2025-04-04

SPORTS WORLD

Seychelles: Seychellois Boxer Joshua Cousin Wins Gold At Mandela African Boxing Cup

Seychellois boxer Joshua Cousin has claimed a gold medal at the first-ever Mandela African Boxing Cup, after beating his opponent in the final on Sunday.

Cousin, who competed in the men’s 71-75kg category, went up against Ethiopia’s Neka Mitiku in the final and won the bout after the referee stopped the count.

To reach the final, Cousin had to defeat three boxers. In the round of 16 stage, he grabbed victory over Nkosinathi Dvuba of Eswatini and eliminated Jon William in the quarter-final.

In the semi-final, the Seychellois boxer got a walkover over David Tshama from the Democratic Republic of Congo to make it to the final.

Aside from Cousin, who won gold, Seychelles was represented by three other boxers, with Keddy Agnes winning the bronze medal in his +92kg category, losing in the semi-final to Anthony Bweluzey form the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Arshild David lost in the quarter-final against Alayu Mekonne in the 51-54kg weight class, while Dasheil Fanchette also his quarter-final bout in the 80-86kg category, against Peter Pita also from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The results placed Seychelles 10th on the medal table.

The Democratic Republic of Congo came out first on the medal table with 10 gold medals, two silver and six bronze followed by Mozambique with two gold medals and three silver. Neigbouring island nation in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius came out third with two gold medals and three bronze.

The introduction of the new tournament in memory of the late South African President Nelson Mandela was organised by the International Boxing Association (IBA), the African Boxing Confederation and the South African Boxing Organisation. It took place in Durban, South Africa, from April 15-21.

Monetary rewards will be given to winners and gold medallists will receive $5,000 (SCR68,000), silver $3,000 (SCR 41,000) and $1,500 (SCR20,000) for bronze, courtesy of IBA.

Five of the boxing giants from Africa did not participate in the competition namely Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Zambia and Ghana.

Twenty-four countries participated in the tournament with around 101 competitors.

Angola: Luanda to Host African Swimming Championships

Luanda — The Angolan Swimming Federation (FAN) is to present this Tuesday, in Luanda Province, the 16th edition of the Absolute African Championships at the Sapiens Institute.

The event will be held for the first time in Angola, from the 30 April to 5 May this year at the Alvalade swimming pool in the country’s capital.

Angola is organising this competition after having taken part in six editions, namely in 1990 (Tunisia), 1998 (Kenya), 2008 (South Africa), 2012 (Kenya), 2021 (Ghana) and 2022 (Tunisia), thus marking its seventh participation in this year’s edition.

Angola becomes the second African Swimming Confederation (CANA) zone IV country to hold the biggest event in the sport on the continent, after South Africa, which did it again in 2008 in Johannesburg and in 2016 in Bloemfontein.

Overall, it is the ninth host nation of the African Cup of Nations (CAN), after Egypt (1974, 1982, 2002), Tunisia (1977, 1990, 2022), Morocco (2004, 2010), Kenya (1998, 2012), South Africa (2008, 2016), Senegal (2006), Algeria (2018) and Ghana (2021).

The national squad reached their highest point at the 1998 edition in Nairobi, Kenya, where they came third in the overall medals chart, due to the unprecedented display of Nádia Cruz, who won two silver medals and a bronze.

However, Angola’s highest number of medals came in 2021, in Accra, Ghana, where, in a single edition, the team won six bronze medals, one each by Salvador Gordo (junior), Catarina Sousa and four other swimmers.

The South African athletes, who have won the most titles on the continent with 10, are the champions of the latest edition held in Tunis, Tunisia.

Zimbabwe: Chaos Rocks Premier Netball League

Despite setting up a new Premier Netball League executive, some of the leagues’ teams maintain that they will still not participate in this season’s campaign if pending issues are not resolved.

There are claims that it was recently discovered that there are several teams that have been participating in the league for seasons without paying affiliation fees. It is also being claimed that the league’s constitution was recently amended without stakeholders’ approval.

As a result, reigning champions Platinum Queens, 2023 PNL runners-up GreenFuel, second runners-up Ngezi Platinum Queens, ZUPCO, Harare Polytechnic, and Hustlers maintain that issues need to be cleared before they can play their games.

FilChrist has permanently withdrawn their two teams from the league due to the chaotic situation that the league finds itself in.

The league, featuring only 11 clubs out of a traditional 20 is already underway with each team having played four games so far.

“We are happy that they have set up a new executive. It did not make any sense for us to be part of a league that does not have leadership,” said an executive member from one of the clubs.

