2025-04-19

World

Nketiah Foundation Cup 2024: Joma Smart FC win inaugural edition of football tournament

Joma Smart Football Club won the maiden edition of the Nketiah Foundation Cup after beating Strong Heroes Academy in the final.

The one-day football competition, which was held at the Madina AstroTurf on March 16, 2024, saw the Teshie-based side lift the trophy and walk away with a cash prize at the end of the day.

Both Joma Smart and Strong Heroes made the final after a brilliant run in the group stage as well as the semifinal.

The winners topped Group A which also had Highest Academy as well as Aboma while Strong Heroes advanced from Group B which also consisted of Mercury Academy and Vassajan, who finished second in their group.

Victories in their semifinal ties meant Strong Heroes set up a mouthwatering encounter against Joma Smart with the latter scoring late in the second half to break the hearts of Strong Heroes, who are based in Kasoa Amanfro.

The tournament was put together by the Nketiah Foundation, a non-governmental organization set up by Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah, in partnership with Elite Project Sports Agency which is based in London.

Speaking to Joy Sports after the event, the father of the English-born Ghanaian, Eddie Nketiah Snr, said he was impressed with the success of the first edition despite the short notice.

“It’s been amazing. We called people at short notice but in terms of the quality of the football and the fun that was had by all of us, I think it’s been wonderful,” he said.

“The Foundation is simply trying to inspire people and the youth through football. Eddie [Nketiah] is a story that comes from a humble beginning and he has got into where he has gotten to.

“We want to use the platform to help people to move to a level where they have fun but also while having fun tackle some of the serious social issues such as poverty, isolation and try and have fun.”

He also added that his team will look to organize more of the football competition which will help unearth more talent.

Each participating team walked home with a cash prize as well as a football while the top three teams got medals in addition.

The first runner-up, Strong Heroes Academy, were rewarded with a GHS 1,000.00 while the winners, Joma Smart FC, also received a GHS 2,000.00 cash prize.

Individuals who walked away with accolades included:

  • Player of the Tournament – Williams Akuffo (Strong Heroes)

Top scorer – McCauley Obeng Dochi (Joma Smart)

Best Goalkeeper – Obed Dwamena (Joma Smart)

TAG Nketiah Foundation

African Games 2023: ‘Event didn’t look possible a few months ago’ – Former Nigeria Sports Minister marvelled at Ghana’s efforts

Immediate past Nigerian Minister for Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, has expressed surprise at Ghana’s ability to host the 13th African Games from an impossible situation ten months ago.

According to Dare, who was deeply involved with the process through an AU committee, said in an interview in Accra that ten months ago, when Ghana asked for an eight-month extension, hosting the Games in Ghana appeared impossible.

After demonstrating a strong commitment to develop some world-class facilities, Dare believes Ghana, President Akufo-Addo, and the Minister for Sports deserve commendations.

“I think we must commend the President of Ghana, the Minister for Youth and Sports of Ghana, Mustapha Ussif, because when you look back 10 months ago it was almost impossible that this would take place and Ghana requested for 8 months extra to be able to put everything in place,” said Dare, who is in Accra for the Games.

“We have seen what they (Ghana) have done. We have seen a brand new stadium at the University [of Ghana], we have seen the Games village, and we have seen on display the absolute commitment of the government of Ghana and the efforts of the Minister and his team,” he added.

“I have been to the games, and I think that this is commendable. I was the chairman of the African Union team last year when we took the decision to extend the time for Ghana to be able to prepare. I’m happy that in eight months, Ghana has been able to pull this together.’

Dare described the successful hosting of another African Games as “a pride for Africa that 54 countries are gathered here, 29 sports and 7 different venues for the 13th edition of the African Games.”

“It requires a lot to host the African Games. It requires the political will and support of the government of the country, it requires a minister and ministry of Sports that is up and running and has the political zeal to pull it through, it requires all the support of stakeholders in the sports architecture; the Athletics, the federations and all those involved coming together and work together to make this happen.”

Ghana is hosting the 54-country and 29-discipline sports festivals after building multi-purpose infrastructure in Accra.

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.

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