Sports
Ghana held to goalless draw by Sudan in Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
Ghana shared the spoils with Sudan in a keenly contested 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday.
The Black Stars dominated possession but failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving Ghana in third place with 2 points.
Coach Otto Addo named Atalanta midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana in his starting line up with Ernest Nuamah, Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo completing a front three that had Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu playing at the back.
Ghana came close to taking the lead in the 4th minute when Alexander Djiku’s effort, off a precise Mohammed Kudus free kick, rattled the crossbar.
Sudan’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Mustafa Ahmed, made a spectacular save to deny Antoine Semenyo in the 17th minute. Kudus continued to pose a threat, unleashing a powerful shot early in the second half, only to be thwarted by Mustafa’s exceptional goalkeeping.
The best chance arose in the 88th minute, but Kudus, in a prime position, was again denied by Mustafa’s crucial goal-line save, securing a vital point for Sudan.
With 2 points from three games, Ghana faces an uphill battle ahead of their crucial return fixture against Sudan on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benina, Libya.
Sports
“Black Stars can qualify to World Cup if they perform well in the remaining games”
Former captain of the Black Stars, John Mensah, has expressed confidence that the national team can qualify for the World Cup if they continue to perform well in their upcoming matches.
Speaking in an interview with Max Tv, John Mensah said the team’s recent performance shows that they are on the right path.
He explained that with the right support and motivation, the players have what it takes to make it to the global tournament.
“The guys are doing well now. All we need to do is to keep going, support them, and motivate them. If they continue like this, they can make it,” he stated.
On whether the current squad can leave a mark at the World Cup like his generation did, Mensah said every era is different.
He recalled that during his time, the Black Stars excelled because of unity, discipline, and strong team spirit.
He encouraged the present squad to learn from those values as well as make use of their own strengths.
According to him, this is the time for young players to prove themselves and perform for the nation.
Jacob Aggrey
Sports
Black Stars, Black Queens, Black Satellites, Black Starlets to benefit from MTN’s $2m sponsorship deal with GFA
Telecommunications giant, MTN Ghana, has reinforced its commitment to Ghana football with a $2 million sponsorship package covering four national teams — the Black Stars, Black Queens, Black Satellites, and Black Starlets — for the next two years.
The landmark agreement, announced on Thursday at a colourful ceremony at MTN House in Accra, extends company’s existing partnership with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Black Stars, and will run from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027.
The event drew prominent figures including GFA President, Kurt Simeon- Okraku, members of the Executive Council, Chief Director at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Wilhelmina Asamoah, (representing the Minister), Black Stars legends, and football enthusiasts.
MTN CEO, Stephen Blewett, recalling his personal connection to Ghanaian football dating back to the Black Stars’ 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final run in South Africa, praised the passion and unity the sport inspires in Ghana.
“Football here is not just a sport — it is part of the national heartbeat,” Mr Blewett said. “The pride, passion, and unity it creates is a testament to its unmatched power to connect and inspire people.”
He described MTN as “the biggest corporate supporter of Ghanaian football,” highlighting the brand’s ongoing sponsorship of the MTN FA Cup since 2011 and plans for a national MTN Elite U-19 side to scout future stars for the U-20 team.
Mr Blewett also threw down a bold challenge to the Black Stars; saying “Ghana has never lifted the World Cup trophy, but that should be the spark, not the scar. At MTN, we want to see Ghana win the World Cup — that’s our dream, mission, and commitment.”
The GFA President, Kurt Simeon-Okraku, lauded MTN’s investment, calling it a lifeline for the sport.
“MTN Ghana believes in our present and our collective future. With this deal, the biggest problem facing Ghana football has been solved,” he said, promising to ensure the resources were used effectively to achieve results.
He noted that the MTN FA Cup’s reach — encompassing second and third-tier clubs nationwide — has provided a vital platform for young, lesser-known players, to compete against top-level talent and showcase their skills.
The Chief Director, Wilhemina Asamoah, commended MTN’s wider contributions to national development, urging other corporate bodies to emulate their commitment.
“Sports has the power to impact lives, boost economic growth, and strengthen cultural and social cohesion,” she said.
The new sponsorship underscores MTN’s longstanding partnership with Ghana football and its ambition to see the nation rise to the very top of the global game.
By Spectator Reporter
