by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Black Starlets are scheduled to resume their training camp at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Saturday, February 17, 2024. This marks the beginning of the second phase of camping for the team, following a three-week break in December.
The players, chosen through a nationwide scouting program, will assemble for this crucial phase as the technical team aims to identify and select the most promising talents to form the core of the team. The upcoming training exercise is seen as a vital step in the ongoing preparations for the Black Starlets as they gear up for future competitions.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Black Princesses commenced their training in Paris on Monday, February 12, following their arrival in France on Sunday for a week-long training tour as part of their preparations for the 13th edition of the African Games scheduled for Accra in 2024.
Under the guidance of head coach Yussif Basigi, the Princesses held their first session at the National Football Centre in Clairefontaine, receiving assistance from coaches affiliated with the France Football Federation.
As part of their intensive preparation, the team is set to engage in several high-profile friendly matches during their stay in Paris, providing valuable exposure and experience before their return to Ghana for the African Games in March.
This training initiative is a key component of the collaborative “Ghana Olympique-GO!” project, a partnership between the France Football Federation (FFF) and the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Facilitated by the France Embassy in Accra, this strategic collaboration aims to professionalize women’s football by benefiting over 20 Ghanaian players, coaches, and referees.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a recent statement, Hearts of Oak’s Public Relations Officer, Kwame Opare Addo, expressed the club’s confidence in newly appointed head coach Aboubakar Ouattara, stating their belief that he will lead the team to greater heights. Ouattara, who previously served as the Technical Director at Wydad Club Athletic, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Phobians and is set to take charge of training sessions for the upcoming second round.
“We have confidence in him that he would be able to help us move forward, looking at the work he has done previously,” said Opare Addo in an interview with Asempa FM. “Once we throw our support behind him, he will be successful with us.”
Ouattara’s return to the Ghana football scene comes nearly two decades after his earlier stint with Asante Kotoko and King Faisal. As the third individual to lead the technical department of Hearts of Oak this season, he follows in the footsteps of Dutchman Martinus Koopman and caretaker coach Abdul Bashiru, who managed the team during various periods in the first round of the Ghana Premier League.
With Hearts of Oak gearing up for the second round, the club is optimistic about Ouattara’s impact and is eager to see the experienced Ivorian tactician guide them to success in the Ghana Premier League.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
In an interview with Sportblog247.com, Coach Philip Boakye expressed his determination to guide the Ghana Futsal team to the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Azerbaijan after their impressive qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The coach discussed various aspects of their journey, including preparation, overcoming setbacks, and the long-term goal of competing on the global stage.
Preparation for the Africa qualifiers
Boakye highlighted the team’s successful preparations in Prampram before their crucial home match against Cote D’Ivoire in Cape Coast. Motivated by the support from the association, the team benefited from adequate preparations leading up to the AFCON qualification.
Assembling the squad
Assembling the squad posed no difficulty, as players were selected from the Futsal league, allowing the coaching staff to make informed choices based on the players’ performances in the league.
Factors accounting for the 1st leg loss
The coach acknowledged some unexpected factors that contributed to their 4-0 loss in the first leg against Cote D’Ivoire. However, the team remained resilient, quickly regrouping and planning for a comeback in the return leg.
Belief ahead of the 2nd leg in Abidjan
Motivated by the president’s encouragement, the team entered the return leg with determination to overturn the home result. Strategic adjustments and corrections from the first leg allowed them to secure a convincing 6-2 victory and qualify for the AFCON.
Targets for the Africa Cup of Nations
Boakye emphasized the team’s ultimate goal of reaching the FIFA Futsal World Cup and expressed their commitment to giving their best in the upcoming AFCON in Morocco.
Support from the Association and the call for Corporate Ghana’s involvement
The coach expressed gratitude to the Ghana Football Association, the president, the government, and the entire nation for their support. He also highlighted the need for Corporate Ghana to contribute to the development of Futsal, acknowledging the game’s growth in North Africa and urging local support to help Ghana make strides in the sport.
As the team gears up for the eighth edition of the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, Morocco, from April 8-17, 2024, Coach Boakye remains focused on achieving success and securing a spot in the prestigious FIFA Futsal World Cup.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
A highly anticipated showdown is brewing at the Paramount in Huntington, NY, as Star Boxing presents a thrilling encounter on February 23. The featured clash at “Rockin’ Fights” 46 will see the hard-hitting Wendy Toussaint face off against the tactical Mponda Kalunga in a 10-round bout for the WBA Continental USA Super Welterweight Championship.
Toussaint, boasting an impressive record of 15-2 with 8 KOs, is a force to be reckoned with in the ring. Hailing from the streets of Haiti, his journey to the New York boxing scene is nothing short of inspirational. Known for his ferocious fighting style and ability to deliver exhilarating knockouts, Toussaint has solidified himself as a top contender in the super welterweight division.
On the other side of the ring is Mponda Kalunga, aka “The Egyptian Prince,” with a record of 11-2 and 3 KOs. Training and fighting out of Toronto, Canada, Kalunga brings a unique flair and determined spirit that has earned him a devoted fanbase. His precision, speed, and adaptability to his opponent’s style make him a formidable force.
The clash between Toussaint and Kalunga is not just a battle for the championship; it represents a collision of two distinct fighting styles and backgrounds. The aggressive, power-driven approach of Toussaint contrasts sharply with Kalunga’s methodical and tactical prowess, promising a thrilling and unpredictable battle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
