Welterweight boxer Henry Malm of the Discipline Gym in Accra is the new brilliant star in the camp of the Black Bombers preparing for the 13^th African Games to be hosted in Accra Ghana.

Also known as the ‘Assassin Junior’ the crack tough pugilist took the decision to represent Ghana after many thoughts as he was doing quite well in the professional ranks with a KO rate of 85.71% in a career of seven undefeated bout since 2021.

The 24 year who is a member of some selected squad of boxers benefitting from free branding from 29PhotoStudio thanked all his advisors boxers and coaches for making him take a good plan to represent Ghana and win a medal for the nation.

He is also ready for the 2024 Olympic Games if the opportunity brings itself after winning gold at the 2023 African Games.

Samuel Takyi, Mohammed Aryeetey and Henry Malm are the latest amateur boxers who have tasted professional boxing, but returned to represent Ghana on personal choices to win international laurels at the African and Olympic level.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah has been appointed as the new Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The decision was officially confirmed during a media briefing held on Wednesday in Kumasi and organized by the Football Association.

Professor Mintah takes over from Bernhard Lippert, who stepped down from the role after serving as the Technical Director for the past four years.

During Lippert's tenure, the Football Association introduced initiatives aimed at shaping the country's football landscape, including unveiling the DNA of Ghanaian football.

Professor Mintah's appointment signals a shift from his prior position as the Head of Coaching Education at the FA's Technical Directorate. In this role, he has amassed considerable experience and expertise in football development.

His leadership within the Coaching Education division has been marked by a strong dedication to nurturing talent across all levels of the sport, spanning from grassroots to elite levels.

Under his guidance, the FA's coaching programs have undergone notable improvements, providing coaches with the necessary knowledge and skills to foster player development and tactical ingenuity.

Prior to his appointment as Technical Director, Professor Mintah also served as the psychologist for the Black Stars, further enriching his understanding of the intricacies of football at the highest level.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Alfred Lamptey promises to stop Jaouad Belmedi on March 2, 2024 inAbu Dhabi

Ghana's multi title holder, the cherished champion Alfred Lamptey also called Bukom Bomber / Showtime will be in action in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against French Champion Jaouad Belmedi on March 2, 2024 at the Yass Link, Abu Dhabi.

Alfred Lamptey, 13-0-0, a pride of Bukom who is undefeated and currently training in South Africa with his coach Eben Adjei said he is more than ready for the next battle. He holds the WBO / WBA Youth, West Africa and Ghana National Super Featherweight titles, and hopes to stop his opponent.

In Ghana, they are managed by Alex Ntiamoah Boakye’s Box Office and trains at the Black Panthers Gym at James Town, Accra. Internationally he is managed by Probella.

Jaouad Belmedi has fought 23 times and won 19, lost one and drawn three.

Aam Sassiqi Sports presents the showdown in Abu Dhabi, where Alfred Lamptey, Ghana and West Africa Super Featherweight Champion must prove that he is better than Jaouad Belmedi in a 10 rounder contest.

The winner has a chance to hit at the world title.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2023 Africa Games on Monday called on the Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.

The visit was to commiserate with him over the death of his father the late Dr. Ebenezer Tackie and also brief him on preparations made so far for the 2023 Africa Games.

Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the LOC on behalf of the team expressed condolences to the Ga King for the loss of his father.

He noted that, all the facilities for the hosting of the African Games were ready and that Ghana would be ready to host the rest of the continent between March 8-23, 2023.

According to Dr. Ofosu Asare, Ghana now had modern athletics tracks at the University of Ghana Stadium, Aquatic Center at the Borteyman Sports Complex, tennis courts, among many other sporting facilities.

He said the new facilities puts Ghana in the right position to host other international sporting event after the African Games.

Dr. Ofosu Asare announced that, plans were in place to for the launching of the 30-days before the games and the Ga Mantse would be invited to grace the occasion.

His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II commended the LOC for putting in place the needed facilities for the hosting of the games in Accra.

He said the various sporting facilities spread across the capital would reduce social vices among the youth as they would be kept busy by engaging in sporting activities.

His Royal Majesty noted that, he had initiated talks with some international outfits   his team was excited to be build a modern sports complex in Accra.

He assured the LOC of his support for the hosting of the games and urged them to ensure that, international athletes and officials were brought to his palace for blessings.

The 2023 African Games would officially commence on March 18, and end on March 23, 2024, with the opening ceremony fixed for the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

Source William Ezah GNA

Which team wins this year's AFCON is becoming easier to predict as only four countries remain in the contest – Nigeria, DR Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, and South Africa. However, if this tournament needs an identity, the tiny nation of Cape Verde has supplied it in spades. The gusty performances by the Blue Sharks will live in the memory long after the fans and tourists have left Côte d'Ivoire. It should be fair to refer to this tournament as the Cape Verde AFCON.

When the team beat the much-fancied Black Stars at the start of the competition, many of us considered it a fluke or a failure by the Ghanaians to beat a football sprat. Now we know better. Yesterday, the nation of just some 600,000 people was denied their deserved jubilation when they were penalized for their inability to score from the penalty spot. Drawing with South Africa after a pulsating match that travelled through extra time was no mean achievement.

