by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 20, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
The 89th edition of the prestigious Ghana Open Golf Championship concluded at the Royal Golf Club in Kumasi, crowning amateur golfer Kingsley Afful and professional golfer Lucky Ayisah as champions.
After three intense days of competition, Kingsley Afful emerged as the overall winner in the men’s amateur division with a gross score of 227. He narrowly outperformed Daniel Asamani, who scored 234, while Edward Dane Donton and Daniel Ntim tied for third place with a score of 235.
In the amateur seniors’ category, Kwadwo Okyei-Gyeabour triumphed after a tiebreaker, securing the top spot with 15 stableford points. Samuel Okyere placed second, and Kwaku Boachie Sarpong finished third.
Among the professionals, Lucky Ayisah clinched victory after four days and 72 holes, returning a gross score of 278. He edged out Emos Korblah, who scored 279, while Daniel Affum and Vincent Torgah tied for third with a score of 284.
In the seniors’ professional category, Kwame Korsah emerged victorious with a gross score of 157 over 36 holes, followed by James Larry (162) and Kwaku Effah Poku (165).
The event also recognized achievements in various categories. In the Support Ladies’ division, Emelia Flynt won with 43 stableford points, while Ben Blay Ofosu-Barko topped Group A in the Support Men’s category with 41 points. In Group B, Baffour Kwame Kusi II claimed first place with 43 points.
This year’s championship, dedicated to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, saw participation from 39 professional golfers representing Ghana, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Senegal. Despite stiff competition, 15 professionals failed to make the cut after the second day.
The Ghana Golf Association (GGA) President, Mr. Kwaku Okyere, expressed gratitude to sponsors and commended all participants for their spirited performances. He emphasized the GGA’s commitment to developing grassroots golf and strengthening junior programs through partnerships with golf clubs
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 19, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Holy ‘Jaw Breaker’ Dorgbetor successfully defended his IBF Continental Africa featherweight title with a commanding victory over Clement Aliou Loko of Benin. The thrilling bout, held at the Centre Point Mall near Legon in Accra, marked Loko’s first professional loss.
Dorgbetor secured an overwhelming unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the fight 99-91, 100-90, and 100-90 in his favor.
The event, which attracted a large crowd, also featured several notable undercard bouts. Samuel Takyi triumphed over Emmanuel Quartey, who was unable to continue, while Mohammed Aryeetey defeated Isaac Nettey. Former amateur standout Joshua Quartey also participated in the event.
In an exhibition fight dubbed the ‘Streets 2 Champions Fight Night,’ Samuel “No Chance” Quaye faced veteran Benjamin “Daddy Lumba” Lamptey. The event, promoted by Ace Power Promotions, showcased a mix of professional, amateur, and juvenile bouts.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 19, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
The upcoming National Cycling Road Championship, set for November 30, 2024, promises intense competition as Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed of River Park Eastern Region Cycling Club and Foster Doevi, known as “Bullet,” of Gladiators Cycling Club gear up to participate. Both athletes, seasoned competitors, have significantly benefited from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Athlete Development Program in Cape Town, South Africa.
The championship will take place along the Vicolis Olebu Ablekuma Pokuasi Route, showcasing not only Mohammed and Doevi’s prowess but also Ghana’s rising cycling talent. Notable participants include 2023 National Champion Michael Naaba of FCG Cycling Club, junior men’s gold medalist AbdulMajeed Sandah of Rainbow Cycling Club, and women’s Elite gold medalist Erica Sedzro of Club Sky Team.
Key Highlights:
Athlete Development Impact: Mohammed and Doevi’s training through the UCI program has elevated the competitive standard, inspiring fellow cyclists to push their limits.
Enhanced Competitiveness: Fans can anticipate close races as athletes showcase refined techniques.
Organizational Expertise: Their involvement has contributed to making the event a hallmark of cycling excellence in Ghana.
The federation also acknowledges six beneficiaries of the UCI program since 2014, including Mohammed and Doevi, for their contributions to Ghanaian cycling. This year’s championship is supported by Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, DHL Global Forwarding, Peeva Beverages, and ASA Plus Destination.
Cycling enthusiasts and the public are encouraged to attend and support the event. Motorists using the route are advised to adhere to traffic guidelines, as police will be on duty to ensure safety.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 19, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
The Functional Sports League Ghana is set to host its inaugural National Championship, dubbed Iron Forge, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, and Sunday, November 24, 2024. The action-packed event will kick off at 4:00 PM each evening, with Saturday’s activities taking place at Zulka Astroturf Park, Dansoman, and Sunday’s finale at Idrowhyt Event Centre, Akokofoto, Dansoman.
Athletes from Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, Central, Western, and Eastern Regions will compete in a series of rigorous challenges designed to test their physical abilities. According to Charles Owusu-Ansah, President of Functional Sports League Ghana, participants will face six test routines: Endurance, Strength, Bodyweight, Power, Mixed, and Skill. These routines showcase the full spectrum of functional fitness, pushing athletes to their limits.
The Iron Forge championship aims to celebrate dedication, athleticism, and the passion of Ghana’s fitness community. Whether you are a seasoned athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply in search of thrilling entertainment, this event promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 18, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, International, Other Sports
Senegal’s Mouhamed “Momo” Faye has captured the attention of the global basketball community with his impressive performances in Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the Basketball Champions League (BCL). At just 19 years old, Faye’s dynamic playstyle and potential have drawn the eyes of NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets.
Recently, two Lakers scouts witnessed Faye’s breakout performance for Pallacanestro Reggiana in a game against Bertram Derthona Tortona. Faye dominated the court with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks, demonstrating his elite skills on both offense and defense. Representing a prestigious club in both the LBA and BCL, Faye has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents to watch.
Last season, Faye’s decision to delay entering the 2024 NBA Draft after several NBA tryouts is now paying off. With projections placing him late in the first round or early in the second round of the 2025 Draft, his stock continues to rise. His journey began in Senegal, where he gained international recognition during the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship, averaging 18 points and 13 rebounds per game. Known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and athleticism, Faye is part of a new wave of elite African big men following in the footsteps of stars like Yves Missi, Ulrich Chomche, and Adama Sanogo.
Standing at 6’10” with a 7’5” wingspan, Faye possesses the physical attributes and defensive instincts to impact the NBA. While he’s still developing his outside shooting, his presence in the paint as a scorer and shot-blocker makes him a formidable talent. His Basketball Champions League debut further solidified his status as one to watch, with a record-setting performance of 15 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks—the youngest player to achieve such stats in the league.
As Senegal’s basketball program continues to gain prominence, Faye’s role in their international aspirations is critical. However, speculation remains about whether he will stay committed to Senegal or explore opportunities with Italy for his international career. With the 2025 Afrobasket qualifiers approaching, Faye could be a game-changer for Senegal as they face strong competition from the likes of South Sudan, Cameroon, Egypt, and Angola.
As the countdown to the 2025 NBA Draft continues, Mouhamed “Momo” Faye represents the perfect blend of size, youth, and potential. With NBA scouts closely monitoring his progress and fans eager to see what he will achieve next, the future is undeniably bright for this young Senegalese star.
