By Rihana Adam
Accra, April. 22, GNA – Ghana’s U-17 Women’s Handball team bounced back with a big win against Togo at the ongoing 2025 International Handball Federation (IHF) Africa Zone III Women’s tournament in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.
After losing their opening game against Burkina Faso in a 27-41 game, the team came back stronger to defeat their Togolese’s counterparts 40-14.
The team started strong, ending the first half with a commanding 18-8 lead.
Ghana intensified their efforts in the second half, tactically outplaying their opponents and creating more openings.
Key players, including Portia Mbalila, Ativor Ruth, Anane Yasmin, and Debora Bosompem led the attack and scored multiple goals for the team.
Goalkeeper Naomi Okyere was exceptional, making crucial saves to keep Ghana in full control of the game.
Her outstanding performance earned her the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Meanwhile, the U-19 Women’s team could not maintain their winning momentum in their second game, falling short to Burkina Faso in a closely contested match.
Ghana trailed 13-10 at the end of the first half and, despite a determined effort after the break, the team couldn’t overcome the deficit where the game ended 29-26 in favor of Burkina Faso.
Coach Raphael Sifah praised the U-17 team’s effort and said the recovery was good.
He said, “the girls were a bit slow in executing the game plan, which allowed our opponents to score some goals.”
“But we will work hard for our next game to restore the hope of Ghanaians in the team.”
He added; “winning the MVP award shows the quality we have in the girls.”
“I believe that if we had prepared well and had enough training, our opening day defeat could have been avoided. But it’s a learning curve and we’ll correct those mistakes.”
The U 17 side will face Nigeria in their next game on Tuesday at 12 noon and later at 6pm the U 19 will take on host Ivory Coast.
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