by Silas Boahene | May 19, 2024 | Africa, International, Soccer
The 2024 CAF African Schools Football Championship Finals will take place in Zanzibar, a renowned tourism destination in Tanzania, from May 21st to May 24th at the newly renovated Amaan Stadium. This event marks the second season of Africa’s premier youth football competition.
CAF President Dr. Motsepe and numerous African football icons will attend the finals, which feature winners from regional and zonal qualifiers. The tournament, designed for boys and girls under 15, aligns with Dr. Motsepe’s vision of investing in African youth.
Building on the success of its debut, the championship has seen a 40% increase in participation, with 804,480 young athletes from 28,862 schools across 44 countries involved this season. The event also includes capacity-building programs for scholars, coaches, and educators.
CAF has introduced several initiatives during the zonal qualifiers, such as the Young Reporters Program, Young Referee Program, Young Medical Officers Program, CAF D License Coaching Course, and CAF Safeguarding workshops.
The finals will feature prominent football legends like Emmanuel Adebayor, Daniel Amokachi, Amanda Dlamini, and local stars such as Abdi Kassim Sadalla and Hilda Masanche. Winners in both boys’ and girls’ categories will receive $300,000 in prize money, with runners-up and bronze medalists earning $200,000 and $150,000 respectively, courtesy of CAF’s collaboration with the Motsepe Foundation.
by Silas Boahene | May 19, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian youngster Raymond Anokye Asante delivered an impressive performance for Udinese U19s, scoring twice in their playoff match against Napoli on Saturday.
Napoli took an early lead in the 19th minute through Gianluca Vigliotti, holding the advantage into halftime. However, Asante turned the game around for Udinese in the second half. He first converted a penalty in the 62nd minute and then added a second goal just four minutes later.
Francesco Gioielli equalized for Napoli in the 74th minute, pushing the match into extra time and eventually a penalty shootout. Udinese emerged victorious in the quarterfinal of the Primavera 2 Promotion Playoff.
With his brace, Asante has now scored 21 goals and provided nine assists in 30 games this season.
by Silas Boahene | May 19, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Berekum Chelsea came from behind to defeat Asante Kotoko 2-1 in the Ghana Premier League on Saturday, May 18, ending Kotoko’s three-game unbeaten run.
Asante Kotoko’s Ugandan forward Steven Mukwala opened the scoring at the Golden City Park after 21 minutes. Despite several opportunities for both teams, neither side could capitalize further in the first half. However, four minutes before halftime, Stephen Amankona equalized for Berekum Chelsea, making it 1-1 at the break.
The match seemed destined for a draw until Mezack Afriyie headed in Lord Amoah’s corner delivery in the final seconds, securing a dramatic win for Chelsea.
Meanwhile, at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu, Legon Cities defeated Great Olympics 2-1, extending Olympics’ winless run. Tied at halftime, Kwabena Boateng’s 72nd-minute goal clinched the victory for Paa Kwesi Fabin’s side.
The Ghana Premier League action continues on Sunday, May 19.
by Silas Boahene | May 19, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Other Sports, Soccer
There’ll be no lovemaking in the City of Love. Paris has introduced “anti-sex” beds for the 2024 Olympic Games, designed with small twin sizes and recyclable materials to deter athletes from intimate activities during the competition.
Manufactured by Airweave, who also supplied beds for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, these beds emphasize sustainability, with mattresses and cardboard frames being 100% recyclable. Georgina Grenon, director of environmental excellence for the organizing committee, hopes these efforts demonstrate the possibility of reducing environmental impact.
Olympic athletes are known for their notorious stories of wild encounters. Table tennis player Matthew Syed recounted a debaucherous time at the 1992 Barcelona games, while a 2012 London athlete admitted to a foursome in the Olympic Village. Despite these precautions, some athletes believe the cardboard beds won’t stop them from finding alternative spots for their escapades.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Eric Alagidede, the General Manager of Nsoatreman Football Club, offered praise to Bofoakwa Tano for their victory over Dreams FC in the MTN FA Cup. Speaking exclusively on CITI TV’s “Football Made In Ghana” after his team’s 2-1 win against Legon Cities, Alagidede highlighted Bofoakwa Tano’s achievement in defeating Dreams FC by the same margin.
The semifinal matches took place at the WAFA Park in Sogakope, setting the stage for an exciting final showdown between the cross-town rivals on June 23 at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon.
In addition to being the defending champions, Dreams FC impressed in their debut run in the CAF Confederation Cup by reaching the semifinals. With the FA Cup winner earning a qualification spot in the CAF Confed Cup next season, Alagidede commended Bofoakwa’s efforts in eliminating Dreams FC ahead of the final match.
