Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina has etched her name in history by becoming the first player to wear a hijab at a Women's World Cup.

The 25-year-old ASFAR Club plymade this groundbreaking appearance during her side's 1-0 victory over South Korea at the prestigious tournament.

The win for the Atlas Lionesses is a only the second win for Africa at the tournament after Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Australia.

Benzina's decision to wear the Islamic headscarf marks a significant moment in women's football, showcasing the sport's growing inclusivity and respect for players' religious beliefs.

FIFA, the international governing body for football, had authorized the wearing of head coverings for religious reasons in 2014, enabling players like Benzina to participate in the game while adhering to their faith.

The Moroccan national team is among the eight debutants at this summer's Women's World Cup, adding to the excitement and diversity of the tournament.

Benzina's remarkable achievement stands as a symbol of progress and representation for Muslim women in the sport.

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Joseph Awinongya Jr. went to Indianapolis, to fight Seth Duran who was a previous 1st ranked boxer. Now he ranks 9th in the youth division.

Jojo was able to come out with the win. Thanks for everyone that supported  the team.

Awinnongya will be organizing a press conference in Accra, Ghana very soon to announce plans and projects for the future.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Crawford is the first Undisputed WBO Welterweight Champion of the 4-belt era!

Undefeated, undisputed and unprecedented Terence Crawford is now 40-0 (31 KOs), Three-Weight World Champion, Three-Weight Ring Magazine Champion, Two-Weight Undisputed World Champion and new current Pound-For-Pound King.

Terence Crawford concluded  his post-fight presser after knocking out Errol Spence with a message for his doubters: "For all you guys that said I was too small, I was actually too strong. Now they get to witness greatness. It's the Terence Crawford era."

"The better man won tonight. I'm not here to make excuses." Said Spence

Errol Spence,Jr (28-1, 22 KOs) was knocked vía a 9th-Round TKO at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

It was a Legendary duo in a legendary fight.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana Premier League side Karela United is set to be moved from Anyinase to the Northern Region ahead of the start of the 2023/24 season, footballghana.com understands.

This is after Ghanaian politician Haruna Iddrisu acquired the club in December 2022 when the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League went on a break for the World Cup in Qatar.

The former Minority lead of Ghana's Parliament later confirmed in an interview the same month when he was asked about it, expressing his ambitions of taking the club to the next level.

He said he had bought the club but didn't takeover yet and the prospects of moving it to his native region means he is now in charge of the team.

“It's true I bought Karela... we will do our best to put the club forward," the Tamale South Member of Parliament said.

Karela United were in financial troubles after the passing of its former owner, Senator David Brigidi, in 2018.

The former Nigerian senator bought the club in October 2013 and changed its name from Metro Stars to Karela FC.

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At the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada Terence “Bud” Crawford dominated IBF, WBA, WBC champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr., ending the fight via stoppage at 2:23 of the ninth round of a scheduled 12 rounds.  This one-sided fight was punctuated by Crawford securing three knockdowns, demonstrating his strategic brilliance.

In the first round Spence outworked Crawford. In the final seconds of the second round Crawford landed a left to the neck and a right on the chin dropping Spence for an 8-count from Referee Harvey Dock.

In the fourth round Crawford had Spence bleeding from the nose and out landing him throughout the round having Spence’s face red as a beet. The ring physician came in between rounds checking Spence.

In the fifth round Crawford continued getting the better of Spence. In the sixth round Spence warned for low blows. Crawford continued showing more power taking another round. In the seventh round after a minute a right hook from Crawford on the chin and down went Spence for an 8-count from Referee Dock. In the final seconds Crawford again dropped Spence for an 8-count.

In the eighth round Crawford continued having his way until the final thirty seconds when Spence came back with some offense.

In the ninth round Crawford continued the beating until Referee Dock wisely had seen enough and called a halt after eight unanswered punches.

Source: Boxing News 24

TONIGHT:  Undefeated, Unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. takes on undefeated WBO Welterweight World Champion Terence "Bud" Crawford for the Undisputed Welterweight Championship, live on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. ET) in a Premier Boxing Champions main event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Spence vs. Crawford is widely considered the biggest and best fight in boxing today, a blockbuster showdown that will determine the world's greatest boxer. Don't miss out on any of this historic showdown that is guaranteed to deliver fireworks!

Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur replaces late Emmanuel Tetteh on GOC Board at Extra Ordinary Congress

Mr. Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Triathlon Federation (GTF) was on Saturday, July 29, 2023 elected unopposed to replace the late Emmanuel Tetteh of the Judo Federation on the Ghana Olympic Committee Executive Board.

The calm Extra Ordinary Congress in the year 2023 took place at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium Conference Room where some few security officers were on duty to maintain order.

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, the GOC President chaired the meeting.

In attendance was Vice Presidents Nawuko Afadzinu and Mohammed Mahadi as well as Secretary General Sahnoon Mohammed.

