by Silas Boahene | Feb 22, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Faisal Abubakar Set to Clash with Latibu Muwonge for WBO Africa Super Lightweight Title
In an anticipated showdown, Ghana’s undefeated champion, Faisal Abubakar, is gearing up to face off against Ugandan Latibu Muwonge for the WBO Africa Super Lightweight Title on March 2, 2024, at Lord’s Wembly in Shukura, Accra.
The upcoming bout promises excitement, given both boxers’ impressive records and substantial fan bases. Faisal Abubakar boasts an undefeated streak, while Latibu Muwonge holds the ABU Africa Champion title.
Organized by Priceless Life Entertainment, gate fees for the event are set at 30ghc for Popular Stand, 50ghc for Main Regular Stand, 100ghc for Ring Side, and 150ghc for VVIP. Notable sponsors for the bout include Caveman, FIDO, and others.
Coach Ernest Ofori, recently elected as the new secretary-general of the United Coaches Association of Ghana and representing the Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation Gym, expressed confidence in Abubakar’s preparation. Ofori predicted a knockout victory for Abubakar, emphasizing that this win would secure the coveted WBO Africa champion title and a spot among the top 15 in the WBO World rankings.
Ofori remarked, “Charles Quartey Foundation will start producing world champions for Ghana; the boxers are many and ready.”
Latibu Muwonge, 27, brings an unblemished record of eight professional victories from Kampala, Uganda. Meanwhile, the 31-year-old Faisal Abubakar boasts a perfect 15-0-0 record. The clash between these undefeated champions promises to be a night boxing fans cannot afford to miss.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 22, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Zambian Football Association has sadly announced the untimely death of Norin Betani, a striker for the Copper Queens and Indeni Roses Football Club. The 24-year-old player, part of the provisional squad for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournament qualifier against Ghana, succumbed to a condition initially suspected to be malaria. Despite efforts by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the University Teaching Hospital reported her passing on Wednesday, February 21.
Reuben Kamanga, the General Secretary of FAZ, expressed deep regret in a statement, saying, “We regret to announce the death of one of our female players, Norin Betani, who was in the provisional squad for the Ghana match.” Kamanga highlighted that Betani, feeling unwell upon reporting to the camp, was promptly taken to Kanyama Level One Hospital, with the FAZ maintaining close communication with her family throughout the process.
Despite undergoing medical care, Betani’s health deteriorated, leading to her referral to the University Teaching Hospital on Monday. The football association, along with Betani’s family and her club, Indeni Roses, collaborated closely during her hospitalization. Kamanga clarified that the decision to seek medical attention was based on recommendations from the team medics
by Silas Boahene | Feb 22, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International
World Athletics is exploring a novel approach to measuring long jump take-offs, contemplating the introduction of a “take-off zone” in lieu of the traditional wooden board. Discussions suggest that instead of penalizing athletes for foot crossings, the jump would be gauged from the point of take-off to the landing spot in the pit. World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon expressed the aim of making every jump count, enhancing the excitement and drama of competitions. The move is motivated by a desire to minimize no-jump instances, with around a third of jumps at the 2023 World Championships deemed invalid due to overstepping. The proposed changes align with World Athletics’ commitment to continual improvement and a quest for faster, more captivating field events. Ridgeon acknowledges potential resistance to the shift from athletes accustomed to the traditional board but emphasizes the importance of testing the concept rigorously before any implementation. Additionally, World Athletics is contemplating the introduction of an annual global event during non-championship years to maintain a consistent level of engagement in the sport. The organization aims to enhance the overall appeal and accessibility of athletics.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 21, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Kasim Ocansey Mingle, the coach of Nations FC, is determined to secure the Ghana Premier League title in the current season. The Abrankese-based club, in their inaugural Ghana Premier League appearance, showcased commendable performance with 8 victories, 3 draws, and 6 losses in the first half of the campaign.
Nations FC overcame a challenging start to finish fourth in the domestic top-flight after the initial rounds. As the Premier League resumes this weekend following the closure of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Nations FC’s week 18 fixture against Dreams FC has been postponed due to the latter’s involvement in the CAF Confederations Cup.
Looking ahead to the second round, Coach Mingle expressed his team’s ambition to clinch the Ghana Premier League title. He stated, “We will win the league if the opportunity comes, but if we are unable to win it, we will ensure we finish in a respectable position. It’s football; we have to aim high. All clubs competing in the league’s ultimate aim is to win it, so we are aiming at that goal.”
by Silas Boahene | Feb 21, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Nicholas Mensah, the midfielder for Asante Kotoko, has conveyed a strong commitment from himself and his teammates to do whatever it takes to secure the Ghana Premier League title by the end of the season.
Despite a challenging start to the campaign, the Porcupine Warriors showed significant improvement, finishing third in the first half of the domestic top-flight season. As the Premier League resumes this weekend, Kotoko is set to face Heart of Lions in the week 18 fixture.
In an interview with the club’s media, Mensah, who recently returned from suspension, called on the fans to unite and support the team as they strive to clinch the league title. He assured them of the players’ dedication, stating, “We expect our fans to unite and rally behind us. We assure them that we will win the Ghana Premier League title. We have been talking to ourselves, and we will do everything possible to win the title at the end of the season.”
