by Silas Boahene | Jan 10, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Jefferson Encada of Pharco has secured a spot in Guinea-Bissau’s official 27-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The team is gearing up for a thrilling start as they face hosts Cote D’Ivoire in the opening game of the tournament.
Having joined Pharco in January 2022, Encada is set to participate in his second AFCON, following his debut in the previous edition held in Cameroon. In that tournament, he played 77 minutes in a hard-fought 1-0 defeat to Egypt.
Guinea-Bissau, making their third consecutive AFCON appearance, initially qualified for the tournament for the first time in Gabon in 2017. However, this time around, they are aiming to achieve a historic milestone by advancing beyond the group stage for the first time in their AFCON history in Cote D’Ivoire. The inclusion of players like Encada adds depth and experience to their squad as they embark on this challenging journey in the AFCON 2023.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 10, 2024 | AFCON, Africa
Title: Edmond Tapsoba Shares Burkina Faso’s AFCON Aspirations and Group Challenges
Bayer Leverkusen and Burkina Faso defender, Edmond Tapsoba, has expressed his thoughts on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and his team’s chances in the tournament. With just days left before the 2023 AFCON commences in Ivory Coast, Tapsoba discussed Burkina Faso’s prospects as they prepare to compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Angola, and Mauritania. Burkina Faso is set to open their campaign against Mauritania on Tuesday, January 14th.
Tapsoba conveyed, “The Africa Cup of Nations is special for us,” emphasizing the team’s growth in strength compared to previous editions. He acknowledged the overall improvement of teams across the board, stating, “There is no small team. Everyone is improving, and we have been, so it can be said that we are in a difficult group.”
Reflecting on their opponents in Group D, Tapsoba noted the challenges each team poses. Having faced Algeria in the last World Cup qualifiers, Tapsoba acknowledged their quality, stating, “They have good players and a good team, just like Angola.” He also highlighted the strength of Mauritania, referencing a recent draw against them in a match two months ago.
Tapsoba’s insights provide a glimpse into Burkina Faso’s preparedness and respect for the competition as they aim to navigate a challenging group on their quest for success in the AFCON 2023.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 10, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In anticipation of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire 2023, the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, conveyed his best wishes to the Black Stars during a farewell dinner at their camp in Kumasi. The president, along with dignitaries such as Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif and Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah, joined players and the technical team for the event ahead of the team’s departure for Abidjan.
The gathering included notable figures like Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association, and Vice President Mark Addo. Afropop and Dancehall artist Stonebwoy added a musical touch to the evening, entertaining guests, players, and coaches with his performances.
During the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo encouraged the players to believe in themselves and approach the tournament with a can-do spirit. He expressed optimism that the Black Stars could achieve the long-awaited dream of bringing home an AFCON trophy that has eluded Ghana for over four decades.
Representatives from various sectors, including the corporate world and entertainment industry, attended the colorful event. Notable attendees included members of the interim Management Committee of the Black Stars, officials from MTN (the team’s sponsor), and Nana Kusi Agyekum Ababio, Oyokohene of Kumasi, representing His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The Black Stars concluded their pre-tournament camp in Kumasi with a goalless draw against Namibia, gearing up for their Group B clashes with Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique in the upcoming tournament.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 10, 2024 | AFCON, Soccer
The Gambia’s readiness for the upcoming African Cup of Nations suffered a setback on Tuesday night as players boycotted a scheduled training session at the Independence Stadium, Bakau. The scorpions, led by head coach Tom Sanfiet, opted not to participate, citing unpaid bonuses as the primary reason for their absence.
Despite the coaching staff’s presence at the stadium, the players chose to stay at the hotel, expressing their frustration over the unresolved financial matters. The Tuesday night session was intended to be the final training before the team’s departure for Ivory Coast.
Coach Tom Sanfiet acknowledged the players’ decision, linking it directly to concerns about unpaid bonuses. While the specific amount owed was not disclosed, Sanfiet mentioned receiving a call from the team captain, notifying him of the collective choice to boycott the scheduled practice.
As Gambia finds itself in Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, four-time winners Cameroon, and Guinea, the financial dispute adds an unexpected challenge to the team’s preparations for the prestigious tournament.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 10, 2024 | Athletics, International, Other Sports
The qualification system for the athletics competition at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled for August 2-11, has been officially released. Following the model used in Tokyo and the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, the system employs a dual qualification pathway, with 50% of athletes earning spots through entry standards and the remaining 50% via World Rankings.
Approved by the World Athletics Council, the comprehensive qualification system outlines specific details such as qualification windows, targeted athlete numbers per discipline, and entry standards. The event program will feature 23 women’s and 23 men’s events, along with two mixed events—the 4x400m mixed relay and the 35km mixed team race walk.
