Category: Sports

Algerian authorities have prohibited the entry into its territory of the delegation of the Moroccan Club Berkane Sports Renaissance.

Traveling to Algiers, to play the semi-final first leg of the African Football Confederation Cup (CAF) against the club of the Algiers Medina Sports Union (USMA), scheduled for Sunday April 21, the Renaissance sportive from Berkane was banned from entering Algerian territory.

The Algerian authorities must have had difficulty appreciating that the Moroccan players wore outfits bearing the map of the Kingdom, with its Sahara.

The players and the delegation accompanying them were therefore detained at Houari Boumédiène international airport in Algiers.

Algerian authorities blocked Berkane’s team at the airport for hours, even seizing their football equipment and uniforms.

The delegation had obtained authorization to travel to Algiers on a Spanish plane, thus circumventing the access restrictions imposed by Algeria on Moroccan flights.

Once again, this incident highlights Alge
ria’s persistent tensions towards Morocco, in particular Algeria’s ban on Moroccan flights since September 2021, which creates recurring problems during sporting events and other meetings between the two countries.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ghana’s hopes of advancing to the next round of the 2024 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been shattered following their 11-3 loss to Angola in the last group match.

Ghana has suffered some devastating losses at the ongoing tournament as they were pummeled by hosts Morocco and Zambia in their opening two matches.

Ghana’s national futsal team, heading into their last match against the Sable Antelopes of Angola, were confident of a big scalp that could propel them to the knockout stages.

But Coach Philip Boakye and his lads fell short of upsetting the odds despite a good display of futsal skills in a pulsating encounter against the Angolans.

Ghana thus exits the tournament with no points, while Angola and Morocco progress from Group A to the next round.

This was Ghana’s second appearance at the Futsal AFCON, with their debut in 1996 having made an impressive run to the finals, where they lost to Egypt.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Prosper Nartey Ogum Head Coach of Asante Kotoko and his entire technical team did not show up the club’s training ground on Tuesday.

Irate fans stormed the place to register their displeasure over the poor performance of the team in the Ghana Premier League.

The fans numbering about 15 arrived at the Adako JachieTraining Complex in a mini van ahead of the team bus at about 1440 hours, a source told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Sports in Kumasi.

About 20 minutes later, the team bus arrived and for more 10 minutes, the players were seated in the bus, fuelling a tensed atmosphere as the fans patiently waited for them to get out of the bus.

When they finally came down, they were verbally abused by the fans but none of them was attacked as they walked onto the pitch without the technical team.

Some of the aggrieved fans, according to the source, were heard asking the whereabouts of the coach on top of their voices, apparently to confront him on the lack of results in the ongoing premier league.

Despite the ch
aos and confusion outside the pitch, the players were seen warming up ahead of their training programme of the day but had to stop at some point when it became clear the technical team was not coming.

After losing to Dreams FC at Dawu on Sunday, supporters of Asante Kotoko have been calling for the resignation of Coach Ogum and his technical team to save the club from further sinking on the league table.

There have also been rumours of a possible invasion of the training ground by supporting to block the embattled coach from performing his duties in the local media since Monday.

It is believed that the coach and his backroom staff might have picked information about the intended disruption of their work hence their decision not to show up at training today.

As to whether they would be allowed to prepare the team for their next game against Samartex remains uncertain.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium at Tamale will host the first event of the 11th edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human on May 11, 2024.

The 100 meters dash clash is for boys and girls, under 15, under 18 and adults over 18 years.

The competition moves to Cape Coast Stadium on May 25, then Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium on June 15 and climax at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra on June 29.

Three icons in sprints, Ohene Karikari, Oko Addy and Mike Ahey are the living inspiration to young athletes.

They were recognized at the lunch of the 2024 edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human last Monday.

Mr. Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth and Sports who launched the Olympic year edition prayed that more athletes would qualify for the Olympic Games.

He acknowledged the contribution of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human in developing athletes as some took part in the last African Games.

