2025-05-05

SPORTS WORLD

African Games 2023: Ghana to compete in four medal events on day two

Ghana is in contention to win three or more medals on day two of the track and field events in the ongoing African Games in Accra.

The county’s 100m record holder Benjamin Azamati was joined by Barnabas Aggerh in the men’s 100m final after both finished second in the semis.

In the women’s sprint, Mary Boakye was the only Ghanaian woman to reach the final after finishing third in her semi-final event at the University of Ghana stadium on Monday night.

A podium finish for all three would guarantee Ghana medals in athletics.

The women’s high jump final would be taking place at 16:05 GMT, and Ghana would hope Rose Yeboah, defending champion of this discipline would continue her fine form by winning gold tonight.

Rose is currently the West African country’s high jump record holder (1.94m) which was set in August 2023.

William Amponsah will be competing in the men’s 10,000m final at 19:45 GMT. The mixed 4×400m relay would also have Team Ghana participating. The other countries are Nigeria, Botswana, and Kenya.

Other events happening on Day Two of the track and field are men’s javelin, women’s 100m hurdles where former world champion, Tobi Amusan would be in the lineup, and men’s 100m hurdles final.

Men’s shot put final, women’s pole vault final, women’s triple jump final, women’s hammer throw, men’s 1,500m and women’s 800m final, with Uganda’s Halima Nakaayi being the star attraction.

In the men’s 4×100m relay, defending champions, Ghana is in Heat 2 with Nigeria and Botswana.

Ghana won gold in the Rabat Games in 2019 and would be hoping to book a final ticket to defend its crown.

Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda will battle it out in Heat 1 at 20:45 GMT before Ghana races at 20:52 GMT.

Black Stars: Otto Addo names five debutants for March friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda

Ghana head coach Otto Addo has named a 26-man provisional squad for the friendlies in the upcoming international break.

The Black Stars will face Nigeria and Nigeria during the March international break, their first since exiting the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

There five new players named in the squad for the games with Asante Kotoko’s Frederick Asare one of those names.

The other four include, Bolivia-based David Akologo, who has also been invited to the Bolivia national team, Lorient’s Nathaniel Adjei, Mohammed Diomande of Rangers and Nordsjaelland’s Ibrahim Osman.

Tariq Lamptey makes a return to the squad after his return from a long-term injury that saw him missed the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire while Patrick Kpozo and Edmund Addo also make the cut.

In-form Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku also makes the provisional squad for the two games.

Ghana face Nigeria on March 22 before playing Uganda four days later.

Ghanaian forward Bernard Tekpetey scores in Ludogorets big win over Lokomotiv Sofia

Ghanaian forward Bernard Tekpetey showcased his prowess once again, netting his seventh goal of the season for Ludogorets Razgrad in their resounding 6-0 victory against Lokomotiv Sofia.

Tekpetey, a key figure for the Bulgarian champions, played a crucial role in securing their 12th consecutive league success.

The match started with a bang as Kwadwo Duah opened the scoring just two minutes into the game, igniting wild celebrations among the home fans.

Availo Chochev doubled Ludogorets’ lead on the 38th minute before Tekpetey further extended their advantage with a goal on the 43rd minute, taking his tally to seven league goals for the season.

Ludogorets didn’t stop there, adding more goals to their tally to seal a comprehensive 6-0 victory on Saturday.

Tekpetey’s contribution extends beyond his goal-scoring prowess, as he has also provided three assists in his 21 appearances for the Green and Whites Eagles this season.

With his consistent performances, Tekpetey continues to be a pivotal figure for Ludogorets, showcasing his ability to make a significant impact on the pitch.

2023/24 Ghana Premier League: Week 22 Match Preview – Karela United vs. Real Tamale United

Karela United FC are currently enjoying some positive run in the Ghana Premier League. They have tasted only one defeat in their last six matches with two wins and three draws.

The Pride and Passion lads are keen on preserving the momentum when they face Real Tamale United in a crucial derby at the Naa Sheriga Park in Nalerigu.

Karela presently holds a 100 per cent home record since moving their home from Tamale to Nalerigu. Two wins out of two without conceding.

The victory over Asante Kotoko SC at home and the draw against Great Olympics at away is enough booster for Abukari Damba’s outfit to face their city rivals on Sunday.

The struggles of RTU continue as they approach this crunchy fixture against Karela. They are winless in their last four matches in the premiership with two draws and two losses.

Also, the Pride of the North have managed only one win in their last 10 league games as they remain bottom on the league standings.

RTU are five points away from the safety places. The same number of points they have behind their opponents on Sunday.

RTU are facing a lot of difficulties as players are owed several months’ salary amongst others. They are gradually getting close to relegation.

Ghanaian midfielder Godson Kyeremeh on target in Caen defeat to Auxerre

In Saturday’s match between SM Caen and AJ Auxerre in the French Ligue 2, Godson Kyeremeh, the French-born Ghanaian midfielder, showcased his prowess by scoring for the visitors.

Despite his early goal putting his team ahead 1-0 with just 10 minutes into the game, Caen couldn’t secure a victory at the Stade de l’Abbé Deschamps.

Madagascar international Rayan Raveloson levelled the score 14 minutes for Auxerre before the final whistle, and Brazilian attacker Jubal sealed the win for the home team eight minutes later.

Kyeremeh’s goal, marked by an impressive buildup and intelligent finish, wasn’t enough to salvage the match for his team.

Kyeremeh, at 23 years old, has proven to be a valuable asset for his team throughout the season, contributing six assists and three goals in 29 appearances.

Despite his individual success, the outcome of the match against Auxerre underscores the challenges faced by Stade Malherbe Caen.

