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Bastie itching for world title

Hard-hitting undefeated Ghanaian light heavyweight boxer, Bastie Samir, is famished for a world title, and believes the crown can land home in 2021.

Now 31, Bastie – popularly known as the ‘Beast’ says time is flying away so fast and cannot wait to accomplish his dream.

“Time is running out for me and I can’t wait any longer; Ghanaians too can’t continue to hang on,” he said.

The ruthless Beast began training individually this week ahead of a couple of engagements lined up before the end of the year.

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Government on Sunday eased restrictions on individual and non-contact Olympic sporting activities, thus, lifting its ban with immediate effect. However, no team events are permitted.

“For now, team sports remain banned because of COVID-19. I’m hoping that by end of July next month, the pandemic would have subsided and the ban on team sports like boxing lifted.

“However, I think it’s important to be in good shape and keep the dream intact. That’s why I have began an intensive individual training – with the guidance of my trainer Ofori Asare – all in a bid to put myself in a ‘killer’ position,” Bastie, (18-0, 1, 16Kos), asserted.

The indomitable pugilist caused a hoo-hah in Ghana’s breathless boxing scene on October 21, 2017 when he brutally kayoed then undefeated Braimah Kamoko (Bukom Banku) in the seventh round of their non-title cruiserweight bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena, in Accra.

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His next fight crawled in on February 24, 2019 at the same venue when he handed Lokossou Raoul of Benin, a crushing round-two knock-out in an international catchweight contest. Another round of ‘brutality’ was to be unleashed on Boxing Day  December 26, same year, after callously battering Nigeria’s Sunday Ajuwa in the second round to clinch the PBC Intercontinental light heavyweight belt.

Bastie told the Times Sports yesterday that he would be engaging cruiserweight boxer Ayittey Powers and super middleweight Charles Adamu in some warm-up fights, “hopefully ahead of a World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Global title shot, by next year.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has really been a bother. It has destabilised most of my plans, but let me be quick to say God knows best.

“Importantly, I’m focused and have my eyes fixed on the ultimate prize,” he added.

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BY JOHN VIGAH

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Bukari, Forson Amankwah, Schindler, others join Black Stars for upcoming qualifiers

Osman Bukari (Austin FC), Ransford Yeboah Koningsdorffer (Hamburger SV), Forson Amankwah (Norwich City), Terry Yegbe (IF Elfsborg), Ebenezer Annan (OFK Beograd) and Kingsley Schindler (Samsunspor) will join the Black Stars ahead of crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

These players replace Joseph Paintsil, Antoine Semenyo, Ibrahim Osman, Tariq Lamptey, Jerome Opoku, and Inaki Williams, who are unavailable. Ghana faces Angola on Friday, November 15 and host Niger on Monday, November 18, 2024.

The team trains at Accra Sports Stadium, starting Monday, November 11, at 5 p.m.

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Premier League: Gold Stars FC maintain unbeaten start; Nations FC smash Nsoatreman; Kotoko fall to Bechem United

Gold Stars FC maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a remarkable draw at Young Apostles FC, Nations FC crashed Nsoatreman FC while Asante Kotoko are without a win in their last three Premier League matches.

Young Apostles 0-0 Gold Stars FC

Gold Stars FC maintained their unbeaten run in the Premier League as they shared a goalless draw with Young Apostles FC at the Wenchi Stadium on Sunday.

Frimpong Manso’s side have now gone 10 matches without a defeat but have seen their three-point lead at the top of the table cut to just one following the stalemate.

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The home side dominated possession as expected, but were tested by the visitors on several occasions at the Nana Abrefa Nketiah VII Stadium in Wenchi as the two teams shared the spoils.

The Bibiani-based side are top of the table with 20 points from 10 games, while Young Apostles have slipped to 14th in the table.

Bechem United 1-0 Asante Kotoko SC

Asante Kotoko are without a win in three matches after losing 1-0 at Bechem United in the Premier League on Sunday.

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Kofi Tompuo’s spectacular volley in the 27th minute separated the two teams at the Nana Gyeabour Park in Bechem.

The Porcupine Warriors have dropped out of the top four as they now lie 6th in the table with United placed in mid-table.

Nations FC 3-0 Nsoatreman

Nations FC made light work of Nsoatreman FC after hammering the visitors 3-0 in Sunday’s match day 10 fixture in the Premier League.

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In-form wideman Faisal Charwetey continued his fine form with a brace after Bi Boris had opened the scoring for the home side.

Boris scored first in the 7th minute before Charwetey added further goals in the 10th and 18th minute to complete the rout at the Dr.Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.

Charwetey, who has now scored seven goals in 10 matches, is the leading top scorer in the 2024-25 Premier League so far.

Nations are just a point behind leaders Gold Stars FC in second place with 19 points.

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Aduana FC 1-0 Karela United

Aduana FC continued their resurgence with a solitary 1-0 win over Karela United at home on Sunday.

Gideon Boateng scored the only goal of the match to separate the two teams at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park.

The Fire Club has now moved up to 11th in the table with 11 points while United are just a point above the bottom three.

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Basake Holy Stars 2-1 Accra Lions

Basake Holy Stars rallied from behind to beat Accra Lions 2-1 at the Crosby Awuah Memorial (C.A.M) Park on Sunday.

Holy Stars goalkeeper Dubi Kassi Tayi guided the ball into his own net in the 33rd minute before Prince Tweneboah grabbed a sensational brace in the 63rd and 91st minute.

The match appeared to be heading to a 1-1 draw until Tweneboah stepped up with the decisive goal in added time.

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The Aiyinase-based side lie 10th in the table with 12 points while Accra Lions lie in the bottom three.

Heart of Lions 1-0 Berekum Chelsea

Heart of Lions recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Berekum Chelsea at home on Sunday to jump into the top four.

Christian Agyenim Boateng’s second half strike was all that Lions needed to wrap up a win at the Kpando Stadium.

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Lions have now jumped to third in the table with 17 points, just three behind leaders Gold Stars FC while Chelsea have slipped to 8th in the table.

FC Samartex 1996 1-0 Legon Cities

Seidu Abubakar scored in stoppage time for FC Samartex 1996 in their 1-0 win over Legon Cities at home on Sunday.

The visitors will feel heartbroken after holding the defending champions until the 90th minute when Abubakar slotted home the decisive goal to down the Royals at the Nsenkyire Arena.

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Samartex have jumped to 4th in the table with 17 points while Legon Cities remain in the bottom three.

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