This year promises to bring an array of events which will stay long in the memory of the most devoted fans. The article highlights the world’s premier sporting events, in which Ghana is expected to take part.
Winter Olympics 2018
This year will be remarkable for Africa in terms of its Winter Olympics participation. Akwasi Frimpong appeared to become Ghana’s first Olympic skeleton athlete. It is the second time when Ghana participates in the Winter Sports Olympics. According to sports website, in 2010 Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong debuted in the Winter Games held in Vancouver. He represented Ghana in the slalom competitions.
Being the first West Africa representative to take part in the World Skeleton Championships, the sportsman is ready to take up the uneasy challenge and to try and break the world boundaries.
“I’m ready to represent Ghana for the first time in history in the skeleton event at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games,” points out Frimpong.
It is quite remarkable that the Federation for Bobsleigh and Skeleton -Ghana was launched by Frimpong himself in 2017. BSF-Ghana is the first winter sports federation to be founded in the country.
“GOC is very proud of Akwasi and his efforts not only to become an Olympian, but to promote winter sport under the Ghanaian youth” highlighted Ben Nunoo Mensah, Ghana’s GOC president.
Winter Olympic Games participation is of the great significance for Ghana since it has acquired the possibility to promote themselves in the sports international arena. For the African region, that has nothing to do with the snow, to be a part of the winter Olympic sports is something incredible.
FIFA World Cup 2018
Unfortunately, footballers from Africa cannot boast reaching the World Cup semi-final so far. However, the upcoming Russia tournament, provides a good chance for them to change the situation completely. Ghana was considered one of those to tackle such a challenge. But it even failed to qualify for the tournament.
By the way, the West African country has almost made it through to advance to World Cup semi-final in 2010. Ghana’s team lost out to Uruguay that time. Luis Suarez’s handball and missed penalty opportunity ended Ghana’s chances to fulfill their dream.
George Afriyie, the GFA Vice President, took the following position on the issue: “I will not blame anybody [else] for our failure to qualify but the Ghana FA.” “If we took credit for qualifying the team to three World Cups, we should equally take the blame for failing to the lead the team to the tournament this time around.”
Furthermore, it is for the first time when the Ghana Black Stars are not among the global tournament participants since 2006.
Guided by Kwesi Appiah, the team appeared to be third in their qualifying group. While Egypt, the group winner, secured their spot in the finals.
The statistics published by Stakers.com shows that the Black Stars managed to get only one win, drawn four times and lost once in Group E.
Ghana’s national team tied with the Egyptian team with the score of 1: 1 in the World Cup 2018 final qualifying match. The away team goal was scored by Mahmoud Abdelrazek (61st minute), the hosts stood out with Edwin Gyasi (64).
At the moment, the four-time African champions are anticipating the Africa Cup of Nations finals qualification that will be held in 2019.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games, which will take place in April in Australia, are also of great importance for Ghana. Participating in practically all Commonwealth competitions after gaining independence, Ghana attaches great hopes to the upcoming events.
