by Silas Boahene | Apr 25, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Egyptian giants Zamalek Sporting Club have touched down in Kumasi ahead of their highly anticipated clash against Dreams FC in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final. The North African outfit arrived on Thursday afternoon, eager to ramp up their preparations for the pivotal encounter scheduled for Sunday.
The upcoming showdown is set to take place at the Baba Yara Stadium, where Dreams FC will look to capitalize on their home advantage with enthusiastic support from the local crowd.
In the previous leg, Dreams FC managed to hold Zamalek to a goalless draw in Cairo despite facing a daunting atmosphere. Now, Zamalek is determined to become the first team to secure a victory against the Ghana Premier League newcomers on their home turf in this competition, as Dreams FC remains unbeaten at their home ground.
However, Zamalek remains mindful of their previous encounters in Ghana, having failed to secure a win in their last five visits. With four losses and a draw across all competitions, Zamalek approaches the match with caution, recognizing the challenges posed by their opponents on Ghanaian soil.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 25, 2024 | Africa, International, Soccer
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to grant Moroccan club Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RS Berkane) a 3-0 victory over hosts USM Alger (USMA) in the first leg of their African Confederation Cup semifinal. CAF’s Interclub Competitions Committee and Club Licensing System Management will also refer the case to the Disciplinary Board for potential additional penalties.
Despite the forfeiture, the second leg is set to proceed at the Berkane Municipal Stadium as planned on April 28, 2024.
The initial match couldn’t commence as RS Berkane refused to leave the changing rooms for kick-off due to Algerian customs confiscating their kits upon their arrival two days earlier. The kits, which feature a small map of Morocco on the chest area including the disputed territory of Western Sahara, were considered politically sensitive by Algerian authorities.
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between the neighboring North African nations, with the Western Sahara dispute serving as a focal point. The area has been a source of contention since Morocco’s annexation in 1975, with a portion controlled by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and the rest by Morocco.
Such diplomatic disputes have also spilled over into sports previously, with last year’s African Nations Championship witnessing Morocco’s withdrawal after being denied direct entry by chartered flight by Algeria, the host nation. Additionally, since August 2021, Moroccan aircraft have been barred from Algerian airspace, and the border between the two countries remains closed.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 25, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Samuel Ducroquet, France’s Sports Ambassador, has expressed full confidence in France’s readiness to host Ghana and the rest of the world at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. With cutting-edge venues and top-tier facilities, France has left no stone unturned to ensure a successful sixth hosting of the event.
The global sporting community eagerly anticipates the games, scheduled from July 26th to August 11th. Ducroquet highlighted the collective efforts of stakeholders, emphasizing the country’s preparedness for this prestigious international event.
“We are poised, determined, and immensely proud to host such a globally significant event,” he remarked during an interview with Nana Aba Anamoah on the Chasing Gold show. “Every aspect of our society is mobilized; from the organizing committee’s seven years of dedicated work to the recruitment of collaborators, and the full engagement of all ministries, including the foreign ministry. We are fully committed to welcoming the world to Paris.”
by Silas Boahene | Apr 23, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana
An electrifying super-lightweight showdown is set to ignite the Bukom Boxing Arena on June 15 as seasoned lightweight boxer Michael ‘One Bullet’ Ansah faces off against emerging talent Derrick Quaye on an electrifying night of fisticuffs.
The eagerly anticipated 10-round clash promises to captivate audiences not only within the arena but also across the bustling communities of Jamestown, Korle Gonno, and Mamprobi.
Set to be the first major fight of the year, the 10-rounder is being put together by Box Office Sports Promotions in conjunction with other major partners. According to fight promoter Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, the event will showcase some of the nation’s best-kept boxing secrets alongside other promising talents across the continent.
The respected promoter promised that fans at the Bukom Boxing Arena would witness one of the biggest fights in recent memory, with new sensation Quaye daring to challenge the self-proclaimed ‘landlord’ of the division.
In the build-up to the anticipated showdown on June 15, the rival camps are already embroiled in a war of words, both within and outside the ring, as they immerse themselves in the pre-fight hype.
“It’s been a war of words outside the ring and within the community, with fans arguing all over. These two boxers are preparing like never before as the expectation of their fans is high, and the two boxers look determined to go into the fight in their best shape possible in order not to disappoint their fans.
There will be national and continental championship titles up for grabs on the night.
“We hope to conclude all the nitty-gritty by the end of this week and officially announce the bout to the public.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 23, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana
Ghana Athletics, the national governing body for track and field events, has organized a two-day training workshop on kids’ athletics for selected coaches and Physical Education (PE) teachers in the Upper East Region.
Sponsored by World Athletics, the training formed part of the national organization’s new focus to groom children and develop an interest in athletics at a tender age to make significant contributions towards the growth of the discipline.
The participants were guided through various activities, including throwing, running, and jumping, carefully designed to suit the ages of children.
At the end of the training, each participant was presented with a certificate.
Speaking at the conclusion of the training, the Kids Athletics National Trainer, Alice Atubiga, said World Athletics decided to introduce kids’ athletics to provide an opportunity for children to unearth their talents in athletics.
She noted that the association realized that over the years, children did not actively participate in athletics because oftentimes, they only took part in adult athletics, which became unexciting for them.
“World Athletics decided to introduce kids’ athletics with activities such as throws, jumps, and runs, taking into account the ages of children. Kids’ athletics is like circuit training where children will go through a lot of activities to develop their talents in athletics,” she explained.
While expressing gratitude to World Athletics for the support, she urged the participants to replicate what they had been taught in their respective communities to motivate children to develop an interest in athletics.
