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Preview: Ghana take on Comoros today in FIFA World Cup qualifier
Ghana will face Comoros in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier today.
Both teams are level on three points after winning their respective games in the opening round of matches in Group I.
While Inaki Williams left it late to give Ghana a 1-0 win over Madagascar, Comoros took full advantage of playing at home to beat Central African Republic 4-2 in Moroni.
The Islanders last beat Ghana 3-2 in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations to make the second round of that tournament in Cameroon. That famous win is still fresh in our minds as Ghana exited the tournament after finishing bottom in the Group.
Ghana coach Chris Hughton who has yet to lose a competitive game since he took over from Otto Addo boasts of three home wins (against Angola, Central African Republic and Madagascar). However, his performance on the road does not match his home record after drawing against Angola (1-1) and Madagascar (0-0) in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Chris Hughton is therefore going into the game in search of his first win on the road as Black Stars coach. The former Tottenham full back will be forced to make at least one change to his back line following the injury to Daniel Amartey. Aside Daniel, Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Fatawu Hamid, Nurudeen Abdulai and Nicholas Opoku are all available for selection.
Also in the team are Baba Idrissu, Samed Salis, Majeed Ashimeru, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Kudus.
Forward Inaki Williams who scored his first international goal against Madagascar on Friday, is raring to go again following his switch from Spain to Ghana.
Kasim M’Dahoma (20), Benjaloud Youssouf (50), Rafiki Said (58) and Myziane Moilida (68) got on the score sheet in the 4-2 win against Central African Republic.
Coach Stefano Cusin’s side are on the rise after going three games without defeat.
Comoros drew 1-1 with Zambia and defeated Cape Verde 2-1 in an away game before beating Central African Republic 4-2 in the recent World Cup qualifier.
Ghana’s last visit to Moroni was a FIFA World Cup qualifier that ended goalless in 2015.
The FIFA World Cup qualifier between Comoros and Ghana is scheduled for the Omnisports Sports stadium in Moroni on Tuesday, November 21,2023.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
