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2021 top stories that made the headlines in Sports

By Vincent Ashitey
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A lot can happen in one year. The sports world moves quickly, and it can be easy to lose track of the biggest stories as time goes on.

From CK Akonnor losing his job as the Black Stars coach to Samuel Takyi winning Ghana's first Olympics medal, Samuel Eto'o being elected President of Cameroon Football Federation, Black Meteors winning U-20 AFCON and Tyson Fury stopping Deontay Wilder again

Primes News covered all this story and below we take a look back at the top stories that made the headlines in Sports in 2021.

Ghana Football: Government lifts ban on spectators at venues

The Government of Ghana has announced the return of spectators to the various football centres across the country.

The Ghana Premier League has been played for seven weeks by clubs without fans as part of the Government's measure to control the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

A letter signed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah stated that all stadiums will be limited to twenty-five percent (25%) capacity.

 

Nyantakyi admitted wrongdoing during FIFA ban appeal

Former Ghana FA (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi admitted to having breached several codes of Fifa's ethics when his appeal was heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

Following his appeal, Cas reduced Nyantakyi's lifetime Fifa ban from football to 15 years while also lowering his fine of $500,000 to $100,000.

Despite having previously denied any wrongdoing, the former Fifa Council member and vice-president of the Confederation of African Football confessed to having broken rules relating to conflict of interest, bribery and corruption, and commission.
 

WAFU U-17 Cup: Ghana crashes out of tournament after loss to Cote d'Ivoire


The Starlets of Ghana on Tuesday crashed out of the ongoing WAFU U-17 Cup of Nations after a painful 3-1 loss to Cote d'Ivoire at the Stade de Kugue in Togo.

Ghana needed just a point to advance to the semi finals of the competition but the performance was met by profligacy in front of goal and some controversial referee decisions.
 

Trophee des Champions: Mauricio Pochettino wins first trophy of managerial career after PSG beat Marseille

Mauricio Pochettino won the first trophy of his managerial career - albeit a minor one - as Paris St-Germain beat Marseille to win the Trophee des Champions in Lens.

It was only the former Spurs manager's third game in charge of PSG after being appointed earlier this month.

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes all-time top goalscorer in history

Cristiano Ronaldo has surpassed Josef Bican for the most goals scored for club and country in football history - with his tally now at 760.

The Juventus forward has continued to defy his years since arriving from Real Madrid for around £100m in 2018 - and his strike against Napoli in the Italian Super Cup on Wednesday has now moved him top of the all-time scoring charts.

Issa Hayatou decorated Honorary CAF President

Former CAF President Issa Hayatou was on Friday decorated Honorary President of the organization at a colourful ceremony in Yaounde in his native Cameroon.

Acting CAF President Constant Omari presented a plaque and symbolic official CAF match ball to the iconic leader in the presence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the star-studded event.

 

Members of the CAF Executive Committee, several FA Presidents and Cameroon Government officials were also in attendance when the longest-serving leader in CAF history was festooned.

Ahmad Ahmad reinstated as CAF President after CAS ruling

Madagascar's Ahmad has been dramatically restored as Confederation of African Football (CAF) president following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Ahmad was banned by FIFA in November for five years after football's world governing body found him to have breached several of its ethics codes.

 

The Malagasy - who will now resume his role as a FIFA vice-president - appealed his decision at CAS, which issued a preliminary ruling on Friday.

Kotoko part ways with Sulley Muniru after 3 months

Kumasi Asante Kotoko have parted ways with former CFR Cluj and Yeni Malatyaspor midfielder Sulley Muniru.

Muniru, 28, is the younger brother of former Inter Milan and A.C. Milan player Sulley Muntari.

 

Kudjoe Fianoo retains seat as GHALCA chairman

Kudjoe Fianoo has been voted the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), chairman for the second time.

The former AshantiGold CEO and current management member of Great Olympics have been given the nod to lead GHALCA again following today's poll.

 

Fianoo, the incumbent garnered 71 votes against his rival Isaac Konnson who pulled 42 votes.

Ahmad Ahmad restored as presidential candidate by Caf

Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Ahmad has been restored as a candidate for the March elections by the organisation's Governance Committee.

The decision to re-admit Ahmad as a candidate comes after his five-year ban from football by Fifa was temporarily suspended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on 29 January.

