by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Assistant Coach of the Black Princesses, DSI Anita Wiredu-Minta, has shared her journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, recounting how a severe injury thwarted her dreams of playing in the 2007 World Cup.
In an interview with GFA Communications, Wiredu-Minta revealed that a knee injury dashed her hopes of participating in the 2007 tournament.
The former Ghana player was a key member of the Black Queens team that qualified for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, a knee surgery at an inopportune moment forced her to miss the global event, a significant setback for the talented player.
Despite this disappointment, Wiredu-Minta found a silver lining. In 2018, she received a second chance to be part of the World Cup, not as a player but as the Welfare Officer for the Black Princesses at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
“I was part of the Black Queens team that qualified for the World Cup in 2007, but unfortunately, I couldn’t make it due to knee surgery. But I had the chance to go to the U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2018 as the welfare officer of the team,” she said.
“It was an exciting moment because I always wanted to go to the World Cup but didn’t get the chance. When the U-20 girls qualified for the World Cup, I felt this was my moment,” she added.
Wiredu-Minta’s story is a testament to resilience and finding new paths to achieve one’s dreams, inspiring many in women’s football.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
The third edition of the Afro-Sports Summit began with a grand opening ceremony at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The event will run for two days and conclude on Thursday, July 18, 2024. Hon. Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports, attended as a special guest speaker.
In his speech, he highlighted the importance of idea-sharing, advancing discussions, and networking as key elements for promoting the integration of science and business in sports.
Hon. Mustapha Ussif’s keynote address set an inspiring tone for the summit, emphasizing the unique opportunities that arise when sports stakeholders unite to exchange knowledge and foster collaborations.
He stated, “The Afro Sports Summit, bringing various sports stakeholders in Africa and beyond together, is a special event for many, and sharing ideas, advancing discussions, and networking is a unique intersection for science and business.” His words underscored the summit’s role in driving innovation and growth within the sports industry.
The opening ceremony featured a lineup of distinguished and experienced speakers who shared their expertise on the convergence of science and business in sports. These thought leaders discussed how scientific advancements can enhance athletic performance and how business strategies can propel the sports industry forward. Their insights provided attendees with valuable knowledge and sparked enthusiasm for the sessions to follow.
A key highlight of the day was the focus on exceptional networking opportunities. The summit facilitated interactions among professionals from various sectors, including sports science, business, and technology.
This networking environment aimed to foster collaborations that could lead to groundbreaking projects and initiatives, solidifying the Afro-Sports Summit as a catalyst for innovation in sports.
The summit has consistently been a transformative event that impacts the sports industry in Africa and beyond. The excitement and curiosity generated on the opening day set the stage for a dynamic and insightful journey into the future of sports.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Asante Kotoko triumphed over their arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in an exciting match to capture the inaugural Democracy Cup on Wednesday night at the Accra Sports Stadium. The match was held to commemorate 30 years of parliamentary democracy in Ghana.
This victory not only brought prestige to Asante Kotoko but also earned them a spot in a match against Major League Soccer team DC United in the United States, with the date to be announced by the organizers.
Both teams entered the match eager to redeem themselves after a disappointing season and to restore their fans’ faith ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Asante Kotoko took the lead in the 30th minute with a penalty converted by Justice Blay, maintaining their 1-0 lead into halftime.
Hearts of Oak equalized after the break with a header from new signing Asamoah Boateng Afriyie. The goal was controversial as Kotoko’s goalkeeper, Frederick Asare, was injured in the process.
However, Kotoko regained the lead when Peter Amidu capitalized on a defensive error by Hearts of Oak, securing a 2-1 victory for the Kumasi-based side.
This win provides a significant morale boost for Asante Kotoko as they prepare for the upcoming season, while Hearts of Oak must quickly find solutions to improve their performance.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Asante Kotoko has officially announced the acquisition of midfielder Joseph Ablorh ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season. The 26-year-old has penned a two-year contract, making the move from Guinean club Hafia FC.
Ablorh finalized his transfer after successfully undergoing medical examinations in Accra, and he is set to debut for the Porcupine Warriors in the upcoming Democracy Cup match against Hearts of Oak on Wednesday.
Expressing his excitement, Ablorh said, “Joining Asante Kotoko is a tremendous honor for me. As a Ghanaian, returning home to play for this historic club is a dream come true. I am eager to don the red jersey, give my best on the pitch, and contribute to our collective success.”
Asante Kotoko coach Dr. Prosper Ogum expressed confidence in Ablorh’s abilities, highlighting his experience and athleticism as valuable assets that will bolster the team’s defensive capabilities. Ogum emphasized that Ablorh’s skills and leadership qualities will play a crucial role in the team’s pursuit of success in the upcoming season.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is set to sport the number 7 jersey at Leicester City for the upcoming season, following his permanent transfer to the club after an impressive campaign last year with the Premier League returnees. Issahaku, 20, signed a five-year deal and was unveiled on July 16, 2024, marking Leicester’s latest addition in the summer transfer window.
Expressing his excitement, Issahaku stated, “I feel amazing. It’s great to be back and focused for next season. Playing in the Premier League is a new challenge for me, and I’m highly motivated for it.” He eagerly anticipated reuniting with his teammates, describing them as family. Previously wearing the number 18 shirt while on loan from Sporting Lisbon, Issahaku now transitions to the iconic number 7 jersey.
Currently engaged in pre-season training, Leicester City is preparing for the 2024/25 season with friendly matches scheduled against Shrewsbury Town, Palermo, Augsburg, and RC Lens.
