... Kwame Opoku nets two beautiful goals

The beauty of the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup final was marred by officials led by referee Selorm Yaw Bless handling the epic match at the Legon UG Sports Stadium last Sunday as they aided Asante Kotoko to beat Golden Kick via a doubtful penalty expertly taken by Kwame Opoku in the 98tg minute.

Supporters of Chorkor Chemuanaa based division one side Golden Kick FC and neutral fans were not happy. so left the venue not interested to watch the presentation of medals and the trophy.

The prestigious FA Cup which is sponsored by telecommunications giant, MTN attracted many fans filling the stands to enjoy the tantalising game exhibited by Golden Kick.

The experienced, fabulous Kumasi Asante Kotoko strikers displayed their expertise in missing after scoring the first goal with a header through Kwame Opoku while their opponents put the ball on the turf and string accurately to find the equaliser with a nice free kick by Bless Ege.

Golden Kick who edged out big clubs like perennial winners Accra Hearts of Oak, Atrram DeVisser and Karela FC were confident and Asante Kotoko who also beat Berekum Chelsea, True Democracy and Sekondi Eleven Wise in the semi, quarter finals and one eighth stage look focused to win and victory came their way.

The Porcupine Warriors took to Oseikrom the trophy, gold medals and cash prize and will represent Ghana at the next CAF Confederations Cup competition.

Coach Abdul Karim Zito of Kotoko was very happy to add to the trophies of the great club after quitting Dreams FC in the season.

"Our opponents got tired as we kept the pressure" he said.

Fiifi Parker Hanson, the Coach / Technical Director of Golden Kick Sporting Club known for his tactical approaches and strategic planning was not a happy man blaming the referee and not his players.

"For me it was not a penalty" he told the media.

The Golden Kick coach commended his boys for showcasing their brand and quality.

Golden kick could not emulate Nania FC, another DOL club that beat Kotoko to win the FA Cup in 2011.

Goalkeeper of Golden Kick was on Social Media expressing his disappointment in the referee as he was looking towards extra time and penalty shootout.

Meanwhile, Kelvin Saaba has sent a humble plea to the leadership of the GFA to assess the performance of the referee.

“The FA should look into this and start doing things right. If this is how we are going to in Ghana, then we won’t go anywhere. We should be sincere to ourselves. The referee spoiled the game. Let the supporters feel the game, even if we are going to extra time, allow them to feel the game. It is not by force to give a win to someone. We play for the fans” he said.

MTN Ghana gave out special packages in refreshments and souvenirs to lucky fans as promised.

Asante Kotoko will face Bibiani Gold Stars, the Ghana Premier League (GPL) winners in the Champion of Champions at a later date.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Issaka Issah aka ‘Hard One Lee’, an Australia based Ghanaian former kickboxer and boxer has joined many sports fans who keep congratulating new WBO Africa Bantamweight Champion, Theophilus ‘Lopez’ Allotey for annexing the title belt in style at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Friday June 13.

Theo Allotey, the boxing version of Lamin Yamal who holds the National Super flyweight title battered former Champion Daniel Gorsh on the Battle of the Beasts Fight Night which involved other interesting bouts. Andrew Tabiti won the new WBC Africa Bridgerweight title and Ahmed Abdila took the National Cruiserweight title from Haruna Thunder Mohammed in a packed house.

Speaking to Yours Truly in an exclusive chat, he recalled how he used to invite young boxers aged between 4 years and ten years to battle and learn the noble art of self defence on Sunday afternoons at the Accra Post Office area. The brave boys came from Akoto Lante, Bukom, Tafo, Atukpai, Gbese, Ussher Town, Sempe, Nleshie and other communities.

According to Issaka some of the boys he discovered at the juvenile stage were Samuel Takyi who won the Olympic Bronze medal as well as 2023 African Games Gold, Joseph Commey current UBO Lightweight Champion also 2022 Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist and African Games Gold Medalist, Henry Malm, Derrick Quaye, others and now the new hero of Ghana Boxing, Theophilus ‘Lopez’ Allotey.

He said when he started many mothers and grand mothers were complaining, but now they are happy and he also feels content and happy because the seeds that he watered have geminated into delicious fruits.

Issaka Issah also emphasized that every kite is held by a rope which is not visible.

