In a historic event at the Borteyman Multi-purpose Hall on Saturday, February 24, 2024, the U18 and U20 handball finals unfolded, accompanied by a gripping bronze medal match.
Ghana and Nigeria clashed in the U18 finals, where the defending champions showcased their dominance, securing victory with a formidable 33-25 goal margin. The second half witnessed a spirited Nigerian performance, capitalizing on Ghana’s misplaced passes.
In the U20 bronze medal match, Nigeria, once again defending their title, faced off against Benin. The Nigerian team’s strength proved too much for Benin, resulting in a convincing 42-28 victory, a walk in the park for the champions.
The climactic U20 final pitted Ghana against Côte D’Ivoire, showcasing tactical brilliance from the Ghanaian Technical team. Despite a valiant effort from the Ivorians, Ghana’s strategic play hindered them from taking a lead. Issah Ahmed, lauded as the man of the match, exhibited impactful and tactical defense, limiting the Ivorians’ chances at goal. The final scoreline stood at 32-28 in favor of Ghana.
At the medal presentation, Edward Addo, fondly known as Nana Addo, earned the prestigious title of Tournament Best Goalkeeper for the U20 category. His exceptional saves played a pivotal role in securing Ghana’s place in the history books of the IHF TROPHY Africa Zone III.
The tournament’s refereeing team, comprising Kati Elvis Eric, Nguessan Claude Emmanuel, Diabor Dickson Iddi, Asiedu Maxwell, Youla Kerfala, Fofona Ibrahima Fanta, Folly Elias Abalo, and Gbemeho Florent Hounkpati, ensured fair play and upheld the spirit of the game.
Mamoudou Diabate, serving as the Technical Delegate, played a crucial role in overseeing the smooth execution of the tournament. Additionally, emerging coaches from the participating countries underwent certified coaching courses, contributing to the growth and development of handball in the region.
This tournament not only celebrated the prowess of established champions but also heralded the emergence of new talents, solidifying the future of handball in Africa.
Handball Press GH 