by Silas Boahene | Aug 4, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, USA
Morocco crushed the United States 4-0 on Friday, August 2, to secure a spot in the semi-finals of men’s Olympic football at Paris 2024 for the first time in their history.
The African nation had already made history by advancing out of the group stages for the first time since competing as the under-23s, and now their dream continues.
They need just one more win to reach the final and be guaranteed a medal.
Soufiane Rahimi opened the scoring with a penalty, coolly slotting it into the bottom corner to break the deadlock in the first half.
The second half saw a composed showing from Morocco as they stepped up a gear to put the game beyond reach for the Americans.
Abde Ezzalzouli’s pass across the face of the goal was finished by Ilias Akhomach, before the experienced Achraf Hakimi all but sealed their progression to the next stage with a sublime solo effort.
Mehdi Maouhoub wrapped up their dismantling of the USA, tucking home their second penalty of the afternoon.
It was a statement performance from the Atlas Lions, who continue their emphatic run in Paris.
They will now face Spain in the semi-final on Monday, August 5.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 4, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Europe, International
The controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif shows no signs of stopping as she continues to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Khelif has been at the center of a major dispute between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Boxing Association (IBA) over her testosterone levels.
While the IOC has given Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting the green light to compete, the IBA has reservations about their participation due to their disqualification from the 2023 World Boxing Championship over their testosterone levels.
Khelif recently defeated Italy’s Angela Carini in the 66kg preliminary stage after Carini abandoned the fight after 46 seconds, crying and refusing to shake hands with Khelif.
Ahead of her upcoming bout on Saturday, August 3, against Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary, the latter has stated on social media that she doesn’t think “it’s fair” that Khelif is competing in Paris.
The Hungarian Olympic Committee has expressed its desire to see “the right of female competitors to equal opportunities and fair competition.”
In a recent statement, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated, “The Algerian boxer (Imane Khelif) was born a female, was registered female, lived her life as a female, boxed as a female, has a female passport.”
by Silas Boahene | Aug 4, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
The war of words between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Boxing Association (IBA) continues over the controversial gender eligibility of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif to compete in Women’s Boxing.
This controversy stems from Khelif’s win over Italian boxer Angela Carini after just 46 seconds in the Women’s 66kg boxing event, leading to Carini abandoning the bout. Carini refused to shake Khelif’s hand, broke down in the middle of the ring, and cried, with many believing Khelif’s past issue over her gender eligibility—considering the IBA prevented her from competing at the 2023 IBA World Championship due to her high testosterone levels—played a role in her reaction.
The IOC defended its decision to allow Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, who has the same issue of high testosterone, to compete in this year’s Paris Olympics following the controversial bout involving Carini that has gone viral.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 4, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
West Ham players have taken turns to describe Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus in one word, generating a handful of interesting names, including a popular one the brilliant midfielder has become associated with in recent years.
Players such as Alphonse Areola, Michail Antonio, Lucas Paqueta, and James Ward-Prowse described their teammate in a positive light. The names that came up included “Flairy,” “Fully,” “Mo Fasta,” “Player,” “Skillful,” “Fast,” “Ridiculous,” “Quiet,” and “Chair.”
Vladimir Coufal provided the “Chair” description, referencing Kudus’ viral goal celebration of taking a seat to rest. Kudus described himself as “Starboy,” a name echoed by most of the players who participated in the survey.
“Starboy” has been used to describe Kudus since his emergence from the Right To Dream Academy to Ajax Amsterdam before his move to West Ham United last season. In his first season, Kudus registered 18 goals and seven assists in 48 games across all competitions and is currently touring the US with West Ham.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 4, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana
The fight date is set, the venue is ready, and the boxers are prepared. Now, there are opportunities for corporate sponsorship as Freezy Macbones, also known as Seth Gyimah, stages his first fight in Kumasi on September 21 against British fighter Steven Crame, presented by Macbones Promotions.
The event will take place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, where other exciting bouts are also scheduled.
