Category Sports

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• September 26, 2024
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• 2 minutes Read

Derek Boateng slams GFA over stadium crisis

Former Ghana international Derek Boateng has accused the Ghana Football Association (GFA) of only “caring about money” and not ensuring standard pitches for the Black Stars..

The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which hosted Ghana’s last game against Angola, has been banned by CAF “due to the poor quality of the pitch.”

“The current state of the pitch does not meet the standards required for CAF/FIFA senior international matches, necessitating a complete reconstruction.”

The African football governing body also “recommends that the relevant authorities conduct a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure they comply with CAF technical standards.”

This decision leaves Ghana with limited options, and potentially hosting their next game against Sudan in October in Togo, Nigeria, or Ivory Coast.

Derek expressed disappointment with the challenge and dared the FA to fix the issue “if they care about football.”

“It is really said. This job is a huge job. One person cannot do it,” Derek said.

“Everybody has to be part of it but I feel the FA needs to wake up and do something because this is their job, to make sure that all the fields are good for the players to play.

“The only thing they care about is money. We have players coming from Europe in a good field. They will come and play in a sh**t pitch and you expect them to perform well and win games?

“If the FA care about football, they have to make sure those things [fixing pitches] are done before the players will come [October].”

Meanwhile, the Sports Ministry released a statement, ‘directing’ the National Sports Authority, to “take steps to resolve issues with the pitch” at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Renting out national stadiums has become the NSA’s primary source of income, but the practice has proven counterproductive, as the facilities are often left in a deplorable state.

The Black Stars come up against Sudan on October, 11 hoping for their first win of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier after picking up one point from two matches.

Ghana suffered a 1-0 defeat to Angola before a 1-1 draw against Niger, leaving them third in Group F with just one point.

Source: Joy Sports

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• September 8, 2024
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• 3 minutes Read

World Athletics calls for better treatment for female African athletes

World Athletics has called on African athletics federations to do more to protect female African athletes following the death of Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei on Thursday.

The 33-year-old athlete died three days after she was admitted to hospital in Eldoret, Kenya after suffering over 75 per cent burns allegedly caused by her former boyfriend who was said to have doused her with petrol and set her alight.

The suspect remains in hospital after sustaining severe burns himself, according to the police.

World Athletics, the UN and the International Olympic Committee have all condemned the “violent murder”.

The President of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, said: “I have been in touch with our Council members in Africa to see how we can help not only in our capacity as governing body of the sport Rebecca competed in, but to assess how our safeguarding policies might be enhanced to include abuse outside of the sport, and bringing together stakeholders from all areas of athletics to combine forces to protect our female athletes to the best of our abilities from abuse of all kinds.”

He said of Ms Cheptegei: “Our sport has lost a talented athlete in the most tragic and unthinkable circumstances.

“Rebecca was an incredibly versatile runner who still had lots left to give on the roads, mountains and cross-country trails.”

On Friday, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, announced that the city would honour Ms Cheptegei by dedicating a sports venue to her memory.

She had finished 44^th in the women’s marathon in the French capital four weeks ago when she made her Olympic Games debut in the event.

Ms Cheptegei finished 14^th at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Ms Hidalgo said: “She dazzled us here in Paris. We saw her. Her beauty, her strength, her freedom, and it was in all likelihood her beauty, strength and freedom which were intolerable for the person who committed this murder.

“Paris will not forget her. We’ll dedicate a sports venue to her so that her memory and her story remains among us and helps carry the message of equality, which is a message carried by the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Over the past 15 years, Ms Cheptegei had represented Uganda at major championships on the track, roads, cross country and mountains.

After making her marathon debut in 2021, she set a Ugandan record of 2:22:47 in 2022 in what was just her fourth race at the distance.

Her most notable achievement was her victory in the up and downhill race at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in 2022 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

She finished just outside of the medals in the half marathon at the African Games earlier this year.

Ms Cheptegei, a mother of two, is the latest victim of domestic violence among athletes in Kenya.

In 2021, former 10km Kenyan world record holder, 25-year-old Agnes Tirop, suffered fatal stab wounds in Iten just 10 days after racing in Switzerland.

Barely a year later, another Kenyan road runner, Damaris Mutua, 28, was strangled to death in the same town, which is regarded as the perfect place for training by long-distance runners.

For many activists, the call by World Athletics for better safeguarding policies to ensure that women athletes in Africa do not continue to become victims of their boyfriends or husbands is seen as a step in the right action.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• September 5, 2024
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• 3 minutes Read

Olympic athlete Cheptegei dies days after being set alight by ex-boyfriend

Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died days after being doused in petrol and set on fire by a former boyfriend.

