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.
Midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused him entry.
A FIFA statement to The Athletic confirmed the Arsenal star cannot travel from Ghana’s base camp in Boston, USA, for Wednesday’s, June 17, opener against Panama.
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” the statement read.
FIFA stressed it has no role in immigration decisions: “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Canadian immigration rules state that “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.” Partey has been charged with offenses in the UK but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
The Black Stars will now have to do without their midfield anchor for the crucial Group E opener against Panama.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana have arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, for the final phase of preparations ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The team departed Virginia on Thursday afternoon and touched down at T.F. Green International Airport in Rhode Island at about 6:00 p.m.
Head Coach Carlos Queiroz and his squad will resume training on Friday as they fine-tune preparations for their opening Group L game against Panama.
The Black Stars wrapped up a week-long training camp in Washington following their international friendly against Wales in Cardiff.
The camp in Virginia included intensive sessions at the American University and D.C. United training ground and a farewell dinner with the Ghanaian community in Alexandria.
Ghana now enters the final stretch of preparation in Providence before heading to Toronto for the June 17 opener against Panama at Toronto Stadium.
The Black Stars will also face England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27 to complete Group L.
Queiroz’s 26-man squad features captain Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Iñaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who is set for his second successive World Cup.
The team is expected to hold training sessions and series of Community engagement programs in Rhode Island in the coming days.