“I knew what I was doing then will yield results and today we are all happy with their great performance, I thank the coaches who are handling them with care and support” he expressed.

He promised to come down to present some sports kits to some gyms, coaches and boxers.

He hinted working with some promoters and Australian boxing officials to partner stakeholders in Ghana.

He praised personalities like Your Truly, Yoofi Boham, Lawrence Nyanyo Nmai, Joe Mingle now known as Nii Adote Dzata 1 who inspired him while he was growing up as a fighter.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Leader and coach of the contingent that represented Ghana at the 2025 African Youth Boxing Championship in Conakry, Guinea, Joseph Martey believes he is one of the luckiest coaches in the world.

Speaking on The Big Fight Night Show on Omashi TV he thanked his senior trainer of the Black Rockets (national youth boxing team) for giving him the chance to go out there to do what he is capable of achieving.

According to him, it was a very tough competition with nine nations taking part and some bringing full contingents of male and female boxers, but Ghana went with only three boxers and Mathias Ashitey, Desmond Pappoe and George Dowuona all went through the ropes with amazing performances to grab gold medals.

He expressed that their preparation was not easy as they face financial and logistics problems.

He asked the government and companies to support them as they are now going to compete in qualifiers for the Youth Olympic Games slated for Senegal next year and the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Martey who loves to be called ‘Yara’ was a member of the Black Bombers that went to the Manchester Commonwealth Games where he reached the quarter finals.

"I used my experience as a former boxer at an international championship to inspire my boxers and they are very disciplined because they listened to me" he noted.

Joseph Martey who is stationed at Seconds Out Boxing Gym in Accra with Coach Darko Rickkets revealed that he had only one professional bout in South Africa which he lost but won the favour of the fans because of his skills and power.

He hinted that for personal reasons he decided to quit fighting and turn to coaching. He is now a one star boxing coach and can represent at international tournaments.

He loves jollof rice but kenkey and fried fish is the meal he enjoys mostly due to his mum's business as a kenkey seller.

He thanked the owner of Base Pharmacy for supporting the Black Rockets as well as all who donated to them after claiming the three African gold medals, including the Sempe Mantse and MP for Odododiodoo Constituency.

He revealed that there are over 50 boxers who are in the camp of the Black Rockets, some of them are taking part in the BECE Exams so he wished them success.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

… Theo Allotey And Ahmed Abdula Win Titles In Style

The build up to the event was classic, despite a few lapses in time management, however the weigh in and main show were a sell out as fans from various parts of the world trooped in at the Bukom Square and the famous Bukom Boxing Arena.

Ahmir Khan and Legacy Rise Promotions should be commended for giving Ghanaian boxing fans another great show with three title belts at stake.

American Nigerian boxer Andrew Tabiti had an easy pay day putting local boy Jacob Dickson on the canvass in all the rounds before the latter gave up in the fourth round to miss the new WBC Africa Cuiserweight title belt.

It was a new title belt instituted by the famous world body for Africa and the WBC Vice President, who is also the African Boxing Union (ABU) President Mr. Houcine Houchi was at the Arena to personally present the belt.

Earlier on the night, he presented a special belt from the World Boxing Council to Prof. Barima Zoom Zoom Azumah Nelson for his exploits in world boxing, having held the world title for 10 years.

Andrew Tabibti was very happy to make history with the new WBC Africa Cruiserweight championship title after dominating Jacob Dickson who was awarded a medal for his efforts.

In the fight of the night, Theophilus Lopez Allotey of Wisdom Boxing Gym led by Coach Dr. Pfori Asare put up an amazing performance to become the new WBO Africa Bantamweight Champion.  He defeated Daniel Gorsh from the Bronx Gym in a one side simple display of artistic and psychedelic display.

It was total war between Theophilus Allotey and Daniel Gorsh and the younger and taller man won. The judges scored the bout 117-111, 118-110 and 118-110 all in favour of the former Black Bomber who represented Ghana at the qualifiers for Paris 2024.

His fans were as happy watching a fantastic and deserving victory and they left the Arena singing and chanting conquest songs.