The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who competed in the recent Paris Olympics, had suffered extensive burns after Sunday’s attack.

The authorities in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and trained, said she was targeted after returning home from church.

A report filed by a local administrator alleged the athlete and her ex-partner had been wrangling over a piece of land. Police say an investigation is under way.

There are concerns about the increasing cases of violence against female athletes in Kenya, several of whom have been killed in recent years.

Speaking to journalists outside the hospital where she had been treated, her father, Joseph Cheptegei, said that he had lost a daughter who was “very supportive” and asked the Kenyan government to ensure justice is done.

Dr Owen Menach, the head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, told local media that the athlete had died after all her organs failed.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.

As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace,” Uganda’s athletics federation said in a post on X.

Dr Owen Menach, the head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where she had been admitted, told local media that the athlete had died after all her organs failed.

Cheptegei’s former boyfriend was also admitted to the hospital – but with less severe burns. He is still in intensive care but his condition was “improving and stable”, Dr Menach said.

“The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom was quoted by local media as saying.
Uganda Atheltics Federation Rebecca Cheptegei Uganda Atheltics Federation
Cheptegei won the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022

Ms Cheptegei, from a region just across the border in Uganda, is said to have bought a piece of land in Trans Nzoia county and built a house, to be near Kenya’s many athletic training centres.

“This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure,” the head of Uganda’s Olympic committee Donald Rukare said on X.

Talking to reporters, earlier in the week her father, Joseph Cheptegei, said that he prayed “for justice for my daughter”, adding that he had never seen such an inhumane act in his life.

Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics. She also won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.

Her death comes two years after the killings of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, with their partners identified as the main suspects in both cases by the authorities.

Tirop’s husband is currently facing murder charges, which he denies, while a hunt for Mutua’s boyfriend continues.

Source: BBC

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• August 27, 2024
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• 3 minutes Read

GFA cuts sod for construction of 40-bed accommodation facility at Prampram

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, on August 26, 2024, cut the sod for the construction of a 40-bed accommodation facility at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

The President was supported by members of the Executive Council, delegates to Congress, former GFA top officials including former Vice-Chairman Fred Pappoe, former General Secretary, Emmanuel Gyimah, and the media to perform the ceremony at the new-look Technical Centre.

The construction of the 40-bed accommodation facility marks a significant and pivotal step towards upgrading the centre to meet international standards.

The construction of the new edifice is part of a grand plan by the leadership of the Ghana Football Association to give the Technical Centre a befitting status in the scheme of African and World football.

Funded in part by the World Cup 2022 allocation from government, the project aims to elevate the centre’s infrastructure to accommodate various national teams and host matches.

President Simeon-Okraku applauded Government for the support as he cut the sod for the start of the legacy project, which is expected to be delivered in accordance with very high standards and specifications.

“I am very excited to see today and celebrate the decision to construct a 40-bed accommodation facility here in Prampram. I want to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Executive Council and members of Congress for their support for such a major project for the forward march of our game,” he said.

“I am equally grateful to the Government for showing leadership in offering financial support in ensuring the realization of this fantastic project. The project includes many basic amenities to create a professional environment that will directly serve the national teams and contribute to the growth of Ghana football.”

“The effect of what I spoke about is what is manifesting and I hope that when we gather here again, we’ll be happy to inspect a fully constructed 40-bed accommodation facility.” he concluded, amidst applause.

The installation of floodlights at the AstroTurf and the construction of top of range natural grass pitches, as well as the construction of a gymnasium, swimming pool and Futsal Arena are additional components of the comprehensive upgrade of the facility.”

These enhancements signify the GFA’s commitment to bolstering football infrastructure and providing adequate facilities for training and development.

Since its inception, the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence has served as a key training and camping base for several of Ghana’s national teams.

With these planned improvements, the centre is poised to further solidify its role in nurturing and developing football talent while facilitating the growth of the sport at the national level.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• August 27, 2024
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• 2 minutes Read

Man Utd agree £42m deal to sign Ugarte from PSG

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• August 24, 2024
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• 1 minute Read

Jordan Ayew joins Leicester city for two years

Premier League newcomers, Leicester City, have announced the signing of Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew.

The Foxes acquire the services of the player from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £8 million with Jordan signing a two-year deal with the club.

The Ghanaian’s transfer is subject to FA and Premier League approval.

Speaking following the announcement of the deal, Ayew told the club’s website, “I’m very happy to be here and I’m proud. I want to thank the Club as they fought hard to bring me here – it happened quickly and I’m so happy to be here.

“As a player, when you hear that the manager wants you, it just makes you want to come and work under him and to try to improve. Even though I’m 32, as a player you always want to learn and improve. I’m here to work hard and help the team achieve their targets.”

