In a remarkable display of solidarity, the celebrated Ghanaian reggae and dancehall artiste, Samini, has embarked on a journey to Abidjan to fervently back the Ghanaian Black Stars ahead of their upcoming match.

In an interview with Isaac Kofi Dzokpo, he expressed his confidence in the team’s prowess, Samini boldly predicts a victory against Mozambique, envisioning a 2-goal triumph.

Upon his arrival at the Midez H&R Hotel in Abidjan, the artiste was greeted with an outpouring of joy and jubilation from ardent fans and supporters.

Known for his passionate commitment to music and national pride, Samini seized the moment to issue a heartfelt appeal to fellow Ghanaians, urging unity and rallying behind the Black Stars.

He emphasized the crucial role of collective support in propelling the team to success.

As anticipation builds for the impending match, Samini’s presence in Abidjan serves as a beacon of encouragement for the Black Stars and the entire nation, fostering a sense of unity and optimism among fans.

MTN’s Resounding Applause: Facilitating Ghanaian Fans’ Journey to AFCON 2023

In a noteworthy development, telecommunications giant MTN has earned resounding applause for orchestrating a remarkable initiative.

The company facilitated the travel of 163 Ghanaian fans, stakeholders, and football enthusiasts to Ivory Coast for the 2023 AFCON.

MTN’s initiative stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to supporting the Black Stars. The all-expenses-paid trip is strategically designed to galvanize support for the senior national team, creating an environment conducive to their success at this prestigious continental showpiece.

Beyond a mere football match, this initiative symbolizes a convergence of collective hopes, unwavering support, and national pride. MTN’s contribution extends far beyond the realm of telecommunications, positioning them as a key player in fostering a sense of unity and national identity through their support for the Black Stars.

Source MTN

Today is the day. We wish it were not like this, but it is what it is. Once again, the Ghana National Men’s Football Team, the Black Stars, are tottering at the edge of the precipice.

They are facing the most bottomless ravine without a safety net. They will either fall to a certain metaphorical death in this tournament or survive by steadying their frame sufficiently to escape the danger zone.

In short, as the Black Stars football team prepares to take the field in their most crucial tournament match, the weight of expectations and the nation’s hopes rest on their shoulders; the odds are tough.

Their opponents, the Mambas of Mozambique, are no springchickens in this tournament; their coach is talking tough.

However, let us not forget the rich pedigree and legacy the Black Stars have built. From their outstanding performances on the international stage to their unwavering determination, the Black Stars have repeatedly proved that they can be a force of nature.

At this point, coaches (all 30 million of us) have coached, mathematicians (30 million) have outdone Professor Allottey in the football calculations department, pundits have “pundited,” prayer warriors have taken the war into higher realms, prophets have prophesied, and imams have given their immutable blessings. Soon, it will be show-time, or perhaps, showdown, and as the old saying goes, the actual game takes place on the turf – agoro ne fem. As fans and supporters, we can draw inspiration from their achievements and believe in their ability to rise to the occasion once more.

The display by the Black Stars against Egypt has convinced us that this current crop represents a team that has consistently represented Africa with distinction, showcasing talent and skill on the global stage. With four Africa Cup of Nations titles, the Black Stars have established themselves as one of the continent’s most successful teams. Their exploits in international competitions have earned them respect and admiration from football enthusiasts worldwide.

Today, as has been said with characteristic Ghanaian humour many times, people will eat a full meal before they embark on the dangerous activity of following a Black Stars match live. Commonsense dictates that this is important for good health and self-preservation. It has become part of the national psyche to prepare our minds and hearts for the worst while hoping for the best.

If I were in the Black Stars dressing room, I would remind them of the team’s impressive performances in the FIFA World Cup and what their forebears did to create a name for themselves. I encourage them to bring cheer to Ghana. The country is going through tough times, but the government and sponsors like MTN have invested in the Black Stars in the hope that they can bring a ray of light into our lives.

The question is, can they do it? The answer depends on which Black Stars team takes to the field today. Is it the Black Stars that succumbed to Cape Verde or the one that outmatched Egypt? We all hope that today’s team will be the Black Stars exhibiting the age-old traits of unwavering determination and resilience.

In the past, the Black Stars have always bounced back stronger and overcome adversity. This spirit was evident in their qualification campaigns, where they defied the odds to secure their place in major tournaments. The Black Stars’ never-say-die attitude has inspired fans and instilled hope despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The Black Stars boast a talented roster of players, each contributing unique skills and abilities to the team’s success. From seasoned veterans to emerging talents, they possess a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. With a strong backbone of leadership and a wealth of talent in various positions, the Black Stars have the tools to compete at the highest level.

The Mozambique coach has that the Black Stars’ weakness is that they play brilliantly as individuals but not as a team. He has a point. Today is not a day to make a distinction between individuals and teams. There is only one Black Stars Team.

