Sports roundup: Black Stars win, athletes shine at regional meeting

Black Stars end winless run with dramatic victory

The Black Stars secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Mali in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Thursday (6 June), finally breaking a seven-game winless streak.

Substitute Jordan Ayew rose to the occasion, scoring a late winner after Ernest Nuamah cancelled out Kamory Doumbia’s first-half opener for Mali.

The Black Stars will look to build on this momentum when they host the Central African Republic on Monday (10 June), in Kumasi.

Dominant Athletics Display despite Olympic qualification miss

Ghana’s athletics team flexed their muscles at the 2024 CAA Regional II Championships, securing an impressive ten gold medals.

However, the competition served as an Olympic qualifier, and with no athletes meeting the qualification standards, the 4x100m relay team remains the nation’s sole track and field representative at the Paris Games in July.

Black Princesses handed U-20 Women’s World Cup Group

The Black Princesses, Ghana’s U-20 women’s national team, have been drawn in Group E alongside Japan, New Zealand, and Austria for the 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

The tournament runs from 31 August to 22 September, with Ghana kicking off their campaign against Austria on Monday (2 September). Aiming for a historic first appearance beyond the group stage, the Black Princesses will be hoping to make their mark on the global stage.

Chelsea announces new head coach

In news beyond Ghanaian shores, Chelsea has appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, succeeding Mauricio Pochettino.

The 44-year-old Italian arrives on a five-year deal after a successful stint at Leicester City, where he secured the 2023/24 Championship title.

Premier League confirms VAR’s return

The Premier League has confirmed the continuation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for the 2024/25 season, with significant changes planned to address ongoing concerns.

The decision comes after 19 out of 20 clubs voted to retain the technology, with Wolverhampton Wanderers the sole voice advocating for its removal.