by Silas Boahene | Aug 13, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Accra Hearts of Oak clinched victory in a dramatic penalty shootout, defeating Kpando Heart of Lions 8-7 to win the inaugural Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The match, which ended 1-1 after regular time, captivated the fans with its intense action and competitive spirit. Organized as part of the Homowo celebrations to promote peace and harmony ahead of the 2024 general elections, the charity match drew a large and enthusiastic crowd.
Gbese Mantse Nii Ayibonte II, the visionary behind the event, kicked off the match, which saw both teams battling hard for the trophy. The Lions struck first, with Kwadwo Obeng Jr., a former Hearts player, scoring a stunning goal just 10 minutes into the game. His left-footed shot from a corner kick found the top corner, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead.
Hearts of Oak soon began to find their rhythm, with Mawuli Wayo coming close to scoring but failing to convert his chances. The Lions continued to threaten but couldn’t add to their lead, as Hearts’ defenders and goalkeeper Lawrence Osei stood firm.
After the break, Hearts intensified their attacks, but Lions’ goalkeeper remained vigilant, keeping the scoreline unchanged. Hearts’ persistence paid off in the 88th minute when Saani Mohammed scored the equalizer from a well-placed free-kick by Ransford Mensah, sending the game to a thrilling conclusion.
In the penalty shootout, Bismark Anim missed a crucial penalty for the Lions, while Hearts of Oak confidently converted all their attempts. Yahaya Adramani, Mawuli Wayo, Ransford Mensah, Oppong Afrane, Raphael Amponsah, Saani Mohammed, Ahmad Ramzy Yussif, and Benjamin Asare, who scored the decisive penalty, ensured Hearts’ triumph and the capture of the Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 13, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana
Boxing Hall of Famer Azumah Nelson concluded the inaugural “Zoom Zoom Clinics” last Friday with an uplifting session at the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) in Accra. This juvenile boxing and mentorship program aimed to inspire Ghana’s youth and ended its first edition with a significant event at PRESEC.
Over the past two months, Azumah Nelson, his team, and his sponsors have engaged with students aged 12-18 in schools across Tamale, Kumasi, and Takoradi, sharing valuable lessons from his distinguished boxing career.
The final clinic at PRESEC brought together students from various schools, including Accra Girls Senior High School, West African Senior High School, and Labone Senior High School. Nelson used personal anecdotes to encourage students to stay disciplined and focused on their goals.
He emphasized seven key principles that he believes contributed to his success: time management, honesty and respect, good preparation and discipline, avoiding drugs, hard work and determination, perseverance, and faith in God.
“Life is just like boxing,” Nelson told the students. “You will face many challenges and setbacks, but you must remain disciplined, trust in God, and work diligently towards your goals.”
The event featured an interactive quiz on Nelson’s principles, with Nestor Kabutey, a second-year Science student, winning a GH₵3,000 cash prize. Other students also received prizes for their participation.
Prince Sackey Agortey, Assistant Headmaster of Administration at PRESEC, expressed appreciation for hosting the event and mentioned the possibility of similar initiatives to inspire their students.
Sponsors, including GOIL, GTS Drilling, and GCB Bank, commended Azumah Nelson’s efforts to motivate the youth. Irene Boakye Dankwah from GOIL highlighted the impact of having a legend like Azumah as a role model. Dr. Iddi Baah Kurey, HR Manager of GTS Drilling, praised the opportunity to support an event that could positively influence Ghana’s young generation. Samuel Aidoo, Executive Director of Wholesale & Investment Banking at GCB Bank, emphasized the importance of investing in youth, noting the average age of a Ghanaian is 21.
“It was a fantastic opportunity when Azumah approached us for a partnership. Many valuable lessons can be learned from his career,” Aidoo said, underscoring that despite life’s challenges, focus and determination can lead to achieving one’s goals.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 13, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Nsoatreman FC head coach Yaw Preko is focused on a strong beginning to their CAF Confederation Cup journey as his team gears up to face TP Elect-Sport FC in the preliminary round first-leg match at the Accra Sports Stadium this Sunday.
After taking over the team just seven weeks ago following Maxwell Konadu’s departure, Preko faces the challenge of guiding his side past their Chadian opponents and advancing further in Africa’s second-tier competition, despite Nsoatreman FC’s limited experience on the continental stage.
Nsoatreman FC has made significant progress in Ghanaian football, with their MTN FA Cup victory showcasing their ambitions to extend their dominance beyond domestic borders. The upcoming match against Elect-Sport FC will be a crucial test of the team’s readiness to tackle the challenges of continental football.
In preparation for their Confederation Cup campaign, the Twumasikrom-based side has participated in the Nsenkyire Cup at Samreboi, providing Preko and his coaching staff the chance to assess the team’s readiness for both domestic and international challenges.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, Preko expressed his intent to field a strong team on Sunday, aiming for a decisive victory against the seven-time Chad Premier League champions to secure a solid advantage for the return leg.
Despite losing experienced midfielders Abdul Manaf Umar and Sadat Mohammed, Nsoatreman FC has strengthened their squad with strategic signings, including Daniel Amoo, Adom Kwesi Yeboah, Solomon Oblitey Commey, Emmanuel Ankra, Richmond Opoku, Laar Ibrahim, and former Black Starlets captain Benjamin Tsivanyo.
Preko admitted to having limited information about their opponents but acknowledged the talent and physicality of the Chadian side. He is confident that Nsoatreman FC will develop the right tactics and leverage home advantage to secure a victory on Sunday.
The coach emphasized the importance of a commanding win in Accra, noting that the return leg will be played at a neutral venue in Cameroon due to the Stade Omnisports Idriss Mahamat Ouya in N’Djamena not meeting CAF’s standards for hosting international matches.
“The return leg will be in Cameroon, so we must secure a solid victory in the first leg. We need to finish the job here and manage the scoreline in the second leg,” Preko said.
Nsoatreman FC will rely on a mix of new recruits like Daniel Amoo and experienced players such as goalkeeper Daniel Afadzwu, Stephen Aiyuo, Abdul Rahman Mohammed, along with teenage talents Tsivanyo and Forster Apertorgo, the hero of their FA Cup final victory over Bofoakwa Tano.
While TP Elect-Sport FC has not made a significant impact in African football, they are no strangers to the continental stage. Since 1991, they have competed in the old format of the CAF Champions League and the current format, along with multiple appearances in the Confederation Cup, though they have never progressed beyond the first round.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 13, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo stunned the field to win the Olympic gold medal in the Men’s 200m at Paris 2024, setting a new African record of 19.46 seconds. American sprinter Noah Lyles, who had hoped to complete a 100m and 200m double, finished third with a time of 19.70 seconds, after it was revealed that he had tested positive for COVID-19. Kenneth Bednarek of the USA claimed the silver medal, crossing the line in 19.62 seconds. Tebogo’s victory marks his first Olympic gold, solidifying his status as one of the world’s top sprinters.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 13, 2024 | Africa, International, Soccer
Issa Hayatou, the former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), passed away on Thursday, just a day before his 78th birthday, after a prolonged illness, as reported by Cameroonian television. Hayatou served as the head of CAF for 29 years, from 1988 until his unexpected ouster in 2017.
He also briefly served as acting FIFA president from 2015-2016 following the suspension of Sepp Blatter. A lifelong sports administrator, Hayatou was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2016, later becoming an honorary member.
Despite facing accusations of being dictatorial and slow to implement change, his leadership saw African football make significant strides. However, his tenure was not without controversy, including a reprimand from the IOC in 2011 over his alleged involvement in a FIFA bribery scandal, which he denied.