THE NATION EXPECTS. IT IS DO OR DIE

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Black Stars defender Denis Odoi says the team is working on avoiding the defensive lapses that denied Ghana maximum points in previous games as they face off with Mozambique in the final Group B clash of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, he was optimistic that they would put up a better performance especially in defense to ensure that Ghana qualified to the next stage of the competition.

Ghana conceded four goals in their first two games in the competition, against Cape Verde and Egypt with all the goals coming from awkward defensive lapses.

“It is a very important game for us. If you look at the performance from the second game, it was better so we only have to look at the game again, analyze, and see the things we could do better,” he stated.

“We can still improve and hopefully, we can just keep growing and put on a good performance in Monday’s game,” he stressed.

He said they would be more compact against Mozambique and protect the backline to avoid conceding such goals.

However, he said, they do not blame anyone for the mistakes but collectively as a team made wrong decisions which they must learn from and move on.

With the game is scheduled for Stade Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe at 8:00 pm, Ghanaian supporters in Ivory Coast would be expected to troop to the venue to support the team.

Kind courtesy MTN, nearly 200 supporters are in Ivory Coast together with hundreds from the Ghana Supporters and other groups, to cheer the national team to victory.

The supporters have been looking forward to a win that would secure Ghana’s qualification to the next stage of the competition.

From Michael D. Abayateye, Abidjan

The Black Stars of Ghana will receive $30,000 each if they qualify for the next round of the AFCON 23.

The team led by Andre Ayew will be hoping to secure one of the tickets to the last 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire when they face Mozambique on Monday.

The Group B cliffhanger will decide the fate of both Ghana and Mozambique, while the result from the other game between Cape Verde and Egypt will prove crucial.

Ghana desperately needs a win at least to finish as one of the best third-placed teams at the tournament, having lost and drawn their opening two matches.

The Black Stars could finish third if Egypt beats Cape Verde and Ghana defeats Mozambique.

Cape Verde could do Ghana a favour by beating Egypt to help the Black Stars secure an automatic qualification spot.

Heading into the game, the Black Stars will be hoping to avoid the Cameroon debacle, where the team lost to unfancied Comoros when they needed just a draw to progress.

Ghana have struggled in recent times at the continental championship, but the current squad remains confident ahead of tonight's game.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mrs. Farida Alhassan, Administrator at the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC)  / Treasurer of the Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) says Zaria Forson, the best female swimmer in Ghana and one of the best on the African continent deserves to be nominated or voted to be the Sports Personality of the Year 2023.

In her opinion, Zaria Forson who grabbed many medals for Ghana at the Africa Aquatics International Competition held at Legon in Ghana deserves the topmost because she has been doing very well.

She expressed that most of the sports journalists in Ghana report on only football, and appealed to them to follow other interesting sports like Swimming and other water sports.

Describing the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards, the 48^th edition, she said “In fact this is the first time am attending the Awards as I had to receive on behalf of Zaria Forson , the Best Swimmer of the Year 2023, but I can not feel the glitz and glamour of the Awards. I think the organisers can do better, however, congratulations to all the winners, especially Zaria, she deserves the Sports Personality, footballers have taken a lot, other sports deserve recognition”.

The SWAG Awards was held on Friday January 12 at the Accra International Conference Center with the Vice President of Ghana attending as Special Guest.

Over 40 outstanding sportsmen and women and organisations were honoured.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Former National Super Flyweight Champion Mohammed Aryeetey has joined the Black Bombers who are in camp at Cape Coast preparing for the 13^th African Games.

Aryeetey who went to train in the United States and fought there said he wants to help his country to win more medals at the African Games.

“Am back with a bang, and am going all out to help my country to win the boxing tournament at the African Games which we are hosting. This is host and win for Ghana Boxing” he told Yours Truly.

He expressed his joy to be in camp with one of his idols, Olympic Bronze medalist, Samuel Takyi.

The members of the Black Bombers currently in the camp include Theo Allotey, Amadu Mohammed, Wahid Omar, Abraham Mensah, Joseph Commey, Alfred Kotey, Abdul Adam, Henry Malm, Jonathan Tetteh, Abu Kamoko and Daniel Plange,

The Hitters (Female) Boxers are Janet Acquah, Ramatu Quaye,Adlaide Djabartey, Sarah Apew, Anatu Mohammed, Sandra Darkwah  and Trudy Manteaw.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Nigeria’s Temitope Adeshina made a big statement yesterday in the High Jump at the Corky Classic in Texas, setting a new National Record (NR) of 1.96m.

.It’s sign of good things to come, says Okowa

High jumper, Temitope Adeshina, made history, yesterday, in the United States, shattering the national high jump record held by Doreen Amata since 2016.

Adeshina made her second appearance in competitive meets in the U.S. yesterday. The Nigerian, who joined the Texas Tech School athletics team in 2023, cleared the height of 1.96m to erase Amata’s 1.93m indoor and 1.95 outdoor records at the Corky Classic in Texas.

