by Silas Boahene | Aug 20, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Sekondi Hasaacas Ladies’ journey in the 2024 WAFU Zone B Qualifiers in CĂ´te d’Ivoire ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the group stage, despite a commanding 6-1 victory over Benin’s AS Garde Nationale last Saturday at the Stade De La Paix, BouakĂ©.
The ‘Hasmal Ladies’ left their best performance too late, with their emphatic win proving insufficient to secure advancement. Fatoumatou Tamboura opened the scoring early, and the team surged to a 3-0 lead by the 30th minute, though they conceded a goal before halftime, reducing the margin to 3-1.
In the second half, Grace Animah, Comfort Owusu, and Abigail Sakyiwaa added goals, sealing the 6-1 victory. However, the result left them third in Group B, following a goalless draw against Burkina Faso’s Omnisports Etincelle and a 0-3 loss to Nigeria’s Edo Queens.
Despite entering the competition with high expectations, Hasaacas Ladies, who previously secured the zonal slot in 2021 and reached the final of the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League, were unable to replicate their past success. They finished with four points, tied with Omnisports Etincelle, who advanced to the knockout phase on goal difference, alongside group winners Edo Queens.
The semi-finals, scheduled for August 19, will see Benin’s Ainonvi FC face Omnisports Etincelle, while Edo Queens take on FC Inter d’Abidjan.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 20, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Boxer Wasiru Mohammed, popularly known as Gyatabi, has reunited with his former manager, John Manfo, three years after their split. The 28-year-old super featherweight, known for his remarkable 92.31% knockout rate, has signed a new five-year contract with Manfo, signaling a significant step forward in his career.
In an exclusive interview with Graphic Sports, Manfo revealed that Gyatabi is set to fight in Germany later this year against an opponent yet to be announced. The new contract, which Manfo describes as reflecting high standards of professionalism, is expected to reestablish Gyatabi on the international stage.
“They are working hard to get him in good condition and prepared for the fight in Germany,” Manfo said, emphasizing the renewed commitment to professionalism between Gyatabi, his coach, and himself.
This reunion follows a contentious split three years ago due to an undisclosed dispute, during which Gyatabi had raised concerns about financial discrepancies, negatively impacting his career. However, Gyatabi’s recent fifth-round knockout victory over Michael Akramah Tetteh at the Bukom Boxing Arena on June 29 appears to have laid the groundwork for this renewed partnership.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 20, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Volta Region Youth Resource Centre at Adaklu Tsrefe, once a focal point for Ghana’s 66th Independence Day celebration, has deteriorated into a state of neglect. The facility, now overrun by snakes, rodents, and wild rabbits, resembles a wildlife sanctuary rather than a hub for youth activities.
Less than two years after hosting a national event, the centre’s structures are crumbling, and the grounds have become a tangled mess of overgrown weeds. The only “sporting activities” are clashes between wild rabbits and security dogs, as the facility lies abandoned.
Angered by the rapid decline, the Volta Sports Crusaders staged a protest in Ho on August 16, calling for immediate government intervention to restore the centre. They presented a petition to Augustus Awity, Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC).
Forster Korsi Osei, the group’s spokesperson, expressed frustration over the unfinished project, which began in 2018 with a nine-month completion timeline but remains incomplete. The centre now faces severe neglect, with damaged structures and stolen equipment, as wildlife takes over the site.
Osei also highlighted the deteriorating condition of the Ho Sports Stadium, used by Division One clubs, which has similarly fallen into disrepair. The Volta Sports Crusaders urged the government to act swiftly to complete and properly utilize the Youth Resource Centre.
Yao Semode, Volta Regional Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA), stated that discussions with contractors are ongoing to address the situation, but the fate of the once-promising facility remains uncertain as the community awaits action.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 20, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Hohoe United has announced an exciting pre-season match against Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko, scheduled for August 25th at the Hohoe Sports Stadium. The match, known as the ‘Don’t Worry’ Memorial Cup, is set to be a key event in the buildup to the 2024/25 football season.
The announcement, made via Hohoe United’s official social media channels, has sparked excitement among fans. This fixture will serve as an important warm-up for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.
“Asante Kotoko, who recently won the Democracy Cup and played the inaugural match at the TnA Stadium, will see the ‘Don’t Worry’ Memorial Cup as another valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squad,” the club shared.
For Hohoe United, a Division One club, facing off against one of Ghana’s most prestigious teams is a significant milestone, providing them with a chance to test their mettle against top-tier competition.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 20, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that the 2024-25 Regional Football Association League season will begin on or before October 27, 2024. This schedule applies to all regional competitions, including the Division Two and Division Three Leagues, as well as the Regional Women’s Divisional One and Two Leagues, with matches set to take place at various venues nationwide.
The Colts League for boys and girls in the U13, U15, and U17 age groups will also commence within the same period. This marks the second consecutive season where all regional leagues across the country will start simultaneously.
