Ghanaian sprinter Benjamin Azamati will miss the upcoming African Athletics Championships after suffering a groin injury.
The setback rules the national record holder out of the continental competition as he focuses on recovery and rehabilitation ahead of future events.
Azamati was expected to play a leading role for Team Ghana at the competition, which is scheduled to run from May 12 to May 17.
Speaking to Citi Sports, fellow sprinter Abdul Rasheed Saminu confirmed the setback but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to cope with the absence of one of its top athletes.
“Yes, he picked up a slight injury ahead of the race in Botswana. He sacrificed a lot for the team when we got to Gaborone because we arrived late. He was already injured, so I told him to ice it and manage it properly,” he said.
Despite Azamati’s absence, Saminu remains optimistic about Ghana’s chances at the championships.
But it will not affect the team. We still have strong options, and with Fuseini back in the team, we are well covered,” Saminu added.
Azamati’s withdrawal comes just days after helping Ghana’s 4x100m relay team qualify for the 2027 World Athletics Championships. The team secured qualification after finishing second at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana.
The 26-year-old has been one of Ghana’s most consistent performers on the track in recent years, making his absence a major setback for the national team ahead of the continental competition.