Of course, if this AFCON has a theme, it is the principle that every team that qualifies for the final is there as of right and based on their performances during the qualifying rounds. Naturally, the ranking system labels some teams as weak and others as strong. On paper and by logical extrapolation, we expect the "stronger" teams to do well and eliminate the weaker ones at the group stage. This would make the competition more balanced in the knockout stages, especially in the quarter-finals.

This year, by the quarter-finals, the teams with the most AFCON wins – Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, and our latest African World Cape Verde remained, and drawing South Africa, were expected to bow out graciously. It did not happen. The Blue Sharks must hold their heads high. The Côte d'Ivoire games will always remind football lovers about the exploits of the West African country in the central Atlantic Ocean.

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The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has granted approval for the J.A. Kufuor Cup match between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC on Sunday, February 18, 2024.

The match being organised by the John A. Kufuor (JAK) Foundation seeks to honour the profound legacy of the former President.

The GFA, in a letter signed by its General Secretary Mr. Prosper Harrison Addo, threw their support for the organisation of the match as part of activities to climax the 85th birthday celebration of former President Kufuor.

"The GFA is pleased to inform you that approval has been granted to The John A. Kufuor Foundation to organise a football match dubbed 'Kufuor Cup' between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC.

"We wish to support the match with match balls and also provide the match officials.

"We are assured that the two premier league teams shall abide by all the relevant GFA regulations to ensure a successful match and bring a befitting honour to His Excellency."

The GFA also commended the massive impact former President Kufuor has had on football in the country and were delighted to be associated with the match.

Source Willie Ezah

James Akwesi Appiah former Black Stars Coach has donated two sets of jerseys, and 20 footballs to the Awudu Issaka Football Academy.

The items also included 20 cartons of Ekumfi Fruit Juice and an undisclosed amount of money.

Awudu Issaka Football Academy is a talent development center established by the former national star who shot to fame with his amazing skills at the 1995 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Ecuador.

The academy identifies and develop talents from the ages of 10 to 21.

The donation is to support the training and development of players and the academy.

Coach Akwesi Appiah commended the former national star for establishing the academy and contributing to national development.

He said after a close observation, he noticed that members of the academy have acquired basics in football.

“I took a keen look at the members of the senior side of the academy, and it was obvious they have been trained by a former player who understands the dynamics of the game.

“I am amazed at the kind training being given to the young ones here. This is how to develop players and I think Awudu should be supported to do more for the nation,” he added.

According to Coach Appiah he has been supporting some academies around the country, adding that it was an initiative supported by Ghana National Gas Company Limited.

Awudu Issak expressed appreciation to the former Black Stars Coach for supporting his outfit.

He said Coach Appiah has since the start of the academy provided financial support to them and was grateful.

“Coach Appiah has been providing us with financial support on regular basis. He has been one of the pillars of the academy,” he noted.

The Awudu Issaka Football Academy has over 100 players from ages 10 to 21, and has since contributed a lot of players various clubs within and outside the country.

Source Willie Ezah

FIFA World Cup 26™ final scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey, kick-off at iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026

Toronto (Canada), Mexico City (Mexico), and Los Angeles (USA) to host respective national teams’ FIFA World Cup™ opening matches

Innovative match schedule designed to minimise travel for teams and fans alike, ensuring that players’ rest and recovery is prioritised throughout the tournament

FIFA has revealed the match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 26™, with the final to be held in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July 2026 and the opening match featuring the Mexican national team scheduled to be played at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026.

Like Mexico, the national teams of Canada and the United States will each play their three group-stage matches on home soil. Canada will kick off their campaign in Toronto on Friday, 12 June 2026, while the United States will begin their journey on the same day in Los Angeles.

The schedule for the tournament was revealed live on Sunday and can be reviewed on FIFA.com and FIFA+ . The match schedule can also be accessed here .

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever is no longer a dream but a reality that will take shape in the form of 104 matches in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across Canada, Mexico and the USA. From the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca to the spectacular final in New York New Jersey players and fans have been at the core of our extensive planning for this game-changing tournament.”

“I would like to thank our three host countries and 16 Host Cities for the unwavering commitment to staging a FIFA World Cup that will not only set new records but also leave an indelible legacy.”

FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani said: “The FIFA World Cup 26 will be a watershed moment and one that will trigger massive football development in our region and worldwide. While each Host City is unique, they all have something in common – they are passionate about football and cannot wait to welcome the world in June and July 2026.”

The tournament’s innovative match schedule will serve to minimise travel for teams and fans alike, while the number of rest days between fixtures will be maximised. Having been drawn up in consultation with key stakeholders, including national-team coaches and technical directors, the schedule will also increase the prospect of matches being played in the best possible conditions and ensure that fans have shorter travel times when following their teams.

Match pairings and kick-off times will be confirmed following the Final Draw for FIFA World Cup 26, which is expected to take place towards the end of 2025.

FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule – summary: 

FIFA World Cup 26 to kick-off at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey.

Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles to host the opening matches of their respective national teams.

