Sports
Kotoko ready for ES Setif test
Asante Kotoko will hope to overcome the bad spell of results that has followed them against Algerian outfits when they encounter Algerian giants ES Setif tomorrow in a CAF Confederations Cup crunch tie.
The game which is the first of two legs will determine the side that advances to the group stage of the competition whilst also affording the ‘Porcupine Warriors’ the opportunity to accost the Algerian nemesis that has been an Achilles heel’s in most of the continental ambitions.
In the last three decades, the porcupines have failed to advance ahead of Algerian opposition in five meetings; the recent heartbreak was in 2015 against MC Eulma who grabbed a 2-1 winner at the Baba Yara Stadium after Kotoko forced a goalless tie in Algeria.
Aside the struggles against Algerian sides, this game at the Accra Sports Stadium will also be an opportunity to save some pride against Northern African opponents.
Sudanese side, Al Hilal beat Kotoko at the venue last December by a lone goal and eventually ousted the Asanteman team to CAF’s lower competition.
Fortunately, the Porcupine proved last Sunday to have the knack of breaking records when they shattered league side, Karela’s enviable five year unbeaten run at CAM Park in Aiyinase with a 2-0 win.
When the likes of top marksman Kwame Opoku with seven goals, midfielders Emmanuel Gyamfi, Latif Anabila, Emmanuel Sarkodie and defenders Abdul Ganiu and Imoro Ibrahim who were all integral in the scalp of Karela take the field tomorrow, they will be hoping to deliver a similar record-breaking feat against the Algerians.
BY NANA BENTSI ODURO
Sports
WAFU B U20: Ghana’s Jerry Afriyie crowned MVP in semi-final win over Cote D’voire
Ghana U20 striker Jerry Afriyie was crowned Man of the Match in the side’s come back 2-1 win over Cote D’voire in the WAFU B U20 Semi-final on Sunday October 27, 2024 in Togo.
The talented striker, who is the leading top scorer with four goals, scored a magnificent spot kick to complete the comeback win for the Black Satellites at the Stade Municipal.
The Black Satellites will be making a return to the AFCON Championship next year after winning the title in 2021 under Abdul Karim Zito.
It was an incredible finish to an afternoon that began badly for Ghana as Konan Loukou gave the Ivorians an early lead before the Ghanaians pulled parity from a deflected corner kick to end the first half, before Jerry Afriyie sealed victory from the spot kick.
The win ensured the Black Satellites qualification to the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The WAFU B U20 Championship serves as the qualification for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, with only the finalists going through.
This 2025 U20 AFCON will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, where the four semi-finalists will qualify automatically.
Sports
Ghana to face rivals Nigeria in epic 2024 WAFU B U20 Final
Ghana and Nigeria will face off in the WAFU B U20 Final after the two West African giants dispatched their respective semi-final opponents in Togo on Sunday October 27, 2024.
The Black Satellites produced a sensational comeback 2-1 win over Cote D’voire in the first semi-final at the Stade Municipal before Nigeria also rallied from behind to beat Niger 3-1 in the second semi-final match.
Ghana and Nigeria will renew their long-standing rivalry in Wednesday’s Final at the Stade de Kégué.
Desmond Ofei’s side will be hoping to go one step further by reclaiming the sub-regional title from defending champions Nigeria.
The WAFU B U20 Championship serves as the qualification for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, with only Ghana and Nigeria going through.
This 2025 U20 AFCON will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, where the four semi-finalists will qualify automatically.