Most Ghanaian sports fans might not want to remember 2024. In summary, it was a colossal failure for Ghanaian sports, particularly for the senior national team, the Black Stars.
For the first time in two decades, Ghana failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This came after consecutive group-stage exits, including their failure to progress from the group in the 2023 AFCON, held in early 2024.
Nonetheless, amidst these disappointments, there were some brighter moments elsewhere. While the Black Stars faltered, some individuals ensured Ghana shone on the international stage, etching the country’s name into sports history.
This article highlights some of Ghana’s best sporting moments over the past 12 months.
Mohammed Kudus’ Puskás Award nomination
In November 2024, Mohammed Kudus became the fifth Ghanaian to be nominated for the coveted Puskás Award.
The former Ajax midfielder’s stunning solo goal against Freiburg during West Ham’s 5-1 win over the German club earned him a spot on the 2024 shortlist.
Kudus picked up the ball, embarked on a dazzling solo run past three players, and slotted it into the net to score the first of his two goals that night.
Although he eventually lost the award to Alejandro Garnacho’s spectacular bicycle kick against Everton, Kudus’ nomination was another high point in his career and a proud moment for Ghanaian sports.
Olympics debuts for Rose Yeboah, Harry Stacey, and Joselle Mensah
For the first time in 20 years, Ghana had no representative in boxing at the Olympics. However, three Ghanaian athletes made their Olympic debuts in Paris in July.
High jumper Rose Yeboah and swimmers Harry Stacey and Joselle Mensah represented Ghana in high jump and swimming events, respectively.
Rose, a two-time African Games gold medalist (2019, 2024), set a personal best of 1.97 meters to win the NCAA Division I Championships, which served as her Olympic qualifier.
At the Olympics, she cleared 1.83 and 1.88 meters but failed at 1.92 meters, narrowly missing out on a spot in the final.
Stacey finished 7th in Heat 4 of the Men’s 100m Freestyle with a time of 51.12 seconds, falling short of his personal best of 50.67 seconds achieved in Malta. Despite missing the semifinals, Stacey expressed optimism about his future.
Joselle Mensah, the sole female swimmer in the Ghanaian contingent, qualified for the Olympics via a wildcard slot.
She competed in Heat 6 of the Women’s 50m Freestyle, recording a time of 26.26 seconds but failed to advance to the semifinals.
African Games Gold for U-20 Male and Female teams
The African Games in March brought much joy to Ghana. The country finished sixth on the medal table with 68 medals, including 19 golds. However, the gold medals in football stood out as the pinnacle achievement.
Ghana’s U-20 teams, the Black Princesses and Black Satellites, won gold in the women’s and men’s football tournaments, respectively.
The Black Princesses came from behind to defeat rivals Nigeria 2-1 at the Cape Coast Stadium. After trailing to an Edeh Njideka goal in the 23rd minute, they equalized with just 13 minutes left, forcing extra time. Nine minutes into extra time, Mukarama Abdulai scored a brilliant goal to secure gold for Ghana.
The following day, the Black Satellites defeated Uganda at the Accra Sports Stadium to complete a double gold.
Jerry Afriyie scored the decisive goal, striking a perfect shot into the bottom corner after being left unmarked in the Ugandan box.
Paralympics record for Zinabu Issah
Zinabu Issah competed in the discus throw and shot put events at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. She qualified for the semifinals in both events, achieving a personal best of 8.67 meters in the shot put final, where she finished ninth.
Despite missing out on a medal, Issah’s performance was commendable and showcased her determination on the international stage.
While 2024 had its fair share of challenges for Ghanaian sports, the year also delivered unforgettable moments worth celebrating.
Ghanaians can take pride in these achievements and look forward to continued growth and excellence in the years ahead.
FKA/MA