“Now they need to fix the other issues that we outlined because a lot has been going on for a long time. On countless occasions, we aired our concerns but we then realised that if we do not take action, nothing ever gets fixed.”

The league was officially launched in September 2021 under the leadership of chairperson Thabiso Mokoena, vice-chairperson Loveday Magaya, secretary-general Liberty Mhizha, vice-secretary-general Sarudzai Chapo, treasurer Kuziwakwashe Mutuza and fixtures-secretary Tinashe Jonasi.

Following the elections at the weekend, the PNL will be led by chairperson Rita Mkandla, who will be deputised by Kevin Marengahosi.

Alice Mukunura is the league’s secretary general while Melody Mabonga is her deputy, Seyelukhile Sithole becomes the organising secretary while Innocent Ndiya holds the public relations and media office

Fatawu Issahaku bags debut hat-trick in Leicester City win over Southampton

Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has officially bagged his first hat-trick as a professional footballer with the 20 year old recording the impressive mark in Leicester City’s big win over Southampton.

Leicester City smashed The Saints 5-0 in the Sky Bet English Championship with Issahaku scoring in the 25th, 75th and 81st minute respectively. Rounding up his super performance, Issahaku assisted Jamie Vardy’s goal in the 79th minute for Leicester City’s fourth goal. Issahaku’s first and third goals were assisted by Jamie Vardy.

The former Dreams FC player improved his tally in the 2023-2024 Championship season to six goals and 12 assists in 39 games as Leicester bid to return to the Premier League in its first attempt.

This latest outing highlights Issahaku’s impressive form in the wake of registering an assist in Leicester’s 2-1 over West Bromwich Albion. The Foxes hold a four point lead in the Championship.

After completing the hat-trick, the Sporting Lisbon loanee celebrated with a dance that was reminiscent of Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan who spent time in the English Premier League with Sunderland.

Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea: We did everything possible to beat them in every situation- Thomas Partey

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey believes his team did everything possible to beat Chelsea in every situation when the two faced off in the London derby.

He said this in a post game interview after Arsenal scored a big 5-0 win over Chelsea in the English Premier League to maintain its lead atop the standings.

Partey played 72 minutes in the contest as a starter for just the fifth time this season and starred in the game delivering nine passes into the final third and registered three interceptions (a team high) before getting replaced by Jorginho.

After getting praised by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for his outstanding performance, Partey communicated the mindset of the Gunners heading into the game

Arsenal hold a four point lead over third ranked and defending league champions Manchester City though Man City have played two games fewer. Arsenal hold a four point lead over third ranked and defending league champions Manchester City though Man City have played two games fewer.

Letsile Tebogo’s message to fans following first loss to America’s Courtney at Kip Keino Classic

Letsile Tebogo has cautioned his fans from having too many expectations following his first loss to American Lindsey Courtney at the Kip Keino Classic.

World 100m silver medallist Letsile Tebogo has cautioned fans to avoid expecting a lot following his loss to American Lindsey Courtney at the Kip Keino Classic held at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Tebogo crossed the finish line second behind Courtney, with both sprinters clocking 19.71 in the highly-anticipated 200m clash. The Botswanan wunderkind explained that he was not disappointed with the second-place finish, his first season loss.

he 20-year-old further noted that as long as the fans were thrilled with the performances, that was all that mattered. He also promised to do his level best to ensure he continues placing Africa on the world map when it comes to sprinting.

“It was quite fun and really amazing…this is something that the fans want. Getting the crazy times and making everybody happy. Don’t expect too much from me…all I can say is that I’ll do my level best to make sure Africa is proud.

“I’m not disappointed…I’m really happy. I had almost a week to get my legs rolling after competing in South Africa. I wanted to rest a bit and then come back to run. There was no time target here, we just came to execute nicely,” Tebogo said.

He also expressed his joy to return to Nairobi after almost four years since the 2021 World Under-20 Championships held at the Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani. At the time, he won the 100m race and finished second in the 200m.

His focus now shifts to the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas where he intends to help his team do well. He noted that there were no specific targets at the event.

“It’s amazing to be back in Nairobi. I’m just going there to help my team because there are no targets for the World Relays,” he added.

All Regional Games: Torch relay ceremony hits Oti Region

The All Regional Games (ARG) team visited the Oti Region on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, sparking a wave of excitement and anticipation as they kicked off the Torch Relay, marking the beginning of festivities leading up to the highly anticipated ARG kickoff.

The Torch Relay, which is a symbolic gesture of unity and sportsmanship made its way through the vibrant streets of the Oti Region amidst jubilation from residents.

