Connect with us

Featured

U-17 AFCON: Nigeria, Guinea Tango In Fierce Semi Final Clash

Published

on

U-17 AFCON: Nigeria, Guinea Tango In Fierce Semi Final Clash

Joel Ajayi

Two –time champions Nigeria and West African rivals Guinea clash at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Wednesday afternoon in what is a much –anticipated first semi final of the ongoing Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

Nigeria have been victorious at the continental tournament on two occasions, in 2001 and 2007, and are the record winners of the FIFA U17 World Cup (five times). They are also taking part in their 9th U17 AFCON. An intimidating pedigree that is bound to send jitters into Guinea’s camp.

However, Guinea also come into the encounter with some recent eye –popping accomplishments. The Junior Syli Nationale are the reason why Cup holders Mali are not in Tanzania, having beaten the Malians at the WAFU A Tournament in September to earn their ticket.

The Guineans also flaunt victories over Senegal (another team highly respected in youth football) and Morocco in the group phase as they set to trade tackles with the Golden Eaglets on Wednesday.

With all four teams in the semi finals (Nigeria, Guinea, Cameroon, Angola) having secured their places at the FIFA U17 World Cup taking place in Brazil later in the year, there would be no pulling punches as all of them focus on being in Sunday’s final in Tanzania’s capital.

Guinea are making their seventh appearance at the Africa U17 Cup of Nations which began in Mali 24 years ago.

Coach Manu Garba is most likely to start with his regular squad, meaning Sunday Stephen in goal, Shedrack Tanko and Ogaga Oduko as wingbacks, Clement Ikenna and David Ishaya at centreback, captain Samson Tijani, Mayowa Abayomi (or Fawaz Abdullahi) and Olatomi Olaniyan in the midfield, and Akinkunmi Ayobami Amoo, Olakunle Olusegun and Wisdom Ubani at the fore.

In the second semi final, kicking off a few hours later at the same venue, Cameroon and Angola will clash in what is expected to be another enthralling encounter.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Featured

Enthusiasts Praise Ghana’s Meteoric Progress at African Games, Sport Minister Applauded for Visionary Leadership

Published

on

Ghana’s remarkable ascent in the African Games has sparked widespread acclaim from sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike. The nation’s stunning leap from 15th place in the previous edition to an impressive 6th place in 2024 has captured the attention of the sports community, highlighting Ghana’s burgeoning potential and the transformative leadership of its Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Ussif.

Under Minister Ussif’s visionary leadership, Ghana’s sports industry has undergone a profound renaissance, marked by unprecedented achievements in grassroots development and infrastructure growth. The Minister’s strategic initiatives have not only revitalized the sporting landscape but have also positioned Ghana as a beacon of excellence on the African continent.

The recent success at the African Games is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to fostering talent at all levels. Through innovative programs and investments in youth development, Minister Ussif has cultivated a fertile environment for nurturing emerging athletes, paving the way for their seamless transition into senior sports teams.

Furthermore, Ghana’s hosting of the African Games in 2023 underscores the nation’s dedication to expanding its infrastructure base and solidifying its status as a regional sports hub. The prospect of hosting this prestigious event not only promises to elevate Ghana’s profile on the international stage but also presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth and societal advancement.

Speaking on Ghana’s remarkable achievement, Minister Mustapha Ussif expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and affirmed his commitment to further advancing the nation’s sports agenda.

He stated, “The remarkable progress we have witnessed at the African Games is a testament to the collective efforts of our athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that Ghana’s journey to sporting excellence has only just begun.”

On the eve of the closing ceremony alone, Ghana clinched eight gold medals, winning the ultimate prize in women’s hockey, 200m men’s athletics event, high jump, men’s football event, and four boxing gold medals in boxing. All in one night.

Ghana also made history by becoming the first country to win god in both men’s and women’s football events at the Games.

The closing ceremony of the Games saw star performances from star acts such as Stonebwoy, Stanley Enow, Wiyaala, Innoss’B, amongst others.

As Ghana continues its upward trajectory in the realm of sports, the nation stands poised to achieve even greater milestones under the visionary leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Sports minister, Mustapha Ussif.

Continue Reading

Trending

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)