Algerian Ousama Kanouni thwarted Ghana’s hopes of securing a quintet of gold medals on the final night of boxing by defeating crowd favorite Abubakar Kamoko in the men’s 86kg division gold medal bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena last Friday.

Despite Kamoko’s loss, Ghana’s Black Bombers were on track for a clean sweep as four boxers had already secured gold medals before his bout.

However, in front of a packed arena, including his famous father Braimah Kamoko (Bukom Banku), the Ghanaian was outmatched by his Algerian opponent, failing to replicate the brave display that earned him a victory in the semi-final.

Despite this setback, last Friday proved to be a golden night for the Ghanaian team and a fitting end to the boxing competition.

Determined to end the gold medal drought since the 1991 African Games, Mohammed Aryeetey set the Black Bombers on course by defeating his Congolese opponent Livens Zola Tulembekwa via a unanimous points decision in the Minimumweight (48kg) class final.

The gold rush continued as Joseph Commey defeated Zambian Andrew Chilata in the 60kg category final for Ghana’s second gold medal, followed by Mohammed Amadu’s technical knockout victory over Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale in the men’s 54kg division final, securing Ghana’s third gold in boxing.

Olympic bronze medalist Samuel Takyi fulfilled his promise by dominating Zambia’s Emmanuel Katema for a unanimous points victory and a fourth gold for the Black Bombers.

Of the three female boxers representing Ghana (Black Hitters), Janet Acquah was the sole medallist, winning bronze in the minimum weight (48kg) category. Her achievement was also historic as Ghana’s first-ever female boxing medallist in African Games history.

In total, the 13-member Black Bombers secured four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, with nine failing to reach the medal zone.

Ghana finished in third position in boxing, trailing behind Nigeria and Algeria, which claimed four gold, two silver, and five bronze medals.