Sports Roundup: Black Stars faces AFCON venue crisis, Dangote’s Arsenal regret, and Man City’s title blow

This week in sport sees the Black Stars racing against time to select a venue for their 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sudan, regret from Aliko Dangote and a season-ending injury that could hurt Manchester City’s chances of securing a fifth successive Premier League title.

Black Stars race against time to secure venue for Sudan qualifier

The National Sports Authority (NSA) remains confident the Black Stars will play their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sudan on home soil. 

Seth Panwum, chair of the NSA board, assured that efforts are underway to finalise a venue after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) withdrew its conditional approval for Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium.

The Black Stars are set to face Sudan on Friday (11 October), but with Baba Yara out of commission, potential alternative venues include neighbouring countries such as Togo, Nigeria, or Côte d’Ivoire. 

With time running out, the NSA is working hard to avoid an away fixture and secure a location within Ghana.

Aliko Dangote regrets missing chance to buy Arsenal

Billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has revealed his regret at not purchasing Premier League club Arsenal when he had the opportunity. 

In an interview with Bloomberg, the president of Dangote Group admitted he had contemplated buying the Gunners when they were valued at around US$2 billion.

Dangote, who remains one of Africa’s richest men, explained that his focus on completing his refinery project led him to miss the chance.

The Nigerian mogul has long expressed interest in acquiring a football club, with Arsenal as his top choice.

Rodri’s ACL injury deals blow to Manchester City’s title hopes

Manchester City’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title has taken a significant hit, as manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that key midfielder Rodri has been ruled out for the rest of the season. 

The Spaniard ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday (22 September) following a collision with Thomas Partey.

Rodri’s absence could be disastrous for City, who struggled without him last season, losing four of the five games he missed. 

Guardiola has previously described the midfielder as “irreplaceable,” emphasising the challenge ahead for the reigning champions.

Kojo Frempong breaks ground for new Astroturf in Wenchi

Kojo Frempong, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Wenchi, has broken ground on a new AstroTurf project in the Asuogya enclave of Wenchi. 

The development is part of efforts to improve sports infrastructure in the area and is expected to provide a modern venue for local football matches and other sporting activities.

Frempong, known as “Boafoɔ” or “The Helper,” emphasised the importance of the facility in highlighting the progress Wenchi has made under the Akufo-Addo government.

Young chess talents shine at African Genius Chess Championship

The first-ever African Genius Chess Championship kicked off on Saturday (21 September) at Legon City Mall, Accra, showcasing some of Ghana’s brightest young chess talents. 

The event, organised by Mentors Chess Academy and Imagination Africa, featured players aged 7 to 20 competing for prizes exceeding GHC20,000.

Ten-year-olds Jeshurun Pryce-Tandoh and Jedidiah Acheampong stole the spotlight. Pryce-Tandoh, ranked 43rd in Ghana, clinched the U-14 gold medal, while Acheampong, ranked 37th, dominated the U-10 category. 

His older brother, Dave Acheampong, 12, also impressed, holding the 30th spot in the national rankings.

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