Coach Kwasi Ofori Asare, head trainer of Ghana’s amateur boxing team, reflects on the achievements of the Black Bombers at the 13th African Games with a blend of satisfaction and disappointment.

Despite ending Ghana’s 33-year gold medal drought in boxing, Coach Asare fell short of his target of securing five gold medals, leaving him with a sense of unfulfilled ambition.

The 16-member team, including the Black Hitters, comprising three female boxers, showcased commendable performances, clinching four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. This remarkable feat propelled Ghana to a third-place finish behind Nigeria and Algeria.

However, Coach Asare’s disappointment stems from missed opportunities, particularly Abdul Wahib Omar’s failure to secure a medal and Abubakar Kamoko’s defeat in the men’s 86kg final, which disrupted Ghana’s potential clean sweep of gold medals.

Nevertheless, the Black Bombers’ achievements were historic, with memorable victories etched in the annals of Ghanaian boxing. Notably, Mohammed Aryeetey, Joseph Commey, Mohammed Amadu, and Samuel Takyi secured gold medals in their respective weight categories, captivating the crowd at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

Despite the setbacks, the Black Bombers’ success at the African Games represents a significant milestone in Ghanaian boxing, marking a resurgence in the sport and inspiring future generations of athletes.