The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) and sports company PUMA have concluded an agreement which resulted in PUMA becoming CAF’s official technical partner for several CAF Events including the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

The agreement will commence on 1 November 2023 and PUMA will supply the official match ball at CAF tournaments, as well as provide the kit for referees and engage in several marketing opportunities, both inside and outside the stadium.

CAF and PUMA will launch the official match ball for TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 at the Final Draw on Thursday 12 October at 19H00 GMT.

The CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “We are delighted that PUMA which is one of the leading sportswear manufacturing companies in the world, is partnering with CAF to develop and grow football in Africa.”

Johan Kuhlo, General Manager EEMEA Distribution at PUMA said: “The passion for football runs deep in Africa and PUMA has taken a unique and creative approach in its partnerships with its African teams over the years. Our agreement with CAF celebrates this passion for the sport across the continent and we will jointly develop exciting products specifically for African football.”

The appeal of African football extends well beyond the Continent, with a strong viewership in major markets such as the UK, France and the United States.

CAF Communication

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) and Apsonic, a renowned global name in the motorcycles industry, have joined forces making, Apsonic the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 Official Competition Sponsor.

Known for its innovation and commitment to motorcycle riders worldwide, and with a strong presence in West Africa, Apsonic’s investment in African football recognises the popularity of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations not only in Africa but globally.

The agreement between CAF and Apsonic was signed in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire last night, Monday 09 October 2023 – a few days ahead of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 Final Draw

CAF | Communication Department

African football euphoria is in the air throughout the country of Cote d’Ivoire, as the Ivorian nation counts down to Thursday evening’s globally anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Official Draw.

Set to take place at the Parc Des Exposition in Abidjan, the Official Draw marks yet another exciting milestone to the build-up to the 34th edition of the biggest event on African soil ahead of its official start between 13 January – 11 February next year. 

Delegations from each of the 24 participating nations, CAF legends, international media, CAF commercial partners, showbiz celebrities and African leaders are gradually descending to the Ivorian shores ahead of the much-anticipated event, which will set the tone for what promises to be the best TotalEnergies AFCON tournaments to date.

While the Draw is scheduled to take place in Abidjan, the whole nation of Cote d’Ivoire is abuzz with African football excitement with Ivorian national flags being proudly hoisted across key national points throughout the country.

The tournament’s official Mascot, “Akwaba” is also visibly seen at airports, hotels, public transportation hubs, city centers and street poles across all five host cities - warmly welcoming visitors in the native language of Baoulé, which translates to “Welcome”.

Speaking ahead of the Thursday evening’s extravaganza, Vice-President of the Local Organising Committee, Mr Yacine Idriss Diallo said the Draw was an exciting platform for the country to demonstrate its state of readiness and excitement of hosting Africa next year.

“You can feel the excitement in the air - not just here in Abidjan but across the country. Everywhere you go, people are talking about Thursday evening’s Draw and who they want to see playing against each other. Thanks to our continued efforts, working with CAF and local Government, the country is fully behind this tournament and starting with the Draw on Thursday, Cote d’Ivoire will demonstrate to Africa and the rest of the world that it is indeed ready to host a successful AFCON”, said Diallo.

This will be the second time CAF’s flagship competition is hosted in Cote d’Ivoire following the 1984 edition that concluded with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon being crowned champions in a match played at the now refurbished Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, which will be one of the host venues next year.

The Official Draw will be beamed in over 50 countries, with millions of viewers expected to tune in to the event on CAF’s Official YouTube channel as well as across CAF’s Global TV partners. 

More exciting announcement about the Draw will be made by CAF in the upcoming days.

The Qualified Nations for the Official Draw:

Cote d’Ivoire (hosts), Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo DR, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and Zambia.

CAF Communications

Mr. Abraham Neequaye, President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has lost the favour, confidence and trust of many boxers, coaches and fans.

For the second time, after he had meddled in the results of the on gong second edition of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, the Bronx Gym led by Coach Carl Lokko has accused him of trying to spoil the beauty of the sport and put the game into disrepute.

At a Press Conference held on Tuesday at the Bronx Gym at James Town, the GBA President was accused of trying to favour some gym to win the competition which has a car at stake for the best boxer and best gym.

The GBA President was named to have been on Max Television to declare that the verdict of the match between Bronxs’ Emmanuel Quartey and Jerry Lartey of the Ghana Army would be overturned due to no reason, just because he was supporting the later to win, but he was beaten.

Meanwhile, all the officials of the bout said the result was very fair on the outcome of the bout which Quartey dominated and won clearly.

Bronx Gym also accused the Army of beating boxing fans whenever their boxer loses, so how do they protect the citizens or ensure security at the event.

According to the Bronx Gym CEO, they will go to every length and breath including placing an injunction on the competition if they do not find fair judgement.

Some boxing personalities who are not in favour of the actions of the GBA President include veteran boxing consultant Yoofi Boham, senior coach Rashid Williams aka Believer, Ring Announcer Mustapha Nettey, Mr. Alex Ntiamoah - Boakye, President of the Promoters Association and Sammy Gyan, Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GHABSU).

