by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a touching display of solidarity, members of Ghana’s National Men’s Under 17 Football Team, the Black Starlets, expressed their support for departing head coach Laryea Kingston. During Ghana’s bronze medal game against Nigeria at the ongoing WAFU Under 17 Football Championship at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, the players pulled their jerseys to reveal written messages conveying their appreciation for Kingston.
The gesture occurred after Herve Gbarfa’s goal gave Ghana a 2-1 lead in the 28th minute. Despite the eventual 3-2 loss to Nigeria, which saw the latter clinch bronze at the competition, the Black Starlets demonstrated their gratitude towards Kingston, who announced his resignation following Ghana’s defeat to Burkina Faso in the semifinals.
Ernest Ofori was seen pointing to captain Benjamin Tsivanyo, revealing a heartfelt “We Love You LK 7” message beneath his jersey during the goal celebration.
Kingston, a former Black Stars player, has made a significant impact as head coach, with Ghana’s qualification to the AFCON now pending FIFA’s upcoming ruling on the number of participating teams due to changes in the Under 17 World Cup competition format. Ghana’s last appearance in the Under 17 World Cup was in 2017.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Burkina Faso emerged victorious in the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B Championship, defeating Cote d’Ivoire 3-1 to claim the championship trophy at the University of Ghana Stadium on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
With both Ghana and Nigeria eliminated, the finalists secured automatic qualification for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next year. However, they still battled it out for the prestigious title of zonal champions.
Burkina Faso seized an early lead, only for Cote d’Ivoire to swiftly equalize, leaving the teams deadlocked at 1-1 going into halftime.
However, two impressive goals in the second half sealed a 3-1 victory for Burkina Faso, who had advanced to the final by defeating Ghana’s Black Starlets 2-0 in the semifinals.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, USA
Ghana’s Light Welterweight contender, Joseph Commey, also known as Jaguar, faced a setback at the ongoing second World Olympic Qualifiers in Bangkok. He lost to American Emelio Garcia in a unanimous points decision, marking him as the fifth Black Bomber to miss out on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Meanwhile, Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, competing in the Flyweight category, is scheduled to fight against Anvarzhan Khadzhiev from Kyrgyzstan on Saturday, May 30th. Allotey must secure victory in this bout, as well as two additional matches, to secure his spot in the Olympics.
In the Women’s Middleweight round of 16, Ornella Sathoud is set to face off against Aynur Rzayeva from Azerbaijan on June 1st, 2024.
With the hopes of Paris now dashed, the list of boxers from Ghana who will not compete in the Olympics includes Amadu Mohammed (Featherweight), Henry Malm (Light Middleweight), Jonathan Tetteh (Heavyweight), Mark Kojovi Ahondjo (Super Heavyweight), and Joseph Commey (Light Welterweight).
A total of 579 boxers from 133 nations are vying for 51 available slots at the qualifiers, with 610 coaches present to support their respective athletes. The tournament will conclude on June 2, 2024.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Harve Gbafa, a promising defender, once again stole the spotlight on Tuesday as he clinched the Man of the Match title during Ghana’s 3-2 loss to Nigeria in the 3rd place playoff of the WAFU Zone B Under-17 Championship.
In a thrilling showdown against perennial rivals Nigeria, Gbafa exhibited his exceptional skills on the field, scoring two crucial goals in a commendable effort that ultimately ended in a narrow 3-2 defeat for Ghana.
Despite the outcome, Gbafa’s remarkable performance did not go unnoticed, earning him the prestigious Man of the Match award for the second time in the tournament.
This recognition underscores Gbafa’s impact on the pitch, showcasing both his defensive prowess and attacking abilities.
Having accumulated three goals throughout the tournament, Gbafa’s stellar display positions him as a promising talent for the future of Ghanaian football.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Queens’ forward Mavis Owusu, now a standout player for Al Hilal Ladies FC in Saudi Arabia, has demonstrated her generosity by making a meaningful donation to her former club, Ampem Darkoa Ladies.
Having left Ampem Darkoa to join Al Hilal Ladies in October 2023, Owusu has become a vital player for the Saudi giants. Her return to Ghana this week marked a touching gesture as she donated 30 bags of cement along with essential food items like rice and cooking oil to support her former team.
Owusu’s act of kindness comes at a crucial time for Ampem Darkoa Ladies, who suffered the loss of their clubhouse in Techiman due to a fire outbreak following their return from the CAF Women’s Champions League earlier this year.
Joining forces with Owusu in the charitable endeavor was another former teammate, Anaesthesia Akyia, currently playing in Turkey. Akyia contributed $500 to support the rebuilding of the clubhouse, showcasing solidarity and camaraderie among the players.
Despite their challenges, Ampem Darkoa Ladies remain focused on their footballing ambitions. They are determined to defend their Ghana Women’s Premier League title and are set to face perennial rivals Hasaacas Ladies in the final, buoyed by the support and goodwill from Owusu and Akyia.
3.5
