by Silas Boahene | Feb 1, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Princess Marfo, the 20-year-old Ghanaian midfielder, has completed a permanent transfer to the US-based side Bay Football Club, signing a long-term deal. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit has secured Marfo’s services until 2025, with an option to extend the contract for an additional year.
A product of the Right to Dream Academy, Marfo made history as the first female graduate to transition from the academy to play for the Nordsjaelland women’s team in 2022. In her inaugural full season with the Danish club during the 2022/23 campaign, she showcased her talent by scoring two goals in 22 appearances.
Bay FC General Manager Lucy Rushton expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, describing Marfo as an exciting and young talent. Rushton emphasized the club’s belief in Marfo’s growth and potential, anticipating that their environment would further nurture her skills as a professional player. The addition of Marfo is expected to bring a new dimension to Bay FC’s attack.
Pending the receipt of her P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC), Marfo will soon join her new team and be officially added to the roster. The move to Bay FC represents a significant step in Marfo’s career as she continues to make strides in the competitive world of women’s football.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2023 Africa Games has announced that a test run of hosting facilities in Accra is scheduled for February 8, 2024. Mustapha Ussif, the Minister for Youth and Sports, confirmed the completion of work on the facilities, with contractors preparing for the handing over process.
Following a meeting with the Technical Committee for the Africa Games and the LOC, Ussif extended an invitation to the media to cover the testing of facilities by Team Ghana. He emphasized the readiness of the hosting facilities and expressed confidence in the successful completion of the test run.
“The work on the facilities is finished, and the contracts are receiving their handing over certificates. For the work on the facilities, we are done,” stated Ussif.
He further announced that on February 8, Team Ghana would conduct a test run, utilizing the hosting facilities to ensure their functionality and readiness for the upcoming Africa Games. Ussif urged the media to attend and cover the event to showcase the progress made.
However, it’s worth noting that as of a recent visit to the University of Ghana Stadium, the main venue for the games, on January 26, ongoing work was observed. While the tartan tracks in the main stadium were yet to be fixed, progress was evident in the installation of the warm-up track.
The test run represents a crucial step in the preparations for the 2023 Africa Games, allowing organizers to address any remaining issues and ensure a seamless experience for participants and spectators.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 1, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Álvaro Monteiro Magalhães, the esteemed 63-year-old Benfica and Portugal football legend, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the position of Black Stars coach. Armed with a UEFA PRO License, the highest coaching certification in football, Magalhães brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to his candidacy.
Having retired as a player, Álvaro began his coaching career in 1994 at Lusitânia Futebol Clube, subsequently managing 14 clubs, including prominent names like Santa Clara, Gil Vicente, and Vitória de Guimarães. The former Portuguese left-back, widely known as Álvaro during his playing days, is seeking to guide the Black Stars to success amid the ongoing search for a new coach led by a five-member committee headed by GFA Vice President Mark Addo.
The Ghana Football Association took the decision to part ways with coach Christ Hughton and disband the technical team of the Black Stars after a disappointing performance in AFCON 2023. Álvaro Magalhães, recognizing the opportunity to contribute to the development and triumph of the Black Stars, officially submitted his application on January 30, 2024.
Magalhães boasts an impressive coaching career, winning the Girabola for Interclube in 2010, and aims to leverage his expertise, experience, and strategic approach to lead the Black Stars to victory in various competitions. As a player, he played a pivotal role in Benfica’s success, securing four Primeira Liga titles and multiple domestic and European cup triumphs.
The selection process for the Black Stars coach involves careful consideration of coaching experience, tactical understanding, leadership qualities, and the ability to work effectively with players. Álvaro Magalhães’ application reflects his belief in the team’s potential and his dedication to utilizing his skills to guide the players towards achieving their goals.
Overall, the veteran’s application signifies his aspiration to contribute to the success of the Black Stars, and the decision-makers will assess his suitability for the role with a keen eye on revitalizing the team’s performance and future prospects.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
In a transparent and fair election organized by the National Sports Authority (NSA) on January 27, 2024, at the Media Center of the Accra Sports Stadium, Yakubu Abdul Razak secured the position of President of the Ghana Kickboxing Association. His opponent, Mr. Raja Owusu-Ansah, gracefully accepted defeat in the well-conducted election.
Yakubu Abdul Razak, also known as “Commando,” garnered 14 votes, while former President Raja Owusu-Ansah received 12 votes in the keenly contested election. The Vice President position initially resulted in a tie, leading to a rerun where Steavano Kojo Tuekpe emerged victorious with 13 votes against Isaac Aikins’ 9 votes.
Sakeyfio Winslow triumphed over Samuel Mensah in the Treasurer position, securing 16 votes to Mensah’s 6 votes. The Executive Members elected include Stephen Akrong, Derrick Macaire, Isaac Kwadwo Frimpong Ansah, Wisdom Sallah, and Seth Larkotey Mensah. Joshua Tei Mensah took the place of Wilfred Nii Ansah Annan, who withdrew from the race.
The election witnessed the active participation of various constituents, including clubs, gyms, referees, and coaches of the Ghana Kickboxing Association. Delegates voted peacefully and harmoniously, creating an atmosphere of unity within the kickboxing community.
Mr. Hussien Addy, the NSA Representative overseeing the election, commended both the delegates and contestants for their exemplary conduct. The newly elected President, Yakubu Abdul Razak, expressed his commitment to uniting all stakeholders in kickboxing and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to develop and promote the sport. He also appealed to potential sponsors to support the growth of kickboxing in Ghana.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 1, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
Tanzanian boxer Hassan Mwakinyo achieved a significant milestone on Sunday as he claimed the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa title with a seventh-round knockout against Ghanaian boxer Elvis Ahorgah. The thrilling 10-round bout took place at the New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar.
Expressing his joy after the victory, Mwakinyo revealed that winning the WBO Africa middleweight title had been his long-standing dream. Despite acknowledging the toughness of the fight and Ahorgah’s skill as a formidable opponent, Mwakinyo emphasized his readiness to take on more challenges, expressing his desire to face Morogoro Star boxer Twaha Kiduku in the future.
Notably, Mwakinyo highlighted that it was the first time Ahorgah had conceded a knockout defeat, underscoring the difficulty of the match. With confidence, he stated that his victory was proof of his capabilities and determination to hold the prestigious WBO belt.
During the same event at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, Ibrahim Class secured a victory over Malawian boxer Israel Kammwamba, delivering a knockout in the second round of their 10-round bout. Class attributed his success to thorough preparation and expressed gratitude that the match ended when it did, as the situation could have worsened for his opponent.
Reflecting on Kammwamba’s performance, Class acknowledged the Malawian boxer’s strength and powerful punches, admitting to facing challenges in the first round. The victory further solidified Class’s position in the boxing arena, showcasing his readiness for formidable opponents in the future.