Adeshina, who narrowly missed the World Championships last year in Budapest with her previous personal best of 1.83m had always looked forward to competing at the World level. With her consistent performances it wouldn’t be out of place for her to dream of a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 1.96m is just a fraction below the Olympics qualification standard.

At the Corky Classic, Adeshina opened her day with 1.85m, and followed up with 1.88m before landing the big jump of 1.96.

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa was full of praises for the jumper yesterday. He noted that it was thrilling to know that Adeshina is fast becoming a world-class athlete.

“It’s a heart-warming performance by Adeshina. It’s a world-class performance and I am banking on her to improve on that record.

“It’s a sign of good things to come as we prepare for the Africa Games in Ghana and the Olympics in Paris, Okowa stated.

By Gowon Akpodonor /  guardian

Apirigu Chakapama Calls For Unity Ahead Of Ghana Against Mozambique Game At Afcon 2023

Mr. Abraham Nkansah aka ‘Apirigu Chakapama’ has called for confidence, unity and love among all the Ghana Supporters in Abidjan ahead of the Ghana versus Mozambique game at the ongoing African Nations Cup Tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.

Ghana faces Mozambique in a match that the Black Stars must win at all cost to qualify for the next stage of the competition which has seen group leaders, Cape Verde going through, like wise Senegal, the defending champions.

According to Mr. Nkansah leader of the Die Hard Supporters Union, politics is trying to divide the rank and file of the Ghana Supporters, but they want to focus on just supporting the national teams to win and make Ghanaians happy.

“We want to win, we are united, we are here to win and Insha Alla we will surprise everyone when we reach the final. We know we are not part of the favourites like Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria and Morocco, but we have come to compete, we know we are Ghana and we are capable of doing anything” he said.

The Black Stars has not won a game at the tournament, and this has made the numerous supports and fans not happy, but Apirigu Chakapama believes anything can happen in football.

They lost 2-1 against Cape Verde and drew 2-2 with Egypt. They will play Mozambique on Monday.

Football experts in Ghana want the coach, Chris Houghton to feature favourite player Richmond Lamptey, one of the local based players in the squad.

They also said Andre Ayew must play to make his record.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Coach Charles Quartey, Director of the Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation has expressed his displeasure over the decision by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) after Fight Night 20 of the second season of the Ghana Professional Boxing League.

The last fight night of the season was characterised by many incidents which resulted in abundance of the bout held at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

The Ghana Boxing Authority later constituted a committee to investigate the program and below is a copy of the findings.

However, Mr. Charles Quartey, head trainer and founder of the Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation says he disagrees with the decision of the GBA and would advise themselves.

He expressed that the GBA President, Mr. Abraham Neequaye and his executive board and the promoters, Imax Promotions have not been fair in most of their decisions.

Charles Quartey Boxing Foundation won the last edition of the League and were on the verge of defending.

However the GBA has declared the Ghana Army as winners, which has not gone well with many boxers, coaches and fans.

Assistant Coach Ernest Ofori said Ghana Boxing is in wrong leaders and may quit coaching to enter pastoral business.

He hinted that they may boycott the League to avoid being cheated because boxing is not an easy job.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Supporters from Ghana are displaying their dressing skills and styles at the on going 34th African Cup of Nations Tournament in Côte d'Ivoire, where beautiful venues are hosting the beautiful competition.

Aside the Black Stars not performing well on the field to the satisfaction of many Ghanaians, the fans are showing what they brought from Ghana. And it is all fun, enjoyment, jubilation and excitement.

Ghana is in Group B with Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique, and they are not having the tournament easy at all. After losing 2-1 to Cape Verde, they drew 2-2 with Egypt with Mohammed Kudus getting two goals. On Monday the Black Stars will face Mozambique in the last group game to determine who qualifies to the next stage of the competition.

Ghana Supporters have draw the numbers as they are close to the host nation and united in cheering, singing and dancing in uniform and sequence in beautiful choreography.

The supporters are now under a new leadership and they are playing their roles well to inspire the Black Stars to win.

They have add much colour to the atmosphere at the stadium and contribute to the feeling at the tournament.

Leaving your family and friends to travel to support the National team is another thing all together, for some it is more than patriotism.

The supporters of Ghana have played their part but the Black Stars are yet to give them victory.

The last match against Mozambique is where the Shoot Brand must be exhibited.

Amazing Alex Djiku, Strong Salisu Mohammed, Daring Dennis Odoi, Mensah and others must defend well and remain solid than ever whilst Salis in midfield must give the telling passes for the goals.

Inspirational Mohammed Kudus, Skipper Andre Ayew, Hard working Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Magical Majeed Ashimeru, Resourceful Richmond Lamptey and Inaki Williams must just bang in the goals.

The fans are there to cheer the team and they have done very well, now is the turn of the Black Stars to win after losing to Caps Verde and drawing with Egypt.

On Monday the fans want to celebrate and give meaning to the reason for traveling to Cote d'Ivoire.

Good luck to the Black Stars, Good Luck to the Ghana Supporters.

By Sammy Heywood Okine