 

Although he has been cleared by Caf's Governance Committee, the Malagasy needs Fifa to overturn its previous decision to rule him out of the elections if he is to make the ballot on 12 March.

Asamoah Gyan's Baby Jet Promotions terminate contract with Emmanuel 'Game Boy' Tagoe

Asamoah Gyan's Baby Jet Promotions has parted ways with boxer Lightweight contender Emmanuel 'Game Boy' Tagoe, Prime News can confirm.

In a letter sighted by this portal, we can confirm the almost 3 years working relationship between the two parties have come to an end.

 

Tagoe, 32, signed a managerial and promotional deal with the boxing syndicate in October 2018 which was due to expire in November this year.

Hearts of Oak announce parting company with head coach Kosta Papic, goalkeeper's trainer Ben Owu

Hearts of Oak have announced that they have parted ways with their head coach Kosta Papic and goalkeeper's trainer Ben Owu.

The former Chippa United manager, Papic was appointed in November 2020 for a second stint with the club having coached the Phobians in 2009.

He replaced Edward Nii Odoom after just two matches into the 2020/2021 Ghana Premier League season.

Video: Richard Commey knocks out Jackson Marinez in Round 6

Richard Commey quest to be a two-time world champion is on course after the former IBF champions knocked out Jackson Marinez at the MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas.

The Ghanaian boxer who last fought, in December 2019 when he lost his title to Teofimo Lopez was a wounded lion against Marinez in at the MGM Grand Arena.
 

Medeama releases statement on Samuel Boadu's resignation as head coach

Ghana Premier League side Medeama SC has confirmed the departure of head coach Samuel Boadu.

Boadu on February 24 resigned from his position as the head coach of the Mauve and Yellow after being with the club since 2017.

Everton beat Liverpool at Anfield for first time since 1999

Everton secured a first Premier League win at Anfield in 22 years as goals from Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson dealt a blow to Liverpool's top-four hopes.

Richarlison opened the scoring in the third minute when he was played in on goal by James Rodriguez - the Brazilian driving a low finish across Alisson.

Australian Open: Naomi Osaka beats Jennifer Brady in women's final

Japan's Naomi Osaka cemented her place as the outstanding star of the women's game by beating American Jennifer Brady in the Australian Open final to win her fourth Grand Slam title.

Osaka, 23, is unbeaten in major finals after a 6-4 6-3 win in Melbourne. 

Osaka edged the first set when Brady, in her first Grand Slam final, paid for some glaring errors in the final game.

You gave us the perfect independence day gift - Sports Minister to Black Satellites

Minister for Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif has congratulated the Black Satellites for winning the 2021 edition of the Total AFCON U-20 championship which is the nation's fourth trophy.

The Black Satellites gifted the country a huge birthday gift by winning their 4th AFCON title in the just-ended tournament held in Mauritania.

Speaking to the Satellites who arrived in Ghana on March 7, Mustapha Ussif thanked the team for winning the trophy as the perfect independence day gift and urged the team to thrive for more success in the future.
 

Joan Laporta elected Barcelona president for a second time

Joan Laporta has been named as Barcelona president for a second time after winning the club's election.

Laporta, whose central pledge was to keep Lionel Messi at the club, won more than 54% of the vote.

Photos: Triumphant Black Satellites return home to heroic welcome

The Black Satellites returned home on Sunday, March 7, after winning the 2021 Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania.

Ghana beat Uganda 2-0 in the final on Saturday to win a record fourth African U-20 title.
 

Akufo-Addo congratulates Black Satellites

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has congratulated the Black Satellites of Ghana for winning the nation's 4th AFCON U-20 trophy.

The National U-20 football team, the Black Satellites, gifted the country a huge birthday gift by winning their 4th AFCON title in the just-ended tournament held in Mauritania.
 

Penalties galore as Kotoko and Hearts of Oak share spoils in Super Clash

Ghana Premier League matchday 14 outstanding encounter between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak ended in a stalemate.

Despite both sides creating numerous chances they failed to find the back of the net as the game ended 0-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
 

AS Roma announce signing of Ghanaian youngster Felix Afena-Gyan

AS Roma have completed the signing of young Ghanaian forward Felix Afena-Gyan for an undisclosed fee, the Italian side have announced.

