by Silas Boahene | Apr 1, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Coach Kwasi Ofori Asare, head trainer of Ghana’s amateur boxing team, reflects on the achievements of the Black Bombers at the 13th African Games with a blend of satisfaction and disappointment.
Despite ending Ghana’s 33-year gold medal drought in boxing, Coach Asare fell short of his target of securing five gold medals, leaving him with a sense of unfulfilled ambition.
The 16-member team, including the Black Hitters, comprising three female boxers, showcased commendable performances, clinching four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. This remarkable feat propelled Ghana to a third-place finish behind Nigeria and Algeria.
However, Coach Asare’s disappointment stems from missed opportunities, particularly Abdul Wahib Omar’s failure to secure a medal and Abubakar Kamoko’s defeat in the men’s 86kg final, which disrupted Ghana’s potential clean sweep of gold medals.
Nevertheless, the Black Bombers’ achievements were historic, with memorable victories etched in the annals of Ghanaian boxing. Notably, Mohammed Aryeetey, Joseph Commey, Mohammed Amadu, and Samuel Takyi secured gold medals in their respective weight categories, captivating the crowd at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Despite the setbacks, the Black Bombers’ success at the African Games represents a significant milestone in Ghanaian boxing, marking a resurgence in the sport and inspiring future generations of athletes.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
A delegation from the FIFA Development Office recently concluded its mission in Ghana, which included visits to Prampram and the Eastern Region.
El Hadj Wack Diop, Regional Manager for the FIFA Development Office for West & Central Africa, and Silmara Sousa, Africa Regional Coordinator of Member Associations Division of FIFA, toured the Technical Center of the Ghana Football Association, the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence, in Prampram.
Accompanied by officials from the Ghana Football Association, including General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq.), Technical Director Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, and Head of Legal Marian Mensah (Esq.), the FIFA representatives examined various facilities and ongoing projects, including the BetPawa artificial pitch, floodlights, and renovation works.
During their visit, the FIFA team engaged in meetings with the GFA to discuss football development initiatives, review ongoing projects under the FIFA Forward program, and assess progress in women’s football. They also evaluated the strategic objectives of the GFA.
Led by the General Secretary, the delegation additionally visited other development projects and observed training sessions of Colts clubs before concluding their mission and departing from Ghana.
Overall, the FIFA Development Office mission aimed to assess and support football development efforts in Ghana, fostering collaboration and progress in the sport within the country.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a significant match-up in the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals, Ghana Premier League representatives Dreams Football Club clinched a crucial win against Stade Malien in Bamako, marking a promising start to the series.
The intense Sunday encounter saw Karim Zito’s squad emerge triumphant with a 2-1 victory, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated return fixture.
John Antwi’s brace proved pivotal for Dreams FC, propelling them to success as they now aim to defend their lead in the upcoming match at the Accra Sports Stadium.
While Stade Malien initially took the lead courtesy of Yoro Diaby, Dreams FC displayed resilience, with Antwi equalizing in the 66th minute before sealing the win with a penalty kick shortly thereafter.
Notably, Dreams FC’s away triumph continues their impressive streak in CAF competitions, marking them as the sole Ghanaian club to achieve such victories in the knockout stages over the past two decades.
With aspirations of advancing to the semifinals in their debut appearance, Dreams FC remains determined following their triumph in the MTN FA Cup last season, showcasing their ambition on the continental stage.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 1, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2023 African Games, underscores the significance of investing more in athlete preparation to enhance Ghana’s medal tally.
Despite Ghana’s record-breaking achievement of 69 medals, securing sixth place on the medal table, Dr. Ofosu-Asare believes that with greater investment in athlete preparation, the nation could have achieved even greater success.
Acknowledging concerns raised by athletes regarding insufficient support leading up to the games, Dr. Ofosu-Asare emphasizes the critical role of federations in ensuring athletes are adequately prepared.
Expressing his apprehension, Dr. Ofosu-Asare urges a reevaluation of investment strategies, highlighting the need for enhanced support to propel athletes to higher performance levels.
While celebrating Ghana’s remarkable achievement, Dr. Ofosu-Asare emphasizes the imperative of sustained investment to elevate the nation’s athletic prowess.
In conclusion, Dr. Ofosu-Asare underscores the fundamental principle that without adequate preparation, success remains elusive, advocating for a strategic approach to athlete development to reap greater rewards in future competitions.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 1, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo secured a remarkable victory at the 45th World Cross Country event held in Belgrade, Serbia, maintaining his title for the second consecutive year.
In a thrilling 10km race, Kiplimo surged ahead, crossing the finish line in an impressive 28 minutes and 09 seconds. Behind him, Berihu Aregawi of Ethiopia followed closely, finishing in 28 minutes and 12 seconds, with Kenya’s Nicholas securing third place in 28 minutes and 14 seconds. Notably, Joshua Cheptegei, the world record holder in both the 10,000 and 5000 meters, claimed sixth position.
Displaying an extraordinary burst of speed in the final kilometer, Kiplimo outpaced his competitors, sprinting solo to victory.
Reflecting on his triumph, Kiplimo expressed gratitude to God for his grace and credited his coaches for their meticulous training program, which kept him in optimal condition.
Acknowledging the support of his teammates, including Cheptegei, Kiplimo emphasized the importance of their camaraderie in securing his victory.
Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), commended Kiplimo’s outstanding performance, attributing it to hard work and teamwork. Otuchet highlighted Kiplimo’s win as an inspiration for aspiring cross-country athletes, underscoring the positive results of their collective efforts.
