Sports
Faint hopes for Paris 2024 medals
Joseph Paul Amoah – Captain of Team Ghana
The United States of America last weekend announced a 592-member Olympic Team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games scheduled to start from July 26.
The team includes more than 250 Olympians who will be competing in the Games for the second time. It also has three five-time Olympians, four four-time Olympians, 16 three-time Olympians and more than 50 two-time Olympians.
The veteran group includes 122 Olympic medalists, including 66 Olympic champions who have won a total of 110 gold medals. Forty-five athletes have won multiple Olympic medals, while 23 have won multiple Olympic gold medals.
Other powerful sporting nations including the France, Germany, Netherlands, Ethiopia, Kenya and others have all announced impressive squads for the showpiece with not less than 10 medal prospects.
For Ghana with a squad number of nine athletes to be captained by Joseph Paul Amoah (Athletics) with virtually no Olympics credentials, it would be a time to embrace the assuring Olympic motto that motivates countries with less pedigree to keep participating.
But for that principle which reads that, “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well,” Team Ghana would have no business being at the Games.
Far from sounding skeptical, one can comfortably urge Ghanaians not to be highly expectant as far as winning medals was concerned.
Thankfully, the team’s preparation and discussions on winning medals have been on low key, perhaps due to this reality.
For the Team Ghana captain, Amoah, it will be his second appearance at the Olympics and would ride on the back of that previous experience to lead the team.
The nine-member team would also have Fuseini Ibrahim (4×100), Isaac Botsio (4×100), Benjamin Azamati (4×100, 100m), Edwin Gadayi (4×100), and Abdul Rasheed Saminu (100, 200m).
Others include Joselle Mensah (swimming), Harry Stacey (swimming), and Rose Yeboah (high jump).
But they lack the promise of a side capable of adding to Ghana’s five medals from the Olympics Games made up of one silver and four bronze.
Amoah was unable to qualify for the 200m race for failing to meet the competition’s 48-athlete quota with his 62nd world ranking.
He would, however, compete in the 4x100m after leading the relay team to qualification at the World Athletics Relay in the Bahamas.
He would compete in the 4x100m relay alongside Benjamin Azamati, Edwin Gadayi, and Solomon Hammond.
Abdul-Rasheed Saminu only gained qualification to run in the 100m race via the World Athletics ranking system and not by a competitive time.
Of the 56 top athletes expected for the event, he is ranked 54th.
Azamati also secured qualification through the ranking system after placing 39th.
The statistics present a gloomy picture and put Team Ghana in the category of firm believers of this Olympics principle, aiming at participation and not necessarily to win.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
Ampem Darkoa, Sung Shinning seek crucial wins in Northern Zone of Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League
Ampem Darkoa Ladies return home after shocking exit from the Women’s FA Cup at the hands of Division One side Rootz Sistaz.
Despite this setback, the former champions remain unbeaten in the Women’s Premier League, following a draw with Northern Ladies in their last fixture.
Meanwhile, bottom-placed Sung Shining Ladies, based in Wa, will host Northern Ladies, aiming to secure maximum points and escape the relegation zone.
Here is what to expect in the Northern Zone:
Sung Shining Ladies FC vs. Northern Ladies FC
Sung Shining Ladies FC will host Northern Ladies FC, seeking to bounce back from their FA Cup quarterfinal disappointment. The home side has struggled to maintain leads in recent matches. Northern Ladies FC will look to continue their momentum and move up the table.
Ampem Darkoa Ladies vs. Kumasi Sports Academy
Ampem Darkoa Ladies will shift their focus to the premier league after a shocking FA Cup exit. They remain unbeaten in the league and will look to maintain their run against Kumasi Sports Academy, who are struggling in 8th position.
Tamale Super Ladies vs. Fosu Royal Ladies
Tamale Super Ladies will seek a second consecutive win when they host Fosu Royal Ladies. The Super Ladies are fifth in the table, while Fosu Royal Ladies are fourth. A win could push Tamale Super Ladies into the top four.
Dreamz Ladies vs. Prison Ladies
Dreamz Ladies will take on Prison Ladies in an electrifying encounter. Both teams have shown impressive form, and this clash promises to be a thrilling display of determination.
Supreme Ladies vs. Savannah Ladies
Supreme Ladies will clash with Savannah Ladies at the Bantama Astro Turf. Both teams are seeking to improve their standing in the league table. Supreme Ladies are bottom of the table and will look to pick maximum points at home.
Sports
Hasaacas Ladies face off against Police Ladies in Southern Zone as Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League returns
The Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League resumes this weekend with Match Day 12, featuring highly anticipated clashes. In the Southern Zone, leaders Hasaacas Ladies face off against second-placed Police Ladies in a thrilling encounter that promises to be a highlight of the weekend.
Two points separate the two teams as Police Ladies trail record holders Hasaacas Ladies in the title race. Meanwhile, Halifax Ladies will host struggling Berry Ladies, with the home team seeking maximum points to improve their league standing.
Here is what to expect in the Southern Zone:
Epiphany Warriors vs. LadyStrikers
Epiphany Warriors, currently 4th with 21 points, face LadyStrikers, who sit 6th in the table with 13 points. Despite their standings, LadyStrikers have shown they can compete against tougher opponents following an impressive showing against the top three teams.
Epiphany Warriors are poised to start as favorites, but they must remain cautious of LadyStrikers’ formidable quality.
Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies
Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth.
Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies
Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth with a 5-1 win.
Police Ladies vs. Hasaacas Ladies
League leaders Hasaacas Ladies face Police Ladies, who aim to reclaim the top spot on home turf. Hasaacas Ladies are favorites following their Women’s FA Cup quarter-final heroics. They lead the table with 24 points – two points ahead of their host going into this epic clash.
Halifax Ladies vs. Berry Ladies
New entrants Halifax Ladies, seeking consistency, face strugglers Berry Ladies, who are deeply, rooted at the bottom of the Southern Zone standings.
Faith Ladies vs. Army Ladies
Faith Ladies, with 8 points, host Army Ladies, who are enjoying a strong campaign in fifth place with 20 points. Army Ladies will aim to extend their unbeaten run.
