by Silas Boahene | Feb 11, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Following a spectacular comeback in Abidjan, where they secured a 6-2 victory against Cote D’Ivoire in the 2024 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Ghana’s Futsal national team has returned home. Despite a challenging 4-0 deficit from the first leg in Cape Coast, Ghana defied the odds and will now compete in the upcoming AFCON tournament in Rabat, Morocco.
The upcoming appearance marks the Futsal team’s return to the Africa Cup of Nations since 1996, where they lost to Egypt in the final. In recognition of their achievement, President Simeon-Okraku visited the team to extend his congratulations and ensure continuous support from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) during their preparations for the tournament.
President Simeon-Okraku expressed pride in the team’s resilience, stating, ”We are very proud of you and will do anything to support you during your preparation and participation in the tournament in Morocco.” Despite the initial setback of losing the first leg at home, he commended the team for their unity, determination, and character in achieving a remarkable victory in Abidjan.
”I am super proud of you and wish to congratulate you on making it to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco,” he added.
The 2024 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, from April 8 to 17, 2024. The top three teams from the tournament will secure qualification for the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan as representatives of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
by Silas Boahene | Feb 11, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
In a significant move, promising super middleweight boxer Delali Miledzi has committed to making history by clinching Ghana’s first-ever world title in the super middleweight division of boxing.
Despite Ghana’s rich boxing legacy, the country has yet to produce a world champion in the super middleweight category. Following the renewal of his contract with Landmark Boxing Promotions for an additional three years, Miledzi, holding a professional record of 22 wins, one loss, and a draw, voiced his determination to rewrite the narrative and capture the coveted world title in his division.
Confident in his abilities, Miledzi stated, “I believe in myself and know my worth. After gaining the necessary exposure, I feel it’s time to aim for the world title.”
Standing tall at six feet three inches with an extensive arm reach, Miledzi emphasized his refined jab and readiness to make a lasting impact on the sport, aiming to leave a legacy not only for himself but also for his country.
“I’ve been putting in the hard work over the years, and I believe now is my moment to clinch the world title,” he affirmed.
Landmark Promotions CEO, Anthony Kermah, hailed Miledzi as Ghana’s best-kept secret and a solid contender for a world championship title. “Upon meeting Delali, his dedication and determination were evident, and his aspiration for a world title is well-founded,” Kermah remarked.
While the specific terms of the contract remain undisclosed, the three-year partnership entails Landmark Promotions managing Miledzi, overseeing his welfare, and handling fight contracts. Miledzi’s trainer, George Addy, expressed confidence that under his guidance, the boxer would continue to train rigorously and seize the world title this year.
“In the super middleweight division, Miledzi possesses a potential that I haven’t seen in any Ghanaian boxer in the past four decades. He represents Ghana’s future in this division,” Addy concluded.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 10, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
AC Milan’s winger, Samuel Chukwueze, is gearing up for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals after Nigeria secured a spot with a penalty shootout victory over South Africa on Wednesday. The Super Eagles are set to face tournament hosts Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday, following their earlier group stage encounter, which Nigeria won 1-0.
Chukwueze, participating in his third AFCON tournament, has a history of scoring in the competition and is eager to make his mark again. Having played in 4 out of 6 games for the Super Eagles, accumulating 230 minutes on the field, Chukwueze is a key player in Nigeria’s quest for the AFCON crown.
The Serie A is well-represented in the final, with notable players like Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), and Chukwueze donning the Nigerian colors. On the Ivory Coast side, Christian Kouame (Fiorentina) and Evan Ndicka (AS Roma) add to the Serie A presence.
For AC Milan supporters, the final may bring conflicting emotions, as former midfielder Franck Kessie (Al Ahli), a pivotal figure for Ivory Coast, delivered an outstanding performance in the quarter-finals, earning the Man of the Match award. Other familiar faces from Serie A include Wilfried Singo (Torino-Monaco) and Jeremie Boga (Sassuolo-Nice).
With Nigeria aiming for their fourth AFCON title, having last won in 2013, and Ivory Coast seeking their third title, last crowned in 2015, the final promises an exciting clash. Notably, no host nation has lifted the AFCON trophy since Egypt in 2006.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 10, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The highly anticipated final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is set to take place on Sunday, featuring hosts Ivory Coast facing off against Nigeria in a clash for international glory. The tournament has been marked by surprising outcomes and dramatic moments, with Ivory Coast’s journey to the final being particularly chaotic.
Ivory Coast, almost eliminated in the group stage and subsequently parting ways with their coach, navigated through Senegal and Mali with dramatic wins. They now face Nigeria, a team that previously defeated them 1-0 in the group stage.
The Super Eagles, steadily impressive throughout AFCON, are on the verge of making history. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the AFCON final:
Match Details:
- Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
- Stadium: Alassane Ouattara Stadium
- Date: Sunday, February 11
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Referee: To be confirmed
- VAR: To be confirmed
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games):
- Nigeria: 3 wins
- Ivory Coast: 2 wins
- Draws: 0
- Last Meeting: Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria (18 January 2024) – AFCON 2023
Current Form:
- Nigeria: WWWWW
- Ivory Coast: LLWWW
How to Watch:
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Football, BBC iPlayer, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event, BBC3, BBC Sport Web, SKY GO Extra
- United States: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español
- Canada: fuboTV Canada, beIN SPORTS en Espanol, beIN Sports Canada, Fanatiz Canada, beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada
Nigeria Team News: Coach Jose Peseiro is likely to field a familiar starting XI with no fresh injury concerns. Victor Osimhen will be supported by Serie A star Ademola Lookman.
Nigeria Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Nwabali; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Osayi-Samuel, Onyeka, Iwobi, Aina; Simon, Lookman; Osimhen.
Ivory Coast Team News: Manager Emerse Fae is expected to stick with the semi-final lineup. Sebastien Haller will lead the line, and Nicolas Pepe might replace Max Gradel on the right wing.
Ivory Coast Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Fofana; Aurier, Boly, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Seri, Fofana; Pepe, Haller, Adingra.
Prediction: Despite Ivory Coast’s momentum and home advantage, Nigeria’s class, featuring players like Osimhen, Lookman, and Moses Simon, gives them an edge. Predicted score: Nigeria 2-1 Ivory Coast.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 10, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Arsenal Invincible and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Kolo Toure, has lauded the talents of Victor Osimhen ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final between Ivory Coast and Nigeria. Toure emphasized the threat posed by Osimhen’s speed and physical prowess, particularly during Nigeria’s transition plays.
Toure, highlighting Osimhen’s ability to draw defenders and create space for teammates despite scoring only one goal in the tournament, stressed the importance for Ivory Coast defenders to match his speed and neutralize his impact.
In an interview with Sportblog247.com, Toure outlined the danger in Nigeria’s playing style, where they shift to a 5-4-1 formation and quickly transition to counter-attacks, with Osimhen making dynamic runs into space. He emphasized the need for Ivory Coast to have fast defenders to anticipate Osimhen’s movements and effectively counter the Nigerian team’s attacking strategy.
Toure acknowledged that while Osimhen is a key figure for Nigeria, their success is also built on defensive solidity. He praised Jose Peseiro’s team for their defensive prowess, highlighting their near-perfect record of consecutive clean sheets, only disrupted by South Africa’s late penalty in the semi-final.
The warning from Kolo Toure adds an intriguing perspective to the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations final, suggesting that Ivory Coast’s defenders will need to be on high alert to contain the threat posed by the “super powerful player,” Victor Osimhen.
