Ghana’s Under 18 and Under 20 men’s handball teams are set to represent the country at the 2026 International Handball Federation (IHF)Zone III Trophy, scheduled to take place from April 6 to 11 in Lomé, Togo.
Nine countries that is Ghana, Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Liberia, Central African Republic, and Niger will compete for honours and qualification to the continental championship.
The Under 20 side enters the tournament as defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2024 when Ghana hosted the competition at the Borteyman Sports Complex. In that final, Ghana defeated Ivory Coast 32–28 to secure the title.
The Under 18 team will be aiming for redemption after finishing runners-up at the last edition. They were beaten 33–25 by Nigeria in the final, missing out on gold but securing a silver medal finish.
Ghana also dominated the individual awards at the 2024 tournament, picking up five Best Player honours across both age categories. Under 20 goalkeeper Edmund Addo was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament following a series of outstanding performances.
With preparations intensified ahead of the Lomé tournament, Ghana is expected to mount a strong challenge in both categories. The Under 20 team will be seeking to successfully defend its crown, while the Under 18 side targets a return to the top of the podium.
The IHF Challenge Trophy serves as a qualifying competition, with winners from each zone earning the right to represent their region at the continental championship, adding extra significance to Ghana’s campaign in Togo.
By: Victoria Kwofie
