Ghanaian Kick Boxer, Gerald Dah has promised to win his big bout on May 9 in Hong Kong to make his nation proud.

Speaking to Yours Truly ahead of the fight he said Ghana has strong men and great talent in many sports disciplines and heb chose Kick boxing which has taken him far in the world.

He hoped that the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) will monitor and reward the best kick boxers like they do to football and other sports.

According to Dah, the kick boxers feel neglected when they do well to fight on big international platforms and not recognized by the media in their country.

He expressed that Kick Boxing is very big in some countries and even bigger than football elsewhere, so the SWAG must be able to reward sports men and women who are raising the flag of Ghana in other countries.

He promised to win for himself, his family, friends and fans and for the nation, Ghana and Africa.

He commended everyone who has contributed to his career, and now he is on the big stage of Kick Boxing in Hong Kong.

He will be fighting against Lamin Souayah in Hong Kong on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the Super 4 Men Tournament at 75kg weight category.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Asia based Ghanaian centreback, Samuel Ofori is celebrating a first career trophy after marshaling the defence as his side, FC Ravshan Kulob strolled to a 1-0 victory over double champions, FC Istiklol Dushanbe in the Tajikistan Super Cup on Saturday.

24 year old Ofori who personally notched the best foreign player award in Tajikistan at the end of last season, was again in the tick of affairs as Kulob held the highly fancied Tajikistani League and Cup champions at bay to clinch a first title for the club he joined barely a year ago.

 “I feel so excited and fulfilled. It is very special for me because this is my first major international trophy as a professional footballer and I believe it is the stepping stone to more,” Ofori told Sportsinghana.com.

After finishing runners-up to Istiklol last season for which reason they earned a spot against the double winners in the Super Cup, Ofori’s side have already defeated the top team in this year’s league campaign, also a 1-0 success on match day 6 just last Sunday, 30 April.

That was only the second win of the new season for Kulob, a victory that pushed them into 5th spot on 9 points, 4 behind the leaders, FK Eskhata with a game in hand.

And whilst the Ghanaian defender is still basking in the double win over Istiklol in league and Super Cup, Ofori is hoping it provides the momentum for his side to go on and dethrone the overwhelming favourites come end of this season.

Ofori with some of his Ravshan Kulob teammates celebrating after the Super Cup match

“Yes Istiklol are the top side but we have beaten them in two games already this season so we are very confident of going all the way. We definitely want to be champions and we will fight with everything we have,” Samuel Ofori said.

“We will try but this season referees haven’t been good to us. If not we will already be on top of the table but there are still a lot of games left and I’m hoping we can do it,” he affirmed.

Meanwhile, Ofori nearly moved to Kazakhstan following a mouthwatering offer earlier this year but Ravshan Kulob officials pleaded with their star defender to stay on to help them during their impending Asia AFC Cup tournament in September.

sportsinghana

The Management of the Ghana Karate-Do Federation extends compliments to the media and members of the Karate Do family.

The GKF deems it appropriate and with great pleasure to invite the GKF fraternity to the 24th Edition National Karate Championship - 2023 Media Launch on 10th May, 2023 at the Media Centre, Accra Sports Stadium at 10:00am.

The GKF anticipate to hold a modest but extravaganza event, and requests the media to charm the event with their presence.

The GKF gratefully seeks the presence and support of the media in promoting and advertising Ghana Karate Do.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Fight Night 5 of the second edition of the Ghana Professional Boxing League saw some splendid action and wonderful results at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday, May 6.

Osita Umer beat Ben Ankrak 3-0 in their Super Welterweight contest, while Yusif Adisa Adenije also won over Nathaniel Nukpe and Enoch Tetteh of Bridge beat Ofori Tetteh of Ghana Prisons on points.

Palms Springs got a unanimous decision win by Ben Bulley over Kweku Moses of Seconds Out gym.

Umaru Latif of Wisdom did not appear to face Emmanuel Noi Mensah of Black Panthers gym.

Eric Quarm of Fit Square knocked out Sulley Mohammed of Sea View gym in round 2.

John Quaye representing Akotoku Academy beat Felix Nunoo of the Bronx gym on points.

Jerry Lartey of the Ghana Armed Forces won against Akimos Annan Ampiah of Attoh Quarshie gym. He had good support from his colleagues at the arena.

Best boxer for 2022, Charles Tetteh of Panix gym drew with Eric Asante of Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation. The judges scored 57 - 57, 54 - 59 and 58 - 56 in the though bout of the night which was staged by Imax Media Promotions and sanctioned by the Ghana Boxing Authority.

Ghana Armed Forces are leading the table with 13 points, followed by Akotoku and Panix with 12 and 10 points respectively.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa President Mustapha Berraf has led the Chef de Missions seminar for this year's African Beach Games in Hammamet ©NOCT

Chefs de Mission set to serve for their National Olympic Committees at this year's African Beach Games have met at host city Hammamet to discuss preparations for the event.

The meeting took place in the Tunisian location prior to its hosting of the continental event from June 23 to 30.

Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) President Mustapha Berraf was present alongside the body's first vice-president João da Costa Alegre Afonso, and treasurer Habu Ahmed Gumel.

International Olympic Committee member Filomena Fortes of Cape Verde also attended in her role as chair of the Games' Coordination Committee, along with ANOCA vice-president Fardouza Mousa Egueh and ANOCA Zone One President Khaled Ezankouili.

"Allow me thank the Tunisian authorities who, through these Games, once more make their country a crossroads of international sport and enhance the importance of multidisciplinary sports competitions as a driver of development, stability and peace," Berraf said.

Berraf also thanked International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, and IOC Olympic Solidarity for "the immense support and beneficial presence at our side."

Tunisian Sports Minister Sabah Malek then made an appearance at the Yasmine Hammamet Resort, and told the meeting that "this will afford an opportunity for Tunisia to bolster its African identity and foster African solidarity."

It is due to act as the main venue of the second edition of the Games along with the secondary venues of Rades, Lake Tunis and Nabeul.

More than 1,000 athletes are set to represent 54 nations expected to participate.

The inaugural edition of the African Beach Games had taken place in 2019 in Sal in Cape Verde.

Morocco finished top of the medals table with nine golds.

They finished ahead of Algeria, with five gold medals, and Tunisia, three.

Tunisia was approved as the host of the 2023 African Beach Games at the ANOCA General Assembly in December 2020.

A total of 11 sports have been named on the programme, with the event poised to be a qualifier for the 2023 World Beach Games in Bali in a number of disciplines.

The host city contract was then signed last November at the Tunisian Ministry of Youth and Sports in capital city Tunis.

"I wish, on behalf of the Organising Committee, to express our deep gratitude for your invaluable support at all stages of our preparations," National Olympic Committee of Tunisia President Mehrez Boussayene told delegates.

"You have again stood by the Local Organising Committee these last few days.

"By your leave, I would also like to express my warmest gratitude to President Berraf, whose continuous support and counsel to our team have been of great help.

"In particular, this helped us take the most suitable shortcuts to shorten distances and make up time in this real race against the clock that we are engaged in.

"Fortunately and with concerted efforts of all stakeholders, we are rising to the challenge."

By Owen Lloyd 

Rodrygo Goes fired Real Madrid to Copa del Rey glory with a clinical double in a 2-1 victory over Osasuna in Seville on Saturday, with Brazilian compatriot Vinicius Junior playing a part in both goals.

Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid earned their 20th Spanish Cup at La Cartuja in their 40th final, ending a nine-year wait to lift the trophy again.

Osasuna, who have never won a major trophy, fought well but ultimately fell short against the reigning Spanish and European champions, who face Manchester City on Tuesday in the Champions League semi-finals.

Madrid have now won all six of the trophies available to them during Ancelotti's second reign at the club, after the Italian returned in 2021.

Rodrygo fired Madrid ahead inside two minutes after Vinicius' run down the left, and Ancelotti's team had the better chances in the first half.

However, Lucas Torro levelled for Osasuna in the 58th minute to give them hope of an upset in their first cup final since 2005, and second ever.

Rodrygo whisked it away, firing home after a rebound fell his way following another Vinicius charge, ensuring Madrid would take the trophy back to the capital.

"They made the difference, Vini unbalanced them and Rodrygo scored the two goals," said Ancelotti of his Brazilian wingers.

Madrid beat both Atletico Madrid and then rivals Barcelona to reach the final and Ancelotti said it was time to celebrate, but not too heavily ahead of the clash with City.

"This Copa arrived at an important moment, we came through very tricky ties, it's a deserved prize against strong opponents," added the coach.

"This night we will celebrate, a little bit, not too much, and then we will get back to work for Tuesday."

Osasuna coach Jagoba Arrasate deployed midfielder Jon Moncayola at right-back to try and stop Madrid winger Vinicius.

It didn't work. Vinicius broke in down the left in the second minute and his dangerous cut-back was missed by Fede Valverde but slammed home by Rodrygo.

The Brazilian, in sparkling form, scored the earliest Copa del Rey final goal since 2006 – a year after Osasuna finished runners-up to Real Betis.

Karim Benzema should have doubled Madrid's lead but Sergio Herrera saved brilliantly to deny the forward after another lightning Vinicius break.

Osasuna earned a foothold in the game and came inches from equalising when on loan Barcelona winger Ez Abde broke through on goal but Dani Carvajal cleared his effort off the line.

Vinicius in wars

Madrid continued to push for their second goal – David Alaba struck the crossbar with a free kick and Vinicius went down in the box under pressure from Osasuna defender David Garcia.

His appeals were waved away and Vinicius clashed with Garcia, who attended the 2005 final as a childhood supporter, who ruffled his hair to annoy him further.

Vinicius was booked just before half-time for complaining, and exchanged heated words with Osasuna substitute Chimy Avila as the players walked in at half-time.

Torro drilled Osasuna level from the edge of the box when Abde's deflected cross fell into his path.