In the battle of the tall beasts, Ahmed Abdula from the Fit Square Gym dropped Hurana Mohammed in round 3 pounding him through 10 rounds to a unanimous decision win to also become the new Ghana national Cruiserweight Champion

Abu Kamoko also called ‘Ambitious Tilapia’ who is managed by Legacy Rise put up his best performance as a pro to outpoint Stephen Ackon by a wide unanimous points decision, 60-54, 60-54, 60-54 to claim a 4th straight win to begin his career.

In other under cards, Army officer, Jerry Lartey was the only Ghanaian fighter to win against  the foreign opponents, outclassing Anas Hafiane of Morocco 60-53 on all 3 scoredcard of a lightweight 6-rounder.

Defreitas Shiloh handed 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, Jessie Lartey his first loss in his career. It was a bittersweet feeling for the Lartey brothers whose dad Coach Lartekwei Lartey guided Ahmed to win the Cruiserweight belt.

Abdul Khan another foreign sent Joseph Sackey flying to the canvas in an unusual and devastating show as  Radoslav Rosenov defeats Richmond Ashelley on points.

London based O’Hara Davis whose dad in Ghanaian also won by unanimous decision. 78-73,79-72

The special guest on the night, former British heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua had some kind and uplifting words for this epic gathering of warriors and fans. He congratulated the boxers and fans who made the night a memorable occasion.

Musician of the Year, King Promise and his colourful angelic dancers thrilled the large crowd with some of his popular songs.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Team Ghana represented by Memfe Methodist Girls Senor High School (MEGHIS) showcased their strength. skill and talent in teamwork to pull and won silver and bronze medals on day one at the ongoing 12th Africa Tug of War Championship in South Africa.

The competition is taking place in Kimberley and their first triumph was in the 500kg women championship.

Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams, President of Ghana Tug of War Association said "Let's pray for more medals as they get set to compete in Mixed Tug of War and 600kg events, our girls are very good, they need encouragement and support"

He said Team Ghana has prepared well to put their name in the books of African Tug of War with the representation on Mamfe Methodist Girls Senior High School.

He called for support and encouragement to allow Ghanaian kids and youth to decide on sports that they love.

Zimbabwe won the gold as Ghana came second with a total of eight countries participating.

South Africa, Uganda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ireland, Zambia and Ghana are pulling for fame and glory.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghanaian forward Nana Opoku Ampomah is once again lighting up the football scene, with multiple European clubs battling for his signature following a string of electrifying performances for Canadian side Forge FC.

The 29-year-old, born on January 2, 1996, has emerged as one of the standout players in the Canadian Premier League, claiming Man of the Match honors four times in his last eight appearances—a testament to his form, flair, and finishing.

Ampomah, who previously dazzled fans in Europe with stints at Waasland-Beveren, Fortuna Düsseldorf, and Royal Antwerp, is now on the radar of Cercle Brugge and La Louvière—both Belgian Pro League sides—with Beitar Jerusalem of Israel also expressing strong interest in the Ghanaian winger.

Sources close to the player reveal that scouts from Cercle Brugge and La Louvière, the latter recently promoted to the Belgian Jupiler League, have already submitted preliminary inquiries to Forge FC. Swiss side FC Sion, one of the country’s most historic clubs, is reportedly among the clubs showing interest in Nana Opoku Ampomah, according to sources.

Based in the city of Sion, the club plays in the Swiss Challenge League and is known for its strong domestic cup record and passion for discovering top talent.

Ampomah’s pace, directness, and eye for goal have made him a constant threat in the CPL and a prime target for clubs seeking an experienced, in-form winger with a proven European track record.

With the summer transfer window approaching, Nana Opoku Ampomah’s transfer could soon become one of the most talked-about moves involving a Ghanaian player.

Source Tony Bebli                                           

The dynamic and vibrant MTN Media Republic will stage a special health walk on Saturday June 14, 2025 in honour of the late Nana Kwasi Gyan- Apenteng 74, a distinguished journalist, author and media trainer who was their Electoral Commissioner and Special Advisor.

He was Chairman of the National Media Commission and Board Chair of the Ghana News Agency.

The walk will start at 6am from the MTN House at Ridge and end at the same spot.

All members of the Republic in Accra are expected to show up and get some health tips as well as experience a good body fitness workout.

The walk is an initiative of the first female President of the MTN Media Republic.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Sharaf Mahama CEO of Legacy Rise Sports says they want to give local boxers global exposure and hope the bouts coming up are going to mutually benefit the foreign boxers.

