by Silas Boahene | Aug 7, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Kumasi Asante Kotoko Sporting Club head coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum, emphasized the importance of his team’s readiness to face tough challenges in the upcoming season. He shared this in an interview with Kotoko media ahead of the Porcupine Warriors’ preseason game against Medeama Sporting Club at the newly built TNA Stadium on August 16 in Tarkwa.
Having signed 12 players so far, Dr. Ogum highlighted the significance of playing such games and the opportunities they present. Kotoko will kick off the 2024-2025 Ghana Premier League season on September 6 against Karela United, followed by a home game against Nsoatreman on September 13.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 7, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Juanlu Sanchez came off the bench to propel Spain to a record-equaling fifth Olympic men’s soccer final on Monday. Sanchez scored in the 85th minute at Stade de Marseille, securing a 2-1 victory over Morocco and setting up a final against either France or Egypt.
Morocco initially led 1-0 at halftime, with Soufiane Rahimi, the tournament’s leading scorer, converting a penalty in the 37th minute. Spain equalized in the 65th minute when Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez showed quick footwork and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, marking his fourth goal of the tournament. Lopez’s over-exuberant celebrations earned him a yellow card after he kicked and broke the corner flag.
Lopez also assisted Sanchez’s winning goal, which was swept low into the far corner. Spain, which won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, was the runner-up at the Tokyo Games three years ago, losing to Brazil in the final.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 7, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Ghana’s Theophilus Allotey, known as ‘Lopez,’ delivered an impressive performance by defeating Mumuni Sawado of Ivory Coast in the second round of their 8-round International super flyweight contest in Aflao, Volta Region, last Sunday. This bout marked Allotey’s second professional fight and his first international pro bout, which he dedicated to all Ghanaians in celebration of Founders Day on August 5.
Ms. Sarah Lotus Asare, the administrator and matchmaker at Wisdom Boxing Gym, congratulated Allotey and encouraged him to strive for a world title for Ghana.
The event also saw notable appearances and victories, with Bastie Samir stopping George Akrong and former Black Bomber Joshua Quartey securing a win. Organized by Abubakar Saddik Promotions, the event, dubbed “A Night of Battle of the Motherland,” featured boxers from Ghana, Togo, Senegal, and Mali.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 5, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Europe, International
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has secured a spot in the semifinals of the Women’s Welterweight (66kg) category at the 2024 Olympics, guaranteeing her at least a bronze medal. Khelif earned a unanimous decision victory over Hungarian Anna Luca Hamori on August 3, with all five judges scoring the bout in her favor.
Despite a strong performance in the early rounds, Khelif faced challenges as the match became increasingly physical, resulting in a point deduction for holding. However, she persevered and secured her place in the semifinals.
Khelif is set to face Thai boxer Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semifinals on August 6. Her advancement occurs amid a significant dispute between the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding her gender eligibility, specifically related to her testosterone levels. Khelif’s previous victory over Italy’s Angela Carini was notably swift, lasting just 46 seconds.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Aaron Opoku Tawiah scored the decisive goal as Kaiserslautern earned a 2-1 away win against SSV Ulm 1846 in their Bundesliga 2 season opener.
Opoku, who played 87 minutes, was instrumental in the match. After a scoreless first half, Ulm’s Felix Higl put his team ahead early in the second half. Kaiserslautern equalized with a Boris Tomiak penalty before Opoku netted the winner in the 83rd minute.
This win marks a strong start for Kaiserslautern’s campaign as they aim for promotion to the Bundesliga, with Opoku’s contributions expected to be vital throughout the season.
