Over the weekend, the 2020 Sydney Katz Junior Open ended at the National Tennis Center, Accra with Catherine Morton, tournament organizer, saying the purpose of the tournament was to discover young talent and nurture them to become champions.

The one-week tourney saw Raphael Nii Ankrah, Doris Adjokatse, Matthew Nyarko and Lisel Ampah clinch gold medals in the 12 and 14 boys' and girls' categories, respectively.

The boys 14 and under final match lasted for 45 minutes as both players displayed beautiful tennis skills for fans and dignitaries gathered. The Uncle-Rich Preparatory School student, Raphael Nii Ankrah, ousted Nathaniel Allotey of Stadium Tennis Club, 6-1,6-0 in the final.

The Girls 14 and under final saw, St. Francis Academy's Doris Adjokatse beating Shishijee Shade Sports Foundation's Jessica Adjetey 6-3,6-2.

In the finals of the boys 12 and under, Winneba-based Matthew Nyarko won the battle against St. Francis Academy's Donatus Nyaaba. Nyarko won 6-1,6-2.

In the Girls 12 and under final, Tarkwa Goldfields Tennis Club's Lisel Ampah showed unbelievable skills and stretched her opponent from one end of the court to the other to win the game 6-1,6-0.

Speaking after the game, Lisel said, "l am happy to win my first title of the year. A big thanks to my dad; William Ampah, my coach; Richard Achagawe and all those who supported me to come this far".

Ghana Tennis Federation President Isaac Aboagye Duah (Abe) thanked Michael Nortey Foundation and Cathrine Morton for such organization.

This year's Syndey Katz Junior Open was sponsored by Twellium Industries, Ipmc, New York Junior Tennis and learning, puma drinks, H.A.B.E.S.H.A, Active, Harlem  Junior Tennis and Learning Programme.

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

The General public is hereby informed that Ghana’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan will take place behind closed doors.

This is part of a number of measures taken by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to ensure that games are played in the safest possible way. According to CAF, games have to be played under strict conditions to ensure that players, referees and officials are protected from the corona virus pandemic.

The guidance outlines the processes that will need to be in place, before games are played. As a result, players, technical team members, essential service providers and ball boys will undergo a mandatory COVID-19 tests before the match.

Members of the media are also being reminded that there shall be strict adherence to the protocols during and after the match. Journalists who intend to run live commentary shall observe social distancing during the match.

There will be no post-match press conference, Mixed Zone and Flash photo opportunities as only the photographers of the two teams will be granted access. But the Communications team will conduct a virtual post-match press conference via the official facebook page of the Ghana Football Association.

Again, the public should take note that the game will be broadcasted live on Television.

Ghana will lock horns with Sudan on Thursday, November 12, 2020 in a match-day three fixture scheduled for 16:00GMT at the Cape Coast stadium.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

The paramount chief of the Oguaa Traditional area, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, has called on Ghanaians and football fan especially those in the Central Region to be grateful for the gesture than to the Region by the Ghana football Association and the Ghana tourism Authority for bringing football back to the central Region after the lifting of ban on sports due to COVID-19.

The vocal Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II was addressing the professional footballers association of Ghana PFAG during a visit to his palace they prepare THE BATTLE OF THE STARS match.

“Many thanks to the Ghana Football Association and Ghana Tourism Authority for deciding to use football to promote Ghana ‘s Tourism and particularly deciding to start it here in the central region is a very good initiative which deserve commendation as us in the central region we have decided that if everyone despise you in any way we shall support you and give everything you will need to succeed but please try your best GFA to win the Africa cup of Nations it’s been too long since we last won the trophy” he said.

According to the paramount chief, initiatives such bring the Old football stars together and play with some of the upcoming players will give them the opportunity to learn more from them, he expressed joy over the organization of the BATTLE OF THE STARS match.

The Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), legends will come up against a Western/Central select side at the Nduom Stadium in Elmina.

The GFA would use the game as prelude to the 2020/2021 football season by setting in motion all match day COVID-19 protocols as set out by the GFA/CAF and FIFA.

