Sports
Golfers chase top prizes in MTN Invitational tourney
Over 100 golfers across the country will converge on the Achimota Golf Club today to compete in the first 2021 MTN Invitational Golf Tournament.
It would be held under the theme,”The Year of the Customer: The Digital Experience,” would be played over 18 holes.
Distinguished golfers including last year’s winners, Felix Kwame Akafo and Georgina Andoh will be competing in their quest to retain their title.
They would, however, face stiff competition from other golfers including Isaac Awuni and Christopher Mbii while female contenders, Flora Hurtubiase and Leticia Amponsah Mensah would also be fierce challengers for the ultimate prize.
Mrs Hurtubiase, the 2019 winner especially has indicated her readiness to challenge for this year’s ultimate prize in the female category.
“I am looking forward to the tournament and working very hard to win again after coming close last year,” she stated.
Meanwhile, organisers have urged players to adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols as they would ensure the safety of golfers and guests on the day.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Business Segment Manager at MTN, Emmanuel Gyasi commended players for consistently showing up and making the tournament a success.
“We are certain today would not be any different as the tournament improves every year,” he stated.
The competition, he said, would provide the platform for golfers to interact and share ideas as they take feedback to improve customer service.
“It is also a platform to share ideas, interact and get feedback from customers after the first quarter of the year which is very important to us,” he stressed.
He added that, attractive prizes would be given to distinguished golfers as they look forward to another opportunity to cement their relationship with golfers across the country.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
