by Silas Boahene | Jun 6, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Experienced forward John Antwi has shed light on his potential call-up to the senior national team following his impressive performances in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The former Ismaily striker has showcased exceptional form for his club in the CAF Confederation competition this season. Antwi’s standout moment came when he scored a brace against Stade Malien in the away leg of the quarter-finals, helping his team, Dreams FC, secure a spot in the semifinals.
Amid calls for his inclusion in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Antwi stated that he leaves such decisions to the technical team. “I will leave it to the Black Stars technical team. My focus is on performing at the club level, and whenever my services are needed, I will readily join the national team and contribute,” said the former Ismaily and Al Ahly player.
Antwi received his first call-up to the Black Stars in 2017 and made his debut in November 2020 against Sudan.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 6, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association, has rallied the Black Stars to exhibit a confident display against Mali, aiming to secure a vital three points in their upcoming fixture in Bamako.
The Black Stars landed in Bamako on Tuesday night for their third-round qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, seeking to bounce back from a setback against Comoros, which has positioned them fourth in Group I with three points from two matches.
Addressing the team following a training session in Ghana, Okraku expressed his hopes: “I trust that we will travel to Mali with the confidence and quality we possess, and deliver a strong performance that yields the desired outcome. It’s achievable.
“Subsequently, we will return to our cherished home turf in Marseille and, with divine grace, wrap up the remaining match. On behalf of the FA and all Ghanaians, I extend my best wishes to the entire team.”
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
South African junior bantamweight champion Phumelele Cafu has partnered with renowned trainer and manager Colin Nathan.
Cafu, ranked No. 4 by the IBF and No. 3 by the WBO, expressed his excitement about the collaboration. “Yes, it’s true, I’ve joined Nomakanjani [Nathan’s nickname in South Africa],” said Cafu. “I’ve always wanted to be trained by him, even before I turned professional. I aim to become a world champion, and I believe with Colin, I can achieve my dream.”
Nathan, equally enthusiastic, praised Cafu’s potential. “He is the best junior bantamweight in South Africa, no doubt, and is so young and talented, I don’t even think he is in his prime yet. His promotional contract ends on the 15th of June with his current promoter, and that means we can move him under the Boxing 5 promotional banner.”
Nathan added, “When Cafu started talking to me, he was clear that he wanted to come up to Johannesburg, train with me, and be managed by my company. After discussing it with my partner Larry [Wainstein], we decided it was a no-brainer. At 25, and ranked No. 4 in the IBF ratings, our plan is to secure him a world title shot.”
Nathan hinted at exciting future developments, particularly after the unification fight between Fernando Martinez and Kazuto Ioka on July 7th. “I’ve got something up my sleeve,” he teased.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 6, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
John Dramani Mahama has congratulated the National Amputee Football Team, the Black Challenge, on their historic victory at the African Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON) 2024 in Egypt.
Ghana triumphed over Morocco in a thrilling final in Cairo, coming from behind to win 2-1 with remarkable goals. Playmaker Mubarak Mohammed and coach Stephen Obeng were recognized as Best Player and Best Coach, respectively.
The NDC Presidential Aspirant expressed his joy at their determination and hard work in defending the championship title in Egypt. “Your remarkable victory has brought glory to the team and filled the hearts of Ghanaians with immense pride,” Mahama stated on his Facebook page.
Despite the excitement, Mahama highlighted the lack of support and recognition for national athletes who have made the nation proud. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring all sports, including lesser-known ones like amputee football, receive the necessary support and development.
“It is my unwavering commitment to ensure that all sports, from the most popular to the lesser-known ones like amputee football, receive the support and development they need. Every athlete, regardless of the sport they play, deserves our recognition and support,” he stressed.
Mahama underscored the importance of providing recognition and fair compensation to talented and hardworking athletes. “This is not just a desire, but a necessity. It is high time for a change, and I am resolute in my determination to lead this change.”
He concluded by congratulating the Black Challenge and all national athletes who continue to make Ghana proud, urging for a future where every athlete is valued and celebrated.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 6, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International
The CAA Region II Championship in Accra commenced with Ghanaian athletes showcasing exceptional performance, determination, and sportsmanship.
Edwin Kwabla Gadayi won the gold medal for Ghana in the men’s 100m finals, while Hor Halutie finished third in the women’s 100m, trailing two Nigerians. Gadayi faced stiff competition from two Nigerians, who secured the silver and bronze medals. However, his time of 10.07 seconds has yet to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Another Ghanaian, Sarfo Ansah, finished 4th in the race.
The Ghanaian female quartet of Mary Boakye, Janet Mensah, Naseera Quansah, and Hor Halutie triumphed in the women’s 4x100m relay. Faustina Owusu dominated the women’s discus event, winning gold, while Esther Obenewaa also secured gold for Ghana in the high jump by clearing 1.76m.
Arthur Ishmael, who won gold in the men’s 10,000m event, expressed his dream of representing Ghana at the Olympics after achieving his personal best.
The Minister of Youth & Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, attended the event and expressed his satisfaction and support for the CAA Region II Championship.
The athletes, selected from security services, universities, and clubs, have undergone rigorous training and are committed to bringing honor to Ghana. The CAA event, dubbed ‘Accra 2024,’ features top athletes from 15 countries across the sub-region, including host Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gabon, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and CĂ´te d’Ivoire. The competition includes sprints, distance races, hurdles, relays, and field events.
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