Ghana's national handball teams proved their mettle on the continental stage, clinching double silver medals at the second edition of the ANOCA Zone III Games held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
In a tournament full of fierce competition, the women’s team kicked off their campaign with a tough 29-25 loss to host nation Burkina Faso. They bounced back with a dominant 35-32 victory over Benin, securing a spot in the finals. Unfortunately, in their rematch against Burkina Faso, they fell short once again, settling for silver.
The men's team faced a similar journey. After a heart-wrenching 34-35 defeat to Niger in their opening game, they secured a narrow 25-24 victory over Burkina Faso, won 37-30 against Togo, and drew 26-26 draw with Benin. Despite a valiant effort in the finals, the men were defeated by Benin 30-27, ultimately earning silver.
This achievement marks the most recent success for Ghana Handball, following the men's gold medal victory at the ECOWAS Games in 2012. The national teams’ strong showing in Burkina Faso highlights the continued growth and determination of Ghana's handball scene.
The women’s team was led by Coach Joseph Addokwei (Chief Inspector), with captains Alice Gli and Alfreda Annobil at the helm. Coach Rapheal Sifah guided the men’s team, with captains Joseph Quaidoo and Nana Yaw Fynn providing leadership on and off the court. Special recognition also goes to ADO1 Herny Adumoah Nortey, an executive member of the Handball Association of Ghana (HAG), WO1 Adza Kofi of Ghana Airforce, and DGO Gloria Nyinaku for their invaluable support to the technical team.
Ghana Handball has made waves under the leadership of Nii Lante Bannerman, with the Under-20 team recently winning the 2024 IHF Zone III Championship and the Under-18 team claiming silver. The women’s team secured bronze at the IHF Zone III Championship in 2023, further cementing the country’s growing presence in the sport.
By; Victoria Kwofie
