by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dreams FC has officially announced the transfer of their 18-year-old winger, Abdul Aziz Issah, to Spanish giants FC Barcelona, with the deal finalized on transfer deadline day.
Issah, recognized by CAF as one of Africa’s brightest young talents, caught the attention of top clubs with his stellar performances in the CAF Confederation Cup last season. He scored four goals and provided two assists in ten matches, playing a crucial role in Dreams FC’s historic run to the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to Zamalek.
In the Ghana Premier League, Issah was a key contributor with 17 goal involvements—scoring seven goals and assisting ten others. His impressive form also extended to the FA Cup, where he netted four goals in five appearances.
A pivotal figure in Ghana’s U20 team that won gold at the Africa Games, Issah’s development at Dreams FC, including stints with Still Believe and In God We Trust FC, has culminated in this significant move to Barcelona.
He will join Barca Athletic in Spain’s third division, the Primera Federación – Group 1, with the potential to break into the first team under manager Hansi Flick if he continues to impress. Issah becomes the second Ghanaian to join Barcelona this summer, following left-back David Oduro.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Norwich City’s Forson Amankwah joins the Black Stars for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger. The midfielder is set to link up with the squad in Kumasi today, September 3, 2024, as they prepare for their Group F opener on Thursday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Amankwah, 21, has made a strong start at Carrow Road, recording two assists in six appearances since his transfer from Red Bull Salzburg. Already capped twice for Ghana, having played against Nigeria and Uganda in March, he is expected to add depth to the team.
Ghana will take on Angola on Thursday, September 5, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, before heading to Morocco to face Niger on Monday, September 9, 2024.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Black Princesses of Ghana suffered a 2-1 defeat against Austria in their opening match of the 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, held in Colombia. Despite a valiant late effort, Yussif Basigi’s team was unable to overcome the tournament debutants in the match played last night at the El-Techo Stadium in Bogota.
Ghana, entering the game as favorites, fielded a strong lineup against Markus Hackl’s Austrian side. However, Austria took an early lead when Hannah Frankhauser capitalized on a defensive mistake to score a simple tap-in in the 12th minute.
The Black Princesses’ woes continued in the 70th minute when Asana Alhassan’s handball in the box resulted in a penalty, which Nicole Ojukwu converted to double Austria’s lead.
Although Ghana dominated possession, they only managed to find the back of the net in the 93rd minute when Stella Nyamekye struck a powerful shot past the Austrian goalkeeper, reducing the deficit.
The Black Princesses will next face the 2018 champions, Japan, in their upcoming match on Thursday at 10 pm.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Shiatse and Legacy Fight Promotions, two new boxing promotion companies, were officially introduced at a high-profile press conference held last Friday at the Treehouse Restaurant, Nyaniba Estates, Labone.
Hon. Emmanuel Nii Okai Laryea, former MP for Amasaman and CEO of Shiatse Promotions, expressed that their entry into the boxing scene comes at a crucial time to support emerging talents, particularly from Ashiedu Keteke, Odododiodoo, and Ga Mashie—regions renowned for their contributions to Ghanaian boxing. He announced their inaugural event, the “Golden Hands Fight Night,” which promises to be a highly competitive spectacle.
The headline bout will feature Daniel Gorsh against Benin’s Ghislain Vodounhessi for the WBO Africa Bantamweight title, along with four other matches, including two juvenile and exhibition fights. Hon. Laryea assured that adequate security would be in place for the event, scheduled to take place on September 14 at the Treehouse Restaurant.
The President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) welcomed the new promotions and pledged the GBA’s support in elevating the sport and nurturing future champions. Mr. Samir Captan, the WBO Africa representative in Ghana, also congratulated Shiatse and Legacy Fight Promotions, encouraging them to focus on developing quality boxers.
Daniel Gorsh, aiming for his third title belt, expressed his ambition to reach the world stage, thanking his managers, trainers, and teammates at the Bronx Boxing Gym. Coach Carl Lokko affirmed their readiness to achieve this goal, while Mr. Samuel Attipoe, manager of Ghislain Vodounhessi, stated that his boxer is equally prepared, leaving the final outcome to the ring.
Mr. Swana Papa Nii Amoah of Legacy Promotions highlighted their intention to enhance the entertainment and business aspects of boxing in Ghana, with a commitment to delivering exciting and high-quality bouts.
The undercard fights will include Isaac Dowuona versus Emmanuel Nii Noi Mensah in a Lightweight contest, Godson Amuzu against Isaac Neequaye in a Welterweight clash, Felix Nunoo facing Gideon Nortey in a Super Lightweight match, and Ben Abbey battling Azumah Mohammed in another Lightweight bout.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports, Soccer, Uncategorized
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has officially opened its new state-of-the-art secretariat at the Accra Sports Stadium. The vibrant ceremony, held on Friday, was attended by notable figures including Chief Patron HE Amarkai Amartefio, former Presidents Joe Aggrey and Ebo Quansah, and several sports federation heads.
Representing the Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Director Mr. William Kartey praised SWAG’s leadership for their vision and dedication in securing a central location for their operations. He also commended the National Sports Authority (NSA) for providing the facility, highlighting the Ministry’s focus on leveraging sports for national development. Mr. Kartey urged the media to highlight positive achievements within the sports sector and to report responsibly.
Alhaji Majeed Bawa, Deputy Director General of the NSA, emphasized the importance of housing sports writers and federations together to foster collaboration. He also encouraged journalists to verify information before publication to maintain the integrity of their work.
SWAG President Mr. Kwabena Yeboah dedicated the day to the association’s first president, the late Joe Lartey, who was honored by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) before his passing. Mr. Yeboah reflected on SWAG’s journey since its inception in 1968 and acknowledged the contributions of past executives, members, and sponsors. He expressed optimism about the future, noting that the new secretariat would enhance the association’s image and operations.
During the event, Chief Patron HE Amarkai Amartefio, former Presidents Joe Aggrey and Ebo Quansah, and GHALCA Chairman Kudjoe Fianoo were awarded special SWAG gold medals for their invaluable contributions to the organization. Entertainment was provided by the Ghana Sports Supporters, led by Abraham Nkansah.
In his address, Ebo Quansah urged sports journalists to act responsibly in their reporting, while Joe Aggrey highlighted the need to renovate and make positive use of the SWAG Club House in Dansoman, which he described as the true home of the association.
