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African Games: We’ll rely on our strength against Senegal- U-20 Head coach
The Black Satellites have shifted focus to the crunch semi-final match against Senegal which will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow, Tuesday March 19, 2024 at 8pm.
Ghana made it to the semis after finishing on top of Group A and will face the runners up from Group B for a place in the grand final of the 13th African Games Men’s Football Competition.
Though Coach Desmond Sakyi Ofei admits Senegal will be tough opponents, the Ghana U20 Head Coach insists that his side will rely on their strengths and will be up to the task on Tuesday evening.
The Ghana trainer made these remarks when he attended the pre-match press conference with player Aaron Essel ahead of the game against Senegal.
He said, “We have learnt, we are coming from a very long way and we are building something special for this national team. We are diligent and we know what we are doing.”
According to Desmond Sakyi Ofei, “We are looking ahead to the future with open arms, we are ready for whoever comes. It’s going to be a very difficult game against a very good side.”
“For us once again, it’s against a very tough opponent. Senegal is a good team and they did well last year in the U17 and U20 tournaments. They went to the World Cup and got one loss and two draws,” he added.
The coach said they are rebuilding, adding that his players have rested well and are prepared for the semis.
He believes there is no luck in the semis. For him, to reach the semi-finals means you did something right.
“We have to stay true to ourselves and what we did in the past to replicate and multiply it. We have to be tactically aware and be sharp on the duels. We need to be well organised and control the ball well. That’s what we stand for, and I think we are improving game by game. We need to be focused on the game at hand against Senegal,” he said.
He noted that “We started camping in October and we touched on every aspect of the game, physically and mentally. We will try and finish the game in the regular playing time. If it goes into penalties, I am sure the boys will be prepared. Luckily, we have Nii Odartey Lamptey who is preparing the boys when it comes to penalties.”
“If you see our games, with the ball we play with a three-back and when we are defending we play with four-back. Defensively, we will be very solid and sharp because they have really good players. That’s what makes football very special because you get to play the best and it’s going to be a good game and we are going to enjoy,” he revealed.
He said that one thing about Ghanaian fans is that they are very honest, adding that they need that honesty and will not disappoint them because they are playing for the love of the nation.
One of the players, Aaron Essel also said, “I have been in almost all male national teams and I think it’s because of my confidence and the hardwork I put in when given the opportunity. Even if I get a Black Stars I believe I will have the confidence to play.”
“We respect every opponent and I have lots of trust in my teammates that irrespective of the opponent, we will emerge victorious,” he added.
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