Dr. Kwame Baah Nuakoh, GM Strategy and Investments of GNPC said track and field was the passion of many Ghanaians and that justifie
s the company’s support in discovering and nurturing talents, most of whom become international stars.

He suggested the promotion of sports at the tertiary level.

Nana Asante Bediatuo, Secretary to the President of Ghana also appreciated the involvement of the private sector in sports talent discovery and harnessing.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Danny List Foundation on Sunday, held a Junior Golf Clinic for young golfers in Accra.

Danny List, who is a professional golf player in the United States is keen on unearthing talents through its golf academy project.

Over 60 young golfers were taken through the basics of golf at the Achimota Golf Driving Range.

The golfer speaking in an interview with the GNA Sports said the clinic was part of the activities laid down to provide opportunities for the kids.

‘Ghana golf has all the talents in the world, all it lacks is opportunity. The total aim of this foundation is to give everyone here in Ghana equal opportunity to their counterparts in the states,’ he said.

He said the foundation had secured land for a state of the art golf academy, the first of its kind in West Africa.

‘This would be a place kids will play for free, they would get the training they need, there will be a gym, there will be everything possible to be successful in golf,’ he added.

According to him, work would soon begin work to get th
e academy ready in the coming months.

Madam Angela List, co-founder of the foundation also noted expressed excitement having seen kids excited to learn the sport.

She said the academy would help give young golfers the opportunity to showcase their talents to the rest of the world.

The Danny List Foundation was launched last year.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr. Dodzie Numekevor, the Director General (D-G) of the National Sports Authority (NSA) has endorsed ‘Show Case’ of Africa nations tournament scheduled to take place at the Madina astro turf on Saturday, 20th April 2024.

The event under the auspices of the S-Inkoom Football Management Agency, owned by the former Black Stars player, Samuel Inkoom.

Mr. Inkoom announced this when he paid a working visit to the D-G to officially invite him as a Special Guest for the tournament.

The D-G assured Mr. Inkoom that his team would support the initiative, adding that, he would be present with his management members to grace the tournament.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Inkoom explained that the aim of the competition was to offer opportunities to talented players between the ages of 17 and 21 to exhibit their God given talents.

He said on that the day of the competition, there would scouts from foreign clubs to observe it.

The event was recently launched in Accra, at a very colourful ceremony.

Source: Ghana News Age
ncy

Joseph ‘JoJo’ Awinongya Jr. etched his name in boxing history last Saturday, when he won a title in the 165ilbs category at the 2024 Chicago Golden Gloves 2024 tournament.

Competing in the 165 lb, Junior Open division, JoJo delivered a masterful performance, earning a unanimous decision over his formidable adversary, Yandel ‘YANDEL’ Hernandez from Knuckleheads Boxing Gym.

The electrifying showdown unfolded at Cicero Stadium, where JoJo’s unwavering resolve and technical finesse captivated the audience.

Among those who came to witness and support JoJo were Father Michael Pfleger, former Secretary of State Jesse White, Wasfi Tolaymat, Michael Mikuska, Tyrone Muhammad with ECCSC, and Dr. Cornel Darden Jr.

Their presence added an extra layer of motivation and camaraderie to JoJo’s journey to victory.

Hailing from the esteemed Sam Colonna Boxing Gym, Joseph Awinongya Jr. has dedicated countless hours to honing his craft under the guidance of seasoned trainers.

His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated
in this remarkable achievement.

‘Joseph’s dedication and heart have been evident throughout his journey.

‘His unwavering commitment to the sport has paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder,’ remarked Coach Sam Colonna.

The Chicago Golden Gloves has a storied legacy, and JoJo’s name now graces the annals alongside other legendary champions.

His victory serves as an inspiration to aspiring boxers, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance.

Founded in 1923, the Chicago Golden Gloves remains one of the most prestigious amateur boxing tournaments in the United States. It has launched the careers of numerous professional boxers and continues to thrive.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr. Dodzie Numekevor the new Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), has urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to consider bringing back the annual Inter-Schools and Colleges games.

