Ghanaian duo, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Salisu Mohammed have suffered relegation with Southampton from the Premier League.

The Saints were beaten at home by Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

Heading into the game, Southampton needed a win to keep their chances of survival alive despite sitting at the bottom of the league log with 24 points.

However, goals from Carlos Vinicius and Aleksandar Mitrović secured the win for Marco Silva's side.

Salisu, 24, joined the Saints from Real Valladolid in the summer transfer window of 2020 and has since become a key player for the team.

Unfortunately, injuries this season has meant that he missed a lot of games.

Sulemana on the other hand only joined Southampton in the winter transfer window. He was recruited from Stade Rennes to strengthen the squad of the Saints in a bid to avoid relegation.

Although he has done well, it has not made any significant difference for Southampton.

However, the pair will play in the English Skybet Championship next season following the relegation from the Premier League.

Southampton will now wrap up their campaign against Brighton and Liverpool.

Ghana football

All six Ghanaian boxers could not reach the medal zone of this year's Men's World Championships in Uzbekistan capital city, Tashkent.

At stake were $200,000 for gold, $100,000 for silver and $50,000 for bronze.

The Black Bombers best performer was new entrant, Bantamweight Amadu Mohammed who reached the Quarter Final Stage. He lost 0-5 to Makhmud Sabyrkhan of Kazakhstan.

Welterweight Alfred Kotey lost 0-5 to Lasha Guruli of Georgia, while Flyweight Theophilus Allotey was beaten by 2-3 Split Decision to Peter Chinyemba of Zambia.

Light Welterweight Joseph Commey lost 2-3 Split Decision to Richard Kovacs of Hungary, as Featherweight Abraham Mensah lost 0-5 to Sarawut Sukthet of Thailand.

Experienced Lightweight Abdul Wahid Omar also lost 0-5 to Sofiane Oumila of France after winning a match.

Ghana presented six boxers, four crashed out at round 32, Alfred Kotey reached round 16, while Amadu Mohammed reached quarter final.

Coach Ofori Asare who led the Black Bombers said it was a good experience and exposure for some of them as their first time at international competition.

He was confident they will perform better in subsequent tournaments. The Bombers are preparing for the 13^th African Games dubbed ‘Acccra 2023’ and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Techiman based Ampem Darkoa Ladies beat Hasaacas Ladies 5-3 on penalties to win a second successive Women’s Premier League title.

The two giants clashed in the final of the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League at Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex Friday evening.

Ampem Darkoa Ladies won the top spot in the Northern zone while Hasaacas Ladies snatched the slot from Faith Ladies in the Southern zone.

The first half of the game ended goalless as both sides failed to take their chances. But Hasaacas Ladies took control of the opening minutes of the second half as they piled pressure in search of their opponent.

Doris Boaduwaa, latched onto a well executed corner kick for the opening goal on the hour mark.

Hasaacas Ladies maintained their lead until the 83rd minute when Ampem Darkoa's Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah took advantage of a mistake from Hasaacas Ladies captain Linda Eshun and fired past goalkeeper Grace Banwa for the equalizer.

The late equalizer sent the game into extra time. The winner was later decided on penalty shootouts after both sides failed to score in either half of extra time.

Serwaa Amponsah proved to be the hero for Ampem Darkoa, scoring a crucial penalty after Success Ameyaa missed Hasaacas Ladies' third kick.

That proved to be the decisive moment, as Ampem Darkoa emerged champions for the second time on the spin.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Brand to be launched in Los Angeles, USA, on 17 May 2023

#WeAre26 campaign launched today, revealing the faces and places of the 16 Host Cities and inviting fans to get involved

16 bespoke Host City brands developed by FIFA in an unprecedent initiative to unite fans across the continent

On Wednesday, 17 May 2023, the Official Brand of the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup™ will be unveiled to fans around the world, with FIFA and host countries Canada, Mexico and the USA celebrating a major milestone on the road to the biggest sporting event ever.​ The unveiling will take place at 19:30 local time (04:30 CEST on 18 May) in Los Angeles, USA, one of the tournament’s 16 Host Cities, at a star-studded show with special guest performances live-streamed to the whole world on FIFA+ .

Projections, events and digital amplifications across the other Host Cities in Canada, Mexico and the USA will also take place on 17 May, giving fans another opportunity to get involved in the Official Brand launch and start counting down the days until kick-off.

Anticipation has already started building as FIFA, the 2026 host countries and the event’s commercial partners launched #WeAre26 today, a campaign that will empower people, places and communities to play an integral role in introducing the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Brand. The campaign will capture portraits of faces and places that tell their own unique FIFA World Cup stories, featuring individuals and experiences that await fans in 2026 and inviting everyone to be a part of #WeAre26.​

“The Official Brand introduces fans to the tournament’s new emblem, typeface and striking colour palette, three exciting elements that will bring this tournament to life in the coming months and years. But it also goes beyond that, as we open countless opportunities to local communities and our partners to integrate their own story. A local football fan, a global superstar or a famous location, the brand will spotlight distinctive aspects and highlight the inclusive and diverse aspect of the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams,” said FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai.

