Sports

GFA cuts sod for the construction of 40-bed accommodation facility at Prampram

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, today August 26, 2024, cut the sod for the construction of a 40-bed accommodation facility at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

The President was supported by members of the Executive Council, delegates to Congress, former GFA top officials including former Vice-Chairman Fred Pappoe, former General Secretary, Emmanuel Gyimah, and the media to perform the ceremony at the new-look Technical Centre.

The construction of the 40-bed accommodation facility marks a significant and pivotal step towards upgrading the centre to meet international standards.

The construction of the new edifice is part of a grand plan by the leadership of the Ghana Football Association to give the Technical Centre a befitting status in the scheme of African and World football.

Funded in part by the World Cup 2022 allocation from government, the project aims to elevate the centre’s infrastructure to accommodate various national teams and host matches.

President Simeon-Okraku applauded Government for the support as he cut the sod for the start of the legacy project, which is expected to be delivered in accordance with very high standards and specifications.

“I am very excited to see today and celebrate the decision to construct a 40-bed accommodation facility here in Prampram. I want to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Executive Council and members of Congress for their support for such a major project for the forward march of our game,” President Simeon-Okraku said

He said, “I am equally grateful to the Government for showing leadership in offering financial support in ensuring the realization of this fantastic project. The project includes many basic amenities to create a professional environment that will directly serve the national teams and contribute to the growth of Ghana football.”

“The effect of what I spoke about is what is manifesting and I hope that when we gather here again, we’ll be happy to inspect a fully constructed 40-bed accommodation facility.” he concluded, amidst applause.

The installation of floodlights at the AstroTurf and the construction of top of range natural grass pitches, as well as the construction of a gymnasium, swimming pool and Futsal Arena are additional components of the comprehensive upgrade of the facility.

These enhancements signify the GFA’s commitment to bolstering football infrastructure and providing adequate facilities for training and development.

Since its inception, the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence has served as a key training and camping base for several of Ghana’s national teams.

With these planned improvements, the centre is poised to further solidify its role in nurturing and developing football talent while facilitating the growth of the sport at the national level.

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.