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 world over, the FA Cup is noted as a competition that produces winners whose pedigree can always be called into question.
This year in particular when many predicted an all-conquering Arsenal to win the English version of the championship, they were beaten by a struggling Manchester City side to win the trophy.
The season before, a dominant Manchester City side also surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace in a final many expected the east Manchester side to triumph.
The Ghana version of the competition is not spared of the surprises and uncertainties about the competition.
On Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Nations FC walked a path that only defunct Ho Voradep treaded on 34 years ago when they suffered relegation in the 1992 edition but won the FA Cup competition.
Having faced the ignominy of relegation, Nations FC put up a strong fight to beat Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the MTN FA Cup after drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Joseph Effah put Nations FC ahead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before Abdul Razak Salifu levelled for Dreams FC on the stroke of halftime.
Both sides had good chances in the second half and extra time, but all failed to find the back of the net again until the shoot-outs.
It was not just historic. It is the biggest silverware in their trophy cabinet. Though they would campaign from the lower tier of Ghana football, they would hoist Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederations Cup competition in the next season.
It was a dramatic and memorable season, leaving huge responsibility on the tiny shoulders of Dr Kwame Kyei’s Nations FC.
The focus is now on the future for the winners considering the financial challenge that comes with participation for the continental championship others to arise regarding the acceptance of their home venue.
While commending the FA Cup committee and MTN Ghana, the headline sponsors, one hopes that corporate sectors consider that difficulty and rush to the aid of the club. Ayekoo, Nations FC.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan visits Black Queens training, rallies team ahead of WAFCON
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan, paid a visit to the Black Queens during training on Wednesday.
The former Black Stars striker offered words of encouragement as the team continued preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
He congratulated the players and technical team for securing qualification to the continental showpiece and urged the team to remain focused, give their best whenever they step onto the pitch and to continue working hard.
The visit marked one of Gyan’s first engagements with a national team since his appointment as Ambassador for Ghana’s national teams.
He also assured the players of his commitment to supporting and motivating the team as they build towards WAFCON.
Gyan’s presence was warmly received by the players and technical staff, with the football icon sharing his experience and inspiring the squad as well.
The Black Queens are currently in camp in Accra as the team continue preparations under coach Kim Lars Björkegren.
