Sports
Kudos MoYS, NSA, but…
The news of the Accra and Cape Coast Sports Stadiums getting approval of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host Category 3 matches was a welcome piece of news.
Like is said in our local parlance, the decision actually ‘saved our skin.’
It would have sounded very disgraceful to hear Ghana moving from one country to the other, looking for a place to ‘host’ our international matches.
It would have been the lowest ebb to which our football dropped.
Kudos to the agencies responsible for this swift action – the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) and the National Sports Authority (NSA).
The two agencies deserve a praise for the short period within which they managed to turn things around; but where there are blames, they cannot not also escape.
And in this instance, the blame would lie squarely at their doorstep for sitting for too long, ignoring concerns of players and media reports about problems with playing on the field.
Whatever problems can be identified at the various stadia across the country did not happen in a single day. It was a gradual thing, yet the authorities ignored it because, expenditures on them may not be ones with immediate rewards.
They were only in a haste to do business with either Shatta Wale or Stonebwoy for quick financial returns.
One would wonder why venues like the Baba Yara, Accra, Cape Coast and Aliu Mahama (Tamale) sports stadiums would all deteriorate and nothing would be done about them.
Perhaps, to prove to Ghanaians that those in charge of the facilities are on top of their jobs, a small fly in the person of Dodzi Numekevor was fired from post as Acting Director General of the NSA over problems that had persisted for many years when he was actually in office for just six months.
But instead of dwelling on the past, it is important to move on and make sure Ghana as a country do not return to these dark times with sports infrastructure.
And the wording of the CAF communication to the Football Association must always keep us on our toes.
The letter from CAF to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq.) read:
“Following a comprehensive review of the reports of the CAF independent inspection regarding the Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadia, we are pleased to inform you that the Accra Sports Stadium has been approved to host the AFCON Qualifiers for Morocco 2025. Specifically, it will host the Group F – Matchday 3 encounter between Ghana and Sudan, which is scheduled for October 11, 2024.
In light of this approval, we kindly request that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the stadium management team to prioritise the necessary enhancements to the pitch and other critical areas of the stadium leading up to the match day to ensure an optimal experience for both teams and the attending fans.
Please note that CAF will continue to closely monitor the readiness of the stadium for this match, as well as for future CAF-sanctioned events.”
The approval therefore is specifically for the Black Stars-Sudan encounter. Other Category 3 matches would require similar approvals, the reason of the quest improve the state of the various venues must be sustained.
By Andrew Nortey
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.
