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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.

Ghana’s Mohammed Fuseini scores in Randers 2-2 draw Odense BK

Ghanaian youngster Mohammed Fuseini scored his eighth goal in nine appearances for Randers in the Danish Super League on Friday afternoon.

The former Right to Dream academy product netted in the 2-2 draw for his side as they came from behind to salvage a point against Odense BK.

Fuseini, who had scored six goals in his last three games, continued his scoring prowess once again as he hopes to keep his side in the league.

The away team opened the scoring in the 60th minute through Rami Al Hajj.

The lead, however, lasted just 15 minutes as Fuseini scored to level things for his side.

There were two more goals in the game; one for each side as the fixture ended 2-2.

For Fuseini, the latest goal means he averages a goal or assist per game as he has racked up eight goals and one assist in nine league games.

The forward is on loan from Austrian side Sturm Graz.

CAFCC: John Antwi sure of positive result against Zamalek

Dreams FC striker John Antwi is confident his side can get a good result against Zamalek on Sunday.

The FA Cup holders are in Egypt for the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final first leg.

Antwi, who played for five Egyptian clubs between 2012 and 2020, has been one of the competitions best performers with five goals and two assists.

Having played for Al Ahly, Pyramids, Gaish, Ismaily and El Makasa in Egypt, Antwi has an intimate knowledge of Sunday’s opponent.

Flashback: John Antwi celebrates scoring for Egyptian money bags, Pyramids FC. He remains the highest scoring foreigner in Egyptian football with over 100 goals

“It’s a big club looking at where they are.They have played African competitions several times and considering the quality of players they have,” he tells JoySports.

Dreams progressed to the semi-final stage after securing a 3-2 aggregate win over Stade Malien.

Their opponents who won the competition in 2019, qualified following a 3-2 aggregate win over Egyptian counterparts, Modern Future.

John Antwi is under no illusions on the enormity of the task.

“So it’s not going to be an easy encounter. But then like I said, I believe in the boys, the hardwork, everything we’ve put into this game and I know God willing were going to come out with a positive result.” He concluded.

The reverse fixture has been scheduled for Sunday, April 28, 2024.

If Dreams progress, they will become only the third Ghanaian club to qualify for the final of the competition, after Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.

Accra 2023: Ghana must host more international and domestic events – William Blick

Sports consultant to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the 13th African Games, William Blick has emphasized the need for Ghana to host international and domestic events, believing it is the only way the facilities will be maintained properly.

Ghana successfully hosted 54 countries in 29 sporting disciplines across 9 venues including the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, The Borteyman Sports Complex, Bukum Boxing Arena, Cape Coast Sports Stadium, Theodosia Oko Hockey pitch, Accra Sports Stadium, Achimota Cricket Oval, Laboma Beach Resort among other venues in the recently ended the 13th African Games.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Ministry of Youth and Sports media briefing dubbed “Time with Accra 2023 medallist on Monday at the University of Ghana sports stadium, the International Olympic committee member, Blick highlighted the need for the President to initiate the Ghana games.

GPL: Asantehene tasks Asante Kotoko to do ‘better’ after crucial meeting

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has charged the playing body of Asante Kotoko to turn their ailing season around in the final stretch of the campaign after their recent misfortunes.

Kotoko are winless in seven games in the Ghana Premier League and occupy the 11th position after 26 genes played.

The team met the Asantehene who opened discussions with the players and technical team to determine the issues accountable for their poor performances.

He also used the opportunity to address the team’s grievances.

In his discussion with the team, he stated explicitly that “no member of the team works for any individual but him, and therefore should put their differences aside and fight for the team, as he won’t watch the team go down under his reign.”

“I am expecting something better from you,” said Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

“Prove to me that you are capable and if the coach is the problem, then I will take a decision on him. But for now, make sure you go and play and win.”

The Porcupine Warriors take on league leaders FC Samartex on Sunday on matchday 27 of the league looking to bounce back to winning ways.

All Regional Games: Torch Relay ceremony held in Accra ahead of maiden edition

The All Regional Games kicked off its nationwide journey towards revitalising grassroots sports with a spectacular Torch Relay ceremony reminiscent of the Olympic Games.

The torch relay ceremony which was held on Thursday, April 18, at the Black Stars Square in Accra, set the tone for a nationwide movement aimed at rejuvenating the spirit of sportsmanship and athleticism across the country.

The ceremonial torch was ignited by the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Dadzie Numekevor, alongside the celebrated football icons Asamoah Gyan and Baffour Gyan.

This symbolic gesture marks the beginning of an inspirational journey to promote and nurture sporting talent at the grassroots level.

A city-wide float procession traversed the streets of Accra, carrying the illuminated torch to prominent landmarks, effectively raising awareness for the upcoming All Regional Games.

The participation of esteemed torchbearers including a Para-athlete, boxing legend Braima Kamoko (Bukom Banku), ex-Black Stars players Agyemang Badu, Samuel Inkoom, Kwadwo Asamoah and the Gyan brothers, Asamoah and Baffour, added to the fervour and excitement surrounding the event.

The All Regional Games aims to traverse all 16 Regions of the nation, scouting for promising athletes across eight sporting disciplines, including soccer, athletics, boxing, tennis, basketball, arm-wrestling, volleyball, and table tennis.

This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment of the All Regional Games to foster talent development and sports excellence at every level.

The main launch of the All Regional Games sports festival is slated for June at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Laryea Kingston takes over as Black Starlets head coach

ormer Ghana international Laryea Kingston has been appointed the head coach of the Black Starlets.

Kingston, who previously worked under Karim Zito as Ghana’s U-17 assistant coach, has now taken over the head coach role.

The former Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics winger has already been in charge of the team in their recent friendly games ahead of their upcoming WAFU B tournament.

Kingston will be assisted by former Hearts captain, Jacob Nettey, and Nana Agyemang.

Nettey led the Phobians to the famous CAF Champions League glory in 2000 during his playing days.

He featured for the Black Stars during the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 (co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria) and was a member of the Ghana squad at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, USA.

The former Black Stars defender won six Premier League titles and three FA Cup trophies during his stint with Accra Hearts of Oak.

Nana Agyemang is a CAF Licence A and UEFA Licence B holder who previously worked with Adenta United, Barbarossa Academy, the Lizzy Sports Complex Academy and ProGen Football Club.

The new technical team has been tasked to assemble a formidable squad for the next edition of the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations, Accra 2024 and the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.