Ghana officially entered a new phase of competitive athletics on Friday, January 9, 2026, with the successful staging of the Maiden Ghana Masters Athletics Championship in Kumasi, an event aimed at promoting lifelong fitness and competitive sport beyond elite youth levels.

President of the Ghana Masters Association, Seth Panwun Boyoyo, described the championship as more than a sporting contest, calling it “a powerful statement about life, purpose, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.”

“This event is not just a competition,” Boyoyo said. “It is a powerful statement about life, purpose, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.”

The championship brought together athletes aged 35 and above, competing across multiple age categories up to 70 years and beyond, reinforcing the association’s core message that physical activity and competitive sport remain relevant at every stage of life.

Addressing the athletes directly, Boyoyo stressed that age should never be seen as a barrier.

“You remind us that age is not a limitation, but a new chapter of possibility,” he said. “You prove that fitness, discipline, and ambition do not expire with time. Instead, they mature, deepen, and inspire others.”

Boyoyo noted that the championship also responds to Ghana’s growing public health concerns, particularly the rise in lifestyle-related illnesses.

“This Masters Championship stands as a national call to action — encouraging Ghanaians to move more, live healthier, and choose wellness over complacency,” he stated.

He added that the competition was not only about medals but about long-term wellbeing and international opportunity.

“You are not only competing for medals; you are competing for longevity, vitality, and quality of life, and a place to represent Ghana in the World Masters Championship in South Korea (Daegu) from 21st August, 2026,” Boyoyo said.

The Ghana Masters Association President also highlighted the inclusive nature of the championship, noting that it brought together former elite athletes and individuals who embraced sport later in life.

“Some of you once represented Ghana at elite levels, and others discovered sport later in life — today you are all champions,” he said. “Through this platform, you now have the opportunity to compete across Africa and on the global stage, flying the Ghana flag high once again.”

According to Boyoyo, the presence of Masters athletes challenges conventional perceptions of ageing in Ghana.

“Your presence here today redefines what it means to grow older in Ghana,” he said. “You are proof that one can age with strength, dignity, and purpose.”

He also urged the general public to draw inspiration from the event and prioritise physical activity.

“Whether through walking, running, swimming, athletics, or any form of physical activity — it is never too late to begin,” Boyoyo said. “Health is wealth, and movement is medicine.”

The championship was attended by key stakeholders in Ghana’s sports administration, including Dr Fred Awaah, the current National Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), alongside traditional leaders, athletics officials, coaches, medical personnel, volunteers, and corporate partners.

Boyoyo praised the organisers and partners for laying what he described as a foundation for the future of Masters sport in Ghana.

“This championship lays the foundation for a future where Masters sports become an integral part of Ghana’s sporting ecosystem,” he said, while also calling on corporate institutions to support the initiative.

“We call on Corporate Ghana to join hands with Ghana Masters to keep the nation healthy.”

He concluded with a strong message of ambition and national pride.

“May this competition grow from strength to strength. May it produce African and world champions. And may it help build a healthier, more active, and united Ghana,” Boyoyo said.

The Maiden Ghana Masters Athletics Championship marks the formal beginning of structured Masters athletics in Ghana, with organisers hopeful it will become a permanent fixture on the national sporting calendar.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Ghana officially entered a new phase of competitive athletics on Friday, January 9, 2026, with the successful staging of the Maiden Ghana Masters Athletics Championship in Kumasi, an event aimed at promoting lifelong fitness and competitive sport beyond elite youth levels.

President of the Ghana Masters Association, Seth Panwun Boyoyo, described the championship as more than a sporting contest, calling it “a powerful statement about life, purpose, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.”

“This event is not just a competition,” Boyoyo said. “It is a powerful statement about life, purpose, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.”

The championship brought together athletes aged 35 and above, competing across multiple age categories up to 70 years and beyond, reinforcing the association’s core message that physical activity and competitive sport remain relevant at every stage of life.

Addressing the athletes directly, Boyoyo stressed that age should never be seen as a barrier.

“You remind us that age is not a limitation, but a new chapter of possibility,” he said. “You prove that fitness, discipline, and ambition do not expire with time. Instead, they mature, deepen, and inspire others.”

Boyoyo noted that the championship also responds to Ghana’s growing public health concerns, particularly the rise in lifestyle-related illnesses.

“This Masters Championship stands as a national call to action — encouraging Ghanaians to move more, live healthier, and choose wellness over complacency,” he stated.

He added that the competition was not only about medals but about long-term wellbeing and international opportunity.

“You are not only competing for medals; you are competing for longevity, vitality, and quality of life, and a place to represent Ghana in the World Masters Championship in South Korea (Daegu) from 21st August, 2026,” Boyoyo said.

