The success of the U-12 team has once again drawn significant attention to junior tennis development in Ghana. Prior to their departure to Morocco on November 15th, the young stars received tons of support from their respective networks.
Notably, they received a major boost in the form of new gear and monetary support from the world-renowned Ghanaian Artist Amoako Boafo, as well as the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Richard Akpokavie, to aid their travels and competition efforts.
The team's journey began with a commanding performance at the West African Championship held in September at the Ghana Tennis Club in Adabraka, where they emerged on top and clinched their spot in the continental finals.
Under the dedicated guidance of their technical and coaching team, the boys have proven to be a formidable unit throughout the tournament. In the group stages, the team displayed strong form, winning two out of three group stage B matches. Their only defeat was a 3-0 loss incurred during their last group stage match against the formidable host nation, Morocco. Despite this, they progressed powerfully to the semi-final.
Following in the footprints of their predecessors, who made Ghana proud by becoming African Champions last year, this team aims to do the same. Team Ghana, the defending champions of the ITF/CAT 12 and under African Junior Championship in Morocco, fought their way back into the final, setting up a thrilling title defense against the formidable Tunisian team.
The squad—featuring Ghana's top three U-12 players, Maxwell Antwi (St. Francis Foundation Tennis, Ashaiman), Jefter Dowuona (Accra Sports Stadium), and Blessing Sewornu (Tennis Foundation Ghana Academy)—have shown exceptional spirit.
Despite the 0-3 loss to the formidable host nation, Morocco, in their final group match, their two prior sweep victories proved enough to push the Ghanaian stars through to the semi-final.
The path to the final was secured with a tense 2-1 victory over a vibrant South African team. The tie was defined by defiance and determination after the first singles match, was lost in straight sets (1-6, 1-6).
The responsibility then fell to Maxwell Antwi, who stepped up with hunger in his eyes and a Ghanaian victory in his heart. Antwi battled hard to take the match in a thrilling three-set victory: 6-1, 2-6, 6-1.
The decider fell to the doubles pair of Blessing Sewornu and Jefter Dowuona. They delivered a noteworthy performance, prying the decider from the South Africans with a crucial 7-5, 6-3 victory. The team remained defiant; the fight wasn't over until the last point, securing their place against Tunisia.
In the final against Tunisia, it all came down to the wire as both nations split the singles rubbers, each securing one win apiece. The championship was ultimately decided in the doubles, where the Tunisian pair narrowly outplayed Team Ghana to lift the 12 & Under trophy.
Despite the heartbreak, the Ghanaian boys fought bravely on foreign soil and made sure their presence was felt back home. Finishing with a second-place trophy is still a major victory for Ghana tennis. It highlights the growing potential of our junior athletes and underscores the urgent need for greater investment in grassroots and junior development programs.
