by Silas Boahene | Jul 30, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, Europe, International, Nigeria
The Australian women’s basketball team began its medal campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a surprising 75-62 defeat to Nigeria at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France, on Monday.
Alanna Smith was the top scorer for the Opals, ranked third globally, with 15 points, while Sami Whitcomb and Jade Melbourne contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Ezinne Kalu, scoring 19 points and grabbing five rebounds, led world No. 12 Nigeria to a memorable victory.
Australia, under coach Sandy Brondello, started with urgency, quickly gaining a 13-5 lead, thanks to the efforts of Jade Melbourne and Ezi Magbegor. However, Nigeria, participating in their second consecutive Summer Games, responded with Ezinne Kalu leading the charge.
By the end of the first quarter, Nigeria edged ahead 18-17, largely due to Kalu’s 11 points, including three three-pointers.
Kalu maintained her dominance in the second quarter, with Amy Okonkwo and Elizabeth Balogun adding to Australia’s difficulties. Nigeria entered halftime with a surprising 41-28 lead, capitalizing on 16 turnovers by the Australians, compared to Nigeria’s eight.
In the second half, the Opals, five-time Olympic medalists, needed a strong response. Despite Nigeria’s resolute defense, the Opals gradually reduced the deficit, led by Alanna Smith.
Heading into the final quarter, Australia trailed by just four points, reigniting the contest.
The Opals will next face world No. 5 Canada in a Group B match on Thursday, followed by a clash with hosts France, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists, next Monday. Australia must finish in the top two in their group to advance to the Paris 2024 Olympics basketball quarter-finals.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 30, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Samuel Takyi believes Ghana has numerous young individuals who can become sports heroes if given the opportunity. Speaking on “The Big Fight Night” on Omashi TV, Takyi called for a revamp of the Black Bombers, suggesting a well-organized Individual Championship to select the best boxers to represent the nation. He proposed regional open championships to include boxers from various regions.
As the 13th African Games gold medalist in the Featherweight division, Takyi pointed out that many current team boxers do not repeat the technical staff, including the head coach. He highlighted the Tokyo 2020 closing ceremony and the 2021 SWAG Awards as the most memorable moments of his life.
Takyi, known as “The Ring Warrior,” expressed no regrets about turning professional after his Olympic success in Japan. With professional experiences in Nigeria and South Africa, he has learned valuable lessons and hopes to capture titles soon. Managed by Michael Amoo Bediako and Streetwise Management and Promotions, he is scheduled to fight in August.
He also extended his best wishes to the athletes and swimmers representing Ghana at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, encouraging them to seize their moment and succeed.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
The Greater Accra Region triumphed at the 14th Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Championships, held last Saturday at the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra. Under the guidance of Coach Fayise Selorm, the region accumulated 185 points, securing nine gold, eight silver, and 12 bronze medals to claim first place. The Volta Region followed with 72 points, Ashanti Region earned 68 points for third place, and Upper East Region garnered 52 points, finishing fourth. The Northern Region placed fifth with 48 points, while other participating regions included Eastern, Bono, Upper West, Western, and Central.
Mr. Lartey Otu, President of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation, emphasized that the championship serves to prepare young athletes for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal. He congratulated all participants and winners, encouraging them to continue their training to achieve their dreams. He also acknowledged former top athletes and coaches, such as the late Shaibu Yakubu and Da Rocha, who represented Ghana in international events like the Olympic Games. Mr. Otu urged the regions to unite and form a strong Taekwondo fraternity and was presented with a citation by the Ghana Para Taekwondo.
The Republic of Korea Ambassador, HE K.S. Park, noted the growing popularity of Taekwondo in Ghana, highlighting its benefits for physical strength, development, and relationship-building. He pledged support for Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympics and looked forward to the next edition of the Korean Ambassador’s Championship.
The inter-regional championships, organized by the Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) and sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, featured young athletes aged 13 to 17 competing in Kyorugi and Poomsae. The competition included five weight categories for each gender in juniors and cadets Kyorugi, with athletes vying for medals, selection, and the overall best accolade.