The Ghana Masters Association President also highlighted the inclusive nature of the championship, noting that it brought together former elite athletes and individuals who embraced sport later in life.

“Some of you once represented Ghana at elite levels, and others discovered sport later in life — today you are all champions,” he said. “Through this platform, you now have the opportunity to compete across Africa and on the global stage, flying the Ghana flag high once again.”

According to Boyoyo, the presence of Masters athletes challenges conventional perceptions of ageing in Ghana.

“Your presence here today redefines what it means to grow older in Ghana,” he said. “You are proof that one can age with strength, dignity, and purpose.”

He also urged the general public to draw inspiration from the event and prioritise physical activity.

“Whether through walking, running, swimming, athletics, or any form of physical activity — it is never too late to begin,” Boyoyo said. “Health is wealth, and movement is medicine.”

The championship was attended by key stakeholders in Ghana’s sports administration, including Dr Fred Awaah, the current National Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), alongside traditional leaders, athletics officials, coaches, medical personnel, volunteers, and corporate partners.

Boyoyo praised the organisers and partners for laying what he described as a foundation for the future of Masters sport in Ghana.

“This championship lays the foundation for a future where Masters sports become an integral part of Ghana’s sporting ecosystem,” he said, while also calling on corporate institutions to support the initiative.

“We call on Corporate Ghana to join hands with Ghana Masters to keep the nation healthy.”

He concluded with a strong message of ambition and national pride.

“May this competition grow from strength to strength. May it produce African and world champions. And may it help build a healthier, more active, and united Ghana,” Boyoyo said.

The Maiden Ghana Masters Athletics Championship marks the formal beginning of structured Masters athletics in Ghana, with organisers hopeful it will become a permanent fixture on the national sporting calendar.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The Atlas Lions roared past Cameroon with a convincing 2-0 win over on Friday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat to secure a place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. 

The tournament hosts’ victory over Cameroon follows Senegal’s earlier win over Mali in Tangier where the former African champions edged Mali 1-0. 

Below is a comprehensive report of both matches.

 

Morocco roar past Cameroon to book Semi-Final spot

 ·      Brahim Diaz once again out up a brilliant performance

·      Morocco remain in hunt for second AFCON title

·      They will take on the winner between Algeria and Nigeria in the last four

Cameroon 0-2 Morocco

B. Diaz (26), I. Saibari (74)

Hosts Morocco marched confidently into the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after a commanding 2-0 victory over Cameroon under the Rabat lights on Friday night.

Goals in either half from Brahim Díaz and Ismail Saibari sealed a memorable triumph for the Atlas Lions in front of a raucous, sold-out Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Coming into the quarter-final under pressure following an unconvincing Round of 16 win over Tanzania, the hosts responded in emphatic fashion. Roared on by a deafening home crowd, Morocco delivered a performance brimming with authority, intensity and belief.

The victory carried extra significance. Not only was it a vital boost in confidence, it also ended a long-standing hoodoo against Cameroon. Morocco had never beaten the Indomitable Lions at AFCON in their previous three meetings, and this marked just their third victory over Cameroon in 13 encounters across all competitions.

From the opening whistle, the hosts set the tone. Morocco pressed high, dominated possession and pinned Cameroon deep inside their own half. Their early dominance was eventually rewarded in the 26th minute, when tournament talisman Brahim Díaz struck for the fifth time in Rabat.

The Real Madrid forward showed sharp instincts, deftly guiding the ball into the net with his thigh after Ayoub El Kaabi flicked on a corner delivered by skipper Achraf Hakimi. It was Morocco’s sixth corner inside the opening 25 minutes, a clear reflection of their relentless start.

The goal was historic for Díaz, who became just the second player in AFCON history — after Ghana’s Osei Kofi — to score in five consecutive matches at the tournament.

Buoyed by the breakthrough, Morocco continued to dictate the tempo and could have doubled their advantage before the interval. A swift counter-attack saw Abde Ezzalzouli release El Kaabi through on goal, but the striker could only find the side netting from close range.

Cameroon emerged from the break with renewed energy and greater attacking intent, but they found little joy against a disciplined and well-organised Moroccan backline. Their clearest opportunity came from a set-piece, when Georges-Kevin N’Koudou met a corner with a diving header, only to see his effort miss the target.

With a quarter of an hour left, Morocco delivered the decisive blow. From an Ezzalzouli free-kick, Nayef Aguerd’s clever touch found Saibari unmarked at the back post, and the midfielder calmly swept a low effort into the bottom corner to ignite wild celebrations in the stands.

At 2-0 up, with the stadium reverberating to the sound of belief and expectation, Morocco were in full control. Cameroon could not find a response, their hopes of reaching the semi-finals fading as the hosts closed out a famous night in Rabat with authority and composure.

