by Silas Boahene | Sep 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Basake Holy Stars head coach, Abdulai Gazale, attributed his team’s surprising 1-0 win over Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League to The Phobians underestimating his side. Making their league debut, Holy Stars shocked Hearts with a second-minute goal by Prince Tweneboah at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Despite Hearts dominating possession with 69% compared to Basake’s 31%, they failed to capitalize on their chances, losing their opening game of the season. Gazale, a former assistant coach at Kumasi Asante Kotoko, noted that Hearts’ lack of respect towards his team contributed to the outcome, stating, “They underrated us… If you disrespect your opponents, they will discipline you.”
Hearts of Oak will face Kpando Heart of Lions in their next match on September 15.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Black Princesses have been eliminated from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup for the seventh consecutive time, despite securing a win in their final group stage match against New Zealand. Ghana’s fate was sealed by Argentina’s victory over Costa Rica, which secured the final third-place slot, leaving Ghana unable to progress.
The Black Princesses began their 2024 World Cup campaign in Colombia with a 2-1 loss to Austria, followed by a 4-1 defeat to Japan. Though their 1-0 win against New Zealand earned them three points, it was not enough to advance them past the group stage. Coach Yussif Basigi, hoping for an upset in the Argentina match, made a tactical change by starting goalkeeper Jenna Sapong, but Argentina’s win rendered the match inconsequential.
Ghana entered the tournament with high hopes after winning gold in women’s football at the 2023 African Games, but their early exit raises concerns about deeper issues within the team. Meanwhile, African teams Nigeria and Cameroon have advanced to the next round, with Nigeria finishing second in their group and Cameroon progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The newly elected executive board of the Ghana Skaters Association has officially been sworn into office, with Mr. Johnson Kwaku Gameli KportĂĽfe assuming the role of President. Other key members include Mr. Godfrey W. Amarteifio as 1st Vice President, Mr. Reginald George Quartey (Zone 1 Vice President), Mr. Andrew Bampoe-Parry (Zone 2 Vice President), Mr. Emmanuel Lartey (Zone 3 Vice President), and Mr. Eric Fordjour (Zone 4 Vice President).
The Secretary-General position is held by Mr. Prosper Ashiquaye Doku, with Mr. NANA Yaw Quansah serving as Deputy Secretary-General. Mr. George Bamfo has taken on the role of Treasurer, while Mr. Solomon Anim-Owusu serves as Athlete Representative, and Ms. Josephine Darkwah is the Women’s Commissioner.
Lawyer Devine Kweku Asigbetsey encouraged the new executives to work diligently to develop the sport. President KportĂĽfe emphasized unity and commitment to advancing skating in Ghana, and the board has pledged to initiate a range of activities in the coming weeks.
The Ghana Skaters Association, formerly known as the Federation of Roller Sports, rebranded in January 2023 following an annual general meeting. An interim committee was tasked with developing the constitution and planning events, which led to the recent elections overseen by an election committee chaired by Mr. Kwadjo Baah Agyemang.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Rising kickboxer Edmund Akator, who controversially lost at the 2023 African Open held at the Korea Sports Complex in Tema, is determined to claim victory at the 2024 edition. Speaking at a press launch on Thursday at Decathlon Kawukudi, Akator expressed his confidence and readiness to make amends, promising to deliver a knockout against his opponent, Darko.
“I am always a winner, I didn’t lose last year; the officials gave the decision to my opponent. This time, I’ll make sure to knock him out and make my fans proud,” Akator assured.
Jonathan Lamptey, who previously defeated Cossa Richard, is also set to fight and vowed to secure another victory.
The 2024 African Open, set to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium, will feature Boxing, Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Promoter and WKU Vice President Steavano Tuepke acknowledged the challenges in securing sponsorships but promised an exciting event filled with sports and entertainment. Celebrities like Chris Attoh and designer Elikem are expected to attend.
Decathlon and Twellium Industrial Company are sponsoring the event with their products. Former Ghana Kickboxing Association President Nii Dr. Adote Dzata I, aka Joe Mingle, encouraged fighters to train seriously and pursue the sport professionally for greater rewards.
Mr. Yoofi Boham, a former Vice President, emphasized the need for more promotions and licensing of promoters to grow the sport, while current President Mr. Yakubu Abdul-Razak highlighted ongoing efforts to sustain kickboxing and boost media engagement.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Nii Dr. Adote Dzata I has called on the current executives of the Ghana Kickboxing Association to intensify efforts in promoting kickboxing and other combat sports as means of self-defense and personal safety. Speaking at the Decathlon Sports Shop in Kawukudi during the launch of the 2024 African Open—scheduled for Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium—he emphasized that kickboxing is an interesting and lucrative sport that should be organized professionally.
Steavano Tuekpe, the current Vice President of the federation and the event’s promoter, noted that the sport offers more than just fighting skills; it instills discipline and other valuable traits. Mr. Yakubu Abdul Razak, also known as “Commando” and the President of Ghana Kickboxing, described kickboxing as both a profession and a pastime. He encouraged parents to introduce their children to the sport, highlighting its rapid global growth.
He also mentioned that Ghana has produced world-class fighters and champions such as Steavano Tuekpe, Lawrence Nmai, Nii Dzata (also known as Joe Mingle), Alhassan Okine, and Gerald Dah. Boxing consultant and former Vice President of the Ghana Kickboxing Association, Yoofi Boham, urged the federation to take the management and promotion of the sport seriously, emphasizing its benefits for self-defense.
Boham cautioned against individuals who falsely present themselves as fighters, as they undermine the accomplishments of genuine athletes. He also urged fighters to train diligently and enter the ring in peak condition.
The upcoming African Open 2024 will feature three titles: the Africa Pro, Intercontinental, and Continental belts. Winners will become ambassadors for the sport, collaborating with the federation to promote kickboxing. Representatives from Decathlon and Twellium Industrial, producers of Verna Mineral Water, have pledged their support for the upcoming event and future initiatives.PLS REPHRASE WITH A TITLE
