Sports

Any help for Abu Imoro?

The name Abu Imoro may not ring a bell to many of today’s domestic football followers. Interestingly, ever since Abu hanged his boots, we have not had any player by that name in the national premier league. One stands to be corrected on that assertion though.

Even if we had it on our blind side, that player may not have glittered to win the hearts of many, particularly in the 80s and early 90s, as the REAL (cap mine) Abu Imoro did so naturally and effortlessly.

Of course, he may not be a player of the first water, but his poise and confidence on the ball coupled with a crazy obsession to strip bare the most-feared players, was always a gorgeous spectacle.

Indeed, he was a sweet blend of ruggedness and adroitness; but not extremely flamboyant in his midfield role. With his sturdy and solid frame – robustly recognised by a ‘fiery’ face, you need to possess some incarnated physical ability and brains to disarm him of the ball.

That is not all; aside from being a ‘spoiler’ particularly in midfield, his supreme ability to control an aerial ball on his chest – regaining his balance and pirouettes early enough to tame it onto his feet, easily makes him the crowd’s favourite.

Abu first played alongside football legend Abedi Ayew Pele at RTU in Tamale, before coming down south to feature for Great Olympics.

According to the President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), Kwabena Yeboah, the story of Abu Moro cuts bones – describing him a huge talented star.

“I remember him vividly when we went to Liberia in 1987 for the SCSA Tournament. My goodness, he was something else. Indeed, Abu was mainly the reason Ghana won the trophy beating Liberia 2-0 in the final with George Weah and James ‘Salinsa’ Debbah, then featuring for the Lone Star.

“Hopefully, the media spotlight will bring some redemption,” he remarked.

Forlornly, the Accra New Town-born Abu Imoro did not blow out or mushroom into the kind of player Ghanaians had hoped for as he regrettably got hooked into drug addiction that eventually tore him up and left him staggering into poverty.

Today, the former midfield dynamo still reels from the ‘bad side’ of his past and survives solely on the benevolence of friends and loved ones.

On many occasions, he had been supported by former teammate Abedi Pele and other sympathisers with regard to rehabilitation. Sadly, Abu is always quick to go back to his ‘vomit’ anytime his situation appears to improve.

Indeed, if you set eyes on the player, known in Ghana football as Tigana (named after the great French midfielder), you might break down in tears – after recollecting his halcyon past.

Before he got ensnared into hard drugs, Abu had his own house, car, wife and children. When things got out of hand, the wife had no choice than to leave. His house and car were reportedly sold and his riches all evaporating into thin air with the speed of lightening.

On hearing his latest plight, some of his contemporaries and other ex-players of Great Olympics including George Alhassan, Godwin Attram, Isaac Acquaye, Awuley Quaye and John Naawu, last week paid him a visit to solidarise with him.

At present, Abu is looking for a new window of opportunity to turn a new leaf. He says he wants the nation to help him get over his drugs life. He pleads earnestly!

Any help?

By John Vigah

Sports

Football fraternity commiserate with family of late Wilberforce Mfum

The Ghana Football Association wishes to express its deepest condolences to the families of late Ghana legend Wilberforce Mfum.

The GFA received with shock the news of the demise of the former Swedru All Blacks, Asante Kotoko, and Black Stars player on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Affectionately called ‘the Bulldozer’ due to his immense strength and clinical finishing during his days at Asante Kotoko and the Black Stars, Mfum was a household name during his playing days, and his legacies in Ghana Football will forever be written in gold.

He was a member of the 1963 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, scoring Ghana’s first goal in the tournament and netting twice in the final to help Ghana win their first continental title.

Noted for his scintillating goal-scoring prowess, he scored 20 goals in 26 appearances for Ghana and shone in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Wilberforce Mfum was a standout performer for Swedru All Blacks and Asante Kotoko before taking his talent overseas to play for Baltimore Bays, Ukrainian SC, Ukrainian Nationals, and New York Cosmos in the United States of America.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazer and a respected figure in the history of Ghana Football.

The thoughts and prayers of the GFA and the entire football fraternity are with his family at this difficult time. May his soul Rest In Perfect Peace.

Sports

Ghana vs Egypt – Quarterfinal Thriller at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations

In a pulsating quarterfinal clash between Ghana and Egypt at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, the young Pharaohs edged the gallant Black Satellites 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time.

Ghana controlled the early exchanges, nearly capitalizing on a second-minute chance. Egypt responded with a wasted freekick in the 6th minute, setting the tone for a tightly contested opening.

Both teams showed flashes of attacking threat, but the first 15 minutes remained cagey, with Egypt committing multiple fouls to disrupt Ghana’s rhythm.

Ghana’s Phenyin-Denis Marfo received a yellow card in the 15th minute, followed by Egypt picking up their own caution three minutes later.

A costly error by the Satellites’ defence in the 19th minute gifted Egypt the opener, scored by Mohammed Sherif after a lengthy VAR check confirmed the goal. Just eight minutes later, a defensive mix-up allowed Sherif to double Egypt’s lead.

Despite the setback, Ghana pressed forward, with Aziz Issah firing over the bar from a 36th-minute freekick and a header from a goalmouth scramble cleared off the line in the 43rd minute. Their persistence paid off when Issah rifled in a long-range strike in the first minute of first half added time to halve the deficit.

The Satellites began the second half with renewed energy. A series of chances followed — DaCosta and Denis both coming close — and Egypt had to make several defensive adjustments through substitutions. Jerry Afriyie missed two promising headers, and Aziz Issah continued to test the Egyptian goalkeeper.

As Ghana mounted pressure, tempers flared; an Egyptian official was red carded in the 77th minute.

The Satellites appealed for a penalty in the 85th minute, but VAR ruled against them. Lord Afrifa, in midfield, and Joseph Opoku, on the left flank, were very influential throughout the 90 minutes of regulation time.

Ghana’s resilience paid off in stoppage time: after a long VAR check, the Satellites were awarded a penalty and Hakim converted the spot kick to level the match at 2-2.

Ghana dominated extra time, despite going a man down when Essel was red carded in the 2nd minute of the second period. Aseako made a crucial save from the resulting freekick, and the team battled on bravely. Aidoo and Aziz Issah had chances, while Musibau headed over in the dying moments of the first period.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Ghana still created chances but could not find the winner. Egypt replaced their goalkeeper just before the end of extra time, perhaps anticipating the shootout.

In the shootout, Ghana scored through Aziz, Denis, Opoku, and Musibau — but DaCosta’s miss proved decisive. Egypt converted all five of their kicks, sealing a dramatic victory and booking their place in the semifinals.

Final Score: Egypt 2 (5) – 2 (4) Ghana (after penalties)

A valiant fightback by the Satellites ended in an undesired outcome, but their spirit and determination shone throughout, and they exit the tournament with heads held high.

Hakim Abdul Sulemana won the Player of the match award.