Sports
Rebuilding with Promise: Ghana’s young stars hold the key
The Black Stars showed some positives in their 2-1 loss to Nigeria at the GTech Community Stadium in Brentford on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
The first half was a nervy one, but the change in shape and tactic in the second half had a positive impact on the team’s output, resulting in a much-improved performance that saw Ghana create more chances and pin Nigeria into their half for a significant part of the second half.
There were two debutants, Aaron Essel and Christopher Bonsu Baah, in the first half, but Aaron Essel hobbled off before the first-half whistle due to a hip injury.
In the second half, Otto Addo made a bold move by bringing on Brandon Thomas Asante and Caleb Yirenkyi, another debutant, for Kwame Opoku and Kamaradini Mamudu, respectively. Nigeria dominated the early stages, with Cyriel Dessers scoring in the 14th minute after picking up a pass from Ismaila Sodiq.
The Super Eagles doubled their lead when Seyi Ajayi’s header deflected off Razak Simpson for an own goal in the 19th minute.
Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas Asante reduced the deficit for Ghana in the 70th minute, scoring beautifully after connecting with a pass from Ebenezer Annan.
Otto Addo showed confidence in Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini, who earned his first cap after coming on for Christopher Bonsu Baah in added time. Ghana pushed hard in the second half but failed to take their chances, allowing Nigeria to hold on for the win.
With the absence of key players like Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Alidu Seidu, Kingsley Schindler, Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Painstil, Osman Bukari, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Inaki Williams, here are some positives from the Black Stars players:
Christopher Bonsu Baah: As a debutant, he showed promise and energy on the right-wing. His pace and movement caused problems for the Nigerian defense at times.
Caleb Yirenkyi: His introduction from the bench seemed to bring a spark to the team. He likely added some fresh legs and energy to the midfield or attack as he was deployed on the right side of Ghana’s defense. The young man showed energy and spark with some runs on the lines and making timely interceptions to stop Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Brandon Thomas Asante: He scored a world-class goal, showcasing his technical ability and finishing skill. This goal will likely boost his confidence and give him momentum going forward.
Gideon Mensah: After moving into midfield in the second half, he seemed to add some control and creativity to the team. His experience and vision were valuable assets in the attacking plays.
Razak Simpson: Although he inadvertently scored an own goal, he showed courage and commitment in defense. Own goals can happen to anyone, and he likely learned from the experience.
Stephan Ambrosius: As a defender, he played a role in organizing the backline and working with his teammates to contain Nigeria’s attacks. His experience and leadership were valuable assets.
Abdul Samed Salis: In midfield, he likely worked hard to win the ball back and distribute it to his teammates. His energy and work rate are important for the team’s overall performance.
Razak Simpson: Although he inadvertently scored an own goal, he showed courage and commitment in defense. Own goals can happen to anyone, and he likely learned from the experience.
Ebenezer Annan: After coming on and shifting to left wing-back, he provided width and supported the attack. His cross led to Brandon Thomas Asante’s goal, showcasing his contribution to the team’s offense. These players, among others, played important roles in the match, and their efforts contributed to the team’s performance.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
Sports
Armwrestling: Immigration, Prisons meet African champions
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) in separate ceremonies have welcomed officers of both security institutions who recently returned from Abuja, Nigeria after participating in the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr. Patience Baffoe Bonnie, and the leadership of the Service, were present to congratulate the champions, Daniel Acquah (four gold medals), Mabel Yeboah (four gold medals) and Henry Otoo (two silver, two bronze), on their impressive performances.
The champions presented their medals to the Director-General, and shared their experiences and insights with the top officials.
During the meeting, the Director-General of the GPS, Mrs Baffoe Bonnie, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of sports for inmates.
She noted that sports could play a significant role in rehabilitation and pledged to support the development of armwrestling within the prisons service.
In a related development, the Comptroller-General of the GIS, CGI Samuel Basintale, commended his members – Edward Yamoah Asamoah (two gold medals), Blessed Abeka Nunoo (one gold, one silver, two bronze), Godwin Sackey (one gold, one silver) and referee Nii Otoo Larkyne, for the feat.
Mr Basintale promised to provide support for the development of armwrestling within the service, including training facilities, equipment, and sponsorship.
The African Armwrestling champions from the security services won a total of 20 medals out of Ghana’s 55 medal haul.
They expressed gratitude and promised to continue promoting the sport and inspiring others to take up armwrestling.
Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President for Ghana Armwrestling Federation, was thrilled by the promise and continuous collaborations and support for the development of armwrestling in Ghana by the security services.
—GNA
Sports
TTU to honour athletes at 2nd sports awards night
Takoradi Technical University (TTU) will tonight host its 2nd Sports Awards Night to honour outstanding athletes, teams, and contributors who have promoted the institution’s sporting reputation.
The event, which will take place at the Nicholas Aidoo Taylor Auditorium, will be chaired by Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, with Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, as Guest of Honour.
Other dignitaries expected include Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, and Municipal Chief Executive for Effia-Kwesimintsim, Abdul Majeed Dokurgu.
TTU said the awards will celebrate a year marked by exceptional performances, record-breaking moments, and contributions that have boosted both the competitive spirit and institutional pride of the university.
The ceremony will be held under the theme, “Recognising Excellence in Scholarship and Sportsmanship.”
The university noted that it has become a powerhouse in university sports, winning back-to-back championships at the GHATUSA Games in Tamale and Cape Coast.
It attributed the success to integrating sports into academic life, introducing sports scholarships, building the TTU Sports Complex, providing strategic funding, and offering strong logistical support.
Director of Public Affairs and Secretary to the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, said the awards go beyond recognising individual winners, adding that they are also a tribute to the discipline, resilience, and unity that define TTU’s sporting culture.
He stated that every nominee is a champion whose efforts have brought pride to the university and enhanced its reputation on both national and continental stages.
The programme will feature two segments of award presentations, with categories covering football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, tennis, handball, badminton, athletics, scrabble, and taekwondo, for both male and female divisions.
Nominees include Jane Membong in athletics, Hajara Ibrahim in basketball, Samuel Aidoo in football, and Prince Egyir in handball, as well as Papa Kwansa Baidoo, Prince Davies, and Ahmed Anas Salis.
Special awards will also be presented to individuals whose contributions have inspired the TTU community beyond the field of competition.
Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Danso, said the planning team has worked to ensure the event captures the spirit of sportsmanship, dedication, and unity that characterise TTU sports.
The university recalled that the inaugural edition honoured Raymond French, Sarah Quansah, and Rebecca Mba, setting a high standard for sporting recognition.
By: Jacob Aggrey
