2024-12-23

Games

CAF CL 2024/25: Samartex face Cameroon’s Victoria United in first round of prelims

Ghana Premier League champions, FC Samartex, have been drawn against Cameroonian side Victoria United in the first round of the preliminary stages for the 2024/25 CAF Champions League.

The draw for the prelims of the competition was held on Thursday, July 11, with Samartex in Pot 3 ahead of the draw.

The Samreboi-based side sealed a spot in the Champions League following their triumph at the end of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season which saw them beat Accra Lions to the league title.

The first task for the Timber giants will be against Victoria United who were winners of the Cameroonian league.

Nurudeen Amadu’s side will travel to Cameroon for the first leg of the game before returning home for the reverse fixture.

The games for the first preliminary round are slated for August 16-25.

Should Samartex beat Victoria United at the end of the two games, they would be up against Niger’s AS GNN or Morocco’s Raja Club Athletic in the second phase of the qualifiers.

The dates for the second round are scheduled for September 13-22.

Samartex will be making their maiden appearance in the CAF competition and would look to reach the group stages before hoping to go a step further than Medeama SC who exited in the group stage.

Breakdancing makes Olympic debut with Moroccan champion Bilal Mallakh

From humble beginnings to the global stage of the Olympics, Bilal Mallakh embodies determination and dreams realized. Now, as he represents Morocco and Africa, Mallakh aims to leave an indelible mark among the world’s elite breakdancers.

In a historic moment for the Olympic Games, breakdancing is set to make its debut, showcasing the talents of Bilal Mallakh from Morocco. Mallakh, a trailblazing figure in the world of breakdancing, becomes the first African and Arab athlete to qualify for this prestigious global event.

Ahead of his anticipated performance on the stages of Paris, Mallakh is intensifying his training regimen, focusing on mastering acrobatic floor maneuvers and dynamic poses. His goal: to represent not only Morocco but the entire African continent with skill and pride.

“For me, it’s a big thing,” Mallakh expressed. “I’m going to represent Morocco and Africa. It’s not easy, but I’ll give my best to represent them well. I’m focused and dedicated in my preparation, training diligently with my coach. We’re striving to excel at the Olympics. Regardless of the outcome, if I give my best, I’ll be satisfied.”

Breakdancing’s inclusion in the Olympics marks a significant milestone, ushering in a new era for the discipline globally. In Morocco, where the breakdancing community is steadily growing, Mallakh’s participation is viewed as a beacon of hope for aspiring dancers and enthusiasts.

“In our country, things are improving,” Mallakh noted. “Breakdancing being part of the Olympics is a positive step. It will change perceptions and hopefully elevate the sport. I see a small but passionate breakdancing community in Morocco, and I believe it will grow over time.”

Mallakh’s preparation extends beyond physical prowess; mental preparation plays a crucial role under the guidance of his coach, Rachid Rachid.

“We’re refining every detail to ensure a stellar performance,” Coach Rachid remarked. “Bilal has shown remarkable growth through dedication and rigorous training.”

From humble beginnings to the global stage of the Olympics, Bilal Mallakh embodies determination and dreams realized. Now, as he represents Morocco and Africa, Mallakh aims to leave an indelible mark among the world’s elite breakdancers.

Kishane Thompson convincingly defeats Tebogo and Simbine at Continental Tour in Hungary

World leader Kishane Thompson got another win in Hungary against a loaded field featuring Letsile Tebogo and Akani Simbine.

Jamaica’s new speed king Kishane Thompson will be a hard nut to crack in Paris following his impressive victory over Letsile Tebogo and Akani Simbine at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Hungary.

The 22-year-old showed why he’s the fastest in the world this year, blazing to a convincing 9.91s (-0.6) despite easing up about 30m from the finish line and looking across the field to win the men’s 100m event.

Botswana’s youngster Tebogo was second in a Season’s Best (SB) of 9.99s, edging Simbine to third in 10.01s. Thompson’s rise to dominance after his incredible performance at the Jamaican Olympic trials, where he won in a world-leading time of 9.77s, was an eye-opener to being a major gold medal contender at the Paris Olympics.

With this smooth victory in Hungary, surely he has stamped his name as the one to beat in Paris, where he will be gunning to deliver another gold medal for his country in the event since the legendary Usain Bolt.

Paris 2024: D’Tigress to face Germany, Japan, and Serbia in warmup games

The reigning Afrobasket champions will face Germany, Japan, and Serbia to test their readiness for the Olympics.