The Ghana Premier League will kick off on the weekend of November 14-15, 2020.

BELOW ARE THE PLAYERS WHO FEATURED

PFAG ACCRA

Abukari Damba,

Mamunatu Sulemana

Richard Kingston

Sammy Kuffour

Tony Yeboah

Stephen Appiah

Ibrahim Tanko

Godwin Attram

Laryea Kingston

Derick Boateng

Yaw Preko

Odartey Lamptey

Peter Oforiquaye

John Paintsil

Godwin Ablordey

Adwoa Bayor

Thomas Duah

Yaw Acheampong

Felix Aboagye

Ali Jahra

Godfred Aduobi

Doreen Awuah

Ablade Kumah

Afo Dodoo

Jerry Akaminko

Razak Ibrahim

Joseph Esso

Coach: J. E. Sarpong

PFAG CENTRAL/WESTERN XI

George Owu

Ben Owu

Joe Hendricks

Stephen Baidoo

Augustine Arhinful

Stephen Aidoo

Justice Blay

Rashid Sumaila

John Anioo

Bismark Mensah

Angelo Dixon

Abeiku Ainoonson

Acquah Harrison

Kelvin Essien

Mercy Tagoe

Yaw Acheampong

Felix Aboagye

Odartey Lamptey

Razak Ibrahim

Anita Wiredu

Micheal Agbokonu

Kwasi Donsu

Ama Pele

Lee Addy

Sam Addo

Kofi Nimo

Patrick Villars

Coach: Isaac Paha

The BATTLE OF THE STARS GAME was LIVE on GTV SPORTS+ from the Elmina Sports Stadium on Sunday.

GBC

The Next Level Man Ghana 2020 is Godwin Frimpong. The Next Level Man Ghana 2020 Champion defended his title by beating off stiff opposition from Lightweight and Middleweight Category winners, Michael Otu Abakah and Derrick Marley.

He will represent Ghana at the next Arnold Classics in South Africa. He was also given a trophy, medal, certificate, cash and products from sponsors. Godwin Frimpong also won the Heavyweight Category at the Competition

Issaka Babil won the overall Men's Physique trophy while Derrick Marley took the Middleweight Category in this year's Competition, with Michael Otu Abakah winning the Lightweight Category. Issaka Babil got the Men's Physique (Above 176cm) and Daniel Acheampong grabbing the Men's Physique (Below 176cm).

Vanessa Kolekie took the Female Bikini contest. She became the first female to win it twice after lifting the trophy in the 2019 edition of the Man Ghana Competition.

Female Figure athlete, Mary Nyarko Omale received her prize. She was the only competitor in that category.

Hardworking President of the Ghana Bodybuilding and Fitness Association, Abdul Hayye Yartey received his meritorious award from the General Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana, Charles Osei Asibey.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ashanti Gold SC defender Kwadwo Amoako has been handed a late call-up to the Black Stars ahead of the Sudan games.

Ghana faces Sudan in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications double header with the first encounter on Thursday 12 November 2020 in Cape Coast.

The reverse fixture will come off five days later in Omdurman, Sudan.

Amoako was included in Ghana's squad for the same games in March 2020 but the matches were postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The highly-rated right back was instrumental for Ashanti Gold in the Ghana Premier League last season before it was terminated.

He made 14 appearances in all competitions for the Miners having excelled in all of them.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

On Sunday, November 8, 2020, Turkey-based Ghanaian midfielder Bernard Mensah announced that he has temporarily retired from the Black Stars.

The Besiktas midfielder in a social media post said that he is taking a break from international duty to focus on his club career.

"I have decided to take a break from the national team until further notice. I want to concentrate on my career for now. Thanks to all Ghanaians for their support," Mensah posted on Twitter on Sunday.

Mensah’s decision to quit the national team came as a shock to supporters of the team and his reason for leaving the team was even more shocking.

Mensah for all his performance at club level has never been a mainstay in the Black Stars team.

His recent call-up which came in friendly matches against Mali and Qatar was his first in five years.