Ayew made 212 appearances for the Eagles in all competitions scoring 23 goals and setting up 21 others in that period.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• August 11, 2024
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• 2 minutes Read

Man City beat Man Utd on penalties to win Community Shield

Manchester City avenged their FA Cup final defeat by Manchester United as Pep Guardiola’s side triumphed 7-6 on penalties after the Community Shield had finished level at Wembley.

Bernardo Silva levelled for the Blues in the final minute but then had City’s first spot-kick saved by Andre Onana to give United the advantage.

However, Ederson saved Jadon Sancho’s effort before veteran defender Jonny Evans fired over, allowing Manuel Akanji to secure victory in this competition for the first time since 2019 in front of 78,416.

Alejandro Garnacho thought he had given United victory nine minutes from time when he collected possession at the end of a flowing move deep into the City half, instigated by skipper Bruno Fernandes, and then drove a low shot into the bottom corner.

Silva’s initial bad-tempered response to that was to barge into Garnacho long after he had moved the ball on to earn himself a booking.

Hardly the tallest, Silva had enough spring and intuition to climb above the Uruguayan and head in the equaliser at the far post.

It set up a climax that triggered elation in the City ranks and disappointment among the United support, many of whom left well before the trophy presentation.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• August 5, 2024
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• 2 minutes Read

Azamati, Saminu fail to reach 100m finals after disappointing semis

Ghanaian  sprinters Benjamin Azamati and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu couldn’t qualify for the  100m finals at the ongoing

 Paris Olympics.

Azamati, who is the national record holder, placed ninth in the first semi-finals of the 100m dash, clocking 10.17s.

Azamati, who started in lane three, couldn’t match the speed of Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, who won the race in 9.81s, while reigning World Champion Noah Lyles earned the second automatic spot in the finals after finishing second with 9.83s.

Following his impressive Olympic debut in the 100m heats, Ghana’s Saminu placed seventh in the third 100m semi-final race, clocking 10.05s.

The two Ghanaian sprinters couldn’t replicate the finals berth that was twice achieved by Aziz Zakari at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2004 Athens Games.

However, Saminu will make another push to secure Ghana’s first medal on track as he is set to compete in the 200m race later in the week.

Azamati, who is making his second successive Olympic appearance, will compete for Ghana in the men’s 4x100m semis.

Ghana’s performance at the Paris Olympics has fallen short of expectations, as Rose Yeboah failed to advance in the high jump and two swimmers, Harry Stacey and Joselle Mensah, were unable to advance in the pool.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• August 3, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

Colombia 2024: Black Princesses beat Hasaacas Ladies in pre-World Cup friendly

Ghana’s Women’s U-20 side recorded an emphatic victory over Women’s Premier League champions Hasaacas Ladies in a friendly on Friday.

The Black Princesses registered a 4-0 win in the game which was played at the Cape Coast Stadium as part of their preparation for the 2024 U-20 World Cup.

The friendly also served as a test game for Hasaacas Ladies who are expected to represent Ghana at the CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers this month.

A brace from Salamatu Abdulai and a goal each from Princess Owusu and Abiba Issah sealed the victory for Yussif Basigi’s side.

Salamatu opened the scoring for the Princesses with a sublime finish in the 26th minute of the game giving her side the lead as they headed into halftime.

She added the second five minutes after the return from recess to double the lead for the national side.

Two late goals from Princess and Abiba then wrapped up the win for the Black Princesses.

Basigi continues to test the strength of his players before naming his final squad for the tournament to be staged in Colombia.

Ghana is drawn in Group E where they will face Austria, New Zealand and one-time winners, Japan.

The U-20 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to start on August 31.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• August 3, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

Our football is on the rise again—Kurt Okraku

Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) says Ghana is on a good path towards developing football at all levels.

In a meeting with Mr. Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, Mr. Okraku highlighted Ghana’s progress since assuming office as President.

He said “I think that the Ghanaian game was at a low before 2019. Fast forward 2019, 2020 and now, and I think that we’ve made big inroads. Bringing all our competitions back.

“Bringing the desire and the passion of the people back. All our national teams are now competitive.

We’ve gone ahead to also introduce more youth competitions, more youth national teams,” he said.

The football administrator noted that despite these achievements, the association had also made strives in youth and domestic football across the country.

The GFA President urged that in order to make football attractive in Africa, it was necessary to harness the potential and the positives of the work done and improve on it.

He showered praises on FIFA for its support to the Ghana Football Association.

“I would say thank you to FIFA for the support via various schemes; through the FIFA Forward programme and the many other interventions that FIFA has introduced. Working with the office in Senegal with Gelson Fernandes and Solomon Mudege and the team, we are very clear on the support and necessary areas.”