By Theodore K. Viwotor

The Ghana National Amputee Football Team, the Black Challenge, have stepped up their preparations towards the Cup of African Nations for Amputee Football (CANAF 2011) with a line-up of special exhibition matches, also aimed at raising awareness among Ghanaians.
The Black Challenge put up a splendid game only to lose by 3-2 to their able-bodied counterparts, Die-Hard Supporters Union at the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC).
Under the direction of Coaches Benjamin Armah and Ali Jarrah, the team came dominated all the departments of the game with their inter-positional passes that thrilled spectators gathered at the venue. They conceded the first goal but cancelled it before the end of the first half, through a long drive by John Mensah Badu, a natural Amputee goalkeeper, who played as a regular player.
In the second half the Black Challenge probed for more goals but were denied by a tactically disciplined Die Hard team led by Abraham Nkansah, a.k.a Apirigu Chakapama.
The Black Challenge goalie, Moffat, made a wonderful save of a penalty kick taken by Die Hard Captain Abraham Nkansah, to the admiration of the fans.
It was a ding-dong affair until Die Hard increased the tally to 3-1. However, in the last quarter of the game, a determined Black Challenge team came back with full force to score one of the most beautiful goals in Ghanaian football. A swift move from the right saw Nii Amugi beating three opponents on the run before releasing the ball to Richard Ekwam, who beat the goalkeeper with a volley.
Tried as they did, the team failed to pull the last goal back but left an impressive mark on the minds of the fans who had gathered to have a feel of Amputee football.
Mr Prince Charles Sackeyfio, CEO of Emperor Gaza International Foundation and Emperor Gaza Travel and Tours, sponsors of the Exhibition match, expressed delight at the team’s performance and gave the assurance that his foundation would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that they win the CANAF 2011.
He said, his foundation was moved by the performance of the Black Challenge at the last World Cup in Argentina and decided to lend support to them to keep alive the ‘can-do spirit’ that is in line with its objectives.
“This is just the beginning of a long-lasting relationship my foundation and company is building with the Amputee team; there is more on the way coming. We all need to support the Black Challenge to make Ghana proud,” he said.
At the end of the tournament, Mr Sackeyfio donated a magnificent trophy to the winners, Die-Hard Supporters Union, remarking that his heart goes out to the Black Challenge.
In a spirit of brotherliness, Abraham Nkansah, captain of Die Hard, handed over the cup to Joseph Amoh, Captain of the Black Challenge to encourage them to do more for Ghana.
Present at the function were Mr Francis Adjetey Sowah, President of Amputee Football Federation of Africa (AFFA) who also happens to head the Ghana Amputee Football Federation (GAFF).
Mr Worlanyo Agra, Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council (NSC), who could not be at the match grounds, facilitated organization of the event. Mr Techie-Menson, a Protocol Officer at NSC, was present at the ceremony.
The teams were later treated to a feast by Emperor Gaza International Foundation.

Mr Prince Charles Sackeyfio, CEO of Emperor Gaza International Foundation, being assisted by Mr. Francis Adjetey Sowah, AFFA President, to present the Exhibition Cup jointly to Joe Amoh and Abraham Nkansah, the two Captains, whilst other officials look on.

An action scene