Sports
2018 AWCON: Ghana Beats Algeria 1-0 To Open Campaign
The Black Queens of Ghana started their 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations’ campaign with a 1-0 victory over Algeria at the weekend at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The female senior national team of Ghana started the Group A match on a good note as they managed to snatch the goal before the quarter of the hour mark.
Winger Sherifatu Sumaila nearly opened scoring for the Black Queens of Ghana in the 8th minute but her strike was fisted out by goalkeeper Kahina Takenint.
The Black Queens grabbed the opener with a brilliant finish in the 12th minute through right-back Gladys Amfobea.
Algeria’s Lydia Belkacemi failed to connect a cross from her teammate Ramdani in the 23rd minute of the game.
Linda Eshun could have doubled the score on the half hour mark but her header from a well-taken free-kick by Priscilla Okyere went wide.
Goalkeeper Patricia Martey made two brilliant saves on the stroke of half-time to prevent the Algerians from levelling the scores.
Back from the break, coach Bashir Hayford’s charges continued dominating the match but failed to double the score.
In the 50th minute, Portia Boakye should have extended the lead for the hosts from Sherifatu’s cross but she was denied by goalkeeper Takenint.
Hayford made two quick changes as he replaced Samira Suleman and Elizabeth Addo with Jane Ayieyam and Grace Asantewaa respectively.
Substitute Jane Ayieyam scored for the Queens after tapping in a pass from Portia Boakye in the 69th minute but it was flagged offside by the referee.
In the dying moments of the game, Asantewaa and Ayieyam squandered glaring scoring opportunities.
The Algerians also failed to utilise the numerous set-pieces awarded to them in the second half.
Tidesports source reports that eight teams have been grouped into two at the tournament.
In Group A are Algeria, Cameroon, Mali and host country Ghana, while in group B are Nigeria, Zambia, Equitorial Guinea and South Africa.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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