Some women from the James Town community were at the Press Conference to show support for Emmanuel Quartey and heaped curses on the GBA President.

Meanwhile, the top three gyms on the league log are Charles Quartey, Bronx Gym and the Ghana Army.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye has been accused of interfering in the results of the ongoing Ghana Professional Boxing League.

At a Press Conference held today by the Bronx Boxing Gym who are competing in the league, Coach Lawrence Carl Lokko said for the second time the President of the GBA wants to overturn the results of bouts which his boxers won.

Last Saturday, during Fight Night 14, enterprising Emmanuel Quartey displayed great boxing and was declared winner, however on Monday morning the GBA President was on Max TV, who are organisers of the event to say he was not in favour of the result so he will over turn it.

His decision has not gone down well with many observers and fans of the Boxing League.

Promoter Alex Ntiamoah – Boakye described the GBA President as a tyrant who always want to have his way when he is even at fault.

He urged the Bronx Gym and their supporters not to allow the verdict with has been declared in the ring be changed. He noted that there are procedures for overtuning results when one party does not understand.

In another development, some women and old women who love boxing have showered cursese on the GBA President, and said they will face him squarely if he interfers in the results of the competition.

The Ghana Boxing League is in the second season. Bronx Boxing Gym who are one of the best gyms did not participate in the first edition.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Young Ghanaian swimmer, Christian Nii Nortey Duah of the University of Ghana, Legon Swim Club (the Legon Sharks) has been awarded a scholarship to train in one of the world’s best swimming centers in Thailand for one year.

His ticket and travel documents were presented to him on Tuesday by the President of Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) Mrs. Delphina Quaye at a short but impressive ceremony at the conference room of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) at Ridge in Accra.

Mrs. Quaye said due to the success story of Abeiku Jackson in 2021 who has been doing well in Kazakhstan, the World Aquatics thought it wise to give another opportunity.

She advised him to comport himself very well and be a worthy Ambassador from Ghana and Africa.

Mrs. Farida Iddris, Treasurer of the GSA who serves on the World Aquatic Board commended Christian Nii Nortey Duah for his hard work and urged him to strive hard to compete at the high level like the World Championships and Olympic Games. She said his exploits would open doors for other young Ghanaian swimmers.

Coach Daniel Opare of the Legon Sharks Team said Duah who is 18 years now was discovered at the age of 9 when he was visiting the pool and helping in cleaning the place, and got interested and was encouraged to train with the support of Prof. Aryeetey and other parents.

He said the club as part of their social responsibility often supports young swimmers from the Okponglo community and Duah happened to be one who desired and was determined to take the sport serious.

Mr. Stanley Abbam, Organiser of the Legon Sharks and their Treasurer asked corporate Ghana to support them as they unearth talents for Ghana Swimming.

He revealed that they will be ten years in December and will climax their decade anniversary with a championship on 1^st and 2^nd December, 2023.

Christain Nii Nortey Duah promised to drop in him time, and hope to get the opportunity to feature at big international meets.

His dad and some members of the club were at the event to support and wish him farewell him.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Emmanuel Quartey fighting from the Bronx Boxing Gym owned by Coach Carl Lokko gave out a good account of himself against Jerry Lartey of the Ghana Armed Forces last Saturday on  Fight Night 14 bill of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

It was not surprising that after the bout the man in the middle of the ring kept on clapping for the winner.

Emmanuel Quartey (6-0) is one of the young brilliant personalities who is combining education and sports. He attended Osu Presec SHS.

Coach Lokko says he is certainly on of the rising stars to watch because he has everything right in boxing, such as height, weight, skill, talent, strength, stamina and above all the determination and desire to become a super star in future.

He is managed by Yungice Boxing Management.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

German-born Ghanaian winger John Yeboah, currently playing for Raków Częstochowa in the Polish Premier League, has received his inaugural call-up to the Ecuador national team in preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, to a Ghanaian father and an Ecuadorian mother, Yeboah is eligible to compete at the international level for the Black Stars, having represented Germany in various youth categories including U16, U17, U18, U19, and U20.

His exceptional performance in the Polish top-flight league caught the attention of national team coach Félix Sánchez, leading to Yeboah's first senior call-up.

With 7 appearances, 2 assists, and a goal to his name, Yeboah has made a notable impact for Raków Częstochowa.

Ecuador is set to face Bolivia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, October 12, followed by a match against Colombia on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

This marks an exciting new chapter in John Yeboah's international football journey, with Ghana ultimately losing out on his talent.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Table Tennis Association led by the president, Mawuko Afadzinu has scheduled Saturday, 28th October, 2023 for another big Table Tennis event dubbed “GTTA Otumfuor Smash” in the Ashanti Region, Kumasi.

After successfully organizing the recently ended ASOGLI challenge in HO, the Otumfuo Smash event is expected to attract over 200 for both male and female players.

With support from the Manhyia Palace,and Opemsuor radio, the event also falls in line with preparations towards the upcoming Africa games next year in Ghana.

