Sports
GRA Ladies make history in Egypt, win fifth ACCC
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Ladies Hockey team, the current Team of the Year as recognised by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), have emerged victorious in the 26th edition of the Africa Cup for Club Championship (ACCC).
The tournament took place at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, from January 30 to February 7, 2025.
As defending champions and previous titleholders on four occasions, the GRA Ladies triumphed over Egyptian team Smouha Hockey Club with a decisive 3-0 victory, successfully securing their continental title for an unprecedented fifth time.
The competition featured ten women’s clubs from Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Ghana. The GRA Ladies kicked off their campaign with a commanding 4-1 win against Nigeria’s Kada Queens, followed by a dominant 6-1 victory over Sharkia Sporting Club of Egypt.
They then overwhelmed Kampala Hockey Club of Uganda with a staggering 15-0 scoreline before finishing their group stage with a 3-1 win against Nigeria’s Delta Queens, topping Pool A.
Their impressive performance in the group stage set up a gold medal match against the Egyptian champions, which they clinched with three first-half goals—two from Vivian Narkuor and one from Mercy Ackon.
Vivian Narkuor was named the tournament’s best player and also took home the top scorer award with an impressive 12 goals, while Matilda Addison received the best goalkeeper accolade.
Meanwhile, the GRA men’s team finished third in Pool B, earning five points from one win, two draws, and one loss.
The team was met on arrival last Saturday at the Kotoka International Airport by the media.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
The Black Starlets will intensify preparations for the upcoming 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a double-header of friendly matches against FC Samartex 1996 at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Samraboi.
The national U-17 side will first take on the youth team of Samartex on Saturday at4pm, as the technical team continues to assess player combinations and sharpen match readiness ahead of the continental tournament.
The following day, Sunday, March 15, the Starlets will return to the same venue to face the senior side of Samartex in another crucial preparatory fixture, also scheduled for 4pm.
These matches form part of a series of build-up games designed to test the squad’s depth, tactical discipline and competitive edge as they prepare for the AFCON challenge.
The Starlets have already played several friendly matches during their training programme, including encounters against True Democracy FC, Port City FC, Attram De Visser Academy, Semper Fi FC and Golden Kick FC.
The upcoming double-header is expected to provide another valuable opportunity for the technical team to fine-tune strategies and evaluate players as Ghana’s young talents continue their preparations for the 2026 U-17 AFCON.
The Football Association, in partnership with the Ghana Education Service in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, is supporting the Ayensuano District Basic Schools Sports Festival, a three-day sporting event aimed at nurturing young talent and empowering students through sports and education.
The festival, scheduled to take place from March 9 to March 13, 2026, at Kofipare, will be held under the theme “Strengthening the Reset: Unleashing the Champion in You.”
The event is being organized in honour of Rev. Alexander Narh Amanya, the District Director of Education for Ayensuano, in recognition of his contribution to educational and youth development in the district.
The Women’s Football Development Unit of the GFA’s Technical Directorate views the festival as a significant platform to implement the Education Pillar of the GFA Women’s Football Strategy, which seeks to promote awareness, participation, and development opportunities for girls in football.
As part of the initiative, the GFA will engage female students through educational and empowerment sessions designed to introduce them to pathways in women’s football and encourage greater participation in the sport.
The Football Association will be represented by key officials who will provide mentorship and educational guidance to the participants.
Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong, GFA Women’s Football Development Manager, will educate the girls on the Women’s Football Development Pathways, highlighting opportunities within the sport and potential career prospects.
Bernice Bempah, GFA Women’s Safeguarding Officer, will lead discussions on the GFA Safeguarding Code of Ethics, focusing on creating safe sporting environments and educating the girls on recognizing inappropriate behaviour, setting boundaries and confidently reporting concerns.
Patience Boadu, a public health practitioner and nurse, will facilitate sessions on girls’ health and football, covering important topics such as healthy lifestyles, hydration, menstruation, and personal hygiene.
The Ayensuano District Basic Schools Sports Festival is expected to combine sport, education and mentorship, creating an enabling environment for young girls to discover their potential both on and off the field while aligning with the broader vision of the Ghana FA to grow women’s football across the country.
