Ghana legend Mohammed Polo who won the SWAG Footballer of the year award in 1974 says the Black Stars are no more favourites in tournament following their unimpressive performance in recent times.

The West African powerhouse are in search of a fifth Africa Cup of Nations title having last won it in Libya 1982.

Ghana recorded their worse AFCON performance during the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, where the Black Stars now out in group stage after failing to beat Comoros to progress.

In an interview with Koforidua-based Bryt FM, Polo, a member of the 1978 AFCON winning squad refused to rank Ghana among favourites to win the title in Ivory Coast due to their recent poor showing at tournament.

“For sometime now, we are not favourite in any competition because of our performance in recent times. We are not seeded in any draw which tells you where our football is going, if something good comes along the line then it’s a miracle”

“We pray things will go on well for the Black Stars at the AFCON but I don’t think there is something special we have to talk about. We hope to see something better, if we are able to win the trophy then that will also be a different thing” he said.

Ghana has been drawn in Group B and will compete against record holders, Egypt, CAPE Verde and Mozambique.

The Black Stars will open their account against Cape Verde on January 14, 2024 before engaging Egypt and Mozambique on Januarys 18 and January 22nd respectively.

Footballghana

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, declared on Friday that the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in 2025, set to take place in Morocco, will transcend all previous editions to become the “best in the history of the continent.”

Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Motsepe expressed his unwavering confidence in Morocco’s potential to organize a spectacular AFCON in 2025.

“The eyes of the world will be on the continent when the 2025 AFCON is organised, and I am convinced that this edition will be the best in the history of African football,” Motsepe declared, exuding enthusiasm and determination.

His statement comes as a resounding testament to Morocco's remarkable strides in the realm of football.

Notably, Morocco was recently bestowed with the honour of jointly hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Patrice Motsepe commended Morocco for its leadership in the global football arena, saying that the country has significantly, consistently elevated its global footballing status in recent years.

Morocco’s selection as the host nation for the 35th edition of CAF in 2025 was a unanimous decision by the CAF Executive Committee, reflecting the confidence and trust vested in the country’s capabilities to deliver a world-class event.

The bold vision articulated by Patrice Motsepe has set high expectations for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

With the African football community eagerly awaiting the tournament, Morocco appears poised to deliver an unforgettable edition that may indeed go down in history as one of the finest moments in continental football.

Source: Morocco World News

In a candid revelation, Accra Hearts of Oak Board chairman, Togbe Afede XIV, pinpointed a critical hurdle the club faces: the imperative task of ensuring unwavering fan support.

As the heartbeat of the team, the fans' dedication is pivotal to the club's success. This was said by Togbe Afede during the club's annual general meeting.

Ivy Heward-Mills and Vincent Sowah-Odotei, two members of the Hearts board, were present when the Executive Chairman spoke.

"When you are genuine supporter, you have to understand these things (coaching success isn’t an exact science) and keep supporting. One of the biggest challenges of Accra Hearts of Oak is making sure the fans keep supporting because sometimes the negativity also hurts us,” he said.

“It hurts our ability to raise sponsorship and et cetera. Please let’s understand that football administration, coaching neither of them is an exact science,” he added.

The Phobians have picked four points after four games in the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League.

footballghana

Fencing is classified as a lesser known sport in Ghana, but Mr. Mohammed Mahadi wants that tag to be removed as he tries to take the sport to a different level.

He said Ghanaians are blessed with talent, skill, strength and knowledge to participate in various disciplines and Fencing is one sport that can take the nation far if they are supported and encouraged.

He said many kids and youth want to get involved, so they would try to make the sport popular in the communities and schools like it is done in North Africa and Europe.

He noted that there are some Ghanaians who are also doing well in other countries who must be invited to support the sport in Ghana.

He identified Kabiru Mohammed, one of the potential medal hopes in fencing who is competing in Tashkent Uzbekistan. According to the President, Mohammed has for the past seven weeks been in intensive training preparing for the championship which is part of the Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers.

He disclosed that Ghana Fencing Association has secured a sponsorship from the International Fencing Academy and  the Uzbekistan Fencing Federation.

"We will  do all our best to raise funds to enable our team participate in the remaining qualifying series around the globe.

We are doing our best to raise funds to enable our team participate in the  events towards Paris 2024 and beyond around the globe".

"Sports its about solidarity and these two organizations have demonstrated that they are ready to support the Ghana Fencing Association,  we  appreciate it and we say thanks to them" he expressed.