James Sedoh was named the best male junior player, Zitta Tornyevah the best female junior, Jayden Nettey the best male junior Poomsae, and Setorme Tornyeva the best female junior. Other winners received hampers, medals, and certificates. Referees and officials, who attended a seminar at the Korea Sports Complex before the competition, were also commended for their performance.
The ‘Mission to Senegal 2026 Junior Olympics’ was deemed a great success, providing significant exposure for up-and-coming athletes and referees.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 30, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The 2024 Paris Olympics officially commenced last Friday, and Team Ghana is eagerly preparing for a series of thrilling events. The Ghanaian delegation, consisting of 21 members, includes eight athletes competing across various disciplines, supported by 12 officials such as Ghana Olympic Committee President Ben Nunoo Mensah and Chef de Mission Isaac Kwasi Aboagye.
Adorned in spectacular traditional smocks, Team Ghana made a notable appearance at the opening ceremony. Ghanaian swimmers Harry Stacey and Joselle Mensah are set to compete, along with athletes in track and field events and the high jump. The Olympics, running from July 26 to August 11, promise an exciting showcase of talent from Ghana.
Here is the detailed schedule for Team Ghana’s events:
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
- Men’s 100m Freestyle – Heat 4
- Athlete: Harry Stacey
- Time: 9:23 GMT
Friday, August 2, 2024
- Women’s High Jump
- Athlete: Rose Yeboah
- Time: 8:15 GMT
Saturday, August 3, 2024
- Women’s 50m Freestyle – Heat 6
- Athlete: Joselle Alice Mensah
- Time: 9:11 GMT
- Men’s 100m
- Athletes: Benjamin Azamati and Abdul Rasheed Saminu
- Time: 9:45 GMT
Thursday, August 8, 2024
- 4x100m Relay – Round 1
- Team Ghana
- Time: 9:35 GMT
Full list of Ghana’s contingent at the Paris Olympics:
- Duah Isaac Kwasi Aboagye – Chef de Mission
- Armah Naomi Naa Amorkor – Nurse
- Anim-OPARE Ernest – Doctor
- Sackey Ishmael – Physiotherapist
- Graham Benjamin Willie – Media Attache
- Kpetonku Daniel – Swimming Coach
- Yeboah Rose Amoanimaa – High Jumper
- Musa Salamatu – Athletics Coach
- Stacey Harry – Swimmer
- Mensah Joselle Alice – Swimmer
- Saminu Abdul Rasheed – Sprinter
- Amoah Joseph Paul – Sprinter
- Fuseini Ibrahim – Sprinter
- Botsio Isaac – Sprinter
- Owusu Andrew – Athletics Coach
- Azamati Benjamin – Sprinter
- Frimpong Philippina – Athletics Leader
- Quaye Delphina Otinqramah – Swimming Leader
- Avafianyo Edem – ALO
- Nunoo Mensah Ben – GOC President
- Sahnoon Mohammed – GOC Secretary General
by Silas Boahene | Jul 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Madina Super Cardinals Football Academy has undergone a rejuvenation with a dynamic new management team and an influx of young football talents. The academy recently held a special tournament and inauguration event at the Madina Aviation Park, where many promising players, aged 10 to 17, were discovered and showcased. The event concluded with a get-together at Hi Tabel Restaurant in Madina.
Mr. Frank Mawuli Soglo, Chairman of the Academy, emphasized their commitment to providing opportunities for young players in the community to display their talents and avoid negative influences. He highlighted the academy’s short and long-term plans to combine education and football, with prospects for standout players to pursue opportunities abroad.
“We are a juvenile side, organizing under-10, under-13, under-15, and under-17 teams. We aim to contribute to sports development and promotion in the community,” Mr. Soglo stated. He also mentioned that the academy would teach additional skills to ensure that those who do not progress in football can still benefit from other vocations.
Mr. Richard Elorm Asante, PRO of the Cardinals Academy, noted the identification of numerous talented players, with plans to groom them for the nation. He appealed for support from individuals and companies, acknowledging the significant financial burden of managing and administering the club.
The academy has a history of producing notable players, including former Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko midfielder, skipper, and coach, Godwin Ablordey.
