Sports
Coach Desmond Ofei: Satellites Poised for Positive Start Against DR Congo
Head Coach of Ghana’s U-20 national team, Desmond Sakyi Ofei, has expressed optimism ahead of the Black Satellites’ Group C opener against DR Congo in the ongoing TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Speaking ahead of the crucial clash, Coach Ofei first extended his gratitude to Egypt for hosting the tournament on short notice. “We are happy to be here in Egypt,” he said. “It’s important that we get off to a good start.”
Acknowledging the strength of their opening opponents, he described DR Congo as a “strong, aggressive, and direct” side. Despite the challenge, Ofei remains confident. “Every team in this tournament is strong. We have to show our identity and pedigree,” he stated.
Ofei emphasized the team’s readiness and their intent to put Ghanaian talent on display. “The boys are ready. We want to showcase our talent, but we also need to neutralize DR Congo to get the right result.”
On Ghana’s philosophy heading into the tournament, Coach Desmond underscored hard work, the right mentality, and a match-by-match focus. “We are approaching this tournament game by game. We’re going to push for a positive result in the first game and then look forward to the next.”
Ghana, a four-time champion at this level and Champions in 2021, will be looking to reassert their dominance on the continental stage as the tournament unfolds.
Sports
Ghana’s Akurugu shines in CAF inter-schools championship final
Ghana’s Adongo Angelous Akurugu excelled in the final of the CAF African Schools Football Championship between Tanzania and Senegal at the University of Ghana Stadium.
The 17-year-old Navrongo Senior High School student maintained full control of affairs during the game.
His professionalism, expertise, and fairness were evident throughout the match, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable game for the participating teams.
Akurugu handled the game without any major questionable decisions as the match proceeded to penalty shootouts, with Tanzania winning the contest to retain the trophy at the expense of Senegal.
He is one of the brightest talents in the GFA’s flagship ‘Catch Them Young’ Refereeing Policy.
Since being discovered through the ‘Catch Them Young’ Refereeing Project, Akurugu has officiated in various juvenile competitions, including the KGL U-17 tournament and the Division One League Super Cup in Abrankese (2023) and Nsoatre (2024).
Aside from that, he also officiated in the WAFU Africa Schools Championship Qualifiers in Niger last year and the quarterfinal of the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup match between Attram De Visser and PAC Academy at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. —Ghanafa.org
Sports
Tennis: Hanif, Pai sweep ITF J30 medals
Ghanaian tennis prodigy, Hanif Boateng and partner, Aadithya Pai put up a spirited performance to win the two-legged International Tennis Federation (ITF) youth doubles championships played at the Tennis Complex of the Borteyman Sports Stadium.
At the first leg played on March 31, Hanif and Pai established themselves as a pair to beat, registering impressive wins to win the ITF J30 doubles championship.
They defeated the pair of Joseph Sony Atitsogbe and Raphael Nii Nortey Dowuona to win the crown.
That put them in a good mood for the second leg which they emerged victorious again.
In a thrilling final match, Hanif and Pai brushed aside the challenge from the pair of Lucky Danjuma and Hope Amartey to win in two straight sets.
They beat Danjuma and Amartey 7-5, 6-3 to record the double, taking home the winner’s trophies.
An elated Hanif did not hide his joy after the championship, commending himself and his partner for the hard work put in.
He thanked the Ghana Tennis Federation (GTF) and Tennis Foundation Ghana (TFG) for the support and training
By Spectator Sports Reporter