Members of Congress comprising Olympic and Non Olympic Sports delibrated on issues including a breakdown of the Budget and expenses at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Report on the current state of the OlympiAfrica facility at Amasaman, International Olympic Committee Solidarity Funds and Team Ghana's preparation and presence of the Committee as the country hosts the next 13th African Games, amongst others.

Members of Congress demanded accountability, probity and sanity especially in matters involving funds.

The President listed some Federations that have benefited from GOC funds since 2017.

The Basketball Association was assured that some Solidarity funds due them would be delivered, while others like Rugby, Scrabble, Badminton and Canoe / Rowing also pleaded for support.

The Tennis Federation announced the qualification of the Golden Rackets from Africa Zone 4 to Zone 3.

The Table Tennis Association is organizing a Masters and Celebs Tournament at the Sports Emporium on August 4, 2023.

Some Federations were represented by first timers at the Congress.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

'I am delighted to sign for TSV 1860 Munich' says  Leroy Kwadwo

Ghanaian defender Leroy Kwadwo says he is delighted to sign for TSV 1860 Munich in the German Bundesliga 3.

The 26-year-old has signed a two-year deal after joining from MSV Duisburg.

"I am delighted to be part of the Lions family," says Leroy Kwadwo. "Now I can't wait to work hard and have fun on the field with the guys and the fans."

The decision to sign Leroy Kwadwo comes as TSV 1860 Munich look to address injury-related absences in their defensive line, with Michael Glück and Daniel Winkler currently unavailable due to injuries.

The central defender will don the number 21 shirt as he embarks on a new chapter.

Leroy Kwadwo began his footballing career at Rot-Weiss Essen before progressing through the ranks, playing for clubs such as Wattenscheid 09 and Westfalia Herne during his youth.

In the men's division, he made his debut for TSG Sprockhövel in the Oberliga Westfalen.

Kwadwo has had loan spells at Essen, Schalke, and Düsseldorf.

FootballGhana

The Ubuntu Online Academy a free learning platform has been officially launched at the British Council in Accra on Friday July 28, 2023 evening.

The initiative seeks to equip the youth who love sports with tools to succeed beyond their passion.

The creators are an innovative family from the US-based sports charity, led by its president, Mrs Sylvia Ak­waboah, and co-founders Baruch and Jed Akwaboah who came out with the Soccer For Dreamers concept.

Mrs Ak­waboah said the free Ubuntu Online Academy programs will help young talented youth to go into businesses to fend for themselves and live a comfortable life off the field with their loved ones and family.

She said Ubuntu will create the avenue for opportunities in diverse fields of endeavors, and close the gap between the privileged and the poor.

She said her dream launch was realised with the presence of young sportsmen and women, as well as different professionals from all walks of life such as accountants, lawyers, doctors, architects, engineers and business men.

The event which was well attended also saw a short dramatic sketch displaying the frustrations of the current youth on gaining employment, while a chit chat discussion revealed many ideas, precautions, advises and suggestions that the youth can live on the realise their dreams and goals in life.

The panelists include, Mr. Nhyira Addo, Mr. Mark Addo Ghana Football Association Vice President, Madam Phyllis Addo, a nutritionist turned solar energy provider and others.

Mr. Peter Akwaboah also graced the programme and appealed for support. He called for exposure for the youth.

The event was coordinated by Soccer For Dreamers Ghana Representative, Mr. Stephane Lecusson. He thanked everyone who showed up and all donors to their projects.

Soccer For Dreamers is a 501(c)(3)  nonprofit organization registered in the state of New Jersey. This allows them to continue the charitable work on an even larger scale to serve humanity through the fantastic sport of soccer.

It would be greatly appreciated if you can, to donate towards the positive cause.

Ubuntu is a South African saying which means “I am because you are”.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

In a landmark decision, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled in favor of Asante Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey, upholding his appeal against the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The verdict, announced today, marks a significant turning point in Richmond Lamptey's career and sets a precedent for future player disputes within the Ghanaian football enviroment.

Richmond Lamptey was banned for 2.5 years earlier this year by the Ghana Football Association for his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal between Inter Allies and Ashantigold SC.

Lamptey captained Inter Allies in their 7-0 loss to AshantiGold. Following the game, reports surfaced that it had been fixed, and the Disciplinary Committee, after a 10-month investigation, concluded that the match had indeed been manipulated.

As a result, the midfielder was slapped with a ban.

Kotoko who signed Lamptey from Inter Allies at the start of the current season, have responded to the verdict, saying "The attention of the Club has been drawn to a decision of the disciplinary committee of the Ghana Football association banning its player, Richmond Lamptey for a period of thirty (30) months. The alleged misconduct of the player is said to have occurred at the time he played for Inter Allies FC."

“The Player was charged by the GFA at the beginning of the 2021/2022 football season, at a time the Club had signed on the Player. The Club supported the Player through the prosecution process and would continue to lend its support to the Player at this time until finality is brought to the matter."

The midfielder will receive $3,456.80 as compensation.

Richmond Lamptey made 27 appearances and scored one goal in the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League for the Porcupine Warriors.

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