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ASFAR dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns to win first CAF Women’s Champions League title

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ASFAR are first-time CAF Women’s Champions League winners after beating holders Mamelodi Sundowns 4-0 on the night at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah on Sunday.

The Moroccan and South African giants made an even start to the final rematch at the same venue their national teams met in July, with Chuene Morifi and Bambanani Mbane’s long-range efforts in the fifth minute moments before Jraidi’s attempt.

Zanele Nhlapho brought Zineb Redouani down inside the area to gift the hosts a penalty and Fatima Tagnaout made no mistakes converting from the spot to open the scoring for ASFAR in the 15th minute.

Having found themselves behind for the first time in consecutive editions, the miseries of Jerry Tshabalala’s ladies were further compounded when Rhoda Mulaudzi was handed the marching order on the half hour mark after a poor challenge on Redouani.

The hosts threatened to double their lead through Ahmamou Douha but her weak effort inside the area could not trouble keeper Andile Dlamini four minutes from the half time break.

The Moroccans came back into the contest on a high as they almost earn their second of the match when Aziza Rabbah’s header came off the crossbar three minutes after the restart.

The South Africans were further reduced to nine players after captain Nhlapho picked her second booking of the match following a poor challenge on Redouani in the 52nd minute.

The second breakthrough came for Mohamed Amine Alioua’s ladies from the resulting freekick when Tagnaout brilliantly teed up Jraidi to power home from inside the area two minutes later

Despite being two-player down, the South Africans pushed for a comeback through Lelona Daweti and Melinda but the duo could not make the best of their half chances. 

The hosts were done yet as Jraidi fired past Dlamini to notch the third in the 87th minute before bagging the treble at the death to complete the rout in sweet revenge for the Atlas Lionesses Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title loss to Banyana Banyana in July.

Meanwhile, ASFAR forward Ibtissam Jraidi was named Woman of the Match for the third time in the competition, following her remarkable treble inspired her side to a ruthless triumph over the Cup holders.

Source: CAF Online

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Andre Ayew is optimistic in the current Black Stars squad

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Similarly, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they were eliminated early in the group stage. Nonetheless, Ayew, the team's current captain, feels that young stars like as Mohammed Kudus, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Ibrahim Osman are making key contributions as the Black Stars seek to reclaim their previous glory. Ayew reflected on the team's history, saying, "We dominated for several years." I was a member of this squad with the golden generation. Then there was the generation of Mubarak Wakaso, Asamoah Gyan, and John Mensah. "Now there is a new generation coming," Ayew stated on Canal+. Despite the great expectations put on the current squad, Ayew is optimistic about Ghana's future in football.

Andre Ayew has voiced faith in the current Black Stars team.

The Black Stars have recently performed below expectations in important events.

In the previous two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championships, the squad failed to go beyond the group stage in their quest to end the country’s trophy drought.

Similarly, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they were eliminated early in the group stage.

Nonetheless, Ayew, the team’s current captain, feels that young stars like Mohammed Kudus, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Ibrahim Osman are making key contributions as the Black Stars seek to reclaim their previous glory.

Ayew reflected on the team’s history, saying, “We dominated for several years.” I was a member of this squad with the golden generation. Then there was the generation of Mubarak Wakaso, Asamoah Gyan, and John Mensah. “Now there is a new generation coming,” Ayew stated on Canal+.

Despite the great expectations put on the current squad, Ayew is optimistic about Ghana’s future in football.

“There is a lot of pressure.” Even though this generation dominated, we were unable to win. So this adds to the pressure and demands, and the country wants even more,” the Le Havre player revealed. Today’s players lack the experience of those I just highlighted,” he remarked.

Ayew emphasised the gap in experience between the current players and previous stalwarts, but he remained enthusiastic about the team’s prospects.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will reconvene in June for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.

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We will overcome present obstacles – Black Stars skipper Andre Ayew affirms

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Despite recent failures, Ayew, who has over 100 caps for his nation, is confident in the team's resiliency. "The players begin by realising the significance of wearing this shirt, a symbol beloved by millions. "It's a heavy responsibility that requires strong shoulders," the 33-year-old said in an interview with Canal+. Ayew acknowledged the existing problems but offered confidence. "I know we'll make it back. We are going through a difficult time, but I am certain that we will get through it. Meanwhile, Andre Ayew will spearhead the team's recovery when they return in June for World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.

Andre Ayew, Black Stars captain, is confident in his team’s ability to overcome barriers to their advancement.

The four-time African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions have come under fire in recent tournaments for poor performances, most notably failing to advance beyond the group stages in their previous three major events.

Despite great expectations, the Black Stars were eliminated from the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Despite recent failures, Ayew, who has over 100 caps for his nation, is confident in the team’s resiliency.

“The players begin by realising the significance of wearing this shirt, a symbol beloved by millions. “It’s a heavy responsibility that requires strong shoulders,” the 33-year-old said in an interview with Canal+.

Ayew acknowledged the existing problems but offered confidence.

“I know we’ll make it back. We are going through a difficult time, but I am certain that we will get through it.

Meanwhile, Andre Ayew will spearhead the team’s recovery when they return in June for World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.

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Black Stars fitness coach Ricky Roy reportedly dead

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He remained with the national squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the current Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Roy rose to prominence as a member of the coaching staff for Division One League club Vision FC in February 2020, before joining the national squad.

Romeo Ricky Roy, the fitness coach for Ghana’s senior national team, has died.

According to Ghana Football Association president Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku’s Facebook post, he died in Accra on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

Roy joined the Black Stars’ backroom staff in 2021, during Milovan Rajevac’s second spell as coach.

He remained with the national squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the current Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Roy rose to prominence as a member of the coaching staff for Division One League club Vision FC in February 2020, before joining the national squad.

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