Ghana Names Squad for 2024 Badminton All-African U19 and All England Championships
The Ghana Badminton Association has announced the official squad representing the country at the 2024 Badminton All-African U19 Championship in Senegal and the All England Junior Championships in England.
These prestigious events will feature top young badminton talents from across Africa and Europe, serving as qualifiers for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal. The YOG, scheduled from October 31, 2026, aims to be a transformative event for Senegal, taking place in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
The Ghanaian squad includes a blend of seasoned players and promising athletes from the national high-performance program. Key players include Leslie Adote Addo, ranked Africa #3, and Moslena Adu, Ghana's top female player and World Junior Championship finalist. The team aims to showcase the growing strength of Ghanaian badminton and compete for top honors against 16 other African nations.
Ghana U19 Squad:
- Leslie Nii Adote Addo (Captain, Korle Gonno, Greater Accra Region): Quarter-finalist at the African Games, currently ranked Africa #3, aiming for YOG 2026 and beyond.
- Moslena Ama Korama Adu (Agona Nyarkrom, Central Region): Ghana's top female player, World Junior Championship finalist, and champion in both junior and senior categories.
- Jonathan Ankrah (Abakrampa, Central Region): Podium finisher at the 2021 African International Series and National Doubles Junior Champion.
- Racheal Quarcoo (Osu, Greater Accra Region): Former National Champion, known as "The Terminator," with a scholarship from the African Continental Series.
- Andy-Nyaboo Amofa (Ashanti Region): 2023 World Junior Championship participant, current Juniors Boys Singles Champion.
- Nathaniel Abekah Kwaw (Awutu Bawjiase, Central Region): Top 5 nationally ranked junior, podium finisher on the continental scene.
- Daniel Quarcoo (Osu, Greater Accra Region): Noted for his speed and doubles play, with national titles and African podium finishes.
- Obabompa Adu-Mintah (Agona Nyarkrom, Central Region): The youngest team member, known as the "Silent Killer," with impressive net play and defense.
Coaches Moses Adu and Ernest Sakyi expressed confidence in the team's capabilities, aiming for success in both the England and Senegal tournaments. The Ghana Badminton Association, along with partners like Tebel Ghana, the Ministry of Youth & Sports, and the National Sports Authority, is committed to supporting the team's journey.
The All England Junior Championships in Birmingham will feature 21 countries, including Ghana, providing crucial world ranking points and opportunities for the athletes. The Senegal tournament offers a platform for the team to gain valuable experience and represent Africa on the global stage. National camping is underway at the Borteyman Sports Complex to prepare the team for these significant events.
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