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World Cup Qualifiers: Jordan Ayew earns Ghana crucial three points in Mali
Jordan Ayew’s 94th minute goal saw Ghana clinch a nail-biting 2-1 victory against Mali in their FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers Group I game played at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.
The match started with intense energy from both sides.
Mali struck first, taking the lead with a goal just before the halftime break. The first half setback spurred the Black Stars into action in the second half, with Ernest Nuamah equalising with a stunning header in the 58th minute, bringing the score to 1-1.
After parity was restored, the game saw relentless efforts from both teams, with numerous close calls and impressive saves by both goalkeepers.
The tension was palpable as the clock ticked down, and it seemed the match was destined for a draw. However, Ghana’s perseverance paid off in the final moments of the game.
Substitute Jordan Ayew received a perfectly timed pass from Fatawu Issahaku and, with remarkable composure, managed to fire the ball into the net.
The goal silenced the home fans, who thronged the stadium in their numbers to cheer their team on.
Ghana thus secured a 2-1 lead, leaving Mali with no time to mount a comeback.
The victory boosts the national team’s confidence as they prepare for their next challenge against the Central African Republic on Monday, June 10, at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
With six points, Ghana is now level on points with Comoros, who will travel away to Madagascar on Friday, June 7.
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
