by Silas Boahene | May 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Mohamed Diomande has received his first senior call-up from Ivory Coast, just days after expressing his desire to represent his birth country. The Ghana-trained midfielder was initially named in the Black Stars squad for their friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda in March but requested time to decide on his international future.
Despite having spent most of his life in Ghana and being eligible to play for the four-time African champions, the 22-year-old revealed his long-held dream to represent Ivory Coast, the country of his parents, during an interview with Malick Traore on NOSTA Foot.
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae included the Rangers winger in his 25-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Kenya in June. Diomande, who has previously played at the youth level for Ivory Coast and was named in the U23 squad for a friendly against France in March, missed the match due to his invitation from the Black Stars.
by Silas Boahene | May 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has highlighted the enduring and reciprocal relationship between Ghana and Qatar, emphasizing Qatar’s recent gesture as a testament to their strong bond.
The presentation of assorted equipment to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as part of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Legacy project, signifies Qatar’s commitment to bolstering Ghana’s sporting endeavors, especially after the successful hosting of the 13th African Games in Accra in 2023.
Representing the Ambassador of Qatar to Ghana, Charge d’affaires Mohammed Hamad Al Marri emphasized the importance of fortifying the ties between the two nations, expressing eagerness to continue fostering cooperation.
Qatar’s pledge to provide equipment and facilities utilized during the 2022 FIFA World Cup underscores its dedication to supporting friendly nations like Ghana.
Upon receiving the donation, Minister Mustapha Ussif conveyed heartfelt appreciation to Qatar’s leadership and the Ambassador in Accra, also disclosing plans for a comprehensive cooperation proposal. This proposal aims to establish the Ghana-Qatar legacy project, aimed at bolstering Ghana’s sports infrastructure.
The donated equipment, ranging from mobile phones to office furniture, promises to enhance the Ministry’s operations, symbolizing the tangible benefits of international collaboration in sports development.
by Silas Boahene | May 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s amputee national team, the Black Challenge, asserted their dominance at the Amputee Africa Cup of Nations by winning all their group stage matches, establishing themselves as top contenders in the tournament.
The defending champions demonstrated their strength with a series of commanding performances, concluding with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kenya on Tuesday.
The Black Challenge began their campaign with a decisive 4-0 victory against Gambia on Sunday. Their winning streak continued with a 5-0 thrashing of Algeria on Monday, cementing their lead at the top of Group C.
Although they had already secured advancement, the Ghanaians approached their final group game against Kenya on Tuesday with unwavering intensity. Hamza Mohammed opened the scoring in the 14th minute, showcasing the team’s relentless drive. Kenya equalized in the 29th minute, briefly unsettling the Ghanaians. However, the Black Challenge quickly reclaimed the lead just two minutes later with a crucial goal from Brown Williams, securing a 2-1 victory and a perfect group stage record.
by Silas Boahene | May 23, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
WBO Africa Lightweight Champion Sheriff Quaye (23-3-1) is set to defend his title against Michael Dodoo from the Attoh Quarshie Gym on May 25, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The event, organized by Swavy Blu Promotions in collaboration with Bron Bromotions, will also feature WBO Welterweight champion Jacob Tetteh Laryea, known as Chorkor Fire (11-0), who will defend his title against the resilient Daniel Lartey.
Coach Carl Lokko of the Bronx Gym assured that both Quaye and Laryea are well-prepared and ready to deliver an exciting show for boxing fans. He emphasized that Sheriff Quaye, currently ranked 8th in the world, needs to perform exceptionally to move closer to a world title shot.
by Silas Boahene | May 23, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, has extended a message of motivation and encouragement to the Ghana National Boxing Team, the Black Bombers, who are currently in Bangkok, Thailand, for the World Qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Acknowledge the challenges the boxers have faced, traveling from Senegal to Italy and now to Thailand, Mr. Nunoo Mensah expressed his belief that their hard work and dedication will pay off. He urged the team to remain obedient, respect their coaches, and stay focused on the qualification process.
Emphasizing the importance of boxing for Ghana’s Olympic hopes, he advised the technical team to devise effective strategies to ensure successful outcomes for the Black Bombers.
The leadership of the United Boxing Coaches Association of Ghana (UBCAG) also sent their best wishes to the team. Vice President Lawrence Carl Lokko expressed confidence in the boxers’ abilities, encouraging them to remain determined and win every bout.
The seven boxers representing Ghana include Flyweight Theo Allotey, Featherweight Amadu Mohammed, Light Welterweight Joseph Commey, Light Middleweight Henry Malm, Light Heavyweight Jonathan Tetteh, UK-based Super Heavyweight Mark Kodjovi Ahondjo, and USA-based Middleweight Onella Sathoud.
The technical team is led by experienced Coach Dr. Ofori Asare, with assistants Vincent Akai Nettey and Elvis Robertson, Team Doctor Edward Kwabena Asante, and Physiotherapist Daniel Quartey. Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Mr. Dauda Fuseni, leads the team in their final quest to secure seven of the 51 slots for the Olympics.
