Benjamin Azamati and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu Lead Ghana’s Charge into 2026 Commonwealth Games 100m Semi-Finals

Ghanaian sprinters Benjamin Azamati and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu have delivered a powerful statement at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, comfortably securing their spots in the men’s 100m semi-finals. Both athletes dominated their respective heats, setting impressive season-best times and positioning themselves as genuine medal contenders for Ghana. Azamati led the overall field with a blistering 10.00 seconds, while Saminu followed closely with a 10.01-second finish, ensuring Ghana remains a formidable force in the competition's blue-ribbon event.

Competing in Heat 5, Benjamin Azamati showed no signs of rust despite a month-long hiatus from competitive racing. His time of 10.00 seconds was the fastest recorded across all qualifying rounds, underscoring his readiness for the challenges ahead. Speaking after the race, Azamati expressed confidence in his form, acknowledging that while the competition will intensify in the later stages, his focus remains on securing a place in the final. His primary objective is to secure a podium finish and add to Ghana's medal tally in Glasgow.

Joining Azamati in the next round is Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, the national record holder, who won his opening heat with commanding ease. Saminu clocked a season’s best of 10.01 seconds, finishing ahead of Orphee Topize of Mauritius and Mc Kish Compton of St Vincent and the Grenadines. While the duo's advancement brought cheers to the Ghanaian camp, it was a bittersweet session for the national athletics team as fellow countryman Isaac Botsio failed to progress. Botsio finished fourth in Heat 9, a result that was unfortunately not enough to secure him a spot in the semi-finals.

The spotlight now shifts to the semi-finals scheduled for Tuesday, where Azamati and Saminu will face a more rigorous field of international competitors. Having already demonstrated peak form with their qualifying times, expectations are high for a potential double-finalist appearance for Ghana. The nation eagerly anticipates the next round, hoping these sprinting stars can navigate the high-pressure semi-finals and maintain their trajectory toward the 100m final.