In an exclusive interview with this portal, the treasurer of the GTTA who is an International Table Tennis Federation certified competition manager and also in charge of this event, William Berekorang Asare disclosed that the event has already received massive support.

“Even before the event, we have received calls from some prominent individuals and companies who are willing to support and help us achieve our target as an association. So I am confident that this event is going to be one the biggest in Kumasi”, he said.

According to him, registration links are already opened including other items to support the successful hosting of the event.

“As a competition manager, we have already put in place suitable measures and conditions to ensure the participants, enthusiasts of the game and even the Kumasi community enjoy the game to the fullest on that day.

“We are also liasing with all relevant stakeholders in Kumasi to support Table Tennis in the country rather than channeling all support to another sport. ”,the competition manager, William Berekorang Asare stated.

He also revealed that, winners at the event would walk home with cash prizes and souvenirs.

High delegation from the Manhyia Palace and other top dignitaries are expected to grace occasion.

By Nicholas Akussah

Los Angeles proposes five new sports for 2028 Olympics programme

Five new sports have been proposed for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics programme ©Getty Images

Los Angeles has proposed five new sports for the programme for the 2028 Olympic Games - baseball and softball, flag football, cricket, lacrosse and squash.

This is now set to be reviewed and ratified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board and will be voted on during the 141st IOC Session, set to begin in Mumbai in India on Sunday (October 15).

Speaking about the proposed new sports, LA 2028 chief executive Kathy Carter said: "In building the Olympic sport programme, we were willing to challenge the status quo and think differently about what’s possible for the Games in Los Angeles.

"We approached the process holistically and authentically, ensuring that our decisions were grounded in the Games’ commitment to fiscal responsibility.

"We’ve landed on a bold and balanced proposal that will energise the Games with culturally relevant competition and boundless possibility."

Cricket, which has been proposed to be contested in the Twenty20 format, has only previously featured at the Olympics in 1900.

ICC chairman Greg Barclay said: "We are delighted that LA28 have recommended cricket for inclusion in the Olympics.

"Whilst this is not the final decision, it is a very significant landmark towards seeing cricket at the Olympics for the first time in more than a century.

"I’d like to thank LA28 for their support during the new sport evaluation process over last two years and we look forward to the final decision being taken at the IOC Session, in India, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next week."

The decision on the proposed new sports is set to be ratified at the IOC Session, being held in India, which is currently staging the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 

Lacrosse has officially been contested at two Olympics, in 1904 and 1908, and subsequently featured as a demonstration sport at the 1928, 1932 and 1948 editions.

For LA 2028 its sixes format has been proposed, and World Lacrosse said in a statement: "We are absolutely thrilled and honoured by LA28’s decision to propose lacrosse for inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games. We are one huge step closer to a monumental milestone for our sport and international community.

"Lacrosse is globally played, accessible and equitable, with a unique origin and modern, youthful relevancy. We are on a path of ascendency, and will be a great partner for LA28 and the IOC.

"Reaching this stage in the process is a testament to the dedication of our players, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators and lacrosse enthusiasts worldwide, who have tirelessly championed our sport.

"We eagerly await the IOC’s final decision, and look forward to the possibility of lacrosse being showcased on the world's biggest sporting stage, inspiring generations to come."

Squash is set to feature at the Olympics for the first time under the proposals, with the World Squash Federation (WSF) saying in a statement: "The WSF, US Squash and the Professional Squash Association welcome the decision by the LA28 Organising Committee to recommend squash for inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic sports programme.

"The decision is a significant and exciting milestone in squash’s history as the sport nears inclusion in the Olympic Games for the first time."

Baseball and softball both featured at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, but were omitted from the Paris 2024 programme.

Baseball and softball both featured on the programme at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and have been proposed for a return in Los Angeles 

They have been proposed for a return at LA 2028, with the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) saying in a statement: "The WBSC is extremely pleased men’s baseball and women’s softball is included in LA28’s list of sports proposed for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.

"The inclusion of baseball and softball is a testament to our sports’ global appeal, made possible through ongoing collaboration with our major stakeholders, including the pro leagues, all around the world and we are confident both will be a huge hit with fans in the US and globally."

Flag football completes the list of sports proposed, and inclusion at LA 2028 would mark the sport's debut at an Olympic Games.

International Federation of American Football (IFAF) President Pierre Trochet said: "The IFAF is excited by this further step forward in our efforts to bring flag football to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.

"We thank the LA28 Organising Committee for the leadership and vision they have shown in choosing to propose flag football.

"Alongside our committed partners at the National Football League (NFL), and together with our global flag football community, we look forward with optimism to the IOC Session vote."

LA28 chairperson Casey Wasserman claimed the proposed sports "will bring new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases and expand the Games’ presence in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28’s mission to deliver an unparalleled experience."

The five proposed sports would come in addition to the 28 on the LA 2028 initial sports programme announced by the IOC in February 2022 - aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, canoeing, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, rowing, rugby sevens, sailing, shooting, skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, volleyball and wrestling.

A decision on the sports programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics had been expected to be announced last month but was postponed due to "ongoing discussions" between the IOC and Organising Committee.

By Neil Shefferd