Canada, Mexico, and the United States guaranteed to play their three group-stage matches on home soil, with Guadalajara, Vancouver, and Seattle also selected to stage host countries’ group-stage matches.

Miami to host the bronze final, Dallas and Atlanta to stage the highly anticipated semi-finals, while Dallas will host nine (9) matches – the most of any Host City at the tournament.

Innovative match schedule ensures that three days of rest for teams is observed for 103 of the tournament’s 104 matches. Majority of matches to be played in three regionalised zones (east, central and west) to reduce travel for teams and fans.

Group stage:

First matchday of the tournament to feature two matches, including the tournament curtain-raiser in Mexico City and a match in Guadalajara.

Day two to feature two matches involving hosts Canada and the United States respectively.

The final four matchdays of the group stage will feature six matches per day. Matches in the same group will be played simultaneously to maintain the integrity of the competition.

All other group-stage matchdays will feature four matches per day across four kick-off times.

Estadio Azteca Mexico City set to host opening match for the third time, making FIFA World Cup history as the first stadium to do so.

Canada will host its first FIFA World Cup, complementing its proud history of hosting top FIFA women’s and youth tournaments, including the successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™.

USA to host FIFA World Cup for the second time, following record-setting 1994 edition. USA has also hosted two successful editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (1999 and 2003).

Fans can pre-register for FIFA World Cup 26 tickets at fifa.com/tickets . Pre-registration for information about hospitality packages is available at fifa.com/hospitality .

Further details on the match schedule are available in the below document. Additional media assets are also available here for editorial use.

Source FIFA                                                 

Hon. Mustapha Ussif the Minister for Youth and Sports led a group of journalists to visit the camps of athletes preparing for the upcoming 13th African Games dubbed Accra 2023.

The Federations are camping in hotels in the Central Region - Cape Coast, Winneba Sports College and train at the Cape Coast Stadium and the University of Cape Coast, another camping base.

The disciplines in camp are boxing, arm wrestling, athletics, weightlifting, handball, volleyball and basketball since January 19.

Hon. Ussif said he was delighted with atmosphere in camp and the preparedness of the athletes who are eager to compete and win.

"I am so excited and happy about what I have seen. The athletes and officials can testify that this is the first time they are having a long duration of camping in the history of Ghana with improved facilities and conditions of service," he said.

"I came here to ensure they have arrived and they are happy. Both the athletes and officials have indicated they are excited. I am equally happy."

The talented and ambitious athletes were happy as the Minister shared motivating words, and they expressed eagerness to make the nation proud, at the 13th African Games.

While encouraging the team to remain focused and committed to the task ahead, Hon. Ussif reiterated to them, government’s commitment to supporting them with the needed resources to excel.

“The African Games presents Team Ghana an opportunity to win medals for Ghana, foster a sense of national unity, pride, and identity, through sports” he said.

“Our collective spirit and encouragement will continue to be a driving force behind the success of Team Ghana so let's come together and rally behind them, as they begin their preparations. Together, we can showcase the true spirit of Ghana” he added.

25 sporting disciplines will be competed at the 23th African Games to held in Legon, Borteyman, Accra Sports Stadium, Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium as well as the Cape Coast Stadium for female football.

The biggest sports festival in Africa is coming to Ghana for the first time from March 8th to 23rd. It is going to see over 5,000 athletes, coaches and officials in the motherland.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Former boxer, Emmanuel Addo has been very passionate about Ghana Boxing for many years and now decided to become President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) at the next elections.

In an exclusive interview with Yours Truly from his base in the USA, he revealed some of his vision and mission to transform Ghana Boxing.

"Sure l have a mind set to make things happen in better form for Ghana" he expressed as we started the chat.

He noted that Sports and Tourism can take Ghana far and rake in revenue as a country that has produced many world champions.

"Promoting boxing to attract tourists is the dream, that people can come from America to watch Ghana boxers and other things in the motherland. we can fashion a way to promote Boxing in Ghana and make sure that boxers are ranked and given opportunity to fight in Championships.

"My great ambition for now is to make sure the Commonwealth titles comes back to Ghana" he stressed.

Emmanuel Addo who grew up in Accra and knows every corner of Bukom attended John Teye Memorial Institute. He loved Boxing and became a professional boxer, fighting to the highest level as Ghana National Champion. His dream to become an Olympian could not materialize, after campaigning in the amateurs ranks, but has been successful in teaching his passion, Boxing.

He is now a coach in the USA, where he has lived for 13 years, and married with two kids, his daughter is always with him.

In his vision, Addo said the difference of Boxing Management is making sure that boxing becomes life for the people involved. He believes those dedicated to Boxing and hardworking people must not suffer after retirement.

"Coaching is about teaching someone a greatskills of something that can help him earn something in life. I see the future of Boxing becoming better and better when l come to office make sure that fighters can get recognized by the world sanctioned bodies like WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and also making sure that Commonwealth title comes to life" he said.

He promised in his mission to create awards scheme now for boxers, coaches, promoters, managers would be organised annually.

"I can never work alone, do I will involve great business partners and people who love sports especially Boxing" he noted.

By Sammy Heywood Okine