Golf: AGolf: Akafo rides high in kafo rides high in MTN Invitational tourney

Felix Kwame Akafo emerged the new winner of the 2020 MTN Invitation Golf Tournament held at the Celebrity Golf Club in Accra on Saturday.

In a very strong field of golfers, Akafo produced a remarkable 41 points score to win the Men’s Group A division.

Ellias K. finished in second position after recording 39 points to place ahead of Christopher Mbii who came third with 38 points.

There was excitement in the Ladies event where Georgina Andoh won with 43 points ahead of Leticia Amponsah Mensah and Helen Appah in second and third positions.

The Closest to the Pin (Men) award was won by Isaac Awuni with Christopher Mbii winning the prize for the Longest Drive (Men).

Flora Hurtubise snatched the Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive prizes for the Ladies.

The event was held under the theme “Around the World in 18 Holes,” with over 100 golfers in attendance.

Board Chairman for MTN Ghana, Mr Ishmael Yamson, congratulated all players and winners for their efforts and urged them to train harder to better their fortunes in next year’s edition.

He was full of praise for the late Dr Plange Rhule in whose memory the tournament was played, saying “he was an inspiration to all.”

Otto Addo names 23-man squad for Chad and Madagascar 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

The team, led by captain Jordan Ayew includes three home-based players: Benjamin Asare of Accra Hearts of Oak, Kamaradini Mamudu of Medeama SC and Razak Simpson of Nations FC.

Deputy captain and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey returns to the squad after missing four of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last year. With over 50 appearances for Ghana since his debut in June 2016, Partey brings valuable experience to the team.

Other notable inclusions are Kamal Deen Sulemana of Southampton FC and Jerry Afriyie of CD Lugo. Sulemana has regained full fitness after a lengthy injury layoff, while Afriyie retains his spot after impressing in the match against Niger in November last year.

Belgium-based Christopher Bonsu Baah, who plays for Genk, has also received an invitation. The left-footed right-winger, capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, began his career with Accra Shooting Stars before joining Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 and later Genk in July 2023.

The team will assemble on Monday, March 17, 2025, and train for four days before hosting Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025. The Black Stars will then travel to Morocco to face Madagascar in another Group I match on Monday, March 24, 2025.

Ghana are currently second in Group I with nine points from four matches after securing three wins and one defeat, leveling them with Comoros.

Ghana’s qualifying campaign began with a 1-0 win over Madagascar, followed by a loss to Comoros. They bounced back with consecutive victories over Mali and the Central African Republic in June last year to keep their chances of qualification intact.

Below is the full Squad:

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Twelve players left out of Black Stars squad due to injury

Twelve players could not make the Black Stars squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to injuries.

They include Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Brandon Thomas Asante, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Aidoo, Abdul Manaf Nuruudeen, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Baba Idrissu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Majeed Ashimeru, and Joseph Painstil.

The injury details are as follows:

Alidu Seidu (Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Rehab), Tariq Lamptey (Ankle Ligament Injury), Brandon Thomas Asante (Muscle Tear), Abdul Mumin (Anterior Crucial Ligament), Joseph Aidoo (Muscle), Abdul Manaf Nurudeen (Ankle), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Recovering), Baba Idrissu (Recovering), Ibrahim Sulemana (Adductor Tendonitis), Daniel Kofi Kyereh (Knee), Majeed Ashimeru (Rebuilding from injury – Needs time to fully recover), Joseph Painstil (Quadriceps)