 

Post-match quotes

Ismail Saibari (Morocco) – TotalEnergies Man of the Match

“It was a very tough match with a lot of intensity. We were strong defensively and, in attack, we managed to score two goals. We work very well as a group in the Moroccan national team and know each other well. We are fighting together to win the title.
We have now reached the semi-finals and our aim is to go all the way to the final. Our fans supported us massively and never doubted us. We will now rest, wait to see our semi-final opponent, and then start preparing while correcting the mistakes we made earlier.”

 

David Pagou – Cameroon Head Coach

“I am proud of my players. We competed well against Morocco and we leave the tournament with our heads held high. We faced some difficulties, but we came back well in the second half. The second goal we conceded decided the match. Overall, I am satisfied with the performance. We have a young and new squad, and the players deserve credit for their efforts for the Cameroonian people.
There is a bright future for our young players, many of whom are playing in continental competition for the first time. We have learned many lessons and leave the tournament with a lot of positives.”

 

Walid Regragui – Morocco Head Coach

“I want to thank the players and the fans. It truly felt like we were playing with 12 players on the pitch. Qualifying for the semi-finals is well deserved, and the players earned it. 
I congratulate Cameroon for a strong performance and their coach for his good work. Our players gave everything, and when they stay focused, things go well. I am very happy with what they showed.
Brahim Díaz is a special player, and I congratulate him for his performances. We must remain humble because every team wants to beat us, and we must respect all our opponents. Since 2004, Morocco had not reached the semi-finals, and now we are aiming to write history.”

 

Ndiaye marked his first start with his first goal at this AFCON to end Mali’s dream

Senegal booked their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 after edging Mali 1–0 in a tense quarter-final clash at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Friday night. The match saw Mali reduced to ten men when their captain, Yves Bissouma, was sent off in added time at the end of the first half.

In a fiercely contested West African derby, the 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations winners showed composure and tactical discipline to overcome a resilient Malian side. Senegal were guided by coach Pape Thiaw stood tall all evening. With both teams battling intensely for control in midfield and clear chances at a premium, Senegal proved more decisive in the key moments.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Iliman Ndiaye capitalised on a goalkeeping error from Mali’s Djigui Diarra inside the penalty area. Reacting quickest to the loose ball, the Senegal forward calmly finished from close range to score what proved to be the match-winning goal.

Mali’s task became significantly more difficult moments before the interval when Bissouma received a second yellow card in stoppage time, forcing the Eagles to play the entire second half with a numerical disadvantage. Despite the setback, Mali reorganised defensively under Tom Saintfiet’s guidance and continued to search for a way back into the contest.

After the restart, Senegal controlled possession and dictated the tempo, probing patiently for a second goal. Mali defended with determination, and despite the defeat, goalkeeper Djigui Diarra was spectacular, making several key saves to keep the scoreline close and frustrating Senegal’s attacking efforts.

Senegal, however, managed the closing stages with maturity and control to secure their place in the last four of the competition, while Mali exited the tournament after a courageous and spirited quarter-final performance.

Senegal will face Saturday’s winner between record champions Egypt and holders Cote D’Ivoire.

 

Reactions

TotalEnergies Man of the Match: Iliman Ndiaye of Senegal:

 “I am happy to have won this award but the most important thing is that we have progressed to the semi-finals of the competition. We played very well today and it shows that we are improving match after match. I am confident that my colleagues and I will focus on the next match to play at our best level and deliver for our fans.”

 

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet: 

“It was an interesting and difficult match for us because we had to play large parts of the game with ten men. But that doesn’t take away the fact that my players played gallantly and played very well. I am proud of them for the performance they put up not just in today’s match but throughout the competition. We have shown the world what we are made of. Together with my staff we will analyse our matches and see what we can do better in future.”

 

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw:

“It was not an easy match because we played against a very talented Mali team but we achieved our objective. The Mali team has good qualities and they created many challenges for us. If we had been more clinical in front of goal we could have scored more goals but what is more important today is for us to have qualified for the semi-final. We will look into our errors and look to correct them for our future matches. We hope that we will be more efficient in front of goal and have more luck in future.”

 

Morocco roar past cameroon to book AFCON 2025 Semi-Final spot

·      Brahim Diaz once again out up a brilliant performance

·      Morocco remain in hunt for second AFCON title

·      They will take on the winner between Algeria and Nigeria in the last four

Cameroon 0-2 Morocco

B. Diaz (26), I. Saibari (74)

Hosts Morocco marched confidently into the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after a commanding 2-0 victory over Cameroon under the Rabat lights on Friday night.

Goals in either half from Brahim Díaz and Ismail Saibari sealed a memorable triumph for the Atlas Lions in front of a raucous, sold-out Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Coming into the quarter-final under pressure following an unconvincing Round of 16 win over Tanzania, the hosts responded in emphatic fashion. Roared on by a deafening home crowd, Morocco delivered a performance brimming with authority, intensity and belief.

