by Silas Boahene | Jul 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Black Stars winger Joseph Paintsil is confident that his Los Angeles Galaxy team is aiming to win all of their remaining games in the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season.
The Galaxy currently hold the top seed in the Western Conference standings, following consecutive victories over the Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids. With eight games left before the playoffs, the team is focused on maintaining their winning momentum.
In a post-game interview after the Galaxy’s 3-2 win over Portland, Paintsil discussed his excellent form since returning from injury and the team’s objectives for the remainder of the season.
“What we are looking for in these eight games is to win all these eight games if possible, and the players are really willing to win each and every game…It’s really important because these eight games will also determine where we will stand at the end of the main league before we go to the playoffs. These eight games are really important for us,” Paintsil stated.
Paintsil has contributed one goal and two assists in his last two MLS appearances.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Yussif Basigi, the head coach of Ghana’s National Women’s Under 20 Football Team (the Black Princesses), has assured fans that his absence will not impact Hasaacas Ladies FC’s campaign in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Speaking to the media as the Black Princesses prepare for the 2024 FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia from August 31 to September 22, Basigi emphasized that Hasaacas Ladies are in capable hands.
Basigi, who also serves as the head coach of the Sekondi-based team, explained that despite not being with Hasaacas in person, the team has competent assistants who will guide them through the WAFU Zone B Zonal qualifiers from August 10 to August 23.
Hasaacas Ladies will learn their qualification fate for the main competition during the draw on Wednesday, July 24, at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
“We are okay. I have capable assistants taking care of Hasaacas Ladies, and I’m very comfortable here as well. We cooperate a lot, discussing the training schedule, and I believe they will meet expectations. So, I think they are up to the task, and I have no major concerns about that,” Basigi stated.
Hasaacas Ladies are the reigning champions of Ghana’s Women’s Premier League. Basigi added that the Black Princesses are motivated to end their run of not qualifying beyond the group stage.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 24, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International
Ghanaian sprinter Benjamin Azamati has expressed his deep pride in representing Ghana as he prepares to compete in his second Olympic Games.
Azamati is part of the Ghanaian team that has arrived at the 2024 Olympic Games Village after spending time in Strasbourg in preparation for the competition, which runs from July 26 to August 11.
Reflecting on his experience at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Azamati shared with Supersport that he is even more excited to compete in the upcoming games, emphasizing the significance of representing his nation.
“Representing Ghana means a lot. To be able to put on the jersey and go out there and represent the whole nation means a lot to me. I’ve seen Aziz [Zakari] and the others represent Ghana, and I think it’s time for us to also do it,” Azamati said.
“I believe putting on that jersey goes a long way. It shows the work that we’ve put in, aside from everything. I’m just happy and proud to be able to put the jersey on and represent our country.”
Azamati is a member of Ghana’s Men’s 4Ă—100 Relay Team competing in Paris.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 24, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Yesterday, the medical team from Ghana participating in the 2024 Olympics had the opportunity to meet briefly with Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
During the meeting, the team discussed Ghana’s preparations, health protocols, and the athletes’ well-being throughout the games.
This interaction highlights the importance of athlete health and safety, especially during such a major global event.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
In the vibrant city of Gaborone, Botswana, the Africa Hopes Week & Challenge and the African Youth Championships recently highlighted the rising talents of young table tennis players from across the continent.
Two of the most remarkable stories were those of Ghana’s Israel Aklie and Juanita Borteye, who showcased their exceptional skills and potential in the sport.
The Africa Hopes Week & Challenge, held from July 9 to 14, 2024, was a pivotal event for young players aiming to make their mark in table tennis. Representing Ghana, Israel Aklie emerged as a beacon of excellence, winning the gold medal in the boys’ category. His journey through the competition was nothing short of spectacular, as he defeated all nine of his opponents with strategic brilliance and technical prowess to earn top honors.
Aklie’s victory marks a significant milestone not only for him but for Ghanaian table tennis as a whole. His impressive performance secured him a place at the World Hopes Week & Challenge in Paraguay, scheduled for October 2024. This opportunity will allow Aklie to compete on an international stage, representing Africa and Ghana, potentially setting the stage for future successes in his burgeoning career.
Juanita Borteye also made notable strides during the same week. At the Africa Hopes Week & Challenge, Borteye earned a bronze medal in the Girls’ Hopes category. Although she narrowly missed qualification for the World Hopes Championships, finishing fourth, her performance was impressive.
Borteye’s skills and achievements have earned her a spot in the African Seniors Championships, where she holds a continental ranking of 12th position—a remarkable feat for a player who began playing only recently.
In the African Youth Championships, also held in Botswana, Borteye secured another bronze medal in the Girls Under 15 Singles. This accomplishment highlights her growing prominence in the sport and her ability to compete at a high level.
Despite the challenges, Borteye’s consistent performances across both tournaments reflect her dedication and potential for future achievements.
The stories of Israel Aklie and Juanita Borteye signal the rising talent in African table tennis. Aklie’s gold medal and qualification for the World Hopes Week & Challenge are a testament to his hard work and skill, while Borteye’s bronze medals and selection for the African Seniors Championships underscore her promising career and resilience.
As these young athletes continue their journeys, their achievements at the Africa Hopes Week & Challenge and the African Youth Championships not only celebrate their individual successes but also highlight the growing strength and competitiveness of table tennis across Africa.
With the support of their coaches, teammates, and national organizations, Aklie and Borteye are poised to make significant impacts on the global stage, representing the future of African table tennis with pride and determination.