The club's passionate supporters celebrated wildly, including letting off a flare which needed to be extinguished, and one fan was taken away on a stretcher, although he appeared to be smiling.

Osasuna's joy did not last long though, with Vinicius making another dangerous burst in down the left – Madrid president Florentino Perez later calling him the best in the world in his position.

Vinicius fed Toni Kroos, whose shot was blocked, but Rodrygo was in the right place at the right time to finish with aplomb and put Madrid's name on the trophy.

"I'm really happy, we were talking about this in the week, that it was a long time since Madrid had won this competition," Rodrygo told Spanish television broadcaster La 1.

Osasuna departed with the taste of defeat but their heads held high.

"It's very difficult to defend against (Vinicius) and on Tuesday I am sure City will suffer too," said coach Arrasate.

"It's not news that Vinicius stood out, Rodrygo scored two as well, we're talking about two of the best players in the world.

"(Madrid) are champions because they deserve this cup, but we're proud of the team, and let's try to do it again."

(AFP)

Referee Daniel Laryea will be the centre man in the much-anticipated CAF Champions League semi-final duel between Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns at the Mohammed V complex on Saturday, May 13.

The experienced Ghanaian referee had previously handled some major continental tournaments which had earned him recognition as one of the best in Africa.

He was part of the Video Assistant Referees who officiated in the continental clash between Raja Casablanca and Al Ahly SC.

Assisting him on the flanks would be referee Kwasi Achempong Brobbey, another Ghanaian who had also gained experience in the past years, alongside Soulaimane Amaldine and Lamin Jammeh.

The two Ghanaian referees had raised the flag of the country high in recent times, having recently officiated in the CAF Women’s Champions League, Championship of African Nations (CHAN), U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, and other tournaments.

Source Newsghana

Ghana's U23 's national team, the Black Meteors, are gearing up for the 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations with head coach Ibrahim Tanko expressing confidence in their chances following the group stage draw on Friday.

The tournament is set to kick off on Saturday, 24 June 2023, with the Black Meteors facing host country Morocco in the opening match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.

Tanko acknowledges that the Black Meteors have been given a challenging path to the semi-finals, having been drawn in the same group as Morocco, Guinea, and Congo.

In an interview with footballmadeinghana.com, Tanko noted that facing the young Atlas Lions on their home turf will be no easy task, with the host nation enjoying significant support from their fans.

“It’s not going to be easy (playing) against a host nation…they have their support behind them but we will do our best to stand them and not spoil our chance to go to the Olympics."

Ghana has qualified for the Olympic Games since 2004, making 20 years by the next edition in Paris next year.

Footballghana

Experienced Abdul Wahid Omar who won his first fight was beaten by an opponent who was very skillful at the ongoing IBA Mens World Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Omar gave Ghana a big boast as he moved to the next stage of the ongoing IBA Mens World Championship, but he lost on points to Oumiha Sofiane of France on his second attempt at the ongoing IBA Mens World Championship.

Hopeful Joseph Commey was also defeated in his first attempt at the ongoing IBA Mens World Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

However, sensational Alfred Kotey gave Ghana an amazing victory with a 5-0 on points done deal to claim his first win at the ongoing IBA Mens World Championship.

Ghana’s Amadu Mohammed was supposed to have his first taste of the ongoing IBA Mens World Championship against R. Mamalu of Indonesia.

Theo Allotey will also take on Peter Chinyemba of Zambia in 51kg – 54kg division.

Earlier, SWAG Amateur Boxer of the year, Bantamweight Abraham Mensah lost his bout at first attempt.

Technical Director of the Black Bombers, Coach Ofori Asare has expressed that the Championship was an eye opener to his boxers and the experience gained will take them higher.

The international competition is from April 30 to May 14, 2023 with fantastic cash prizes at stake for medalists.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

1. South Africa - 32 Gold, 19 Silver, 14 Bronze
2. Nigeria - 17 Gold, 10 Silver, 9 Bronze
3. Kenya - 11 Gold, 7 Silver, 11 Bronze
4. Ethiopia - 5 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze
5. Egypt - 4 Gold, 8 Silver, 4 Bronze
6. Tunisia - 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze
7. Botswana - 3 Gold, 2 Bronze
8. Algeria - 1 Gold, 5 Silver, 6 Bronze.
9. Burundi - 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze
10. Zimbabwe 1 Gold, 1 Silver 4 Bronze
11. Uganda - 1 Gold, 1 Bronze
12. Tanzania - 1 Gold, 1 Bronze
13. Zambia - 4 Silver, 4 Bronze
14. Cameroon - 2 Silver, 2 Bronze
15. Namibia - 2 Silver
16. Morocco - 1 Silver, 3 Bronze
17. Eritrea - 1 Silver
18. Mozambique - 1 Silver
19. Sierra Leone - 1 Silver
20. Djibouti - 1 Bronze
21. Gambia - 1 Bronze
22. Ghana - 1 Bronze

#Athletics #CAAU18andU20