Sports
Golfers chase top prizes in MTN Invitational tourney
Over 100 golfers across the country will converge on the Achimota Golf Club today to compete in the first 2021 MTN Invitational Golf Tournament.
It would be held under the theme,”The Year of the Customer: The Digital Experience,” would be played over 18 holes.
Distinguished golfers including last year’s winners, Felix Kwame Akafo and Georgina Andoh will be competing in their quest to retain their title.
They would, however, face stiff competition from other golfers including Isaac Awuni and Christopher Mbii while female contenders, Flora Hurtubiase and Leticia Amponsah Mensah would also be fierce challengers for the ultimate prize.
Mrs Hurtubiase, the 2019 winner especially has indicated her readiness to challenge for this year’s ultimate prize in the female category.
“I am looking forward to the tournament and working very hard to win again after coming close last year,” she stated.
Meanwhile, organisers have urged players to adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols as they would ensure the safety of golfers and guests on the day.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Business Segment Manager at MTN, Emmanuel Gyasi commended players for consistently showing up and making the tournament a success.
“We are certain today would not be any different as the tournament improves every year,” he stated.
The competition, he said, would provide the platform for golfers to interact and share ideas as they take feedback to improve customer service.
“It is also a platform to share ideas, interact and get feedback from customers after the first quarter of the year which is very important to us,” he stressed.
He added that, attractive prizes would be given to distinguished golfers as they look forward to another opportunity to cement their relationship with golfers across the country.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
Sports
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:
Sports
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)
