Sports
Galaxies dare Nigeria in make-or-break today
The Black Galaxies of Ghana will square off with the CHAN Eagles of Nigeria in Abuja today for the final round second leg qualifier of next year’s Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in Algeria.
With a foot already in the championship, following an impressive 2-0 win over the Nigerians last Sunday, the Galaxies would be determined to replicate a similar performance and walk away with at least a draw.
Second half goals from Daniel Afriyie-Barnieh and Suraj Seidu ensured that the Galaxies travel to Nigeria with an advantage from the first leg.
The result, thus, presents a very tough task for the CHAN Eagles who would have to score three unanswered goals to qualify ahead of the Ghanaians.
But with the Black Galaxies poised to make a return to the CHAN after a long absence, they would go all out to protect their advantage and possibly return with a double over their neighbours.
Skipper Gladson Awako, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, David Abagna, Mohammed Alhassan and Umar Bashiru had been a delight to watch in the qualifiers so far and would be in the tick of affairs to reward themselves with the CHAN qualification after their splendid efforts.
Coach Annor Walker has expressed huge confidence in his squad and confident that his charges would deliver another great performance in Nigeria.
The embittered Nigerians, however, will definitely give the Ghanaians a good run for their money as they hope to overturn the results in their favour.
Playing in front of the large Abuja fans, the CHAN Eagles would be inspired to fly high over the Galaxies – and the turn the situation around.
The team had already moved on from their uninspiring performance in the first leg in Cape Coast and is determined to go all out for a win in Abuja.
Just like they attempted in Ghana, the Nigerians, who appeared more physical, would set up to bully and frustrate the Galaxies to succumb to defeat.
Whilst they hope to score, the Eagles would be eager to protect their goal-line, aware that any goal from Ghana could be disastrous as far as their reputation and future in the CHAN tournament is concerned.
Do not forget Ghana eliminated the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the Qatar World Cup this year and another slump would be seen as a calamity. But should the Galaxies care?
Indeed, today’s game should be a fiercely contested one as both teams have expressed their eagerness to grab the only ticket available for CHAN next year.
Whilst Nigerian fans would wait for a victory to celebrate, supporters in Ghana should be preparing to receive the Galaxies back to the country with a hero’s welcome.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
Sports
Jerry Afriyie Departs Camp to Rejoin Club in Spain
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced the departure of Jerry Afriyie from the camp of the Black Satellites to return to his club base in Spain.
This development is in line with a prior arrangement between the GFA and the player’s club, which had indicated that they would require his return following Ghana’s first two matches in the ongoing tournament.
The Association had to rely on such an arrangement because the tournament is being played outside the FIFA window for release of players.
Jerry Afriyie made a significant contribution to the team during our opening fixtures, playing a key role in securing valuable points that have positioned the Black Satellites strongly in the quest for qualification.
While the technical team and management would have preferred to retain his services for the entirety of the competition, the GFA remains committed to honouring all arrangements with clubs in the spirit of mutual respect, cooperation and professionalism.
“We are confident that the remaining members of the squad will build on the foundation laid in the first two matches and continue to push toward our collective objective of success in the tournament,” the statement added.
The GFA has taken this opportunity to express their heartfelt appreciation to Jerry Afriyie for his dedication and service during his time with the national team, and wished him continued success at his club.
“We also thank Ghanaians at home and abroad for the unwavering support shown to the Black Satellites and urge all to continue rallying behind the team as we pursue continental glory,” the statement concluded.
Sports
Black Satellites Hold First Training Session in Ismailia Ahead of Decisive Group C Encounter
Shortly after touching down in Ismailia, Ghana’s Black Satellites hit the ground running with their first training session ahead of Thursday’s Group C fixture against the Central African Republic at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025.
The training, held at the Tolip 1 training pitch, saw a divided workload. Players who started in the team’s second group match against Senegal were put through a light recovery session, while the rest of the squad engaged in a more intensive workout.
The energy on the pitch was positive, with players upbeat and fully engaged as they sharpened their preparations for the showdown at Ismailia Stadium which kicks off at 1800 local time (1500 GMT).
Head Coach Desmond Ofei praised the team’s mindset and professionalism in quickly adjusting to their new environment.
“The attitude today was spot on. The boys understand what’s at stake, and the tempo at training reflected that. We’re building toward Thursday with confidence,” Ofei stated.
With two games down and all to play for in the final Group match, the Satellites are hoping to harness this momentum and passion to secure the win that will cement their place in the quarterfinals.
