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Sudan delays Stars’ AFCON qualification
The Black Stars of Ghana failed to secure an early qualification for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with two games to spare after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Sudan in their qualifiers played at Al Hilal Stadium in Omdurman, yesterday.
After convincingly beating Sudan 2-0 at home last Thursday, the Stars were in search for a point to strengthen their position at the apex of Group C and subsequently book a place at the continental showpiece in Cameroon 2022.
But a last-ditch strike from Mohammed Rahman ‘kept the drinks on ice’ as the Stars would need another win to qualify despite remaining on top of the group with nine points.
Sudan after the victory have put themselves strongly in contention for a spot at the next AFCON as they remain in third position behind South Africa who are joint tops with Ghana.
With two games to go, three teams including Ghana, South Africa and Sudan would battle it out for the two places at the tournament.
The Stars, with victory on their minds yesterday, went into the game with all guns blazing in search of an early goal, but failed to capitalize on their opportunities to find the back of the net.
The home side then settled in and took the game to the Ghanaians in a quest to possibly secure a point, but their resilience fortunately ensured maximum three points at the end of 90 minutes.
Knowing they shot themselves in the foot, Coach C.K Akonnor and his charges would be looking forward to the next round of qualifiers in February to secure a place at the AFCON.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