The Official Brand will be accompanied by 16 bespoke Host City brands developed by FIFA in an unprecedented initiative to integrate local fans and cultures across Canada, Mexico and the USA. Each Host City brand embodies its own world‑renowned culture and heritage, in which millions of international fans will immerse themselves when kick-off comes in 2026. ​The public in all 16 Host Cities will be treated to a range of activations on 18 May, when the artworks will be presented by the hosts themselves. Everyone taking part is encouraged to use the hashtags #FIFAWorldCup and #WeAre26 and join the celebration.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest single-sport event ever. Three host countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches will unite an entire continent and showcase a momentous new tournament to ensure the ultimate football show.​ The much-loved four-team group stage phase remains ahead of an expanded knockout phase that will see the 32 world’s best teams fight it out for the game’s ultimate prize.

With more countries, cities, teams and matches, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the most inclusive and diverse sporting event ever, uniting the entire world on a vast stage and engaging millions of fans across 16 stadiums and billions worldwide.​

Fans and members of the media worldwide are invited to tune in to the event via FIFA+ .

For general FIFA media enquiries, please contact the FIFA Media Team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The FIFA Media Team can also assist with specific Host City media team contacts if required.

The Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex will be the action spot for the grand finale of the Women's Premier League on Friday, May 12 2023.

Apem Darkoa Ladies, the defending champions, will renew their rivalry with four-time winners Hasaacas Ladies in a splendid clash for the third consecutive time in the finals.

The two clubs topped their respective zones with Hasaacas recording three more wins than Apem Darkoa: 12 and 9 wins out of 18 games.

Hasaacas recorded and conceded fewer goals than Apem Darkoa and will be counting on their solid back line to repel the fire power of their opponents who scored 46 goals to lead the Northern zone.

Apem Darkoa Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa wants a back to back win of the league title with his side but Yusif Basigi the Hasmal Coach, it is revenge to reclaim the trophy.

The winner will get a spot in the WAFU Zone B competition and a possible appearance at the CAF Champions League. There is also the  bragging rights for the women's top flight league sponsored by Malta Guinness.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s flag was held high in Hong kong during the World Muay Thai Grand Prix as Gerald Dah did well to win one bout and lost another.

He was very proud to put Ghana and Africa  up high in the event as he was involved in the main match of  the I-1 World Super 4 Championship 75kg Semi Final which he was Winner by a unanimous decision,

Gerald Dah (Ghana) advanced to Grand Final but lost, he however feels honoured.

The World Muay Thai Grand Prix took place at the KITEC STAR HALL in Hong Kong on May 9, 2023.

Fees charged for entry was $12,000 for Premium Table for 10, $8,000 for VIP Table for 10, $400 for Dress Circle and $250 for Balcony.

The fighters involved in the Show of the Night, World Super 4 Championship were Ghana’s Gerald Dah. He fights Lamin Souayah, Khambakhadov and Lombardo.

Gerald Dah who is based in Malaysia, and a former member of the Pro Fighting Factory team in Accra thanked his Ghanaians fans and hoped to spice his achievement with the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Award.

He said Muay Thai is a very interesting sport which should be promoted frequently in Ghana and Africa.

He commended the media in Ghana for playing their role in supporting all the various sports practitioners.

He thanked his wife, Chloe Yiap for her support, motivation and love for pushing him high to achieve the great goal.

He also commended his coach Melvin Liew for the hard training, punishments of the body and all the fans who supported in grand style, not forgetting the Championship Promoter and Mr. Kual Loon for the opportunity to showcase his talent as well as the Team Malaysia.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana coach Chris Hughton in attendance as FIFA holds post-World Cup coaches forum in Doha

Ghana's head coach, Chris Hughton is one of the coaches that attended FIFA’s post world cup coaches forum in Doha, Qatar.

The two-day event was organised for head coaches from the member associations who participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The forum provided a platform for the coaches to exchange views on competition, refereeing, and medical matters. Their feedback will also be used by FIFA to make further improvements to the tournament in the future.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the forum, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, "From everyone in football, those who I definitely have a very, very high admiration for are yourselves because if there is anyone who understands pressure, who understands emotions, who understands the feelings that football generates, it is definitely all of you.”

He continued, "You represent countries, you represent populations, and you represent all these emotions. We have seen the hopes, the joy, and the tears. At the end of the World Cup, at the end of four years leading to a World Cup, there is one world champion out of FIFA's 211 countries."

Gianni Infantino believes that it is because of the work of the coaches that made the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar the best ever mundial.

"In addition to my admiration, you have my gratitude on behalf of the entire FIFA team, all football fans in the world and all those who love the game," he said, remembering that before the FIFA World Cup, FIFA had asked the teams to make people feel special.

"We had the best FIFA World Cup ever in Qatar, but we always want to do better.... We are already organising the next World Cup which will be played in completely different conditions, (with) distances and travel,” the FIFA president said.

