Ghana marked its return to continental youth cycling with a solo appearance at the 2025 Africa Youth Games, as young rider Mubarak Shaaban Mohammed represented the nation in the cycling competitions held in Luanda.
Competing alone under the guidance of coach Shaaban Mohammed, Mubarak took on two challenging events: the Men’s Youth Individual Time Trial (13.48 km) and the Men’s Youth Road Race (94.36 km over seven laps).
The participation marks Ghana’s second outing in the Africa Youth Games cycling programme, following its debut in 2014 in Botswana, where Frank Akuffo David Awuku competed as the country’s sole representative.
Originally intended for athletes aged 14–16, the youth category saw last-minute adjustments to include 17- and 18-year-old riders, adding unforeseen difficulty for younger competitors.
In the demanding Road Race, Mubarak faced strong opposition from more experienced opponents and was eventually lapped and withdrawn in accordance with international cycling rules.
Algeria claimed top spot in the cycling competition, followed by Ethiopia in second and Tunisia in third.
Despite the challenges, Mubarak’s effort highlighted Ghana’s ongoing commitment to grassroots cycling development. His determination in competing solo against a competitive field has been hailed as an inspiring step for the sport’s future in the country.
The Africa Youth Games continue to provide a vital platform for emerging talent across the continent, with Ghana’s presence underscoring the value of participation and experience for its young athletes.
