Sports
Ghana put up impressive second-half performance but fall to Nigeria
Ghana put up an impressive second-half performance but fell to Nigeria 2-1 in the semifinal of the 2025 Unity Cup. Brandon Thomas Asante scored a world-class goal in the 70th minute as Ghana’s youthful side showed class, purposefulness, tenacity, and temperament to the amazement of the fans at the GTech Community Stadium in Brentford.
Coach Otto Addo named a lineup that featured Jordan Ayew and a mix of experienced and young players, including debutants Aaron Essel and Christopher Bonsu Baah.
Gideon Mensah and Kamaradini Mamudu operated as wingbacks, while Abdul Samed Salis and Majeed Ashimeru played in midfield, and Jordan Ayew, Kwame Opoku, and Christopher Bonsu Baah played in the front three.
A nervy first half saw Nigeria take the lead through Cyriel Dessers, who scored inside the opening quarter of an hour after picking up a ball from right-back Ismaila Sodiq to beat goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
The Super Eagles doubled their lead as Seyi Ajayi’s header went in off Razak Simpson for an own goal. A brilliant save from Benjamin Asare and a clearance off the line denied Wilfried Ndidi from scoring a third before halftime.
Ghana made a real game of it in the second half after Caleb Yirenkyi and Brandon Thomas Asante came on for Kamaradini Mamudu and Kwame Opoku.
The Black Stars then changed formation, with Ebenezer Annan coming in at left wing-back and Gideon Mensah moving into midfield. Brandon Thomas found himself in a good place to connect and score with Ebenezer Annan’s cross, reducing the deficit.
The Black Stars then created a number of decent chances in search of the leveler, with opportunities falling to Jordan Ayew, Christopher Bonsu Baah, and Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini, but they failed to score as Nigeria held on to win the game.
The young Ghana side will face Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place game on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Sports
Armwrestling: Immigration, Prisons meet African champions
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) in separate ceremonies have welcomed officers of both security institutions who recently returned from Abuja, Nigeria after participating in the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr. Patience Baffoe Bonnie, and the leadership of the Service, were present to congratulate the champions, Daniel Acquah (four gold medals), Mabel Yeboah (four gold medals) and Henry Otoo (two silver, two bronze), on their impressive performances.
The champions presented their medals to the Director-General, and shared their experiences and insights with the top officials.
During the meeting, the Director-General of the GPS, Mrs Baffoe Bonnie, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of sports for inmates.
She noted that sports could play a significant role in rehabilitation and pledged to support the development of armwrestling within the prisons service.
In a related development, the Comptroller-General of the GIS, CGI Samuel Basintale, commended his members – Edward Yamoah Asamoah (two gold medals), Blessed Abeka Nunoo (one gold, one silver, two bronze), Godwin Sackey (one gold, one silver) and referee Nii Otoo Larkyne, for the feat.
Mr Basintale promised to provide support for the development of armwrestling within the service, including training facilities, equipment, and sponsorship.
The African Armwrestling champions from the security services won a total of 20 medals out of Ghana’s 55 medal haul.
They expressed gratitude and promised to continue promoting the sport and inspiring others to take up armwrestling.
Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President for Ghana Armwrestling Federation, was thrilled by the promise and continuous collaborations and support for the development of armwrestling in Ghana by the security services.
—GNA
Sports
TTU to honour athletes at 2nd sports awards night
Takoradi Technical University (TTU) will tonight host its 2nd Sports Awards Night to honour outstanding athletes, teams, and contributors who have promoted the institution’s sporting reputation.
The event, which will take place at the Nicholas Aidoo Taylor Auditorium, will be chaired by Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, with Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, as Guest of Honour.
Other dignitaries expected include Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, and Municipal Chief Executive for Effia-Kwesimintsim, Abdul Majeed Dokurgu.
TTU said the awards will celebrate a year marked by exceptional performances, record-breaking moments, and contributions that have boosted both the competitive spirit and institutional pride of the university.
The ceremony will be held under the theme, “Recognising Excellence in Scholarship and Sportsmanship.”
The university noted that it has become a powerhouse in university sports, winning back-to-back championships at the GHATUSA Games in Tamale and Cape Coast.
It attributed the success to integrating sports into academic life, introducing sports scholarships, building the TTU Sports Complex, providing strategic funding, and offering strong logistical support.
Director of Public Affairs and Secretary to the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, said the awards go beyond recognising individual winners, adding that they are also a tribute to the discipline, resilience, and unity that define TTU’s sporting culture.
He stated that every nominee is a champion whose efforts have brought pride to the university and enhanced its reputation on both national and continental stages.
The programme will feature two segments of award presentations, with categories covering football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, tennis, handball, badminton, athletics, scrabble, and taekwondo, for both male and female divisions.
Nominees include Jane Membong in athletics, Hajara Ibrahim in basketball, Samuel Aidoo in football, and Prince Egyir in handball, as well as Papa Kwansa Baidoo, Prince Davies, and Ahmed Anas Salis.
Special awards will also be presented to individuals whose contributions have inspired the TTU community beyond the field of competition.
Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Danso, said the planning team has worked to ensure the event captures the spirit of sportsmanship, dedication, and unity that characterise TTU sports.
The university recalled that the inaugural edition honoured Raymond French, Sarah Quansah, and Rebecca Mba, setting a high standard for sporting recognition.
By: Jacob Aggrey
