by Silas Boahene | Sep 2, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s U20 Women’s national team coach, Yussif Basigi, has advised his players to exercise caution with their tackles after a 2-2 draw against South Korea in a pre-tournament friendly. The Black Princesses conceded two penalties during the match, which cost them a potential victory.
While Basigi expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance, especially after their goalless draw against Mexico in a previous friendly, he emphasized the importance of avoiding reckless tackles to prevent giving away penalties. He highlighted the need to be mindful of referees’ tendencies to protect players during matches.
“We are ready for the tournament, and all that we were looking for in the team, we have seen it,” Basigi stated. “Conceding two penalties is a concern, but it gives us a fair idea of what to expect in the main tournament.”
Currently, in Colombia preparing for the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, the Black Princesses will begin their campaign in Group E with a match against Austria on September 2, followed by games against New Zealand and Japan.
In related news, Stella Nyamekye has been appointed as the team’s new captain. The Black Princesses aim to build on their promising pre-tournament performances as they approach the competition.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe, a board member of Hearts of Oak, has shared his view that Kwesi Nyantakyi might have become the first black president of FIFA if not for the scandal exposed by Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
In an interview with Starr FM, Dr. Tamakloe remarked, “Nyantakyi would have been the first black man to head FIFA if the Anas exposĂ© hadn’t happened.”
Kwesi Nyantakyi, a prominent figure in African football, previously served as the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and held influential roles within FIFA and CAF. His career was derailed by the 2018 investigative report, “Number 12,” which revealed alleged corruption, including Nyantakyi accepting a bribe of $65,000.
The exposĂ© led to Nyantakyi’s resignation from football-related positions and a lifetime ban from FIFA. Dr. Tamakloe expressed regret over the lost opportunity for Africa to achieve such a milestone in global football administration, emphasizing the significance of Nyantakyi’s potential leadership role.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Derrick Kohn is on the brink of joining Werder Bremen on loan from Galatasaray, with the transfer window nearing its close.
Reports suggest that Kohn, 23, will bolster Bremen’s left wing as the club looks to strengthen its squad. Sky Sports first reported Bremen’s interest, and DeichStube, a source closely linked with the club, has confirmed an agreement with the player.
Ongoing negotiations with Galatasaray are expected to finalize the deal, with Turkish journalist Ertan SĂĽzgĂĽn noting that the arrangement between the clubs is nearly complete. Kohn is anticipated to arrive in Bremen by Friday.
Kohn, originally from Hamburg, began his youth career at HSV before making a name for himself at Hannover 96 with 53 appearances in the second division. He joined Galatasaray in February for €3.35 million and quickly became a regular starter. His current market value stands at approximately €6 million, according to Transfermarkt.
This move underscores Werder Bremen’s efforts to enhance their squad and improve their performance in the Bundesliga for the upcoming season.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian lower division team Accra United SC is on the verge of finalizing a significant partnership with FUTBOLTEC, a leading football academy based in Sydney, Australia.
If the deal goes through, it will grant Accra United technical support, staff exchange opportunities, and player transfer options to Australia. Stephanie Sedinam Quarshie, CEO of Accra United, expressed enthusiasm about the potential collaboration, noting its promise to elevate the club internationally and benefit Ghanaian football.
“We are excited about the prospects of partnering with FUTBOLTEC,” Quarshie said. “This partnership will not only enhance our club’s global standing but also help in the development of young Ghanaian talent.”
Accra United is also negotiating with the organizers of the KANGA CUP, the largest international youth football tournament in the Southern Hemisphere, to participate in the 2025 edition. Under Quarshie’s leadership over the past five years, the club has seen several players advance to Ghana’s top league and international teams. Notable transfers include Rasco London, Inusah Abubakar, Adu Kwabena Meider, Roland Darks, Abubakar Lartey, and Yaw Amoah.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, Ghana, International, USA
RITE Sports proudly launched the Africa Basketball Festival (ABF) on August 17, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Suites in Laurel, Maryland. The event attracted a vibrant mix of government officials, community leaders, basketball players, fashion brands, and music industry figures, celebrating basketball, culture, and unity.
The launch featured a variety of activities, including a meet-and-greet, a fashion exhibition, and speeches from distinguished guests. The festival’s organizers announced plans for a global tour in 2025, starting in the U.S., France, and several African nations, with the main festival scheduled to take place in Ghana later in the year.
Yaw Sakyi Afari, CEO of RITE Sports, expressed pride in the event’s success, emphasizing its role in promoting diversity and unity through sports and culture. He also highlighted the festival’s future potential to become a global event, bringing together basketball teams, fashion, and music from around the world.
The launch was attended by notable figures such as Councilwoman Wala Blegay, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Gabriel Njinimbot, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, Dr. Kwadwo Agyapong-Berry, Atik Mohammed, Latoya Samuels, and Irene Dele-Ajejumo. RITE Sports extended their gratitude to partners and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success.