FootballGhana

A Ghanaian Breaking Team delegation is in Rabat, Morocco to participate in the African Intercontinental Championship qualification for Paris 2024 Olympics Games.

The representatives are Bboy Lyricx as the lead delegate, Bboy Shamelyone and Bgirl Tris Naomi.

The Championship is organized by the Royal Moroccan Federation of Aerobic Sports, Fitness, Hip Hop and Related Disciplines, under the aegis of the WDSF, the WDSF Breaking Continental Championship Africa will bring together B-Boys and B-Girls from all over the continent.

Over the course of two days, elite athletes will perform in competitive spirit to find who qualifies for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Breaking will make its debut for the first time in history.

"This major tournament is an opportunity to raise the standard of African Breakdance even higher " said Bboy Lyricx.

Among the participating invited countries Uganda, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Angola, South Africa, Morocco, Congo, Ivory Coast and Ghana are already in Morocco .

By Sammy Heywood Okine

In-form Ghana winger Joseph Paintsil nominated for 2023 Ebony Shoe award

Ghana international Joseph Paintsil has been nominated for the 2023 Ebony Shoe following his swashbuckling performance for Genk in Belgium this season.

The Ebony award, which began in 1992 is given annually to the best African origin player in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.

Paintsil has been a key contributor for the Belgian side this season, scoring 16 goals and providing 14 assists across competitions.

The Black Stars player will have to see off competition from his Genk teammates Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye and Bilal El Khannous, to scoop the prize.

Other players shortlisted for the prestigious award, includes Nigerian duo Victor Boniface (Royal Union SG) and Emmanuel Gift Orban (KAA Gent).

The winner will be announced on the evening of Monday, May 22, 2023 at the Hotel Tangla in Brussels.

Paintsil will be the second Ghanaian footballer to win the coveted award since 1998, where Eric Addo won it while playing for Club Brugge.

Several Premier League teams, including Brighton, Brentford, and Fulham, have reportedly expressed interest in signing the former Tema Youth player.

However, Genk has ruled out summer transfer of the Ghana international as they intend to build a strong squad for European competitions next season.

Painstil current contract with Genk will elapse in the summer of 2026.

FootballGhana

Ghana’s premium high-definition satellite broadcast service provider, SES HD PLUS, has assured the organisers of the Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon of their support for the 2023 edition of the event.

This assurance was made in the offices of SES HD PLUS in Accra when Medievents Consult; organisers of the Marathon paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HD+, Mrs. Adelaide Abbiw-Williams and her team.

The visit was also to officially express appreciation to HD+ for the enormous support provided during the maiden edition of the 21-kilometer race last year.

In her welcoming statement, Mrs Adelaide Abbiw-williams indicated that the company’s continuous partnership with the Marathon was a testament of her brands resolve to support indigenous ideas, promote culture and offer its customers and the general public an opportunity to cultivate a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the rich Ga heritage, culture and tradition during the upcoming Homowo season.

“Our partnership with the Homowo Marathon is part of our ultimate goal to support the development of sports, health, and fitness in Ghana.

“We are convinced that the marathon would provide us with the perfect platform to interact with our customers and promote a healthy lifestyle to all persons,” she added.

She, however, stated that her expectation was to see that the quality and innovation the HD+ brand is known for would reflect in the organisation of the event and all other related partnerships with Medievents Consult.

Mr. Henri Senyo Penni General Manager of Medievents Consult expressed profound appreciation to HD+ for supporting the marathon and, most importantly, helping promote the rich culture of Ga and Ghana.

He was confident the HD+/Medievents Consult partnership would lead to the achievement of great legacies to raise high the flag of Ghana.

“We wish every corporate body will partner with indigenous businesses just like HD+ has done. We can only sell and tell our stories appropriately and break boundaries with such partnerships.

“For your unwavering commitment and support to us, we say ayekoo to HD+. We are positive that this relationship would stand the test of time,” he said.

SES HD PLUS Ghana Limited is a subsidiary of SES, the leading global content connectivity solutions provider. SES HD PLUS Ghana markets the HD+ Product, which promises to provide satellite homes with quality and affordable entertainment options by leveraging SES’s experience of delivering satellite TV channels directly to home (DTH) and its success of rolling out the HD+ subscription-based platform in Germany.

Apart from offering over 100 FTA channels in standard definition, SES HD PLUS Ghana is collaborating with Adom TV, Joy Prime, GTV, UTV, Joy News, GTV Sports+, GhOne, Metro TV, TVXYZ, Citi TV, OneHD, BID TV, Kool TV, e.TV Ghana, DGN, GNTV Junior, Aljazeera to deliver their content in high-definition quality.

Additionally, the platform is home to the exclusive AfroSini channel broadcasting exclusive African movies and Scooore HD; an exclusive football channel that broadcasts top weekly matches of the Bundesliga 2 and the DFB Cup, Primeira Liga, Argentina Superliga, Copa de la Superliga, Saudi Pro League amongst others

Source MediEvents Consult