Sports
AWC: Ghana Suffers Shock Defeat
Algeria stunned Ghana 1-0 at
the 2014 African Women Championship in Namibia, while Cameroon left it late to edge South Africa by the same score in the earlier game in Group B at the weekend.
With only one victory and one draw to show from three previous appearances at the AWC, Algeria went into the game as underdogs against Ghana, who had beaten them 2-1 at the 2010 edition in South Africa.
The skilful Naima Bouhani troubled the Ghana defence with her sleek moves in a drab first half.
In one such move, she handed Nachida Laifa a great opportunity to punish the slumbering Black Queens but Laifa fluffed her chance.
Ghana, who boasts three appearances on the global stage and are desperately looking for a first African title, responded and pressed Algeria back.
And in the 64th minute Faiza Ibrahim struck a free-kick that bounced off the post.
Algeria goalkeeper Kahina Takenint then pulled off great saves to deny Hillia Kobblah, Mercy Myles and Agnes Aduako.
And the Black Queens were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal.
The Dangerous Bouhani capitalised on a fast break in stoppage time and rounded the Ghana keeper before delivering a cross which substitute Horiya Aaffak dived in to nod home from close-range.
It gave Algeria their first win at the finals since they beat Mali 3-0 at the 2004 edition.
Veteran Algeria coach Azzedine Chih was delighted with the win.
“This is a big and historic result for the team. They fought hard and showed great ability against an experienced side.” said Chih.
Cameroon midfielder Raissa Feudjio scored in the 88th minute to give her side an important win over South Africa.
The Indomitable Lionesses showed great intent from start with Gabrielle Aboudi going close with a strike that almost embarrassed Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Roxanne Barker in the eighth minute.
But South Africa hit back and almost equalised when Noko Matlou’s effort struck the post six minutes later.
South African duo Portia Modise and Amanda Dlamini caused further problems in the second-half as Cameroon clung on.
Estelle Zouga and Aboudi came close for the Lionesses late on but Barker stood her ground in goal for Banyana.
Two minutes from time, Barker turned villain as she spilled a corner-kick to allow Raissa Feudjio to slam home from close-range to steal all the three points.
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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