Sports
Rising SC crowned northern U-15 girls’ soccer gala champions 2025
The much-anticipated 2025 U-15 girls’ soccer gala took centre stage at the Kulikuli School Astro Turf in Tamale last Saturday, drawing 10 competitive clubs from across the region for a day filled with skill, passion, and determination.
The tournament served as a crucial preparatory event for the upcoming Northern Regional Football Association U-15 Girls’ Soccer Tournament, allowing teams to assess their strengths and weakness ahead of the main competition.
After a series of intense matches, Rising Sporting Club (RC) emerged victorious, defeating Dinnani Ladies in a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the final.
The match was tightly contested, with both teams displaying excellent tactical discipline and resilience. However, Rising SC held their nerve during the penalties, securing a well-deserved triumph.
The event was graced by the Northern Regional Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Abu Hassan Mahamadu, who commended the young girls for their commitment and urged them to take their football careers seriously.
With this victory, Rising SC has sent a strong message to their competitors, establishing themselves as one of the top teams to watch in the upcoming Northern Regional U-15 girls’ soccer tournament
Asante Kotoko SC has announced with deep sadness the passing of its former Brands and Marketing Manager, Kweku Hammond.
In a statement released by the club, Kotoko described Hammond’s death as untimely and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
“Although his time with the club was brief, Kweku served with dedication, diligence, and unwavering commitment to Asante Kotoko,” the club stated. “His contributions and loyalty to the club will not be forgotten.”
Kweku Hammond served in the club’s Brands and Marketing department, where he played a role in promoting the Porcupine Warriors’ brand and engaging supporters.
The club assured that it will continue to honour his memory and legacy.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
Fans and members of the football fraternity have since joined the club in mourning, sharing tributes to Hammond for his professionalism and commitment during his time at club.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Captain of Ghana’s National U-15 Boys team, Abdul Aziz Issa, says the exposure gained at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan will be vital for the development of the squad.
Ghana finished 7th out of 189 countries after an impressive campaign, winning eight of ten matches.
“I think we played well, the exposure was good for our development, and we can’t thank FIFA and the GFA enough for this amazing platform,” Issa said.
“I’m so very happy to be part of this FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan. I want to thank my colleagues for how far we have brought Ghana in this tournament.”
The captain believes the experience will prepare the group for future challenges at U-17 and U-20 level.
Ghana enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring 44 goals and establishing themselves among the top seven teams.
Their dominant group stage saw them score 27 goals while conceding just three. Salifu Fatawu’s side opened with a commanding 4-1 win over Uzbekistan, thrashed Myanmar 7-1, recorded emphatic 7-0 wins over Guam and the Bahamas, before rounding off the group with a 2-1 triumph over Kazakhstan.
Their pursuit of a higher finish suffered a setback in the knockout phase after elimination by Paraguay in a dramatic encounter.
The team bounced back to finish 7th, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Colombia in their final game, despite suffering a 7-1 defeat to Brazil in the Tier A Ranking Play-Offs.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
