2024-12-22

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Great Olympics: Interim Committee to oversee appointment of new coach

Kudjoe Fianoo, a member of Accra Great Olympics’ newly formed three-man management committee, has emphasized that their immediate focus is to appoint a new head coach, which will most likely be followed by the dissolution of the interim committee.

Last week, the club’s board chairman, Amarkai Amarteifio, announced the dissolution of the club’s Management and Technical Teams following their relegation from the Ghana Premier League.

In an interview on Channel One TV, Fianoo explained the decision to dissolve the management board after the club’s relegation.

During the previous season, Great Olympics finished 16th in the league standings, which consisted of 18 teams. Throughout the season, they went through three different head coaches, namely Annor Walker, Jimmy Cobblah, and Henry Orlando Wellington.

Fianoo expressed his belief that the newly formed committee might not oversee the entire season. Currently, they are actively searching for a coach.

“I don’t think that this committee is going to see through the entire season. As we speak, we are on the search for a coach,” Fianoo stated. “When we get the coach, we will see some names sent to the Board for consideration and then we will form the management committee that will be in charge of the day-to-day running of the club. So our mission is to make sure that we fill in the gap as the club prepares to move into Division One.”

Great Olympics are determined to rebuild and make a strong comeback, starting with a strategic appointment of a capable head coach to lead the team in the upcoming season.

Kenya: Former World Record Holder Kosgei Drops Out of Paris Olympics

Nairobi — Olympics marathon silver medalist Brigid Kosgei is out of the women’s team for this month’s Paris Olympics due to injury concerns.

In a statement from the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK), Kosgei was deemed unfit to compete in her second Olympics after a regular assessment and monitoring by the medical team.

“It’s during the one of the regular monitoring sessions that Olympic silver medalist Brigid Kosgei expressed an injury concern to the technical team. Upon a review by the medical team led by the Chief Medical officer Dr Ondiege, Kosgei will not be heading to Paris for her second Olympics,” the statement read.

The former world record holder has been replaced by Sharon Lokedi who clinched the 2022 New York Marathon title on her debut in the World Marathon Majors race.

It is a hammer blow to Kosgei who had seemed to be on the path to peak form after her injury woes in the aftermath of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The 30-year-old won the Lisbon Half Marathon in March this year, clocking 1:05:51 before finishing fifth at the London Marathon, the following month.

The two-time London Marathon and Chicago Marathon champion was part of a formidable three-woman team that also included Olympics defending champion Peres Jepchirchir, Boston and New York Marathon champion Hellen Obiri.

For Lokedi, a debut appearance at the Olympics is the icing on a cake of a glittering and sumptuous road race career thus far.

The 30-year-old followed up her New York Marathon win in 2022 with a third place finish at the same event the following year – timing 2:27:33.

She has continued her trend of podium finishes this year with second place at the Boston Marathon in April (2:22:45) before clocking 31:04 to finish second at the New York 10km race in June.

The Kenyan marathon team – including men – are currently training in Ngong as well as Eldoret.

They are expected to depart the country next month, in time for their event, which will be held at the tailend of the Olympics.

Black Queens poised for friendly against Japan

The Black Queens of Ghana are brimming with a sense of optimism and readiness as they prepare to take on Japan in a prestigious international friendly at the Go Go Kanazawa Stadium on Saturday, July 13.

This clash is a crucial moment for the Ghana’s coaching staff to evaluate the team’s progress and future potential, as they embark on a new chapter following their narrow miss for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Build-up to match

Coach Nora Häuptle has been supervising training at the Seibu Ryokuchi park since last Tuesday ahead of the match, which is also vital for Japan’s build-up to the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. 

Grace Asantewaa, a key midfielder of Ghanaian team who plies her trade with FC Juarez in Mexico’s Women’s Premier League, expressed her excitement and optimism about the potential benefits of this high-profile clash with the former world champions. After last Tuesday’s training, she highlighted the importance of Saturday’s encounter  in the Black Queens’ rebuilding process.