Mr. Mohammed Mahadi is also third Vice President of the Ghana Olympic Committee.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Black Stars of Ghana lost 2-0 to Mexico in their friendly encounter played in the USA.

The four times African champions locked horns with their Mexican counterparts in the first of two friendly matches being played in the October international break.

While Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton would field a strong starting eleven, the team could not avoid a defeat.

In a game played at the Bank of America Stadium, Ghana matched Mexico boot for boot in the first half in a fierce showdown that kept spectators on their feet.

At the end of the goalless first half, Mexico managed to break down the defense of Ghana in the second half to cruise to victory.

The victors scored their first goal of the game in the 57th minute thanks to a strike from star attacker Hirving Lozano.

Later in the game, substitute Uriel Antuna equalised with a smart finish to seal a delightful 2-0 win for Mexico at the end of the 90 minutes.

Since taking over as Black Stars head coach, this is the first time Coach Chris Hughton has lost a game.

The game is part of Ghana’s preparations ahead of the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.

Next up for the Black Stars is a clash with the United States on Wednesday dawn at 12:30 A.M at the Geodis Park in Tennessee.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

GHAMMAF President Collins Zoiku calls for support to organize at 13th African Games

…After Successful Course For Referees And Judges

Mr Collins Kofi Zoiku, President of the Ghana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GHAMMAF) has made a passionate appeal to the African Games LOC, Ministry of Youth & Sports and the National Sports Authority (NSA) to support them to organize a successful demonstration at the upcoming 13th African Games to be hosted in Accra, Ghana.

Speaking to Yours Truly on the way forward for the sport in Ghana, he noted that the African Games is a big platform to showcase the talent of the nation, and Ghana has great potential not only in boxing but other combat sports, especially Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

He stressed that the right to stage the sport at the biggest sports festival has been hijacked by the professional body, Ghana Mixed Martial Arts Association (GAMMA) and it should not be so because the Games are essentially for Amateur athletes.

According to Mr. Zoiku the GHAMMAF is the rightful organization to stage the sport at the Games, and threatened to take legal action if his outfit is not given the right to organize.

He expressed gratitude for the successful completion of the Referees and Judges program.

He told the participants “Your dedication to maintaining high standards in officiating was evident throughout the training, from the comprehensive curriculum to the engaging instructors. The professionalism and organizational abilities demonstrated by the GHAMMAF executives greatly contributed to the overall positive experience. I would also like to commend the participants for their enthusiasm and unwavering commitment. I am confident that this training will raise the bar for officiating in our sport.”

He also thanked Vice President Mr. Ali Ajami and Executive Board Member Mr. Thomas Akumani for their support and contributions to a successful and excellent program.

About 40 people took part in the two day seminar for MMA referees / judges and first aiders.

The second day focused many on officiating and intentional fouls that they must check, such as head butting, strike to the throat, strike to genitals, strike to spine or back of the head , lifting an opponent upside down and hitting his head on the canvas, biting, spitting on the canvas, kneeing the groin, holders and punching and others.

Referee David Mills who lectured the participants on day two urged them to practice officiating at home or wherever they feel comfortable.

He advised them to invest in themselves to upgrade and reach far, but it is not easy.

Mrs. Deladem Ephraim-Etsey Secretary of the GHAMMAF said certificates in digital form world be sent to all participants.

Mr. Ahmed Mustapha of International Kickboxing Federation, Ghana described the course as very important and educative.

Mr. Olivera Welbeck, a combat sports practitioner said the course came at the right time and he learnt a lot.

Mr. Emmanuel Akpabli, Technical Director said the GHAMMAF is ever ready to organize the MMA Demonstration at the 13th African Games.

Mr. Sammy Gyan, Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GHABSU) also prayed that more courses should be organized for other stakeholders like the media, coaches and promoters.

Mr. Patrick Johnson, Secretary General of the Federation advised the participants to practice what they learnt to be perfect.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d'Ivoire 2023 Groups:

Group A: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau

Group B: Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde Islands, Mozambique

Group C: Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia

Group D: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Angola

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, Namibia

Group F: Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania

The battle lines have officially been drawn, as 24 strong African nations now know who they will be facing in the group stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

The Official Draw was conducted on Thursday, 12 October at a glitzy affair held in Abidjan where African football royalty in the form of Didier Drogba, Sadio Mane, Achraf Hakimi as well as John Obi Mikel were present as the Draw Assistants.