This he said would help unearth more sporting talents for the nation in all sporting disciplines.

He said the GES must collaborate with the Ghana Athletics (GA) to see to the return of the event that helped in the development of talents in Ghana.

Mr. Numekevor who said at the launch of the 2024 GNPC Ghana’s Fastest Human competition, said his outfit would make available facilities and staff for the competition.

He commended the organisers of the event for the initiative and urged all corporate bodies to support the event.

Mr. Reks Brobby, organiser of the event said, the Ghana’s Fastest had become a big brand as many people from different parts of the country now want to perform on the platform.

He noted that, the event had over years given a lot of young athletes the opportunity to exhibit their talents a
t the regional and national level.

Mr. Brobby announced that this year’s competition for Under-15, 18 and Seniors above 18 years, would start from the Aliu Mahama Stadium at Tamale on May 11, before moving to Cape Coast Stadium on May 25, Baba Yara Stadium on June 15, with the climax at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra on June 29.

He presented three retired athletes, Ohene Karikari, Oko Addy and Mike Ahey who blazed local and international tracks in the 1960s and 70s with Adidas products.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr. Mustapha Ussif Minister of Youth and Sports, has said plans are in place to introduce the Ghana National Games, this year, as part of efforts to unearth more talents for the nation.

Mr. Ussif said the Ghana National Games would be held on regional level with outstanding athletes competing at the national level.

He said this at the launch of the 2024 edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human Competition at the Accra Sports Stadium, on Monday.

He commended the organisers of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human Competition and urged corporate bodies to support the initiative that started in 2013 and had since produced athletes who have represented Ghana at major international competitions like the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

Mr. Ussif said Accra had been declared a city of sports from 2024 to 2026, following success story of the African Games and the Ghana Fastest is one of the projects the Ministry was supporting under the scheme.

Mr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh, General Manager, Strategy and Investments of Ghana Na
tional Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) who are the headline and clothing sponsor of the project said the eleventh milestone was significant as the organisers have brought novelty into Ghana Athletics.

He said sports was a catalyst that can take people into other greater ventures, recalling the GNPC Speedsters Club which adds much value to the training of selected athletes beyond the tracks.

He called for more corporate interest in University Games and the return of Inter Colleges (Inter Co) which produced many track and field stars in the past.

Nana Asante Bediatuo, Secretary to President Nana Akufo-Addo who was Guest of Honour said the GNPC Ghana Fastest Competition was one of the greatest private sector initiatives which has been extremely successful, adding that the President was interested and committed to it.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Organisers of the Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon has opened registration for the 2024 edition of the race fixed for Saturday, August 3.

A statement from the organisers said, participants can register by dialling *380*21# or visit www.accraintercitymarathon.com to register for the race.

It stated that, participants would have the chance to compete in three categories, 21, 10, and 5-kiometrs, adding that there would be attractive prizes and medals at stake for outstanding participants.

The race, which is part of activities earmarked for the celebration of the annual Homowo Festival by the Gas would commence at the Accra Sports Stadium and end at the Bukom Boxing Arena

It added that, the race which is one of the biggest in the country would also be preceded by a two-day Sports Fair, where there would be a platform for sports businesses to network, share ideas and also exhibit their products and services.

It noted that, the organisers would also announce dates for the launch of the race and sponsors.

The
2023 Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon was won by Kooga Atia and Juliana Zakat.

Source: Ghana News Agency

It was with great surprise that I learned of the final communiqué of the FECAFOOT Emergency Committee meeting held on April 6, 2024, announcing the probable appointment, in the next few days, of another coaching staff for the Indomitable Lions.

There is every reason to believe that within the next few days, the Indomitable Lions will find themselves with two coaches, which would be unprecedented in the recent history of modern soccer.

