munich player to win the award since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.
Kane won the award after a remarkable season in which he scored 61 goals in 51 club matches, the most a Bayern player has ever scored in one campaign.
Including England matches, it was 73 goals plus eight assists in 65 matches. His 73 goals is the second-highest single-season total ever behind Lionel Messi’s 82 in 2011-12.
Despite the goal haul, Kane did not win the Champions League or World Cup, with Bayern losing 6-5 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals and England losing 2-1 to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final before finishing third.
The award was presented by Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazario, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner himself, adding what was described as a special dimension to Kane’s historic achievement.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
