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Silly mistakes cost us- Kudus
But for some individual mistakes, the Black Stars of Ghana would have walked away with three points on Thursday in their second Group B encounter against Egypt at the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations(AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Egypt had to come back twice to share the spoils in a pulsating game which ended two all amidst a Mohammed Kudus’ masterclass.
It was also a massive improvement from the previous game which saw Ghana shockingky losing 2-1 to Cape Verde.
With that in mind, Ghana’s Starman, Kudus said in the post-match press conference that, it was possible the Black Stars would beat Mozambique in their final Group B encounter to qualify to the next stage of the competition.
Although Ghana could have avoided the situation where a lot of calculations would be required to decide their fate, it seems to be the only way out.
With 24 teams split into six groups of four with the top two in each – plus the four best third-placed sides – going through to the Round of 16, Ghana could qualify if they win against Mozambique on Monday.
Man of the Match, Kudus told the press, he would have loved his goals to give Ghana better results but only had a point, though they deserved more.
“The goals they scored were some silly mistakes from us which we should learn from as we put this game aside and focus on the next one,” he said.
Inaki Williams’ terrible back pass to Richard Ofori in the 69th minute was rather met by Omar Marmoush who equalised for Egypt after Kudus put Ghana in the lead in the 45th minute.
Kudus immediately restored the lead again in the 71st minute only for Inaki’s substitute, Osman Bukari to dribble into his box and give the ball away for another equaliser from Mostafa Mohamed in the 76th minute.
Kudus added that Egypt was a good side and the Black Stars showed some great enthusiasm and energy.
“Credit to all the boys, everyone gave their all and we need to do the same in the next game,” he stated.
For qualification to the next stage, Kudus said, it was very possible as they would finish the last game with the same focus and fighting spirit.
“We need to do more than that in the last game to get all the three points and see what would happen later,” he added.
The ultimate aim he said, was to win the trophy but would take things one step at a time.
“The focus is one game after the other and we would do well to bring the trophy home,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, some Ghanaian fans in Abidjan who were hoping to hit the streets to celebrate Ghana’s victory had to put their drinks back on ice following the disappointing 2-2 draw.
They would be waiting with bated breath for a win against Mozambique to enter into wild jubilations.
With support from MTN, over 150 Ghanaians are in Ivory Coast to support the Black Stars in all their group matches.
From Michael D Abayateye, Abidjan
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
