by Silas Boahene | Sep 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Medeama Sporting Club’s Board Chairman, Dr. Tony Aubynn, has expressed the club’s determination to win the Ghana Premier League (GPL) title for the second time. In an exclusive interview with ChannelOne Sports, Dr. Aubynn revealed the club’s ambitious plans for the 2024-2025 season, emphasizing their challenge to retain the title and return to the CAF Champions League.
Medeama, who recently commissioned the newly built TNA Stadium in Tarkwa, have made a strong start to the season with victories over Accra Lions and Legon Cities. Dr. Aubynn noted that having a world-class stadium will boost the team’s performance and aid their quest for another league title, stating, “We’ve challenged ourselves this time round again, that we should win the league and go to Africa (CAF Champions League) again.”
In light of the recent ban on the Baba Yara Sports Stadium by CAF, Dr. Aubynn also addressed the potential of the TNA Stadium to host international matches. Despite falling short of the Category 3 game requirement of a 30,000-seat capacity, the TNA Stadium, which holds over 10,000 fans, could have been an alternative for Black Stars games. “At the moment in the country, I believe that it (the TNA Stadium) is the best. Unfortunately, the size is not up to the level that we could go and play the African Cup (qualifiers) there,” Dr. Aubynn remarked, expressing his disappointment over the situation.
Medeama SC’s next match in the ongoing GPL season is against Basake Holy Stars on September 27, as the team continues to push towards defending their title.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Nii Lante Vanderpuje, Member of Parliament for the Odododiodio Constituency, has stated that Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, would have resigned if he held office in another country following the recent controversy involving the Ministry.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently banned the Baba Yara Sports Stadium from hosting Category 3 games due to inadequate facilities, particularly the poor condition of the pitch. This decision means Ghana is unable to host international matches, with the Black Stars now likely to play their 2025 AFCON qualifier against Sudan in either Côte d’Ivoire or Togo.
Following a series of alleged questionable expenditures during the 2023 AFCON and African Games, this latest setback has led Vanderpuje, a former Sports Minister, to call for Ussif’s resignation.
“If this were another jurisdiction, the Minister would have resigned without us needing to ask questions. He’s brought disgrace upon the country and himself,” Vanderpuje remarked.
He further urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to dismiss Mustapha Ussif during an appearance on ChannelOne TV’s “The Big Issue.”
by Silas Boahene | Sep 16, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Ghana’s Daniel Gorsh, also known as King Selassie, became the new WBO Africa Bantamweight Champion after a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Benin’s seasoned fighter Ghislain Vodounheesi. The bout, part of the Golden Hands bill, took place at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday after being relocated from the Treehouse Restaurant in Labone.
The highly anticipated fight drew a unique crowd, many of whom were new to boxing, but were captivated by Gorsh’s impressive performance, which extended his undefeated record to 13 wins. Vodounheesi, 39, dropped to three losses in his career, which includes 25 wins—16 of them against Ghanaian fighters.
Despite his experience and resilience, Vodounheesi struggled against Gorsh, who executed his game plan under the guidance of Coach Carl Lokko from Bronx Gym. The Beninois fighter, familiar with the Ghanaian boxing scene, remained undeterred by the crowd and even disregarded multiple warnings from referee Roger Barnor for illegal low blows.
Gorsh expressed his gratitude to God and vowed to pursue a world championship, with the Boxing Hall of Fame as his ultimate goal. Already holding the UBO African title, Gorsh’s latest win secures him a 15th place ranking in the world by the WBO.
He also thanked Hon. Nii Okai Laryea and Sawan Papa Nii Amoa of Shiatse and Legacy Fight Promotions for the opportunity to showcase his talents in this championship bout.
In the undercard, Seth Gyimah, known as Freezy Macbones, knocked out David Okine in the first round, later facing challenges from two other opponents. Gideon Nortey secured a second-round win over Paul Acheeb, while Isaac Dowuoma, aka Zongo Fire, triumphed in round two against Sani Yidana.
In a thrilling split-decision bout, Isaac Neequaye overcame Godson Amuzu, while Azumah Mohammed and Bernard Abbey closed the night with a highly entertaining fight.
Shiatse and Legacy Promotions have promised boxing fans more exciting events every two to three months, with musical entertainment by King Jerry adding to the lively atmosphere.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 16, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana
Mr. Ivan Bruce Cudjoe, CEO of Cabic Promotions, praised all the boxers who competed at the Cabic Big Fight Night 2 event and congratulated the winners. He promised that the third edition will be even more spectacular and rewarding.
“We are searching for dedicated boxers to groom for our next world championship. The performances were impressive, and we hope to see continued improvement in the upcoming editions,” he remarked.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Bronze medalist Samuel Takyi headlined the event, stopping Emmanuel Nii Noi last Friday at the Idrowhyt Events Centre in Dansoman on September 13. Theo Allotey, known as ‘Lopez,’ who recently turned professional, secured a third-round victory, alongside rising star George Faho Mensah, who also stopped his opponent in the third round.
Matchmaker Dan Donkor expressed satisfaction with the exciting and memorable show.
In the main event, Emmanuel Mankatah and Nigerian-born Ghana-based boxer Sunday Adeleye delivered a stellar performance, with Adeleye edging out his opponent by decision.
Other notable fighters, including Emmanuel Quaye, Emmanuel Mawuli, Gideon Nartey, Michael Darko, Kofi Dana, Jedidiah Doku, and Mohammed Aryetey, showcased impressive performances throughout the night.
Faho Mensah’s manager, Samuel Darkwah, shared his gratitude for the opportunity and hailed the experience, while Gideon Oyiadzo, also known as Jingles, Marketing and Projects Manager of Cabic Promotions, commended the boxers and their coaches for their efforts.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Following CAF’s decision to deem Baba Yara Stadium unfit for hosting international games, Ghana’s Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, has directed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to request CAF to inspect Legon Stadium as an alternative venue for Black Stars matches.
This directive, issued on September 12, comes in response to the ban on the Baba Yara Stadium after Ghana’s 1-0 defeat to Angola in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. The Legon Stadium, recently renovated for the 2023 African Games, has already hosted several football and athletics events.
The Sports Ministry also confirmed that a request has been made to CAF to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium for hosting future Category 3 games, including the upcoming AFCON qualifiers. The Accra Sports Stadium has previously hosted CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup matches featuring FC Samartex and Nsoatreman FC.