Nigeria’s basketball women’s team, the D’Tigress, is gearing up for the Paris 2024 Olympics with a series of pre-tournament friendlies.

The D’Tigress recently arrived in Saarbrucken, Germany, to kick off their pre-Olympic training camp.

he training period will be crucial for the team to refine their skills and strategies before heading to the big stage.

Pre-Olympic friendlies with Germany, Japan, and Serbia

To truly assess their Olympic readiness, the D’Tigress will face off against strong opponents in a series of friendly matches.

On July 19th, Nigeria will battle Germany in their first test before facing another formidable team, Serbia on July 21st.

The final friendly will be against Japan on July 24th to wrap up their camp phase.

These matches against Germany, Serbia, and Japan will provide a valuable opportunity for the reigning Afrobasket champions to test their mettle, identify areas for improvement, and solidify their team chemistry.

AFCON 2025Q: Karim Zito backs Kwasi Appiah to stay as ExCo member despite Sudan drawing Black Stars

Dreams FC head coach Abdul Karim Zito has conveyed his absolute support to Sudan coach Kwasi Appiah amid calls for him to step down from his position as an Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association due to potential conflict of interest concerns.

Ghana have been drawn with Sudan in Group F of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers with many worried about where the loyalty of Appiah would be when the two teams come up against each other.

However, in an interview with Graphic Sports, Zito cited Appiah’s professionalism, arguing that the former Black Stars head coach should be allowed to carry out his roles without undue interference.

The former Black Satellites coach stated that Appiah’s role as Sudan coach did not necessarily conflict with his position on the ExCo, as the FA does not financially compensate him.

He also mentioned the affiliation of other members of the ExCo to clubs.

“People are talking about Kwasi Appiah but I don’t see why they should be talking about him. Those in the ExCo are they not having clubs? Kwasi is a professional coach and the ExCo doesn’t pay him,” he said.

He also pointed out that the ExCo were aware of his coaching commitments before he contested for and won a seat at the Council.

“The ExCo knew Kwasi was still in coaching and yet they allowed him to stand election which he won before he had this opportunity.”

Zito expressed his acknowledgement that, no matter the match’s result, it should all come down to the competitive nature of the sport, and that Appiah should not be coerced to compromise either of his respective roles.

“For me, I am behind Kwasi 100 per cent; he should keep quiet and do his job, if he is able to beat us fine, and if we also beat him fine.”

Boks come out top against Ireland in first Castle Lager Test Series

The Springboks showed Ireland who is boss when they beat them 27 – 20 during their first Castle Lager Incoming Series Test at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday.

South Africa and their foes Ireland foes re-ignited their rivalry spectacularly as the best and second-best teams in world rugby deliver a spectacle for staunch rugby fans.

The Boks held a 13-8 lead at the break and apart from a dominating opening 30 minutes, it was not the smoothest win ever, but a seven-point margin over Ireland is not something to sniff at.

The second half started promising enough with a strong surge by the Springboks following an attacking lineout, but a handling error allowed the Irish to relieve pressure.

The Irish chanced their arm at the breakdown and when Luke Pearce had enough, Pollard stepped up, but again pushed it wide, much to the disbelief of the crowd.

There were times when the Boks were sublime, but they were also guilty of too many unforced errors, especially in the second half.

When they did it right though, the Boks were spectacular, like with their first try scored in the opening spell of the match, and what a delightful effort it was.

Both teams scored a try apiece, with the difference being the accurate kicking by Handre Pollard, who kicked two penalty goals and converted an early try by Kurt-Lee Arendse.

The two sides will now shift their focus to their second Test encounter next week in Durban, with the visors looking to overturn the 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

Scorers:

Springboks 27 (13) – Tries: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Penalty try. Conversions: Handre Pollard (2). Penalty goals: Pollard (2).

Ireland 20 (8) – Tries: Jamie Osborne, Conor Murray, Ryan Baird. Conversion: Jack Crowley. Penalty goal: Crowley.

John Zile is new UBO Africa International champion

Undefeated Dormaa-based boxer John Zile moved closer to a world title bout last Friday after stopping hard-hitting Emmanuel ‘Akufo-Addo’ Quartey in the Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) International Super Bantamweight title fight at the Semanhyia Golden Mall in Kumasi.

After taking a beating in the first two rounds, 34-year-old Quartey failed to answer the bell in the third round, forcing the referee to end the bout and declare Zile the winner.

Moments after being decorated with the belt by GBA official Michael Tetteh, Zile, 24, who now has a fight record of 13 wins, no defeats, and two draws, vowed to win the world title in the super bantamweight division. “I am ready for the world. I am ready for anyone in the world. I can’t wait to win the world title for Ghana,” he stated.

