by Silas Boahene | Jul 15, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The preliminary round of the 2024-2025 CAF Champions League has been confirmed following the official draw conducted by CAF in Cairo, Egypt.
Ghana’s FC Samartex will face Cameroon’s Victoria United in a two-legged tie scheduled between September 13-15 and September 20-22. In the CAF Confederation Cup, Ghana’s Nsoatreman will compete against Niger’s TP Electric Sport during the same period.
A notable matchup in the preliminary round features Tanzania’s Azam FC against Armee Police Rwanda (APR), showcasing a strong Ghanaian presence. Azam FC’s roster includes Ghanaians goalkeeper Abdulai Iddrisu, defender Daniel Amoah, and midfielder James Amoako. APR’s squad features former Kumasi Asante Kotoko captain Richmond Lamptey and former FC Samartex midfielder Abdul Seidu, who joined after Samartex’s championship-winning 2023-2024 Ghana Premier League campaign.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 15, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
Gideon Agyeman, coach of the Bluefins Swim Club, has praised the inaugural Channel One Swimming Championship, describing it as “amazing.” In an exclusive interview on Channel One’s Breakfast Daily, Agyeman expressed his excitement ahead of the 2024 edition, set to take place on July 13 and July 14 at the Borteyman Sports Complex.
This year’s championship is expected to feature over 100 swimmers competing in the Under 10, Under 13, Under 15, and Under 17 age categories. Reflecting on last year’s event, Agyeman stated, “We were privileged to showcase our abilities in the last competition, and it was amazing. Some of the kids were able to improve their times. The fact that Channel One has brought swimming into the limelight is a great opportunity, and the swimming community is very glad that competitions like this are being organized.”
The Marlins Swim Club emerged as the overall winners of the inaugural edition, securing 63 medals, while the Legon Sharks finished second with 41 medals.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 15, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Kudjoe Fianoo, a member of Accra Great Olympics’ newly formed three-man committee, has outlined the qualities the club is seeking in its next head coach. Following their relegation after the 2023-2024 Ghana Premier League season, Great Olympics are in search of a new head coach.
In an exclusive interview with Channel One’s “Football Made in Ghana,” Fianoo discussed the dissolution of the Great Olympics management board and the criteria for the next head coach to replace Annor Walker, Jimmy Cobblah, and Henry Orlando Wellington.
“We need a coach who can read the opponent when video clips are presented to him, analyze them, and present strategies to outwit his opponents. We will consider all these factors in our search for a coach,” Fianoo stated.
He added, “We want a coach who can provide reports within 48 hours on matches that have been played. All these aspects will be taken into consideration.”
Accra Great Olympics will compete in Zone 3 of the Access Bank Division One.
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by Silas Boahene | Jul 15, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Mr. Kobena Mensah Woyome, Member of Parliament for South Tongu, believes the upcoming Democracy Cup will be a unique event to celebrate Ghana’s growing democracy. Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko are set to face off in the Democracy Cup on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, as part of Ghana’s 30th anniversary of parliamentary democracy celebrations.
The inaugural Democracy Cup match, themed “30 Years of Parliamentary Democracy Under the 4th Republic: The Journey Thus Far,” aims to highlight the nation’s democratic achievements.
In a pre-match interview, Mr. Woyome, a Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee of Parliament, emphasized the importance of using sports to engage citizens in the governance process. He stated, “There is a need for us to protect our democracy, deepen our understanding, and get everybody to appreciate it. This is the only sure way of developing our dear country.”
He continued, “We have come a long way, and the best way to celebrate this achievement is through sports. Sports have been identified by the United Nations as a tool for development, so we are going to use sports so that people can appreciate and understand how democracy works. This gives voice to the voiceless and allows everyone to impact the governance process. Parliament, being a crucial arm of government, should commemorate this milestone annually to demonstrate that democracy is here to stay.”
Mr. Woyome encouraged supporters of the two major Ghanaian clubs to attend in large numbers and enjoy the event, despite their rivalry on the football field. The highly anticipated Democracy Cup will be preceded by a curtain-raiser between members of Parliament and former Black Stars players.
The winner of the Hearts and Kotoko match will earn the opportunity to play DC United in the United States later this year.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 15, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have intensified their player recruitment efforts in preparation for the crucial Democracy Cup match on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
After a disappointing 2023–24 football season, both clubs have released several players and are in the process of signing new talent. Accra Hearts of Oak, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, are in advanced talks with Dreams FC’s Solomon Agbasi and two Nations FC players, Michael Awuah Mensah and Asamoah Boateng Afriyie. Additionally, Great Olympics midfielder Razak Kasim and former Kotoko player Enock Morrison are expected to be announced as new signings for Hearts in the coming days, with both sides reportedly having agreed on terms.
Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko, who let go of more than 20 players following an unimpressive season, have made significant signings. Sudanese internationals Abdoel Rahman Yoouef Yagoub and Esmat Hassabalbagi have officially joined the club and are expected to be available for the Democracy Cup clash. Furthermore, versatile Great Olympics midfielder Emmanuel Antwi has signed a three-year contract with the Porcupine Warriors. Asante Kotoko coach Dr. Prosper Ogum Nartey is also reportedly keen on securing former Liberty Professionals player Elvis Kyei-Baffour.
More signings are expected to be announced before the Democracy Cup game, with some new players likely to feature in the important encounter next week. The stakes will be high on July 17, as the winner of the match will have the opportunity to play DC United in the United States later this year.
