Sports

Ghana lose to Japan in FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Ghana lost 4-1 to Japan in their second Group E match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

The Black Princesses went into the game looking to record their first win in the tournament but conceded two goals each in either half as they suffered their second successive defeat in the competition.

Ghana started the game well by maintaining their composure and held their nerves for 40 minutes.

Sasai scored in the 45th minute to give Japan the lead before Matsukubo netted their second in added time after a howler from goalkeeper Afi Amenyeku.

Mafia Nyame and Mercy Attobra were introduced for Wasiima Mohammed and Mary Amponsah in the second half of the game. But that was unimpactful as Bayana scored from a goalmouth scramble to extend the lead for the young Nadeshiko.

Stella Nyamekye converted a penalty to reduce the deficit after she was fouled in the 83rd minute. That didn’t take long as Matsunaga deepened the woes of the Black Princesses to end the game 4:1.

The results leaves Ghana with no point having suffered a 2-1 loss to Austria in their opening game.

Ghana will play their last Group E match against New Zealand on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Pascual Guerrero stadium, Cali.

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.