And in both fixtures, he had only forty-five minutes of action which came against Mali, a game Ghana lost by 3 goals.

As journalists dig to discover the ‘real’ reason behind the sudden decision by the midfielder, Asempa FM claims to have landed a scoop that sheds light on the possible reason of Mensah’s temporary retirement from the Black Stars

According to them, an official who shares close ties to the player has disclosed to them that Mensah is peeved by certain things that happened in the team’s camp last month.

Mensah’s exit according to a report by the station is because he confronted a player during the Mali game for giving the ball away easily and the player, in turn, abused him verbally.

The said player also reported Bernard Mensah to coach Akonnor and asked him to be subbed. Strangely, the report adds that Akonnor acted on the words of the said player and that created some issue between the players after the game.

The player in question who happens to be an influential member of the squad also allegedly caused the benching of Kassim Nuhu against Qatar.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are to begin training today for their game against Sudan on Thursday.

Ghana will face Sudan in an AFCON qualifier at the Cape Coast Stadium on Thursday.

GhanaWeb

Anouma's previous effort to run for Caf president fell down amidst controversial rule changes

Ivory Coast's Jacques Anouma is to run for the Confederation of African Football (Caf) presidency next March - seven years after his first attempt - after receiving the nomination of his federation for the role.

Anouma, 68, is the second person to be publicly announced for the role ahead of Thursday's deadline, with reigning Caf President Ahmad having done so late last month.

Ivory Coast's Football Federation (FIF) announced its support for Anouma, a former member of Fifa's executive board, on Saturday evening.

"FIF has decided to give its backing to Mr Jacques Anouma for the Caf presidential election of March 2021," the body said in a statement.

"FIF wishes Mr Anouma full success in this election."

Barring

Candidates wishing to contest March's election in Morocco must be nominated by their federation by Thursday when two-month registration period comes to a close.

Anouma is an honorary president of the Ivorian federation, which he ran between 2002 and 2011, and was a member of Fifa's Executive Committee, now the Fifa Council, between 2007 and 2015.

This is the second time he has declared his presidential ambitions, with his previous bid having ended before it began.

Anouma's previous roles have included managing Fifa's Confederations Cup

Anouma's intentions were thwarted after Caf changed it statutes six months before the March 2013 elections, so effectively barring the Ivorian - who called the decision "scandalous" - from running.

At the time, Anouma's presence as one of Africa's representatives on the Fifa executive committee made him sit on Caf's Executive Committee as a non-voting member.

In September 2012, Caf's congress adopted a new statute which meant only voting members of its Executive Committee could contest presidential elections.

Anouma, who blamed the statute change on "all kinds of manoeuvres" by then Caf president Issa Hayatou, appealed the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, only for the legal body to uphold Caf's decision just days before the 2013 election took place.

That rule has since changed, whereby not only executive committee members but any African administrators who can show they have worked in football for the past five years can run for the job.

Although Ahmad has formally submitted his candidacy, BBC Sport Africa understands that the Malagasy is facing a possible ban from football which could rule him out of March's elections.

The 60-year-old, who has previously strenuously denied any wrongdoing, is believed to have breached various codes of Fifa's Ethics, with a public verdict expected later this month.

By BBC

Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams has called upon Legon Cities and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to handle Asamoah Gyan in a special way for him to stay long in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) and encourage other foreign based professional to come home and feature for local clubs.

He said the pedigree of Asamoah Gyan can entice more companies to sponsor the GPL and attract more patronage.

According to Olla Williams who is CEO of Dreamland Sports Plus and One - On - Foundation, the top striker has chosen the best club that will not give him pressure from the fans, and more also Legon Cities is a club associated with musician, which Asamoah Gyan is one.

The former Black Stars captain signed for his new club as a free agent after a stint in India came to an end earlier this year.

“Somebody might say ‘he is about to retire or something’, but I am not listening to that and I am just focusing on my playing career and then I will see what happens,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

The 34-year-old, who has signed a renewable one-year deal that could last for four years, refused to rule out another stint playing overseas or forcing his way back into the national team.

