by Silas Boahene | Jul 15, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Abdul Karim Zito, coach of Ghana’s national under-19 team, has come to the defense of Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah, who is under fire for holding dual roles as coach and a member of the Executive Council (ExCo) of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Appiah, a former Ghana Black Stars coach, is facing calls to resign from the ExCo due to potential conflicts of interest, especially with Ghana and Sudan drawn in the same group for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, Zito emphasized that Appiah is a professional who should be allowed to perform his duties without unnecessary interference.
“People are talking about Kwesi Appiah, but I don’t see why they should be talking about him. Those in the ExCo, are they not having clubs? Kwesi is a professional coach and the ExCo doesn’t pay him,” he said.
Zito highlighted that Appiah’s coaching role does not conflict with his ExCo position, noting that the ExCo members were aware of his coaching commitments when he ran for and won his election.
“The ExCo knew Kwesi was still in coaching, and yet they allowed him to stand for election, which he won before he had this opportunity,” Zito explained.
He pointed out the perceived hypocrisy in demanding Appiah’s resignation while other ExCo members also have club affiliations. Zito supported Appiah’s right to maintain both roles and urged him to focus on his coaching responsibilities.
“For me, I am behind Kwesi one hundred percent. He should keep quiet and do his job. If he is able to beat us, fine; and if we also beat him, fine,” Zito concluded, expressing confidence in Appiah’s abilities and the competitive nature of football.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 15, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President Ben Nunoo Mensah has expressed his delight over the substantial financial contribution made by the French Embassy in Ghana to support the country’s contingent for the 2024 Olympic Games.
The French Embassy has donated 20,000 Euros to assist Ghana’s athletes competing in the Olympics, which will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11. This support comes just before the team’s departure to Paris on July 10.
In an exclusive interview with Channel One Sports during the official unveiling of Team Ghana’s Olympics kit, attended by the French Embassy’s Cooperation Attaché Marine Hayem, Nunoo Mensah expressed his gratitude.
“I’m very happy. It’s something that any struggling sports administrator would be happy about, and we are very happy especially with the French Embassy. They’ve been with us throughout this journey for the past two years and I think that it’s a good thing,” said Nunoo Mensah.
He also emphasized the need for additional support from other organizations, particularly Ghanaian companies, while appreciating the current assistance.
“We are very happy even though we would have wished that other organizations, especially the Ghanaian companies, could come on board. We are pleased with what we have and we hope it would encourage others to come on board and support us.”
Nine athletes have qualified to represent Ghana at this year’s Olympics.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 15, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
FC Samartex 1996 has made a remarkable impact by dominating the Ghana Premier League (GPL) Team of the Season following their surprising victory in the 2023-2024 season. The Samreboi-based club clinched the league title with 61 points, finishing 10 points ahead of second-placed Accra Lions.
Former Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics player Laryea Kingston included three Samartex players in his Best XI, along with head coach Nurudeen Amadu as the manager. Midfielder and captain Emmanuel Keyekeh, winger Evans Osei Wusu, and goalkeeper Kofi Baah were all recognized for their outstanding performances. Keyekeh also received the Home-Based Player of the Year Award at the Ghana Football Awards.
Berekum Chelsea’s striker Stephen Amankona, Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s Steven Dese Mukwala, and Nsoatreman FC’s midfielder Abdul Umar Manaf also made the list. Amankona topped the goal scorers chart with 19 goals, while Manaf played a crucial role in Nsoatreman’s MTN FA Cup victory via a penalty shootout against Bono rival Bofoakwa Tano.
Veteran defender Razak Simpson of Nations FC was honored as the captain of the GPL Best XI.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 15, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The French Embassy in Ghana’s Cooperation Attaché, Marine Hayem, has reiterated the organization’s commitment to developing sports in Ghana.
In an exclusive interview with Channel One Sports during the official unveiling of Team Ghana’s kit for the 2024 Olympic Games, Hayem emphasized the shared passion for sports between Ghana and France. She noted the Embassy’s dedication to promoting Ghanaian excellence through sports.
The event, which drew numerous sports personalities, including Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President Ben Nunoo Mensah, highlighted the Embassy’s contribution of 20,000 Euros to Team Ghana’s Olympic contingent. Mensah praised the French Embassy for their support, underlining the positive impact on the athletes.
“At the French Embassy in Ghana, we are convinced that Ghana and France share a common passion which is sports, so we are really dedicated to supporting sports in Ghana. We believe that there are many talents and it is a way to promote Ghanaian excellence,” said Hayem.
Ghana will be represented by nine athletes at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, featuring standout competitors like 2023 African Games High Jump Gold medalist Rose Yeboah and the 4×100 Men’s Relay Team.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 13, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars forward Ibrahim Osman has joined Brighton and Hove Albion for pre-season training as the English Premier League team gears up for the new season.
The highly-rated winger, who joined the Seagulls in the winter transfer window, completed the season with former club FC Nordsjaelland before moving to England this summer.
Osman trained with his new teammates at the club’s training complex under the supervision of manager Fabian Hurzeler.
The 19-year-old will travel with Brighton to Japan as pre-season continues with a tour of Asia, where the team will face Kashima Antlers and Tokyo Verdy.
The Right to Dream Academy graduate aims to continue his meteoric rise in football, eyeing a successful debut season in England.
Osman was arguably Nordsjaelland’s best player in the second half of last season, attracting the attention of clubs across Europe. Brighton beat rivals West Ham United to secure his services in January.