The victory carried extra significance. Not only was it a vital boost in confidence, it also ended a long-standing hoodoo against Cameroon. Morocco had never beaten the Indomitable Lions at AFCON in their previous three meetings, and this marked just their third victory over Cameroon in 13 encounters across all competitions.

From the opening whistle, the hosts set the tone. Morocco pressed high, dominated possession and pinned Cameroon deep inside their own half. Their early dominance was eventually rewarded in the 26th minute, when tournament talisman Brahim Díaz struck for the fifth time in Rabat.

The Real Madrid forward showed sharp instincts, deftly guiding the ball into the net with his thigh after Ayoub El Kaabi flicked on a corner delivered by skipper Achraf Hakimi. It was Morocco’s sixth corner inside the opening 25 minutes, a clear reflection of their relentless start.

The goal was historic for Díaz, who became just the second player in AFCON history — after Ghana’s Osei Kofi — to score in five consecutive matches at the tournament.

Buoyed by the breakthrough, Morocco continued to dictate the tempo and could have doubled their advantage before the interval. A swift counter-attack saw Abde Ezzalzouli release El Kaabi through on goal, but the striker could only find the side netting from close range.

Cameroon emerged from the break with renewed energy and greater attacking intent, but they found little joy against a disciplined and well-organised Moroccan backline. Their clearest opportunity came from a set-piece, when Georges-Kevin N’Koudou met a corner with a diving header, only to see his effort miss the target.

With a quarter of an hour left, Morocco delivered the decisive blow. From an Ezzalzouli free-kick, Nayef Aguerd’s clever touch found Saibari unmarked at the back post, and the midfielder calmly swept a low effort into the bottom corner to ignite wild celebrations in the stands.

At 2-0 up, with the stadium reverberating to the sound of belief and expectation, Morocco were in full control. Cameroon could not find a response, their hopes of reaching the semi-finals fading as the hosts closed out a famous night in Rabat with authority and composure.

 

Asante Kotoko return to action on Sunday with a clear message: no more slip-ups, as they welcome Berekum Chelsea to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in the Ghana Premier League.

It will be the first meeting between the sides in four months. Their last encounter, played on September 13, 2025, ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Asante Kotoko, continuing a recent trend that has largely favoured the Porcupine Warriors. Across their last six meetings since December 2023, Kotoko have won four, Chelsea one, with one draw, scoring six goals to Chelsea’s three.

Kotoko come into the match looking to respond after a disappointing defeat to Swedru All Blacks last weekend. That result slowed their momentum, but sitting third on the table with 30 points from 17 matches, they remain firmly in the title race. With eight wins, six draws, and just three defeats, Kotoko boast one of the league’s strongest defensive records, conceding only 11 goals.

Head coach Karim Zito has made it clear there is little room for error at this stage of the season. Speaking ahead of the game, he stressed the importance of maximum points, describing the fixture as one his side must win if they are to stay on course for the title.

Berekum Chelsea arrive in Kumasi under pressure of their own. They sit 17th with 18 points from 17 matches and are coming off a defeat to Bechem United. Defensive issues have plagued Chelsea, particularly away from home, where they have conceded in each of their last ten road games. With just five wins all season and 21 goals conceded, they face a tough test against a Kotoko side desperate to bounce back.

Sunday’s clash sets up a classic scenario, a title hopeful seeking redemption against a relegation-threatened side fighting for survival.

President John Mahama has directed a comprehensive review and potential renegotiation of the contract between the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and KGL Group/KGL Technology Limited.

The order, contained in a memorandum from the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, cites recent publications by The Fourth Estate and preliminary consultations with the Attorney-General and the Finance Minister as the trigger for the action.

The presidential directive states that the primary objectives of the review are to ensure “complete protection of the public interest, value for money, and strict compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and government policy.”

A joint technical team, to be constituted by the Attorney-General in collaboration with the Finance Minister and the Minister responsible for the NLA, will conduct the exercise.

The team is mandated to submit its recommendations to the President within a specified timeframe.

The review will be wide-ranging and will specifically examine the legal basis, scope, duration, and financial terms of the contract. It will assess all revenue-sharing arrangements, fees, commissions, exclusivity clauses, and any potential liabilities for the state.

The team will determine the contract’s compliance with the Constitution, the Public Procurement Act, the National Lottery Act, and all relevant approvals.

It will also evaluate performance obligations, transparency requirements, data ownership, and audit rights, with the goal of identifying any contractual clauses that “unduly prejudice the State or constrain regulatory oversight.”

Pending the outcome, all parties involved have been directed to cooperate fully with the review team and provide “unfettered access” to all contracts, addenda, correspondence, financial records, and operational data.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.