Faced with this situation, which is likely to considerably tarnish the image of Cameroon and Cameroonian soccer, I feel it is my duty, as a citizen and as one of the major players in our game, to take a stand.

First of all, it is important to note that the collaboration agreement, signed on February 05, 2015 between the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education (MINSEP) and the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), was intended solely to facilitate the application of Presidential Decree No. 2014/384 of September 26, 2014 on the organization and functioning of Cameroon’s na
tional soccer teams.

By signing this agreement, FECAFOOT freely and voluntarily agreed to share some of its legal and regulatory attributions relating in particular to the recruitment (by FECAFOOT) and provision (by the State) of members of the national team management structures.

It is therefore clear that the radio press release from the Minister of Sports and Physical Education dated April 02, 2024, announcing the constitution and therefore the provision to FECAFOOT of a new technical, administrative, and medical support staff for the INDOMPTABLE LIONS, complies with the spirit and letter of article 9 of the MINSEP-FECAFOOT agreement of February 05, 2015.

Furthermore, the aforementioned radio press release can in no way constitute undue interference by MINSEP in the affairs of FECAFOOT, insofar as the people recruited by the State and placed at the disposal of FECAFOOT are supposed to work under the authority of FECAFOOT’s management, even if it means that the latter may subsequently identify and denoun
ce cases of insubordination.

About the question concerning the conformity of the provisions of article 9 of this agreement with those of the Presidential Decree of September 26, 2014, it is also important to point out that the current executive of FECAFOOT, in office for over two years, has not seen fit to denounce or call into question the said agreement. On the contrary, all FECAFOOT appointments of members of national team management structures in all categories systematically refer to the provisions of the MINSEP-FECAFOOT agreement of February 05, 2015.

So can FECAFOOT claim responsibility for its turpitude? Certainly not! At least, not to the detriment of Cameroon and Cameroonian soccer!

If the current directors of FECAFOOT are convinced that the Minister of Sports and Physical Education has not respected the applicable regulations, they have every opportunity to either open a frank dialogue with the authorities or to refer the matter to the competent courts and/or FIFA.

The choice of chaos as it see
ms to have been made by the FECAFOOT Executive Committee’s Emergency Committee will certainly face fierce opposition from a large majority of FECAFOOT member soccer clubs, whose voice I am speaking for here.

Any decision to appoint a second technical staff for the INDOMITABLE LIONS will immediately be vigorously contested before the competent national and international courts.

Furthermore, I can already announce that an urgent meeting of the Executive Board of the Association des Clubs de Football Amateur du Cameroun (ACFAC) will be held in Yaoundé this Monday, April 8, 2024, to examine the measures to be taken, in conjunction with other components of Cameroonian soccer, to put an end to the current crisis.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Belgian born Marc Brys has officially signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Cameroon national football team, the indomitable lions.

The contract was signed on Monday at the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, supervised by Minister Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi.

Although Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o could not attend the ceremony due to family obligations and late notification, the deal was finalized after hours of deliberation with the minister and other members in attendance, like the newly appointed Coordinator of the national team Benjamin Didier Banlock, medical doctor William Ngachu, and other deputies.

In addition to Brys as head coach, other key members of the national team include assistant coach Joachim Mununga, first assistant coach Omam Biyik, second assistant coach Ashu Cyprain Bessong, national team coordinator Benjamin Banlock, physical trainer Christophe Manouvrier, medical officer Ngatchou Njomo, team manager Dany Nounkeu, team press officer Germain Noël Essengue, and
goalkeeper coach Aliuom Boukar, a two-time AFCON-winning goalkeeper who also served as goalkeeper trainer in 2017.

During the installation ceremony, the minister emphasized the importance of ensuring a competent and effective team is in place to guide the Indomitable Lions to victory, following their dismal performance in the most recent AFCON.

As a new appointee approved by the government, despite opposition from the Cameroon football federation, Brys will be put to the test in June when Cameroon faces Cape Verde and Angola in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Source: Cameroon News Agency