by Silas Boahene | Jan 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports, Soccer
On Sunday, football legends Stephen Appiah, Asamoah Gyan, Laryea Kingston, and Emmanuel Armah Senegal gathered in Nalerigu for the unveiling of a sports complex, generously financed by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The groundbreaking facility, the first of its kind in Nalerigu, witnessed the participation of these Black Stars veterans in a special football match during the opening ceremony. Dr. Bawumia, who personally funded the construction, scored a penalty to mark the occasion, while Asamoah Gyan made history by netting the first official goal at the Na Sheriga stadium. The complex, named after the late Overlord of Mamprugu, Na Sheriga, boasts various amenities, including changing rooms, offices, a standard astroturf, a VIP stand, and 1000-seater stands for spectators, with ample space for future expansion.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 8, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
With the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) just around the corner, the official shirt numbers for Ghana’s Black Stars have been unveiled by the Confederation of African Football, revealing the successor to Thomas Partey’s iconic No. 5 jersey. The Black Stars, currently in camp in Kumasi after reconsidering their initial decision to move to Johannesburg, South Africa, have been drawn into Group B alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique for the continental showcase. As Chris Hughton’s 27-man squad prepares for their opening game, Turkish-based defender Kingsley Schindler steps into the void left by the absence of injured Arsenal man Thomas Partey, inheriting the No. 5 jersey. Meanwhile, stalwarts Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew maintain their No. 10 and No. 9 jerseys, respectively. PLS REPHRASE AND SUGGEST TITLE
by Silas Boahene | Jan 7, 2024 | Basketball, International, USA
Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid was absent from the team’s Saturday night matchup against the Utah Jazz due to swelling in his left knee. This marks the eighth game Embiid has missed this season, raising concerns as the new collective bargaining agreement stipulates that players must participate in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for accolades like MVP or All-NBA team honors.
The reigning NBA MVP and two-time scoring champion sustained an injury in Friday’s game against the New York Knicks, playing only two games since recovering from a sprained right ankle that sidelined him for four consecutive matches. Despite his recent setbacks, Embiid showcased his dominance against the Knicks, extending his franchise records to 16 consecutive 30-point games and achieving 15 consecutive games with 30 points and 10 rebounds.
Adding to the Sixers’ challenges, Tobias Harris will also be unavailable against the Jazz due to an ankle injury suffered in the Knicks’ game. In addition to Harris, the team is missing De’Anthony Melton (lumbar spine soreness) and Robert Covington (illness).
by Silas Boahene | Jan 7, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Sadio Mane’s agent shed light on the reasons behind the player’s departure from Bayern Munich, revealing that it wasn’t a football-related decision but rather a financial one. According to the agent, Bayern was uncomfortable with Mane becoming the top earner, as an African, surpassing other players in salary. The club allegedly never communicated their intention to sell directly to Mane, opting to inform him through manager Thomas Tuchel that he would be a third-choice left-winger.
The agent asserted that Mane has nothing to prove to Bayern, attributing his success to Liverpool rather than his time with the German club. He criticized Bayern for being ungrateful, highlighting the discomfort they felt in paying a substantial salary to an African player. The agent also claimed that Bayern initially leaked a lower selling price of €20m (£17.3m) to the media but increased it to €30m (£25.9m) after Mane performed well in training. The agent emphasized that Mane had given his word to join Bayern without engaging in negotiations.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 7, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2023 African Games visited the Black Stars’ camp, donating items to support the team’s preparation for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in CĂ´te d’Ivoire. The LOC emphasized the players’ role as ambassadors for the African Games, urging their support. The Black Stars’ captain, Andre Ayew, expressed gratitude for the gesture and reciprocated by presenting an autographed shirt to the LOC. The team is currently in a nine-day camp in Kumasi, gearing up for their AFCON opener against Cape Verde on January 14, 2024.