Despite their efforts and Kyeremeh’s contributions, they fell short against a determined Auxerre side.

Brighton-bound Ibrahim Osman receives maiden Ghana call-up

Brighton-bound Ibrahim Osman has received his inaugural call-up to the Ghana national team ahead of the forthcoming international friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda next week.

The 19-year-old sensation is one of the debutants summoned by Ghana coach Otto Addo for the two friendly matches set to take place in Morocco.

Hailing from the esteemed Right to Dream Academy, Osman’s remarkable performances and exceptional talent have paved the way for a lucrative move to English Premier League outfit Brighton.

The winger will officially join Brighton in the summer, following an agreement between the club and Danish side FC Nordsjaelland for a fee reported to be approximately £16 million.

Osman will reunite with former teammates Mohammed Kudus and Ernest Nuamah in the Ghana national team, where he is anticipated to compete for a spot.

The Black Stars are scheduled to confront 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finalist Nigeria on March 22 before clashing with Uganda four days later.

These matches mark the senior national team’s first fixtures since their disappointing campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast, which ultimately led to the dismissal of Chris Hughton as the Black Stars’ coach.

By Ekow Sam Awotwe

2023/24 Ghana Premier League: Week 21 Match Report- Asante Kotoko 2-3 Accra Lions

Accra Lions shocked Asante Kotoko in Kumasi after securing a historic 3-2 victory at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on matchday 21 of the Ghana Premier League. 

Red-hot teen sensation Blessing Asuman netted a brace to add to forward Dominic Amponsah’s thunderous strike as the young Lions edged the Porcupine Warriors in their own backyard despite consolation goals from Kalo Ouattara and Benard Somuah.

Having torn apart Berekum Chelsea in Sogakope on Sunday, Accra Lions came into the game beaming with confidence and under just ten minutes broke the deadlock following a quick counter attack, with Daniel Awuni serving Asuman on the left, who neatly controlled before firing past the Kotoko goalie.

The Kumasi-based giants responded twenty minutes later after Ouattara, who netted against the same side in the first round, majestically controlled an Andrews Appau cross before unleashing a left-footed strike.

With the scores at 1-1 before half time, Lions started the same way they began the game with a defense splitting pass from Seidu Saday finding Auman who fired home to restore the lead in the 49th minute.

Accra Lions maintained their composure as Asante Kotoko chased an equalizer and from a well-defended corner, the visitors started another counter attacker with second-half substitute Bernard Kesse finding Amponsah, who unleased a powerful strike to beat Moise Pouaty.

Bernard Somuah, who came on in the second half for Asante Kotoko, grabbed a late consolation but it was too late as Accra Lions recorded back-to-back victories in the Ghana Premier League.

2023/24 Ghana Premier League: Week 21 Match Report – Great Olympics 0-0 Karela United

Great Olympics and Karela United shared the points in a goalless draw at the WAFA Park in Sogakope on Wednesday afternoon.

Olympics, who were coming off a 3-0 loss to Bibiani Gold Stars, dominated the match with 60% possession and created plenty of chances, but were unable to convert any of their eight goal attempts into goals.

Karela United, on the other hand, sat deep and absorbed the pressure, content to catch their opponents on the counter-attack.

Despite their dominant display, Olympics were forced to settle for a point, which leaves them in 9th place with 28 points.

Karela United, meanwhile, remain in 15th position, just four points above the relegation zone.

However, they could drop into the bottom three depending on the outcome of Thursday’s matches.

The match may have lacked goals, but it was certainly an exciting encounter, with both teams showing great determination and fight in their quest for vital points in the Ghana Premier League.

Ghana handed Kobbie Mainoo boost as England set to delay senior invite

The Ghana Football Association’s pursuit of Kobbie Mainoo could be handed a huge boost following reports that the Manchester United midfielder is set for promotion to the U21s rather than the English national team. 

The English-born Ghanaian has raised eyebrows with his eye-catching performances for the Red Devils this season, leading to interest from the Football Association.

Although Mainoo has represented England at the U17 and U18 levels, he remains eligible to play for the Black Stars of Ghana due to his parent’s origin.

The 18-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough campaign at Old Trafford, commanding a starting role in the starting eleven of Manchester United.

His splendid performances has seen him earn plaudits from legends such as Rio Ferdinand and Ian Wright, with the latter calling for his quick invite to the national team.

However, it seems manager Gareth Southgate prefers other players to the teen sensation.

Southgate will name his team for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium this week, as the Euro 2020 finalist prepares for the international competition this summer.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association have the chance to continue the process of convincing the youngster to play for the Black Stars.

The four-time African champions, who are yet to name a new coach after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, will face Nigeria and Uganda during the international break.

We are going to kill a lot of clubs if we keep playing like this – LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil

Los Angeles Galaxy FC forward Joseph Paintsil is optimistic about the team’s prospects this season, expressing confidence that their hunger for success could potentially “kill a lot of clubs” if they maintain their current form.

Having played a key role in all three of LA Galaxy’s 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) matches, Paintsil has already left his mark with a victory against San Jose Earthquakes and draws against Inter Miami and Nashville.

The former Genk star has contributed significantly, scoring a goal and providing an assist, showcasing his talent and versatility on the field.

In a recent interview with the LA Galaxy website, the Black Stars winger highlighted the team’s collective determination for success, emphasising their unity and strong performances as key factors that could pose a significant threat to other clubs.

“The players are really hungry for success,” Paintsil stated. “We did everything together, and if we keep playing like this, we are really going to kill a lot of clubs, trust me.”

Paintsil’s impact on the pitch has not gone unnoticed, and his impressive performances have put him in contention for a spot in the Ghana squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uganda and Nigeria in Morocco.

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