by Silas Boahene | May 27, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian Light Welterweight boxer Joseph Commey has progressed to the next stage of the Olympic Qualifiers in Thailand after receiving a walkover against his opponent, Bajoku Shpetim from Kosovo.
With this walkover victory, Commey secures his spot in the Round of 32, needing just three more wins to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, in the Light Middleweight category (71kg), Henry Malm is set to face Bilrrashid Mohammed of Libya in the Round of 64 on Sunday.
Team leader Dauda Fuseni emphasized the toughness of the qualifying event, noting that all boxing nations with athletes yet to secure qualification are in Thailand to compete for spots in the Olympic Games.
“We must celebrate every victory because it is a challenging journey. Let’s continue to support and pray for our boxers,” Fuseni expressed.
by Silas Boahene | May 27, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana
Despite early showers on Saturday morning, the Cape Coast Sports Stadium hosted a successful event for the 2024 GNPC Ghana Fastest Competition.
The student athletes turned out in large numbers, and the day concluded with some surprising results in the 100 meters event.
In the Male Seniors category, Marizuk Shaibu of Amuzu Club in Accra emerged victorious with a time of 10.53 seconds, defeating favorite Joseph Andoh of Mfantsipim School who clocked in at 10.58 seconds. Michael Cudjoe of the Ghana Armed Forces, Western Region, secured third place with a time of 10.65 seconds.
The Female Seniors category witnessed a notable upset as Naseera Quansah of Sammo SHS in the Central Region claimed victory in 11.56 seconds, edging out Mary Boakye of GAF, Western Region, who finished just behind in 11.57 seconds. Awuni Zeinab of Sagnation Club in the Ashanti Region secured third place with a time of 12.31 seconds.
Here are the full electronic timed results:
U15 (Boys) 1st. Harrison Adjei, Madina No.5 Demo Sch, Greater Accra (11.85) 2nd. Samuel Memaworsey, Brynn Club, Central Region (11.99) 3rd. Francis Cudjoe, Diabene JHS, Western Region (12.19)
U15 (Girls) 1st. Adelaide Fosua, Sunyani Presby JHS, Bono Region (13.20) 2nd. Nuzrat Illiasu, Eyisam Islamic Sch, Central Region (13.69) 3rd. Lydia Tetteh, Ridge Experimental Sch, Bono Region (13.81)
U18 (Boys) 1st. Gideon Gogoe, ATTC, Greater Accra (11.29) 2nd. Hayford Kwesi, Shama SHS, Western Region (11.32) 3rd. Wisdom Manu, TI Amass, Ashanti Region (11.38)
U18 (Girls) 1st. Abigail Aboagye, Edinaman SHS, Central Region (13.23) 2nd. Gloria Amoh, Ghanass, Eastern Region (13.24) 3rd. Janet Darkoa, Ghanass, Eastern Region (13.29)
Seniors (Male) 1st. Marizuk Shaibu, Amuzu Club, Greater Accra (10.53) 2nd. Joseph Andoh, Mfantsipim School, Central Region (10.58) 3rd. Michael Cudjoe, GAF, Western Region (10.65)
Seniors (Females) 1st. Naseera Quansah, Sammo SHS, Central Region (11.56) 2nd. Mary Boakye, GAF, Western Region (11.57) 3rd. Awuni Zeinab, Sagnation Club, Ashanti Region (12.31)
by Silas Boahene | May 27, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Mr. Samson Deen, President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana, is currently in Cairo, Egypt, to offer his support and encouragement to the National Amputee Team, known as ‘The Black Challenge,’ who have advanced to the final of the 2024 AAFCON.
As the President of the African Paralympic Committee (APC), Mr. Deen sent the team an inspiring message titled ‘LIFE IS A HUSTLE.’
He remarked, “Life’s a hustle, and nothing good comes easy, but remember, you are not just anyone. You are The Ghana Amputee National Football Team, and your potential for success is limitless. So, hold on and don’t give up in the face of all challenges. Just know that the hard times you are going through now won’t last forever.”
Highlighting the team’s journey, Mr. Deen noted, “The good times are indeed coming due to this coming glorious victory. Remember, your journey is unique. More often than not, some succeed because they’re destined to, and others succeed because they’re determined and focused. You, The Ghana Amputee National Football Team, are a testament to this. Your determination and focus have brought you this far, and it will lead you to even greater heights.”
Emphasizing the values of hard work and perseverance, Mr. Deen reminded the players and officials that success is not accidental but is achieved through dedication, learning, overcoming obstacles, sacrifice, and unwavering love for the game.
He urged them to stay united and focused, stating, “Always be happy and cheerful in the face of challenging times because those times will undoubtedly pass. Hustle and endure in silence, paving the way for success to make the noise. Don’t forget that our happiness is the greatest revenge against those who wish to bring you down.”
Regarding their per diems, bonuses, and the 1st African Para Games Victory Bonuses, Mr. Deen assured the team that all would be duly paid, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.
He concluded with a rallying cry, “Win For Me, yourselves, and Win For The Ghanaian Population of Persons With Disabilities; Win For The Honest Ghanaian.”
by Silas Boahene | May 27, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially accepted the resignation of Laryea Kingston as Head Coach of the National U17 Team, the Black Starlets, following their failure to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Kingston’s resignation came after Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the semi-finals of the WAFU B Championship on Saturday, May 25, at the University of Ghana Stadium, which dashed their hopes of participating in the AFCON tournament.
Expressing his disappointment in a post-match press conference, Kingston stated, “I know Ghanaians know me as a player and are familiar with the sacrifices I made for the country during my playing days. I gave my all as a player, but in the end, I wasn’t happy.” He added, “Within these past seven months as Head Coach, I’ve given my all. I decided when we came back from Russia that I would resign after the WAFU competition. The explanation will come later.”
In response to Kingston’s departure, the GFA released a statement detailing the circumstances and announced that assistant coaches Jacob Nettey and Nana Agyemang will lead the team in the upcoming third-place playoff match against Nigeria on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Jacob Nettey, a former captain of Hearts of Oak and a prominent figure in Ghanaian football, brings a wealth of experience to the coaching staff. He notably led Hearts of Oak to victory in the CAF Champions League in 2000 and represented Ghana in various international competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, USA.
by Silas Boahene | May 27, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana and his Southampton teammates have earned promotion to the English Premier League (EPL) following a 1-0 victory over Leeds United in Sunday’s Championship playoff final.
Although Sulemana remained on the bench, Southampton sealed the win with Adam Armstrong’s first-half goal.
Armstrong’s crucial strike came midway through the opening period, neatly placing the ball into the far bottom corner, securing Southampton’s immediate return to the top flight. Despite Leeds United’s efforts, they couldn’t overcome the South-coast side, with Daniel James hitting the underside of the bar in the closing stages, marking their closest chance.
This promotion is a significant accomplishment for Southampton coach Russell Martin, who guided the team back to the Premier League in his debut season. Southampton joins Leicester City and Ipswich Town in securing places in next season’s top flight.
Kamaldeen Sulemana, who joined Southampton midway through the 2022/2023 season amidst their relegation battle, faced a challenging second season in the Championship. Hindered by injuries, he made 25 appearances, including 10 starts, and provided three assists.
The 22-year-old winger aims to make a notable impact in the Premier League as Southampton prepares for the challenges of top-flight football.