The Black Queens are gearing up for major upcoming tournaments, including the rescheduled 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, now set to take place next year in Morocco.

The 19-member squad has been carefully prepared, with the exciting return of two key players: Mukarama Abdulai and Princella Adubea. Both players are back from injury and eager to make their mark.

Adubea, the Trabzonspor forward, who has been sidelined for 10 months, is eager to contribute and make an impact.

She remains optimistic that the team can build on the positives achieved under their Swiss coach. “We need to be compact and focused. We don’t care about their world ranking; we can match them,” she declared, demonstrating her readiness to rise to the occasion.

Mukarama Abdulai, another key returnee after a long absence from the national team, is focused on continuing her strong form after a successful campaign with Hasaacas Ladies to recapture the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League

“Playing with the Queens is a long-term goal. I aim to follow the coach’s plans and work hard to achieve both team and personal success,” she stated, emphasising her commitment to achieving excellence on the field.

Paris 2024: Ghana’s Rose Yeboah sets sights on Olympic medal

Ghana’s Rose Yeboah has set her sights on winning a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The high jumper left Ghana for Paris on Wednesday night for her maiden global showpiece.

Rose secured her qualification with an incredible 1.97m jump at the NCAA Championship in Eugene in June.

In an interview with JoySports’ Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo before her departure, she expressed optimism about improving and ultimately winning a medal at the Olympics.

“Qualifying for Olympics is such a great experience and I am really happy to see myself there to compete for my country Ghana.

“Looking at my performance I put up at the NCAA, I feel like I will do much better since it’s going to be a competition among ourselves.

“Everyone should expect me qualifying to the finals and seeing myself on the podium. It will be such a great experience if at least I make it to the finals and get a medal.”

Rose has impressed in recent months for Ghana, having clinched Gold medals in high jump at the African Athletics Seniors Championships and the 2023 African Games.

The Olympic Games runs from July 6 to August 11.

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.

Ghana to host Angola on opening day of AFCON 2025 qualifiers

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the dates for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers (AFCON).

According to CAF, the qualifiers would take place from September to November this year to make way for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers slated for 2025.

Ghana will open its campaign against Angola at home before making a trip to Niger for the second Group F match scheduled for between September 2-10, 2024.

The Black Stars will later face Sudan in a double header in October as they host the 1970 African champions in Kumasi before traveling for the reverse fixture –in the week of October 7-15, 2024.

The final round of qualifiers will take place in November when Ghana trek to Luanda as guests of Angola before they wrap things up against Niger at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The top two teams from the group will qualify for the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year. Otto Addo’s men are in search of a ticket to the biggest football tournament on African soil having previously won the title in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.

The Group F Fixtures are attached below:

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.

Team Ghana secures three semi-final slots at African Athletics Seniors Championships

Ghana’s sprinters Isaac Botsio and Edwin Gadayi have advanced to the semi-finals of the men’s 100m at the African Athletics Seniors Championships in Douala, after impressive performances in their heats on Friday.

Botsio secured his spot by finishing second in Heat 3 with a time of 10.41 seconds, trailing Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi.

Gadayi also claimed a second-place finish in Heat 2, clocking 10.49 seconds behind Liberia’s Joseph Fahbulleh, who won the race in 10.45 seconds.

In Heat 4, Ghana’s Brock Appiah finished fifth with a time of 10.58 seconds, missing out on a semi-final berth.

On the women’s side, Deborah Acheampong delivered a strong performance in Heat 3, finishing second with a time of 11.92 seconds, just behind Gambia’s Gina Bass, who the double at African Games in Accra three months ago.

Acheampong will compete in the semi-finals on Saturday. Unfortunately, Hor Halutie finished fourth in Heat 7 with a time of 11.71 seconds and did not advance.

In the women’s 100m hurdles, Doris Mensah and Evonne Britton finished third in their respective heats. Mensah clocked 13.63 seconds in Heat 1, while Britton finished Heat 2 in 13.30 seconds.

In the women’s discus final, Rejoice Agbewodie ranked 12th out of 16 competitors, with a best throw of 48.38 meters.

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