NEWS
U20 AFCON: Ghana Beat Debutants Uganda to Clinch Fourth title
On the day that their country celebrated the 64th Independence Day, Ghana’s Black Satellites delivered the ultimate gift, the Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after a 2-0 win over debutants Uganda in the final in Nouakchott on Saturday.
Skipper Daniel Afriyie led from the front and had a military salute dance to celebrate on each occasion, as Ghana clinched their fourth Under-20 continental title, and a first since their last conquest in 2009.
The media outlet of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reported on its website that the Black Satellites replicated the same score-line the two countries posted when they last met in a continental final, this being in the 1978 senior Cup of Nations.
By design or coincidence, it was also another Afriyie, this time Opoku, who scored twice for the senior Ghanaians.
Ghana went to the break a goal in hand, and deservedly so after coming off an early scare to score through Afriyie. Uganda were faster off the blocks and should have scored after three minutes when a long ball caught the run of Derrick Kakooza, but his lob over the keeper went over.
Almost immediately, Uganda had another chance with Isma Muguusi’s grass cutter going wide.
But after dodging the bullet twice, the Ghanaians woke up from their slumber.
They had the bar denying them twice in succession off an Abdul Fatawu Issahaku corner. First, Percious Boah’s connection came off the bar and from the rebound, Nathaniel Adjei also sent a shot across the bar.
The Ugandans were jittery in defending set pieces and Ghana constantly sought out corners but couldn’t stretch the lead further. Fatawu tried to open up the deadlock with a well taken freekick from distance, but Jack Komakech had it covered.
The Ugandans ultimately faltered on a setpiece, Afriyie sneaking in at the near post to flick in a header off Fatawu’s corner.
It was just the goal they needed as they played with more confidence and Uganda looked stunned and panicky and for some moments, forgot their ball playing nature.
Ghana took the opportunity to pile up pressure and they had another go at goal in the 31st minute but Patrick Mensah’s low shot from 20 yards out was well saved by the keeper.
The Black Satellites needed just five minutes into the second half to dent any Ugandan hopes of a comeback, Afriyie completing his brace.
Fatawu pinched the ball off Steven Sserwadda in midfield before playing Boah out wide, the striker cutting back a cross into the box which his captain delightfully tapped into an unguarded net.
Four minutes on the turn, Sserwadda had an opportunity to atone for his error when Mugulusi’s cross from the right found him unmarked inside the box, but he hooked his header over the bar.
Uganda coach Morley Byekwaso went for a change in formation, Ivan Bogere and Samuel Senyonjo coming on for the off color Richard Basangwa and Ivan Asaba. With the change, Senyonjo joined Kakooza upfront for a twin-striking option.
Bogere was lively after coming on and he should have had a goal to his name in the 70th minute when the ball graciously landed on him inside the box, but his shot on the turn was too week, keeper Danlad Ibrahim collecting with ease.
Uganda kept the hunt for the two goals, but couldn’t crack to score with Ghana seeing out the result for a jubilant end to a happy Independence Day. (PANA/NAN
NEWS
Benue killings: Benue reps frown on incessant attacks on communities, killings of his constituents
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The member House of Representatives representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Arc. Asema Achado, Wednesday, condemned the incessant attacks on Benue communities and killing of 28 persons by suspected Fulani herdsmen militia in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Arc. Achado who described the action of the attackers as senseless, expressed deep condolences and solemn empathy to the grieving communities of Tse-Kperyisa, Tse-Adaa, and Tse-Shiver, where innocent farmers were slaughtered by herdsmen. Achado in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mendah Manasseh, said he joined his voice with the Gwer West people in condemnation of the senseless and unlawful attacks..The statement said “the attacks have inflicted immeasurable pain and suffering upon the peace-loving people of Gwer West.”I implored the Benue State Government to urgently intervene by enforcing the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, by ensuring that the perpetrators of these barbaric acts face swift and decisive justice.“They should also collaborate with law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for these heinous crimes against humanity,” he said.”I therefore call on the people of Gwer West to remain steadfast and united in their quest to bring an end to the spate of killings.Achado assures his constituents of his unwavering support and steadfast commitment to championing their cause and advocating for lasting peace and security in the constituency.NEWS
Benue killings: Gov Alia Condemns Attack on Communities, Charge Security Agents to Rescue Those in Captive
From Attah Ede Makurdi
Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Wednesday, condemned in strong terms, the recent horrific attacks on different communities in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders which resulted to the killing of several persons and scores kidnapped.
He wondered why such grossly offensive attacks continue on Benue communities despite the relentless efforts of government to arrest the ugly situation.
The governor in a statement by his Principal Special Assistant(PSA) on media and content creation, Isaac Uzaan, called on Benue people, particularly those at the frontline of the attacks to cooperate with the government and security agencies to bring perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
The Governor however extend his deep condolences to those whose relatives were killed in the attacks and called on security agencies to expedite their search and ensure safe release of those kidnapped.
Uzaan quoted the governor as assuring Benue people that his government, in union with security chiefs and traditional rulers is committed to concerted action to ending insecurity in Benue State.
NEWS
May Day: NLC Seeks Partnership with Anambra Sports Commission
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), says it is planning to hold some sporting events as part of activities marking this year’s May Day celebration.
Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Chairman of the NLC in Anambra, said this when he led members of the State May Day Planning Committee on a courtesy visit to Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, on Wednesday.
Nwafor, represented by Dr Emeka Odogwu, Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists in Anambra, expressed satisfaction with the developmental programmes of the Sports Commission.
Odogwu, who is also the Chairman of the Planning Committee, said the Labour movement in Anambra was willing to partner the Commission to make its May Day sporting activities successful.
He said the games, planned for the day, were athletics, Football, Badminton, Nchoo and Volleyball.
“We are satisfied with what you are doing in the sports as Chairman of Sports Development Commission and we want to appreciate your doggedness and effective drive in the sector,” he said.
In his response, Onyedum commended the NLC for the innovation, saying that sports should be a habit for all to ensure healthier life.
He promised that the Sports Development Commission would take care of their technical needs to make the sporting event worthwhile.
“What you are doing is in line with the agenda of Gov. Soludo who has always been supportive of human capital development of the youth through sports.
“I encourage you not to relent in your efforts and support to the state government,” he said. (NAN)