Sports
National Juvenile Committee meets ahead of new Juvenile season
The National Juvenile Committee (NJC) convened a crucial meeting on Thursday September 26, 2024 to strategise for the upcoming juvenile football season.
The meeting, which was chaired by Vice Chairman Joesalam Abubakar in the absence of GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, focused on reviewing recent competitions and planning for future youth football activities.
A major agenda item was the review of the KGL U17 Regional Championship, held in July, where the committee assessed both the successes and the challenges faced during the competition. The goal is to improve upon these areas as they prepare for the new season.
The meeting also covered plans for the upcoming Colts U15 and U17 Festivals, which will cater for both boys and girls, as well as discussions on the format and tentative dates for these events.
In addition, the Elite U15 Boys Championship, set to take place next month, was a key topic of discussion.
Members present at the meeting included Michael Fiaduse, Gabriel Godwin Kwao, Alhaji Hamidu Abdulai, Samuel Anim Addo, and Kwame Boakye, along with Maxwell Caesar from the FA’s competitions department.
Ashanti Regional Football Association Chairman Osei Tutu Agyemang together with Alhaji Daudi Sadugu – Upper West RFA Chairman, Samuel Aboabiri – Greater Accra RFA Chairman and Alhaji Salifu Seidu Zida – Upper East RFA Chairman also joined the meeting virtually.
Key resolutions and detailed plans from the meeting are expected to be announced in the coming days, signalling a robust approach to juvenile football development in Ghana for the 2024/2025 season.
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.
