Ghana’s Amputee Football team, the Black Challenge has bemoaned the lack of government support despite the team’s continued excellence. The 2023 African Para Games champions have starred in the ongoing Amputee Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt with four wins in four matches so far.
Their unimpeachable performances have seen them advance to the semi-final as they aim to win the competition in Cairo. But one thing that has left the team in shambles is the lack of support from the Ghanaian government.
When the Ghana Ambassador to Egypt, Lt. Gen. Obed Boamah Akwah (Rtd) visited the team to offer his support ahead of the quarter-final tie against Tanzania, the Black Challenge could not hold back their pain any more. The ambassador gave the team $1,000.
Skipper of the team, Richard Arthur Opentil thanked the Ambassador for his kindness towards them but was quick to point out the lack of support from the government.
“Despite winning two trophies for Ghana, we are yet to be adequately compensated. This lack of support from the government has affected our motivation and our ability to perform at our best for Ghana,” Richard Opentil lamented.
He said they keep on pushing because of the sacrifices of the President of the National Paralympic Committee, Samson Deen, who is also the African Paralympic Committee President and Foster Kwarteng, Chairman of Amputee Football.
“We are disappointed in the government. But we are motivated and work to honor the President of the NPC Ghana and the African Paralympic Committee, Mr. Samson Deen, as he has provided all our needs with the support of the Amputee Football chairman, Mr. Foster Kwarteng.”
Ghana has performed extremely well in the ongoing tournament, topping Group C with 9 points following a 4-0, 5-0 and 1-2 wins over Gambia, Algeria and Kenya. They then pipped Tanzania 4-1 in the last 8 to set up another showdown with Algeria who advanced also from Group C. A win on Saturday, May 25, would see them come against either Nigeria or Morocco in the final.
Coach Stephen Richard Obeng’s side has kept two clean sheets and scored 16 goals while letting in only 2.
Hamza Mohammed, 5 goals, 2 MVP
Mubarak Mohammed, 3 goals, 2 MVP
Yussif Yahaya 5 goals
Brown Williams, 1 goal
Richard Arthur Opentil, 1 goal
Timothy 1 goal