Many fans who thronged the mall were expecting a full 12-round title bout; however, Zile ended their hopes while fans were still arriving to watch the match.

With powerful combinations and right hooks, coupled with left jabs and uppercuts, Quartey was rendered listless and failed to find his rhythm, ultimately giving up in round three.

The night, organized by Mr. Gordon Frimpong, CEO and founder of Osibor Boxing Promotions and Management and manager of John Zile, also saw stablemate Stanley Nyantekyi knock out veteran Isaac Nettey in round three to win the UBO Africa Featherweight title.

Mr. Frimpong told the  Media that the Dormaa native will bring a world title to the country this year. He revealed that Zile will fight in September in Kumasi to defend his international belt and look ahead to the world title in October or November.

“Zile’s fighting style is unique. He counterpunches very well, pivots very well, and can connect from the inside and outside while withstanding and taking punishment from his opponents,” he stated.

Japan will test our defence on a much higher level – Black Queens Coach Nora Hauptle

Black Queens Head Coach, Nora Hauptle, believes Japan will give her defence a much tougher test than what they are used to in their international friendly next week.

The team has been camping in Accra for the past four days in preparation for the game on Saturday, July 13.

This is the highest-ranked team the Black Queens will face since the Swiss took over last year..

Speaking to the media at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, July 6, Hauptle said the team will play to win but the focus is on testing the level of her team against a much better side.

“Well, basically, it’s always the result we want to get in every national team game. We want to win, we go with this approach. But of course, it’s still working on our performance.

“They will challenge us in our defence on a much different level than we have been used to now in the last year.

“But we want to go with bravery in defence, courageously. We also have a bit of, let’s say, a courageous strategy.

“We also have a good plan B and C ready. So it’s about bringing the principles onto the pitch, but of course, always aiming for success.”The Black Queens will depart Ghana on Sunday for Japan ahead of the friendly game at the Kanazawa Go Go Curry Stadium on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Asante Kotoko announce two Sudanese signings

Asante Kotoko have announced the signings of forward AbdoelRahman Yoouef Yagoub and defender Esmat Hassabalbagi.

The two Sudanese players signed a season-long loan contract with an option of a permanent deal.

Yagoub, who joined from Hay Alwady of Sudan, is expected to replace Steven Mukwala who netted 14 times for Kotoko last season in the Ghana Premier League.

Esmat moved from Al Hilal and will slot in the squad as a left-back.

The duo become the first activity of the club’s rebuild after parting ways with over 21 players in the last few days.

It is understood Sudan coach Kwasi Appiah who is part of Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee, made the recommendation.

Both Sudan nationals could make their debut against Hearts of Oak in the Democracy Cup on July, 17, 2024.

All Regional Games: Gyan, Bawumia launch event at Baba Yara stadium

Former Ghana international, Asamoah Gyan, and his team officially launched the All Regional Games on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

The launch of the all-new competition which is aimed at unearthing and developing talent across most of the sporting disciplines was held at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

The much-anticipated competition will feature athletes competing in events such football,  athletics , volleyball , basketball , tennis, table tennis, boxing, Esports, and arm-wrestling.

The comes following weeks of several activities whipping up the traction from fans ahead of the launch.

The special guest at the Baba Yara Stadium was the Vice President of Ghana and the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia.

Others who graced the occasion were Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, Director General of the National Sports Authority, Numekevor Dodzie, as well as former team mates of Gyan.

Some entertainment celebrities were on stage to bring life to the event.

They were comedian, Ras Nene (now Dr Likee), musicians Fancy Gadam, Guru, and Wendy Shay.

Hundreds of fans also came out in their numbers to support the former Black Stars captain on his new project.

During the press launch of the competition in April, Gyan and his team revealed each region is expected to identify their top sportsmen and women through a trial.

Athletes selected, aged 18 to 23, are set to compete against their counterparts from other regions on a date yet to be announced.

GSN24LIVE NEWS

Yamal and Lewandowski help Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao

Fulham vs Leicester: Alex Iwobi’s winner helps Cottagers triumph over Ndidi’s Foxes

Arsenal survived their latest severe examination from bogey side Aston Villa to emerge with a statement victory after a thunderous encounter at Villa Park.

Roglic wins stage to close on Vuelta leader O’Connor

Baba Yara Stadium will be ready for Ghana vs. Angola AFCON qualifier, assures NSA chairman