Speaking at the Press Conference last Wednesday he commended all the foreign boxers who made it to Ghana. He also thanked all partners and sponsors.

Coach Ofori Asare of the Wisdom Boxing Gym called for fair officiating at the Battle of the Beasts Boxing Night.

He said the fight between his boxer Theo Allotey aka Lopez who is challenging for Daniel Selassie Gorsh's WBO Africa Bantamweight title is going to be a thriller, as Allotey is the right person to hold the title because he has much experience fighting as an amateur star and rising to his present professional status.

According to Asare boxing is not about insults but performance in the ring.

He predicted that all his boxers on the bill are going to perform to please the fans and win handsomely.

Haruna Mohammed aka Thunder also defends his national cruiserweight title against Abdulai Ahmed of the Fit Square Gym.

However, Coach Carl Lokko of the Bronx Boxing Club also declared that although his boxers do not get the opportunity to represent the nation at the amateur level,  they always proved to be the best at the pro level, and his gym has proved to be the house of champions.

"On the D day we shall see who is who" said defending champion Daniel Gorsh.

The main bout on Friday June 13 is between Ghana's Jacob Dickson aka The Beast versus American Andrew Tabiti also called The Beast who are fighting for the WBC Africa Bridgerweight title.

Another fight expected to attract fans attention is Bukom Tilapia aka Abubakar Kamoko, son of former boxer Bukom Banku against Stephen Ackon.

The ten bouts specially packaged bill comes up at the Bukom Boxing Arena on June 13 and it is presented by Amir Khan and Legacy Rise Sports Promotions.

The Press conference which was held at the Multichoice office at Achimota attracted many media, coaches and boxers.

The public appearance and weigh in comes up at the Bukom Square Park on Thursday at 5pm.

Friday is the action day and the organisers have promised a fantastic event.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Kickboxing Association in collaboration with the Greater Accra Kickboxing Association are organising the 2025 Homowo Kickboxing Championship at the Accra Sports Stadium on August 15.

Ghana's Felix Kotoka will face Idrissa Bilal of La Cote d' Ivoire in the main bout.

The international event will feature Kickboxing and Muay Thai as well as entertainment by popular and underground artists.

President of the Ghana Kickboxing Association, Mr. Yakubu Abdul Razak said it has not been easy sourcing funds to stage competition however they are working hard to bring joy to Kickboxing lovers.

Mr. Francis Okyere aka Franco, Chairman of the Greater Accra Kickboxing Association hinted that the event will showcase new breed of talented and skilful kickboxers and Muay Thai practitioners.

"We have the men, people are on the ground training hard, but there is no competition so they don't feel the sport,  but we will try our best, we need partners and sponsors " he expressed.

"Ghana Kickboxing is still alive and everyone should get involved in the Homowo competition" said Coach Doku.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Sempe Mantse Nii Adote Otintor II has celebrated with the gold winning Black Rockects of Ghana.

Three of the Black Rockets, Ghana Under 20 Boxing Team went to Guinea and won three gold medals at the African Youth Championship.

51 kg campaigner Mathias Ashitey, George Nii Nortey Dowuona (54 kg) and Desmond Pappoe in the 75 kg category all emerged champions in their weights in the round robin tournament which took place from Tuesday, May 20 to Saturday, May 24.

They presented their gold medals and 3rd place trophy won at the 2025 African Youth Boxing Championship to the Sempe Mantse Nii Adote Otintor II at am impressive ceremony at his palace in Accra.

The Rockets were presented with 10,000ghc from the king who was a soldier and loves Boxing.  He urged them to train hard to do more for Ghana.

Nii Adote Dzata I, Shipi of Sempe, Mankralo of Sakaman, popularly known as Joe Mingle a former President of Ghana Kickboxing Association on behalf of the Sempe Mantse presented 10,000ghc to the winning boxers who were accompanied by some executives of the Ghana Boxing Federation,

The Vice President Alhaji Dauda Fuseni who is chairman of the Rockets management team, Treasurer Mustapha Nettey, Second Vice President Splomon Otoo, head trainer Coach Charles Quartey and Coach Joseph Martey who led the Black Rockets were present.

By Sammy Heywood Okine