by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a surprising turn of events during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16 match between Ivory Coast and Senegal, a controversial report by UK-based news outlet Daily Mail has triggered widespread anger among Africans on social media. The match, which saw Ivory Coast triumph over defending champions Senegal in a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout, was marred by allegations of unfair and racist-driven reporting.
Despite the impressive display of football by both teams, the Daily Mail’s coverage focused narrowly on a single incident where the referee consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to make a crucial penalty decision. The report erroneously claimed that Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe was booked for diving, whereas the official match report clarified that the booking was actually for Christian Kouame for dissent.
This misleading report, coupled with the emphasis on a singular incident, has sparked outrage among Africans, particularly from Ghana, Nigeria, and other nations, who have accused the media house of racism. Many argue that the standard of officiating in the AFCON surpasses that of the Premier League and express frustration at the apparent bias in the coverage.
The host nation, Ivory Coast, secured a remarkable victory over Senegal in the latest upset at the AFCON tournament. The Elephants, led by an interim coach after consecutive defeats to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, faced the red-hot Teranga Lions at Stade de Yamoussoukro. The game featured a goal from Habib Diallo canceled out by a penalty converted by Frank Kessie in the regulation time, ultimately leading to a goalless extra time and a dramatic penalty shootout that decided the outcome.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana
The Cape Coast Stadium witnessed an exhilarating end to the 1st National Open Championship for the Ghana Athletics season, featuring dazzling performances from over 300 athletes representing schools, clubs, regions, and the security services. The competition aimed to identify potential talents for the national athletics team, gearing up for the Africa Games in March and other major international competitions throughout the year.
Athletes engaged fiercely in selected track and field events, captivating spectators with their exceptional skills and determination to clinch championship titles. Notable moments included a thrilling Women’s 100m finals, where Mary Boakye of Ghana Armed Forces and SWAG Female Athlete of the Year nominee Janet Mensah of SAGNATION battled fiercely, with Mensah securing victory in a photo-finish.
A highlight of the championship was Ebenezer Gyimah’s remarkable high jump of 2.12m for Fosbry flob in the men’s category, a feat unseen locally since 2005. Sarfo Ansah displayed consistency in the 100m men’s event, while Edwin Gadayi showcased improvement in the 200m men’s event.
Expressing his excitement, GA President Bawa Fuseini commended the athletes, singling out the Men and Women 400m, Women 100m, Men’s high jump, and other events as particularly promising for the upcoming Africa Games. He stated, “The competition has been very successful as their season open championship. With two of such competitions, these athletes will be ready to take on Africa during the Africa Games in March.”
The event saw the presence of officials from the National Sports Authority, local leaders in Cape Coast, and Ghana Athletics Executive Committee members, including Vice President Charles Osei Asibey, Treasurer Christopher Darko Amankrah, CEO Phillipina Frimpong, and Committee members Dr. Marc Dzradosi and Sup. Alhassan Bawa. The next anticipated GA event is the National Inter Schools Athletics.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International
Over the weekend, Ghanaian athletes abroad showcased exceptional performances, breaking national, meet, and school records during the third week of the 2024 indoor season in and around the USA.
In the high jump category, Rose Yeboah, the record holder for both Ghana’s national high jump outdoor and indoor records, surpassed her own indoor national record and her school’s 25-year record, achieving an impressive height of 1.88m. In the men’s high jump, Cadman Evans Yemoah, holder of both indoor and outdoor national records, cleared 2.18m, establishing a new meet record.
The long jump and triple jump events saw notable achievements, with Abraham Seaneke opening his season with a 7.60m long jump, and Sakina Omar achieving a 5.68m long jump. Rasford Nti recorded a triple jump distance of 13.32m.
In the Men’s 60m, Benjamin Azamati made a strong season start, running 6.57 in the heat and 6.61 in the final. In the Women’s 60m, Hor Halutie achieved personal bests throughout the day, clocking an impressive 7.53 in the final.
Pearl Awanya, a rising Ghanaian sprinter, impressed in the Women’s 400m, breaking the facility record with a time of 54.61 seconds. Other outstanding performances included Rejoice Agbawodie in the shot put and weight throw, William Amponsah’s personal best in the 3000m (8:09.84), and Vanee Anchike’s NJCAA best in the 1000m (2:57.62).
The Ghanaian athletes demonstrated remarkable prowess, setting the stage for a promising indoor season.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Prominent sports administrator Herbert Mensah has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to prioritize building a stronger connection with football fans off the field, particularly in the aftermath of the Black Stars’ disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Asante Kotoko CEO emphasized the need for the GFA to enhance its efforts in engaging Ghanaian supporters. Mensah, who currently serves as the Rugby Africa chief, highlighted the importance of recognizing the fans’ role in the success of any sports endeavor.
“Football and sports are integral to life, and our passion for the game, especially football, is unparalleled. Despite financial constraints and a lack of government sponsorship, our focus should be on the fans. In our rebuilding process, we initially prioritized giving the fans the respect they deserve,” Mensah stated.
He emphasized the significance of fan support in filling stadiums and garnering sponsorships, stressing that building a positive relationship with the fan base should be a primary focus for football administrators.
Concluding his plea, Mensah called on football administrators to strengthen their commitment to national team football and address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the recent disappointments, citing past instances like Brazil 2014, Qatar 2022, Equatorial Guinea 2012, and events in Abidjan.
“At what point can supporters feel confident in this product? Something is amiss, and proactive measures must be taken in the best interest of the Ghanaian football fan,” he concluded.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Dr. Gifty Oware-Mensah, an Executive Council Member and owner of Women’s Premier League team Berry Ladies, has received official endorsement as the Chairperson for the Management Committee of the Black Queens. Known for her dynamic leadership and extensive experience in football administration, Dr. Oware-Mensah secured the women’s football slot in the recent Executive Council elections.
This marks her first term serving on the Executive Council, where her expertise will now be directed towards leading the Management Committee for the Black Queens. In addition, Alhaji Salifu Zida, Chairman of the Upper East Regional Football Association, has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the Committee.
Other distinguished members of the committee include ASP Naomi Abdulai, Rose Osei Bonsu, and Nana Fosu Gyeabour. The lineup represents a diverse and skilled team poised to contribute to the advancement of women’s football under Dr. Gifty Oware-Mensah’s leadership.
