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Ghana’s youth sports landscape reached new heights this week as the national U-15 girls' football team, the Black Damsels, successfully defended their title at the CAF African Schools Football Championship. In a tense and closely contested final, the Black Damsels defeated Burkina Faso 10-9 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time. This victory marks their second consecutive continental crown, cementing Ghana's dominance in school-level football across Africa. Forward Christiana Ashiaku was a standout performer, earning the Player of the Tournament award after scoring two goals and leading the team's offensive efforts throughout the competition. This success was mirrored in the boys' category of the African U-15 School Championship in Zimbabwe, where Senegal claimed the title by defeating Uganda 5-4 on penalties, following a dominant 4-0 semi-final win over Morocco.
On the domestic front, the 2026 Ghana Interschool Festival (Part 2) showcased the depth of athletic talent within the country, bringing together over 2,000 students from 16 schools at the Borteyman Sports Complex and Lincoln Community School. The festival featured a wide array of disciplines, including football, basketball, swimming, and badminton. Galaxy International School emerged victorious in the boys' football category, while DPS International Ghana dominated multiple events, clinching the girls' football title and sweeping top honors in badminton and basketball. Other notable performances included Lycee Français International School's double victory in handball and Lincoln Community School’s success in junior swimming. For its consistent excellence across all disciplines, Peculiar International School was recognized as the overall best-performing school of the festival.
Beyond competitive school matches, initiatives focused on sports inclusion and empowerment are also gaining momentum in Accra. At the Achimota Golf Club, a free coaching session was organized for approximately 15 underprivileged girls to introduce them to the fundamentals of golf. Spearheaded by Dr. Cynthia Forson and Kous Louanges Mang, the program aimed to build confidence and teamwork through professional coaching and course visits. Organizers emphasized that such grassroots initiatives are vital for diversifying sports participation and developing junior talent in traditionally exclusive disciplines like golf.
The success of these events has been heavily bolstered by corporate and institutional support. At the Interschool Festival, sponsors such as Perla and Unilever Ghana PLC played a critical role, providing cash prizes, refreshments, and promoting essential habits like oral hygiene among the youth. Michael Nyarko Appiah of Unilever noted that such festivals are indispensable for the holistic development of students. As Ghana continues to produce champions at both the school and continental levels, the combination of structured competition, corporate sponsorship, and inclusive grassroots programs suggests a bright future for the next generation of Ghanaian athletes.
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