Sports

Alexandrova’s Doha Semifinal Surge: A Tale of Resilience

Published

1 year ago

February 13, 2025

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Ekaterina Alexandrova has shown remarkable resilience in her recent performances at the Qatar Open in Doha, culminating in a surge to the semifinals.

Alexandrova has been on an impressive run, defeating top-seeded players in Doha. She notably upset world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match (3-6, 6-3, 7-6(5)) in the second round, showcasing her ability to come back from a set down. Following this, she continued her winning streak by defeating Jessica Pegula, the No. 5 seed, in another three-set match (4-6, 6-1, 6-1) to reach the semifinals.

Her victories in Doha have extended her winning streak to eight matches. This follows her success at the Linz Open where she clinched her fifth WTA title just two weeks prior to the Qatar Open. Her form has been described as that of the most in-form player on the women’s tour at the moment.

Alexandrova’s performance against Sabalenka was particularly notable for her comeback. After losing the first set, she managed to take the second and fight back in a closely contested third set, winning in a tiebreak. Her match against Pegula also showed her resilience, turning the match around after dropping the first set.

Reaching the semifinals in Doha marks her third WTA 1000 semifinal appearance, highlighting her growing prowess on the big stage. Her next challenge in the semifinals would be against either Amanda Anisimova or Marta Kostyuk, both of whom have had their own impressive performances in the tournament.

Alexandrova’s journey in Doha not only underscores her physical and mental endurance but also marks her as a significant player to watch in the WTA tour. Her ability to defeat top players, especially after starting matches in a deficit, demonstrates a high level of tactical acumen and mental toughness.

Sports

Asare’s Stunning Save Secures Hearts Point in Tense Draw

Published

1 week ago

February 23, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

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The Ghanaian prolific goalie proved his inclusion into Ghana’s goalkeeping history over the weekend as Accra Hearts of Oak and Berekum Chelsea battled to a 0-0 draw in Ghana Premier League Matchday 23, with Asare’s world-class save proving decisive amid Hearts’ dominance in possession and shots.

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Sports

Twenty-three (23) Ghanaian referees officially presented with FIFA badges

Published

1 month ago

January 22, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

Twenty-three (23) Ghanaian referees have been officially presented with their FIFA badges. Image Source (Ghana Football Association)

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This milestone was celebrated at a ceremony held at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.

Ghana Referees honored with their FIFA badges

A cross section of the twenty-three Ghanaian referees honored with their FIFA badges.

The badges, awarded annually by FIFA based on performance, fitness tests, and assessments from the previous year, authorize these officials to officiate international matches throughout 2026 across various formats.

The group includes:

10 Centre Referees
10 Assistant Referees
1 Futsal Referee
1 Beach Soccer Referee (notably, Portia Oppong, highlighted as a historic first female in this category for Ghana)
1 Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

Veteran referee Daniel Nii Laryea lead the list, retaining his status with dual recognition as both a Centre Referee and VAR official, showcasing his consistent excellence on the African and global stages.

Veteran Ghana referee Daniel Nii Laryea

In his address the GFA Vice-President Mark Addo congratulated them and urged them to aim for world-class standards: “Aspire for greatness. You are the soul and heart of the game.” He emphasized impartiality, fairness, and the responsibility that comes with representing Ghana internationally, with continued FIFA recognition depending on ongoing performance.

This achievement reflects Ghana’s strengthening presence in global refereeing, especially after past challenges in the sport. These referees are now set to take the pitch in international competitions, bringing pride to the nation.

Well done to all involved—keep upholding the highest standards!

Sports

Senegal’s Teranga Lions Parade AFCON Trophy

Published

1 month ago

January 21, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

Senegal's Teranga Lions are basking in glory after claiming their second Africa Cup of Nations

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Senegal’s Teranga Lions are basking in glory after claiming their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in dramatic fashion

The team defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in the 2025 AFCON final on January 18, 2026, thanks to a stunning extra-time goal from Pape Gueye.

The match was highly tense and chaotic and marked by a late penalty controversy that led to Senegal briefly walking off the pitch in protest, a missed Panenka attempt by Morocco, and intense drama throughout.

On their return home, the champions received an ecstatic hero’s welcome in Dakar as tens of thousands of fans flooded the streets, clad in green, yellow, and red, waving flags, blaring vuvuzelas, and chanting as the team paraded the trophy atop an open-top bus.

The procession lasted over seven hours, winding through the capital to the presidential palace, where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye greeted them, praised their “historic” resilience and fighting spirit, and declared a national holiday to celebrate.

Sadio Mané and the squad lifted the trophy high amid roaring crowds, a true outpouring of national pride after overcoming such a nail-biting final.