Sports
Ghana to host Guinea in Olympics qualifier today
Ghana’s Black Queens will host their Guinean counterparts in the 2nd leg of the 1st round qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Ghana goes into the game with their noses in front having won the 1st leg 3-0 in Conakry on Friday.
Coach Nora Hauptle spoke highly of her side after the win and rued their missed chances ‘‘saying that the team could have scored more if they took their chances’’.
The Swiss Coach expects her players to make the second leg easier especially as the team plays in front of the home fans Tuesday afternoon.
Vivian Adjei Konadu, Doris Boaduwaa and Evelyn Badu got on target when the two sides clashed in the 1st leg in Conakry. Ghana scored two first half goals through Adjei Konadu and Boaduwaa before reigning CAF Young Player of the year and Inter-Club Player of the year Evelyn Badu put the game to bed in the second half.
The Black Queens have rediscovered their form under new manager Nora Hauptle following four successive victories since February this year.
Nora was off to a flying start against Benin in an International friendly in Cotonou where they won 3-0 with Princella Adubea, Sandra Owusu Ansah and Evelyn Badu hitting the back of the net.
The Queens later engaged Senegal in back to back friendlies at the Accra Sports stadium and won 4-0 over the two legs.
A Gifty Assifuah brace and a goal from Grace Asantewaa gave Ghana a 3-0 win in the first game before the team coasted to a narrow win in the reverse fixture courtesy a late Evelyn Badu strike.
The team is looking to restore public confidence as they journey on for a place in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
A win on Tuesday will send Ghana to the next of the qualifiers where the Black Queen will play the winner of the match between Rwanda and Uganda in the second round qualifiers.
The game against Guinea is scheduled for 4pm kick off at the Accra Sports stadium on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
Sports
Jerry Afriyie Departs Camp to Rejoin Club in Spain
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced the departure of Jerry Afriyie from the camp of the Black Satellites to return to his club base in Spain.
This development is in line with a prior arrangement between the GFA and the player’s club, which had indicated that they would require his return following Ghana’s first two matches in the ongoing tournament.
The Association had to rely on such an arrangement because the tournament is being played outside the FIFA window for release of players.
Jerry Afriyie made a significant contribution to the team during our opening fixtures, playing a key role in securing valuable points that have positioned the Black Satellites strongly in the quest for qualification.
While the technical team and management would have preferred to retain his services for the entirety of the competition, the GFA remains committed to honouring all arrangements with clubs in the spirit of mutual respect, cooperation and professionalism.
“We are confident that the remaining members of the squad will build on the foundation laid in the first two matches and continue to push toward our collective objective of success in the tournament,” the statement added.
The GFA has taken this opportunity to express their heartfelt appreciation to Jerry Afriyie for his dedication and service during his time with the national team, and wished him continued success at his club.
“We also thank Ghanaians at home and abroad for the unwavering support shown to the Black Satellites and urge all to continue rallying behind the team as we pursue continental glory,” the statement concluded.
Sports
Black Satellites Hold First Training Session in Ismailia Ahead of Decisive Group C Encounter
Shortly after touching down in Ismailia, Ghana’s Black Satellites hit the ground running with their first training session ahead of Thursday’s Group C fixture against the Central African Republic at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025.
The training, held at the Tolip 1 training pitch, saw a divided workload. Players who started in the team’s second group match against Senegal were put through a light recovery session, while the rest of the squad engaged in a more intensive workout.
The energy on the pitch was positive, with players upbeat and fully engaged as they sharpened their preparations for the showdown at Ismailia Stadium which kicks off at 1800 local time (1500 GMT).
Head Coach Desmond Ofei praised the team’s mindset and professionalism in quickly adjusting to their new environment.
“The attitude today was spot on. The boys understand what’s at stake, and the tempo at training reflected that. We’re building toward Thursday with confidence,” Ofei stated.
With two games down and all to play for in the final Group match, the Satellites are hoping to harness this momentum and passion to secure the win that will cement their place in the quarterfinals.
