Day: December 24, 2023

Ghanaian boxer Seth Gyimah, popularly known as Freezy Macbones, handed Nigerian boxer Oladimeji Salami his first career defeat in a middleweight contest at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

Coming into Saturday’s bout, Salami was 5-0, but a round three knockdown by Freezy Macbones ensured a flawless victory for the Ghanaian boxer.

Freezy Macbones was originally scheduled to fight Senegalese boxer Seydou Konate, but the contest was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances with Salami stepping in.

Freezy Macbones was, however, not perturbed by the Konate revenge setback, as he dominated Salami, handing him his first career loss.

The bout began in blistering fashion as the Ghanaian boxer came out of the blocks with some good body shots despite not landing any clear-cut power punches.

The unpreparedness of Salami was exposed in the third, as he was unable to contain a flurry of punches from Freezy Macbones, with the referee stepping in to stop the fight.

It was the third victory of Freezy Macbones professi
onal career, especially after his inability to secure Olympic qualification at the African Boxing Olympic qualifiers in September 2023.
Source: Ghana News Agency

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 13th Africa Games is set to hit the streets of Takoradi with a carnival on Monday, 25th December 2023.

The event is as part of efforts to create awareness and whip up interest in the games scheduled for March, next year.

After a successful float at the Accra Sports Stadium over the weekend, organizers of the event would continue their regional tour in the Western Region.

The street carnival would witness sports men and women who excelled at the previous Africa Games have an interaction section with their fans and other dignitaries.

Some activities laid out for the carnival would be Armwrestling, Table Tennis, Darts and other sporting disciplines.

High-profile personalities from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Sporting Federations Heads, and government officials would be joined the carnival to thrill and educate the populace about the need to patronise the games.

While patrons enjoy the brass band, they will also enjoy the distribution of souvenirs and other
s.

The 2023 Africa Games is scheduled for March 8 to March 23,2024.
Source: Ghana News Agency

By Biwah Bryan

As the 2023 African Nations Cup approaches, some of Africa’s most celebrated referees will not be among the 68 referees selected by the Confederation of African Football due to their retirement.

Gambia’s Bakary Gassama, who famously officiated the Cameroon match which qualified them for the 2022 World Cup and also officiated in two World Cup editions and the 2014 AFCON finals, retired in December 2023, just days before the competition.

Cameroonian Sidi Alioum, who officiated in two World Cups and the Afcon 2019 finals, also retired in December 2023, while South African Victor Gomes, who officiated in the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Afcon finals, also retired in December 2022.

Janny Sikazwe, who is highly recognized for the Mali-Tunisia Afcon game and officiated in two World Cups and the Afcon 2017 finals, retired in December 2022.

The competition will feature 68 referees in three different categories, including 30 as Assistant Referees, 26 as Central Referees and 12 as Video Assistant Ref
erees.
Source: Cameroon News Agency

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 13th African Games marched through the principal streets of Accra as part of efforts to create awareness ahead of the games in March 2024.

The walk and float, which started at the Accra Sports Stadium, saw members of the LOC, high-profile personalities from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Sporting Federation Heads engage some locals on the need to patronise the games.

They were also joined by ‘Di Asa’ ladies as they distributed Ghana flags, branded T-shirts, and other souvenirs.

Speaking after the walk/float, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, Executive Chairman of the LOC, urged participants to inform others that the whole of Africa was coming to Ghana and needed their support to hold successful games.

‘We are getting closer to the games, and we will make it happen in Ghana. People gave us no chance in the past, but we will deliver the games as promised,’ he said.

The walk/float event was preceded by the launch of the 13th African Games theme song ‘Experience the A
frican Dream,’ which was composed by Ebenezer Crassie, a.k.a. Oshogbo.

Oshogbo, who is a music producer, emerged as the winner of the theme song competition, toppling over 300 entries that were shortlisted by music experts, including the legendary Bessa Simons, President of the Musician Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).

Speaking in an interview with GNA Sports at the launch of the theme song, Oshogbo said he never imagined winning the contest but was elated with the outcome.

‘I never thought I would emerge victorious in the competition, but I believe hard work pays, going through music school and the challenges that come along. I really want to thank God for bringing me this far, and it should serve as encouragement for others to pursue their dreams,’ he said.

Oshogbo also rallied support for the LOC, urging Ghanaians to support them in their quest to hold successful games in March 2024.
Source: Ghana News Agency