Sports

Nigeria beats Ghana 2-1 in ‘Jollof Derby’

Published

8 months ago

March 23, 2024

The much talked about “Jollof Derby” between Nigeria and perennial rivals, Ghana, was settled on Friday night in Morocco with Nigeria running away with a 2-1 win.

Though this was the first time Nigeria would defeat Ghana at the senior level since 2006, the win was a testament to the fact that the Super Eagles have made a marked improvement, and the AFCON silver medal win was no fluke.

The match further cements the longstanding rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, adding another chapter to their storied history of footballing encounters

It was also significant as this was the first match in charge for former international winger, Finidi George after spending time as assistant to Jose Peseiro, and with the performance of the team on the night, more Nigerians have now emphasized their clamour for a local coach to handle the team going forward.

The Jollof Showdown which had drawn a lot of banter among Nigerian and Ghanaian fans owing to the fierce rivalry that has existed over the years between the teams, was settled early when returning striker, Cyriel Dessers, opened the scoring for the Super Eagles with a well-taken penalty in the 34th minute, setting the tone for an intense battle on the pitch.

Despite Ghana’s stiff resilience, Nigeria extended their lead with a goal in the 84th minute from Ademola Lookman, who came off the bench to make a significant impact, reliving his form at the AFCON where he scored three goals.

The hard-fought 2-1 victory over the 10-man Black Stars was a match that showcased the football artistry of the Super Eagles players and their dominance against their opponents.

However, the Black Stars refused to go down without a fight, as they managed to pull one back late in the game with a well taken penalty by Crystal Palace forward, Jordan Ayew.

The opening stages of the match were characterised by a scrappy affair, lacking rhythm or fluency from either side but the Nigerian team gradually increased their work rate, applying high pressure on Ghana and earning a penalty for a handball inside the box.

Dessers calmly slotted the penalty into the net, sending goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi the wrong way and securing a 1-0 lead for Nigeria, a score they held onto until halftime.

As the second half began, Ghana displayed greater purpose and threat in their attacking play. However, their momentum took a hit in the 56th minute when defender Jerome Opoku received a red card, leaving spectators puzzled as the reason for his dismissal was unclear.

The Super Eagles will play Mali in another friendly on Tuesday, March 26, while Ghana will take on Uganda on the same day.

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Sports

Ghanaians in tears as Black Stars fail to make AFCON 2025y

Published

1 day ago

November 16, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghanaians in tears as Black Stars fail to make AFCON 202

Football lovers in Ghana have been thrown into sadness following the failure of their national team, the Black Stars, to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, the first time in 20 years.

The four-time African champions missed out on the continental soccer fiesta after a lackluster 1-1 draw against Angola on Friday night.

The Black Stars needed to win away in Luanda to take their qualification bid to the final round of Group F fixtures and looked on course when captain Jordan Ayew opened scoring for the visitors on 18 minutes, 6 only for Ambrosini ‘Zini’ Salvador to equalise after 64 minutes for already-qualified Group F winners Angola.

The draw left Ghana bottom of the table with three points, four adrift of Sudan in the second qualifying place, with one round of match left.

In other matches played on Friday, minnows Comoros defied all odds to qualify for the tournament scheduled for Morocco next year alongside Mali, Zambia and Zimbabwe, bringing the number of countries that have so far qualified to 19, with five places up for grabs to complete the 24-team finalsyy.

Kamory Doumbia’s first-half goal gave Mali a 1-0 win in Mozambique, with the game going ahead in Maputo despite street protests following last month’s disputed presidential election to book their spot in Morocco.

Zambia moved to the summit of Group G after registering a surprise 1-0 home victory over reigning continental champions Ivory Coast, although the Elephants were already through before kick-off with the result ending Sierra Leone’s hopes of qualification.

Comoros will return to the finals after Myziane Maolida’s 90th-minute winner clinched a 2-1 victory away against The Gambia and eliminated the Scorpions in Group A.

Gambia needed at least a point to remain in the hunt and led in the 18th minute through Alassana Jatta but Rafiki Said quickly equalised for the islanders.

Comoros, who reached the last 16 on its debut at the 2021 finals but missed out on the 2023 edition, join Tunisia in progressing from Group A.

Zimbabwe needed just a point from their home game against Kenya to secure a top-two spot in Group J, and saw out a 1-1 draw against the Harambee Stars to ensure they progress alongside Cameroon.

Elsewhere, Botswana missed the opportunity to book just their second appearance at the Nations Cup after drawing 1-1 at home against Mauritania in Group C while Cape Verde were eliminated after a 1-1 stalemate at home against already-qualified Egypt.

Botswana will now need a point from their trip to Egypt on Tuesday to qualify, while Mauritania will finish second in the group if they win at home against Cape Verde and the Zebras are beaten in Cairo.

Meanwhile, South Africa defeated Uganda 2-0 in Group K and Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz scored twice as tournament hosts Morocco came from behind to win 5-1 against Gabon in Group B as all four teams were already assured of progress before kick-off.

Teams that already qualified for AFCON 2025:

Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Sports

Kenyan marathon legend Kipchoge advises young athletes to prioritize success over money

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has advised young athletes to place success ahead of quick money and riches.

The former world marathon record holder who gave the admonition in an interview with TelecomAsiaSport, urged upcoming athletes to prioritise their careers and personal values over the lure of fast money

He noted that in light of rising mental health concerns and growing cases of doping in sports, young athletes must to shift their focus from chasing quick financial gains to building lasting careers with integrity and resilience.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and celebrated for his record-breaking marathon runs, said since retiring from the sport, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of sportsmen and women.

“I am trying to talk to the young people because no one has really gone under the skin of athletes,” he said.

‘There is a lot going on under their skins but above all we need to sensitise them that life is not all about money.

“You need to have your own values as a person, and that is what should drive you,” Kipchoge emphasised.

He added that his hopes are to use his influence to guide young athletes in prioritising personal values, mental well-being, and career longevity over the fleeting allure of fame and money.

The marathon great reiterated that he is deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, especially as he sees the tragic impacts of depression and substance abuse on those who struggle to cope.

He made particular reference to the deaths of young athletes who succumbed to the pressures of the industry, citing the tragic death of former world Under-20 champion, Kipyegon Bett, who passed away after battling depression and alcoholism, according to close family members.

He also mentioned the demise o Clement Kemboi, a former All Africa Games steeplechase champion, who was found to have taken his own life at his home in Iten.

“I will still continue talking to them. And if all of us can come together and get our minds together, we can get rid of these things. It is unfortunate that we can lose athletes at such a young age, and it is more unfortunate that we can have young people get into depression and die.”

He attributes much of the current doping crisis to the culture of seeking quick, easy money, rather than focusing on building a reputation of dedication and integrity, adding that he has witnessed how the pressure for financial success can steer young athletes down dangerous paths, often leading to doping as a shortcut to fame and prosperity.

Despite the challenges, Kipchoge said he remains hopeful that a positive shift is possible if athletes receive the right mentorship and guidance early in their careers.

“There is a need for athletes to understand that a fulfilling life extends beyond medals and money. The fame and fortune are secondary to the peace and pride of knowing you did it the right way,” he concluded.