His last match for Ghana was as a substitute in the loss to Tunisia at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

“It depends on how everything goes. I am a new player with Legon Cities and I have to focus on my game,” he said in response to whether the deal is a short-term move.

“Right now I need to get fit and start scoring goals and then we will see where my future lies with the national team. The boys are doing well, it is a new generation right now and I am also focusing on my personal thing and on my playing career.

“I have to do well in the league first, and that is what matters to me. I have to start playing and enjoy my football and it will happen naturally if it is meant to be. Everything depends on me.”

He would not elaborate on any other offers he had received, insisting that Legon Cities was the best club for him.

“Sometimes people forget that the Ghanaian league is also a professional league,” he said.

“I got the offer and everything was right – as a professional you have to evaluate everything. I am very proud to be in the Ghanaian league.

“The most important thing is that they were serious about the contract. I am a very serious guy, despite people seeing me as a funny guy as well, but when it comes to work, it is work. Everything is about seriousness."

“I am in Ghana and I am home. I signed for this club because they have a huge project they want to change Ghana football. I came here for a reason so while I am enjoying football, we are also doing things behind the scenes to benefit Ghana football.”

Gyan, the top goalscorer in Black Stars’ history with 51 goals, confirmed that coaching was something that he intends to pursue when he does eventually retire.

“Coaching is part of the plan,” he said. “As people know I am also a businessman but people advised me never to go out of football.

“I have to be in the game because I have done a lot in the game so it would be a bit shocking if I abandon it."

“I need to get my coaching licence which is very, very important. Some of my old colleagues have started doing a great job in coaching, so I think it is a good thing."

“I think I can be a very good coach. I don’t want to praise myself but the time will come,” he added.

Asamoah Gyan says his return to Ghana to sign for local side Legon Cities does not mean he is planning to retire.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Asante Kotoko defender, Christopher Nettey has reacted to his invitation to the Black Stars by head coach Charles Akonnor.

Christopher Nettey was handed a late Black Stars call-up to replace injured Harrison Afful who has been ruled out of the Sudan games.

He was the second local player after Ashantigold’s Kwadwo Amoako to have been invited by Coach Charles Akonnor for the Sudan games.

Christopher Nettey in an interview with Myfabulousonline after his invitation stated that he is going to prove his worth to the technical handlers.

“It’s a dream come true, I am so excited for my call-up.”

“I have come this far as a result of hard work and dedication and I am going there to do same to cement a place in the team, I am ready to learn from my seniors and implement on the field when given the nod.”

“I will continue to work hard to make everyone who has been supporting me since the beginning of my career proud.”

Myfabulousonline

Hon. Abubakar Boniface, Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency has endorsed the Ghana League initiative created by young sports journalist, Elizabeth Alhassan.

He said the project is good and should be supported by the Ghana Football Association, the GHALCA, football fans and sponsors.

The second edition of the Ghana League Walk 2020 took place last Saturday from the Accra Shopping Mall and ended at the Madina Zongo Astro Turf.

Many football fans who joined the Walk have hailed the event as a good initiative and should be organized in the major league centers.

The Ghana League Walk is a concept to draw awareness and patronage for the local football competition. It is the brainchild of Miss Elizabeth Alhassan, a young female sports journalist.

She said that is her quota of support for Ghana Football and appealed to sponsors to come on board in the third edition.

She thanked Hon. Abubakar Boniface for his wonderful presence, support and influence.

Mrs. Joyce Mahama, President of WOSPAG said the laudable idea should be supported by the clubs, supporters groups. She commended the originator.

63 year old Madam Gloria Commodore, Executive Director of Women In Sports Association (WISA) who started and ended the Walk said women must support women’s initiatives, and commended the young lady who is also Public Relations Officer / Deputy Communications Director of WISA.

She promised to honor female footballers and other personalities who excel during the year.

She appealed to corporate Ghana and partners of the GFA to support the Ghana League Walk.

Madam Elizabeth King, Chairperson of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Women’s Commission also congratulated participants especially women and girls who joined in the Walk and the Fun Match.

By Sammy Heywood Okine