by Silas Boahene | Jan 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has terminated the contract of Black Stars coach Chris Hughton with immediate effect. The decision, announced on January 23, 2024, also involves the dissolution of the technical team of the national football squad. Following Ghana’s disappointing draw with Mozambique, relinquishing a two-goal lead during the Africa Cup of Nations, Hughton took responsibility for the team’s performance. Despite expressing accountability, he did not submit his resignation. The GFA plans to unveil a roadmap for the future direction of the Black Stars in the coming days.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 23, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Nigeria
Navigating the unpredictable world of boxing, filled with its highs and lows, requires a manager to remain steady amidst the unexpected turns. Michael Amoo-Bediako, CEO of Streetwise Management, is well-acquainted with this reality, having encountered both successes and challenges in 2023.
As the new year unfolds, Amoo-Bediako takes a moment to discuss the status of his fighters, including former world champion Richard Commey and super featherweight contender Oluwaseun Wahab. He also shares insights into the current state of Ghanaian boxing and his commitment to fostering the next generation of boxers.
In a recent interview with BoxingAfrica.com, Amoo-Bediako reflects on the events of 2023 and outlines his plans for the future. Despite Commey’s unfortunate loss to Jose Ramirez, Amoo-Bediako expresses confidence in grooming the next generation of Ghanaian boxers by providing them with the right platform for success.
The CEO details the highs and lows of the past year, highlighting the achievements of his fighters in various international bouts. He addresses the challenges Commey faced in his fight against Ramirez, citing weight struggles as a contributing factor to the unexpected outcome.
Discussing the plans for Richard Commey’s future, Amoo-Bediako reveals a two-year extension of Commey’s promotional deal with DiBella Entertainment. However, due to a medical issue, Commey is currently not fit to fight.
Amoo-Bediako dismisses the notion of Commey retiring, stating that the decision seems to have been taken out of his hands. He also discusses Oluwaseun Wahab’s comeback from his first career loss and outlines plans to secure him an international fight in the coming year.
Managing a diverse roster of fighters, Amoo-Bediako introduces two UK-based prospects and hints at exciting prospects from Ghana. Despite past disagreements with the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), he expresses a desire to mend relations for the greater good of Ghanaian boxing.
Amoo-Bediako emphasizes the static state of Ghana boxing, attributing it to a lack of promotions and opportunities for boxers to showcase their talents. He calls for a collective effort from stakeholders to address the challenges and uplift the sport in Ghana.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 23, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria
Elizabeth Oshoba, the WBC silver featherweight champion, is emerging as a special talent for Nigeria in the world of boxing. At just 24 years old, Oshoba has an impressive undefeated record of 7-0, with 4 knockouts. Her latest triumph occurred on January 13, when she secured the WBC silver title with a 10th-round TKO victory over Italy’s Michela Braga at Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Over the past few years, Oshoba has predominantly fought in Europe, solidifying her reputation as one of the best female boxers from Africa. Before her recent victory against Braga, she competed in her last four fights in the UK, including a notable decision win over Italy’s Martina Righi in Swindon, England, in November 2023.
Oshoba’s success in the professional circuit is not surprising, given her background as an accomplished amateur. She clinched a silver medal in the featherweight division at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Now, with an undefeated record and the WBC silver title in her possession, Oshoba is on the brink of a world title shot, positioning herself to be recognized among the greatest female boxers ever to emerge from Africa.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 23, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has levied a fine of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) on the Ghana Football Association following incidents involving fans during the Africa Cup of Nations Match 4 between Ghana and Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
According to the Safety and Security Official’s report, two groups of Ghanaian supporters engaged in a scuffle at half-time at stand N°18, with the use of tear gas during the incident. The Disciplinary Board made the decision after a thorough examination of all facts, allegations, legal arguments, and evidence presented during the proceedings.
The Ghana Football Association is required to settle the fine within 60 days from the date of the decision.
In response, the Ghana Football Association released a statement urging supporter groups and all Ghanaians present in Cote d’Ivoire to support the Black Stars with the utmost decorum within the laws of the game. The statement also mentioned plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which oversaw the supporters’ travel to the tournament, and the leaders of the supporter groups to prevent any future occurrences.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 23, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian journalists covering the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in CĂ´te d’Ivoire found themselves in a heated confrontation with players and officials of the Ghana national team after their 2-2 draw with Mozambique. This result has placed the team in a precarious position, increasing the likelihood of another group stage exit in the competition.
Despite holding a two-goal lead past the 90th minute mark in Abidjan on Monday evening, the Black Stars conceded two late goals, leaving them in 3rd place in Group B with only 2 points from three games. Their chances of advancing to the round of 16 now depend on a significant turn of events.
Following the match, journalists sought interviews with players and officials in the mixed zone, but their attempts were met with snubs, leading to agitations and verbal exchanges. CAF security officials had to step in to defuse the situation.
In a video shared on the social media platform ‘X’ by journalist Saddick Adams, some Ghanaian journalists can be heard directing insults towards the players and the coach. Another video, as seen by Joy Sports, captured defender Mohammed Salisu engaged in a heated exchange with a journalist.
