Sports
WAFU B U20 BOYS CUP: Black Satellites Set for Must-Win Clash Against Benin in Final Group Game
The Black Satellites will return to action on Wednesday, July 17, when they take on Benin in a decisive Group A fixture of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Championship at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The match, which is both teams’ final group outing, kicks off at 15:00 GMT.
Ghana currently sit on one point after drawing 1-1 with Nigeria in their opening match. Benin, on the other hand, are bottom of the group following a 4-1 defeat to the Flying Eagles of Nigeria.
For Benin, it’s all or nothing — only a win will see them through to the semi-finals. Ghana, however, need just a draw to advance.
Black Satellites head coach Desmond Ofei has made it clear that his team is going all out for victory. Despite Benin’s heavy loss to Nigeria, Ofei expects a tough challenge.
“It’s an important game for us because we have to win to qualify,” he stated.
He added, “Despite their loss to Nigeria, they played well. We have to be sharp and hungry, show that we are the better side to get the 3 points.”
Benin coach Raymond Tchalè is also confident his side will respond strongly, likening their approach to that of a wounded lion.
“We know what is at stake. We are going to throw in everything. Nothing but a win matters, and we’ll fight for it,” he said.
The game promises high tension and drama, as both teams aim to secure a place in the semi-finals and keep their hopes of qualifying for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations alive.
The equation is simple: Black Satellites must avoid defeat, Benin must win.
With a place in the knockout stage on the line, Wednesday’s clash is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s most gripping encounters.
Sports
Follow official procedures when making donations to the club – Hearts of Oak to fans
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has reminded its supporters and well-wishers to follow official procedures when making donations to the club.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the club said it appreciates the continuous support shown by individuals and groups toward its teams, including the Senior Boys Team, Auroras, Oak Ladies and Royal Oaks.
However, management expressed concern over unsolicited donations and public fundraising activities outside the club’s structures.
It noted that while goodwill is welcome, all forms of support must be routed through the Supporter Liaison Office at the club’s secretariat.
According to the statement, the welfare of the teams is the responsibility of management, and any attempt to bypass established protocols undermines transparency and accountability.
The club stressed that donations not channeled through the official process would not be accepted by team officials or coaching staff.
Hearts of Oak assured supporters that it remains committed to building a united club culture based on professionalism, discipline and respect.
It also encouraged stakeholders to work with management to uphold the dignity of the club.
The club urged the public to contact the Supporter Liaison Office through the secretariat for inquiries and support,
By: Jacob Aggey
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