CAFOnline shares some of the reactions from coaches and members of the participating teams post the Draw.

Augustin Senghor, President of the Senegalese FA: "Senegal inherited a tough group. But it's in adversity that we rise to the occasion and achieve great things. We're going to face two neighbours, Gambia and Guinea. These two have a lot to offer. Senegal-Cameroon duels have always been intense matches and we're getting ready to face them in a few days' time. This friendly that we will be playing with them soon now takes on a whole new dimension with this draw”.

Jean-Louis Gasset, Côte d'Ivoire coach: "We've made up our minds now. We know what we're going to work on. Facing a team like Nigeria and their attacking prowess motivates us because we're not looking for the easy way out. We'll be supported by an entire nation, which is an incredible asset”.

Dodo Landu, Democratic Republic of Congo Team Manager: "The big team of our group is Morocco. We met them in the play-off of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers to Qatar. We mustn't repeat the mistakes we made in the second leg of that clash. Everyone's eyes are on Morocco, but this group also has Zambia and Tanzania. They're always tough to play against. It's up to us to prepare well. We'll be in Abidjan, a city that brings good luck to the Leopards, as we won our first CHAN here in this city”

Tom Saintfiet, Gambia coach: "We're in the toughest group of the competition with the African champions. The boys will be more motivated to perform. We also have Cameroon, who eliminated us at the last Africa Cup of Nations. It's going to be a great opportunity for revenge”

Achraf Hakimi, Morocco defender: "We have the tag of semi-finalists at the World Cup. We have to do everything we can to win this trophy (editor's note: pointing to it on stage at the Parc des Expositions in Abidjan). It's not an easy group but we're going to focus on ourselves and our qualities to achieve our goals and objectives."

Kaba Diawara, the Guinea coach from Portugal: “We followed the draw with the players. We are in the group of death as they say. We really respect everyone. And I hope it goes well. Either way, we really have our chances. We will have to be strong from the first match. We know we have our say. Maybe it's not a gift for others to have us in the group. We really have a good chance of qualifying”

CAF Communications

The Ghana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GHAMMAF) on Friday, October 13 started a two day course on exercising first aid and referees / judges course at the media center of the Accra Sports Stadium.

The two day programme which is to keep practitioners in the sport abreast with modern rules and techniques was well attended and President of the Federation, Mr. Collins Kofi Zoiku was impressed.

He said the programme was very important as it would get participants ready for up coming events, such as the African Games which Ghana is about to host for the first time.

Mr. Emmanuel A. Danflo, a senior emergency health educator took the participants through supporting victims who collapse or are unconscious, while Mr. Daniel Euro, Richard Amevi Adjetey Mawuzoe and David Mills handled the referee / judging aspect.

They also took the participants through scoring and fouls, amongst other essential things to know about Mixed Martial Arts.

Present at the programme was GHAMMAF Board Chairman- Professor Kester Quist-Aphetsi, Secretary Mrs. Deladem Ephraim-Etsey, Board member Carl Lokko and Technical Director Mr. Akpabli Emmanuel.

They praised all those who took part and advised them to practice on their own to be perfect.

Mr. Zoiku said their Federation is supposed to stage the demonstration of MMA at the 13th African Games because it is an amateur event.

Also in attendance was the President of the Sierra Leone Federation.

The course which was powered by the IMMAF, the international body ends on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

...To Organise 10th Anniversary Meet on December 1&2

The resident club of the University of Ghana Sports Directorate, the Legon Sharks is ten years this season and as part of activities to celebrate, they are organizing a Championship on  December 1 and 2 to climax and encourage swimmers to lower their times.

Mr. Stanley Abbam, Organiser of the club said preparations are underway and they hope to organize a big event as all clubs all-over have been invited.

He commanded the Ghana Swimming Association for their support and recognizing one of their swimmers to get a scholarship as well as the media who cover swimming.

He hinted that gold, silver and bronze medals would be awarded the first, second and third in various events like Butterfly, Forward and Backward Strokes.

He expressed that Legon Sharks are poised to win most of the medals

Coach Daniel Opare is also confident that his swimmers will perform. He said now people have realized the opportunities in swimming and they are taking their lessons serious.

He prayed that Legon Sharks produce more national swimmers.

He thanked the parents of young swimmers who have been very supportive and the executive of the club.

The Legon Swimming Club (LSC) is a non-profit parent-run sporting club. It was established in September 2013, within the auspices of the University of Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine