Category: Sports

Two late goals from Mozambique denied Ghana a chance to progress to the Round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Jordan Ayew scored two penalties for Ghana but two late goals from Reinildo Mandava and Geny Catamo ensured that spoils were shared at the end of the game.

The results means Ghana stay third with two points while Egypt and Cape Verde qualify to the Round of16.

The Black Stars made a blistering start to the game, with Antione Semenyo making a ferocious attempt at goal, but Mozambique goalkeeper Ivane Francisco tipped over the crossbar.

The early pressure paid off for the Black Stars after Joseph Painstil was brought down in the penalty area, with Libyan referee Mutaz Ibrahim whistling for a penalty.

Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew stepped up from 12 yards and struck the ball into the bottom corner, with goalkeeper Ivane rooted to the spot.

The Mambas of Mozambique were certainly awakened by the early strike from Ghana as they began to maintain possession very well.

The pr
essure on the Black Stars defence was rampant, with the Mozambicans pressing for the equaliser, but they couldn’t test Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori.

The Black Stars were dealt a huge blow with the injury of Majeed Ashimeru, who was replaced by Baba Iddrisu in the late stages of the first half.

The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Black Stars.

Ghana started the second half with Dede Ayew replacing Joseph Paintil, who seemed to have picked up a knock.

Mozambique were on the front foot after the interval, and Pachoico Lau King nearly struck parity if not for the brilliant save of Richard Ofori.

Mohammed Kudus, who was largely kept silent, had his first attempt in the 66th minute but was handled by Mozambique defender Renildo Mandava, and referee Mutaz whistled for a second penalty for Ghana.

Jordan Ayew once again stepped up and calmly slotted the ball at the back of the net, much to the delight of the fans.

The cushion goal for Ghana seemed to have calmed the nerves of the players as they began to
keep possession, with the Mozambicans largely left frustrated.

The Mambas staged a late comeback to secure a point at the end of the match.

Source: Ghana News Agency

In a remarkable display of solidarity, celebrated Ghanaian reggae and dancehall artiste, Samini, has embarked on a journey to Abidjan to fervently back the Ghanaian Black Stars ahead of their upcoming match.

In an interview with the media, he expressed his confidence in the team’s prowess and boldly predicted victory against Mozambique, envisioning a 2-goal triumph.

Upon his arrival at the Midez H and R Hotel in Abidjan, the artiste was greeted with an outpouring of joy and jubilation from ardent fans and supporters.

Known for his passionate commitment to music and national pride, Samini seized the moment to issue a heartfelt appeal to fellow Ghanaians, urging unity and rallying behind the Black Stars.

He emphasized the crucial role of collective support in propelling the team to success.

As anticipation builds for the impending match, Samini’s presence in Abidjan serves as a beacon of encouragement for the Black Stars and the entire nation, fostering a sense of unity and optimism among fans.

Source:
Ghana News Agency

In a display of unparalleled excitement and unity, football enthusiasts flooded various MTN viewing centres across Ghana to witness the action in the ongoing AFCON tournament.

Despite the national team’s less-than-stellar performance, fans still trooped to viewing centres to have lasting memories of an electric atmosphere and community spirit.

The watch party, a collaborative effort between MTN Ghana and GTV, unfolded simultaneously in multiple locations throughout the country offering a premium viewing experience on expansive screens, the event also featured a range of engaging activities, including cheerleading and trivia contests that saw fans walking away with coveted prizes and souvenirs.

One of the standout venues, Labadi Beach Hotel at the Laguma bar, played host to VIP clients who reveled in an atmosphere of unlimited fun and excitement. Patrons were treated to sumptuous meals and beverages, capping off the experience with the presentation of replicas of the Black Stars jersey, further solidifying
the memorable nature of the event.

Numerous other centres joined the festivities, turning locations such as the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, Pure FM’s forecourt in Patasi, Kumasi, the Takoradi Mall car park, Freeman Methodist Astro Turf Park in Koforidua, and the Starlite Park in Community 22, Ashaiman, into hubs of celebration.

Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, expressed her delight at the success of the initiative.

‘We are proud to be the driving force in bringing Ghanaians closer to the Black Stars and the AFCON experience,’ she stated.

‘This is our way of celebrating our love for football and the unifying power it brings. We can’t wait to witness the passion and unwavering support of Ghanaians, both in the Ivory Coast and across the nation, as we cheer the Black Stars to victory.’

As the AFCON tournament continues to unfold, the MTN viewing centres stand as vibrant hubs of communal celebration, showcasing the enduring love for football
and the unifying spirit it fosters among Ghanaians.

Source: Ghana News Agency

DR Congo forced highly rated Morocco to a one all draw in their second group game in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

The Atlas Lions took the lead inside just six minutes, when Hakimi rifled home after being teed up by Hakim Ziyech.

But DR Congo came back strongly and equalized through a penalty after a VAR check which detected handball in the box on 42 minutes.

Cedric Bakambu stepped up but squandered the golden opportunity to equalise as Yassine Bounou dived in the right, but the ball went wide even before the Moroccan goalkeeper could intervene.

However, the Leopards finally drew level with 15 minutes left when Silas Katompa Mvumpa converted Elia Meschack’s assist.

The sides could not be separated in an entertaining encounter as both retained hopes of reaching the knockouts.

The draw leaves Morocco top on four points, DR Congo second on two and all still to play for in Group F.

Morocco face Zambia next while DR Congo tackle Tanzania in their final pool matches on Wednesday.

S
ource: Ghana News Agency

Didier Drogba – former Captain of Cote D’ Ivoire is confident the hosts will overcome a stiff challenge from Equatorial Guinea to make progress to the next stage of the competition.

‘It’s going to be the celebration of African football with a team from Equatorial Guinea which progresses every year. We are happy to have them here.

‘I saw that they won their match, congratulations to them but it would be difficult against us,’ he said.

Drogba who is delighted to see his nation host the rest of Africa said in an interview that, ‘The African Cup of Nations is the celebration of Africa football. Of course, I want Côte d’Ivoire to win.

‘We are going to fight, we are at home, we have to show that we cannot only host the competition but also put in a good performance,’ he noted.

He added ‘Côte d’Ivoire is faced with its responsibilities, it must perform. All the teams that are here deserves to be here.

‘They have their chances so it is up to us to ensure that we respect them but above all to show that we are a
ble to stand up to these teams,’ he stated.

After two games, Côte d’Ivoire have three points and would have to overcome Equatorial Guinea in their final group game to gain automatic qualification.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Chris Hughton, Head Coach of the Black Stars, says his players are motivated to get the needed results against Mozambique.

The Black Stars face the Mambas of Mozambique in a must-win Group B encounter if they stand any chance of progressing to the knockout rounds at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Chris Hughton highlighted the significance of the game against Mozambique in their quest to qualify and stated the players would have to put in a top performance to win the match.

‘We are aware of the magnitude of this game, and we know that this is a game we have to win. Our preparations have been the same as our two games and we are prepared for a very tough match. We have to make sure we put in a level of performance that will allow us to win the game.

‘There are no easy games at this AFCON, and we are coming up against a Mozambique side who also needs a win, so we have to be physically and mentally prepared for the match,’ he stated.

Chris Huhgton also n
oted that their performance against Egypt serves as a huge motivation for them, and players know the significance of getting all three points.

When asked if the previous group stage exit at the AFCON was playing into the minds of the players, Chris Hughton said, ‘We are aware of what happened in the past, and some players were involved in that. But these players are used to bouncing back and looking forward and not duelling in the past because it could affect your game.

‘We have to think about our last game and the improvement of our game. We appreciate the past, but we are more focused on what is in front of us.’

The Black Stars would be aiming to end their six-match winless streak against Mozambique, who have conceded at least two goals in all 14 matches played at the AFCON.

The highly anticipated clash between Ghana and Mozambique will be played at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe in Abidjan on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Chiquinho Conde, Head Coach of Mozambique, says Mohammed Kudus is a player of expectational qualities, but they are not too focused on that, as football is a team sport and not an individual one.

He made this comments ahead of their crucial encounter against the Black Stars of Ghana in the last group match slated for the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe in Abidjan on Monday.

According to Conde, Ghana is a team that often relies on individual brilliance to get results, and they would be looking to exploit that.

‘He (Kudus) is a great player, and it is a pleasure to see him play, but football is more of a team sport than an individual sport.

‘The technical team has identified the weakness of Ghana, and we are aware that their strength is more individual brilliance,’ he said.

Conde also stated that they are not focused on individuals in the Ghana team but are capitalising on the Ghana team, whose teamwork has not been great thus far.

The highly experienced gaffer also stated that his players are motivated to get
the needed results against Ghana and will take inspiration from their Egypt performance.

‘It is true, the loss against Cape Verde was physically and emotionally damaging but we look to take inspiration from our performance against Egypt and perform better against Ghana,’ he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Tunisia Head Coach, Jalel Kadri is convinced his side deserved to win their game against Mali, after the one-all draw game at the Korhogo’s Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly.

The 2004 champions came from behind to salvage a point in what was an evenly balanced match between the two sides.

Speaking after the match in Korhogo, Kadri is of the opinion that, both sides had a good go at each, but stated that they had better moments that should have resulted in a win for them.

‘The match was very intensive, and we were very involved in all aspects of the game. We were looking for the victory but were unlucky not to get it after playing well for most parts of the game.

‘The two teams were equal and the last 10 minutes were very difficult. We were not looking for a draw, we tried getting the win, but it unfortunately did not happen,’ said Kadri.

Kadri added that the game was also quite physical but provided a good test ahead of their final group match.

‘What we have seen today is that we gave good offensive game. The
y were very physical, and our players got some knocks but that did not stop us, and we continued working hard.

‘Getting a point against Mali is very important and such a tough match is good for us ahead of the final group match,’, he added.

Tunisia would need the maximum points against South Africa in their final match to fancy any chance of making progress.

Source: Ghana News Agency