From Oti Radio to GBC Radio, and the Regional Coordinating Council, the ARG team engaged with the community stakeholders to brief them about their vision.

The Regional Minister for the Oti Region, Daniel Machator, welcomed the ARG delegation with open arms, embracing the many opportunities the All Regional Games presents to the region.

The ARG team also extended their gratitude to the Regional Police Command for their assured assistance and commitment to ensuring the safety and success of the games.

The Torch Relay earned overwhelming support from the residents of the Oti Region, who poured out in numbers to join the legendary Asamoah Gyan and pledge their backing for the upcoming All Regional Games.

For more information and updates on the All Regional Games, please visit www.allregionalgames.co

Nigeria face tough defence as Burkina Faso lie in wait at U17 WAFU B AFCON qualifiers

Defending champions Nigeria have been handed a difficult path to the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations finals after being drawn in the same group as Burkina Faso for next month’s WAFU B qualifying tournament in Ghana.

The Golden Eaglets, who won the last edition of the regional championship in 2022, will also face Togo and Niger in Group B of the competition which runs from 15-28 May.

Hosts Ghana find themselves in Group A alongside Cote d’Ivoire and Benin in a tough-looking section of the competition to be played in Accra.

The draw was conducted by 1970s Ivorian football legends Kobenan Kouman and Die Foneye at the Ivorian FA headquarters in Abidjan on Friday.

Nigeria claimed their WAFU B U17 AFCON title by defeating Burkina Faso 2-1 in the regional final in Ghana two years ago.

However, they will need to overcome some familiar foes if they are to defend their crown and with the Burkina Faso finishing third at the last TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations, some exciting matches are expected.

Arch-rivals Nigeria and Ghana are among the two favourites and could meet in the final in Accra on 28 May, should they top their respective groups and make it through the semi-finals.

Ghana also have pedigree at this level, having the World Cup in 1991 and 1995 as they bid to reach the U17 AFCON finals on home soil.

The top two teams from the WAFU B tournament will qualify for next year’s TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Groups:

Group A: Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin

Group B: Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Togo, Niger.

Ghana midfielder Baba Iddrisu set to join MLS

Major League Soccer (MLS) side New England Revolution is on the verge of securing the services of Black Stars defensive midfielder Baba Iddrisu from La Liga club Mallorca, according to reports from Spanish news outlet Relevo.

Relevo has indicated that negotiations between New England Revolution and Almeria, where Baba Iddrisu is currently on loan from Mallorca, are progressing positively.

Although nothing has been finalized yet, New England is eager to conclude the deal.

Iddrisu, who joined RCD Mallorca’s youth setup in January 2014, has since made significant strides in Spanish football. After featuring prominently for Mallorca’s first team, he moved to Almeria on loan with a buyout clause in August 2023.

Despite facing challenges at Almeria, The 28-year-old has demonstrated his consistency and reliability as a defensive midfielder, making 24 appearances in the ongoing La Liga season.

With 150 games under his belt for Mallorca’s first team Baba Iddrisu’s potential move to New England Revolution represents a significant opportunity for the Ghana midfielder to further advance his career.

Moreover, Baba Iddrisu’s performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition as a consistent player in the Spanish league and a regular presence in the Ghana national team, the Black Stars.

As he looks forward to potentially joining New England Revolution, Iddrisu is also expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers with the Black Stars, scheduled for June 2024.

Jennifer Kankam scores five against Tala’ea El Gaish in ZED FC’s big win in Egyptian league

Ghanaian youngster Jennifer Kankam turned on the style on Friday evening in the Egyptian Women’s Premier League as ZED Football Club recorded a heavy win over Tala’ea El Gaish.

The Ghanaian scored five goals in the 9-0 win in the top flight to solidify her position as the top scorer in the league.

ZED FC played with great intent right from the first blast of the whistle. Kankam led the charge as her first-half hattrick left the crowd in awe of her goal-scoring prowess. Each strike was met with thunderous applause, as fans marvelled at her ability to find the back of the net with ease.

Back from recess, Kankam continued to stamp her authority in the game going on to grab two more goals.

At the end of 90 minutes, ZED had claimed all three points with no blemish in their performance as they scored nine unanswered goals.

Kankam’s exceptional performance, contributing five goals to the victory, was the highlight of the match.

Having played 26 matches, the Ghanaian has now scored an impressive 52 goals and provided 22 assists.

Kankam has been an exciting prospect this season and her performances have attracted the attention of Black Queens head coach Nora Hauptle who was recently in Egypt to watch her play.

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