by Silas Boahene | May 19, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s midfield maestro, Thomas Partey, is set to rejoin the Black Stars squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic in June.
Partey, who serves as the deputy captain for Ghana, was sidelined from the March friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda due to fitness concerns. However, the 30-year-old has since regained full fitness and showcased his prowess while contributing significantly to Arsenal’s title aspirations ahead of the season’s final matchday.
His return comes as a significant boost for the Black Stars, who are eager to bounce back from a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign earlier this year and secure their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Otto Addo is expected to include the seasoned midfielder in the squad as Ghana aims to secure another World Cup berth. The team will face Mali in Bamako on June 6 before returning home to Kumasi for a crucial clash against the Central African Republic four days later.
Having started the qualifiers with a win against Madagascar but suffered an unexpected defeat to Comoros in Moroni, the Black Stars are determined to reignite their campaign with Partey’s return bolstering their midfield prowess.
by Silas Boahene | May 19, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s national team coach, Otto Addo, is gearing up to announce the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic next week.
Having returned to the coaching helm in February, Addo has been meticulously evaluating players’ performances, particularly during the international friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda in March, to assemble a formidable squad for the crucial June fixtures.
It is anticipated that Addo will predominantly select players who showcased their capabilities during the March friendlies, with the inclusion of key figures such as Thomas Partey, Joseph Paintsil, Mohammed Kudus, and Inaki Williams.
Additionally, Osman Bukari and Alexander Djiku, absent from the matches in Morocco, are likely to make a comeback to the Black Stars lineup.
However, seasoned center-back Daniel Amartey’s participation hangs in the balance due to limited game time with Besiktas in Turkey.
Addo is scheduled to unveil his squad next week, followed by a press conference marking his official return as the head coach of the Black Stars.
Ghana faces a challenging journey as they travel to Bamako on June 6 to take on Mali before returning home to Kumasi for a showdown against the Central African Republic four days later.
by Silas Boahene | May 19, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Bernard Dong-Bortey, renowned for his time with Hearts of Oak and the Ghana national team, believes he would have soared to greatness in today’s football landscape. Despite his domestic success, Dong-Bortey feels he could have rivaled the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if he had played in the current era.
During his tenure with Hearts of Oak, Dong-Bortey clinched numerous accolades, including the prestigious CAF Confederation Cup. However, his venture abroad, marked by brief stints in Israel and Sweden, didn’t mirror his local triumphs.
In a recent interview with Mothers FM, Dong-Bortey expressed his conviction, stating, “If I were playing in today’s football, I would undoubtedly be among the world’s elite. Yet, I’m thankful for the journey God has led me on. The legacy of the name ‘Dong Bortey’ will endure.”
Despite limited opportunities on the international stage, with just seven appearances for the Black Stars of Ghana, Dong-Bortey’s impact in the Ghana Premier League remains indelible.
As he reflects on his career, Dong-Bortey’s sentiments shed light on the aspirations and challenges faced by athletes striving for recognition beyond their local leagues.
by Silas Boahene | May 19, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana
Anticipation builds as the 2024 Black Star Marathon, set to take place on July 27th at Independence Square in Accra, promises an array of enticing prizes for runners of all levels. With a diverse range of categories including a 42.2-kilometer course for both men and women, a wheelchair division, and a 10-kilometer mass participation event, the race is poised to draw in approximately 10,000 participants from across the globe.
The Runathon Ghana Foundation, serving as the organizing body, has laid out a rewarding prize scheme comprising cash prizes, certificates, and medals for top performers and finishers. Notably, special cash awards await the oldest and youngest male and female Ghanaian finishers, adding an extra layer of inclusivity and recognition to the event.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Dr. Eric Adae, the Founder of the Black Star Marathon, emphasized the prestige of the race, urging potential participants to seize the opportunity for personal triumph. “This year’s event boasts unparalleled rewards that will inspire you to push your boundaries and revel in your achievements,” he declared.
Registration is now open, with interested individuals encouraged to sign up promptly through the event’s official website or via a dedicated registration hotline. The Black Star Marathon has garnered support from esteemed sponsors such as Accra City Hotel, Hollard Insurance and Life, American Pacific Mortgage, Win-Some Group, Sunseekers, Vital Wellness, Chocolate Clothing, Cacao, Runathon Global, among others.
Furthermore, strategic collaborations with entities like Drake Relays, Ego Tickets, The Trust Hospital, and the Ghana Athletics Association underscore the event’s commitment to excellence and community engagement.
Organizers have indicated that the current prize structure is subject to potential augmentation as the race day draws nearer, hinting at even greater incentives for participants. Ultimately, the Black Star Marathon aims to transcend boundaries and foster unity among people of African descent worldwide, leveraging the universal language of running to empower individuals of all backgrounds to realize their athletic potential.
by Silas Boahene | May 19, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Ghanaian boxers Sheriff Quaye and Jacob Tetteh Laryea are determined to end the nation’s world title drought as they prepare to defend their World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa titles on May 25, 2024.
Quaye’s Ascent and Title Aspirations
In 2016, Sheriff Quaye made history by becoming the first boxer to win a title at the newly built Trust Sports Emporium. Now 28, with a record of 27 fights (3 losses, 1 draw), the lightweight fighter believes he is ready for a world title shot after eight years in the ring.
Currently ranked 8th in the WBO lightweight division, Quaye is well-positioned to challenge for a world title against potential opponents like Frank Martin, Denys Berinchyk, and Angel Fierro. “I’ve been overlooked,” Quaye told GraphicOnline. “But like the rejected stone, I will become the chief cornerstone and break Ghana’s world title jinx that stretches back to 2018.”
Quaye faces a formidable opponent on May 25th, defending his WBO Africa Lightweight Championship against Michael Dodoo, a fellow 28-year-old and knockout specialist, at the Dayaran Gangaram (D.G.) Hathiramani Sports Hall. “Dodoo isn’t my focus,” Quaye emphasizes. “The world title is. I’ll stop him. He’s a knockout specialist, but I have my own skills. I’m elusive and have a sharp jab.”
Recalling the night he received his WBO Africa title from then-President John Dramani Mahama, Quaye remains motivated. “A country like Ghana shouldn’t have to wait this long for a world champion,” he asserts. “I remember that night vividly. It fueled my drive to win a world title, and I’m closer than ever.”
Tetteh Laryea Joins the Quest
Also fighting on May 25th at the Hathiramani Hall is WBO Africa Super Welterweight champion Jacob Tetteh Laryea, who will defend his title against the hard-hitting Daniel Lartey. The 30-year-old Laryea is singularly focused on his world title aspirations. “My opponent is a minor obstacle,” he declares. “My mind is set on the world title.”
Both bouts are promoted by Swavyblu Boxing Promotions.