The 18-year-old has been signed from the lower-tier side EurAfrica Football Club in Accra.

Ebusua Dwarfs unveil Japanese striker Jindo Morishita

Ghana Premier League side Ebusua Dwarfs have unveiled their latest signing Jindo Morishita.

The Cape Coast side on Saturday morning outdoored their latest acquisition having announced his signing on March 10, 2021.

South Africa's Patrice Motsepe appointed CAF President

South African billionaire and African's ninth richest person Patrice Motsepe has been confirmed as the new Confederation of African Football president during the organisation's 43rd Ordinary General Assembly in Rabat, Morocco on Friday.

Motsepe, who is the owner of South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, was elected unopposed to replace outgoing Ahmad Ahmad, whose three-year reign promised much but was ultimately mottled by accusations of nepotism, corruption and embezzlement.
 

2020/21: Know who your club signed in the second transfer window

The second transfer window for Premier, Division One and Women's Premier League has been shut.

The window which opened on Tuesday, February 16, gave clubs the opportunity to register players for the second round of the season was closed at 11:59 pm on Thursday, March 18, 2021.

AFCON 2021Q: Sports Minister Ussif makes humble plea to Black Stars despite booking qualification

Minister for Youth and Sports Minister Hon. Mustapha Ussif has charged the Black Stars to top Group C despite booking qualification to next year's AFCON.

Ghana on Thursday qualified for her 9th straight AFCON since 2006 after holding South Africa to a 1-1 draw at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg in the fifth round of the AFCON 2021 qualifiers.

El Clasico: Real Madrid beat Barcelona to go top of La Liga

Real Madrid edged an exhilarating Clasico encounter to claim a 2-1 win over Barcelona and move ahead of Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga.

Just two points divided the two rivals before kick off with Atletic's recent stuttering form allowing Barca and Real Madrid to make up ground, but it was the former who gave their championship chances a serious boost.

GBA bans Richard Commey for 2 years

The Ghana Boxing Authority have imposed a two-year ban on former Lightweight Champion Richard Oblitey Commey.

This comes after disparaging remarks Commey made against the GBA Executives in an interview with Kpanlogo Mashi TV in the United States of America.

 

The Bukom native boxer has however rendered an apology, but his apology couldn't entirely prevent sanctions from coming his way.

 

FIFA approves Ghana Football Association VAR project team

World football governing body FIFA has approved the Project Team for the implantation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Ghana.

The decision was announced during a meeting held on Monday, April 12, 2021 on modalities for the implementation of VAR in Ghana. In the meeting, the FIFA Technical Team approved a project team for Ghana, which is the second key step in the implementation process of the FIFA approved VAR.

European Super League created to 'save football' - Real Madrid president Florentino Perez

The European Super League was created "to save football", says Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Real are one of the 12 European clubs who have signed up to the breakaway league and intend to establish a new midweek competition. 

Perez said the move had been made because young people are "no longer interested in football" because of "a lot of poor quality games".

Tottenham sack Jose Mourinho

Tottenham Hotspur have sacked Jose Mourinho as manager.

Spurs have decided to dispense with Mourinho after just over a season and a half in charge. Tottenham are in seventh in the Premier League and at risk of missing out on a place in the top four.

$25 million budget for all national teams, not only Black Stars - Sports Minister clarifies

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has clarified that the $25 million the ministry is seeking from government and corporate Ghana will be used to cater for all national team assignments for the next two years, and not just the Black Stars.

Kobe Bryant formally inducted into Hall of Fame

Kobe Bryant has been posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The five-time NBA champion died, aged 41, in a helicopter crash in January 2020 alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.

He was presented at the ceremony in Connecticut by NBA great Michael Jordan and his widow, Vanessa, accepted his induction on his behalf.

Know the African players to have won the Champions League since 1992

The curtains were brought down on the 2020/21 edition of the UEFA Champions League on Saturday.

As it is on many occasions, an African was part of the team that triumph on May 29 in Porto. Yesterday's match consisted of 3 African players from the two sides.

Revenge mission 'ato nsuom': Japan annihilate Black Meteors 10-0 on aggregate

The Black Meteors of Ghana couldn't seek revenge in their second game against Japan at the Fukkuoka Stadium.

The team on Saturday suffered a 6-0 humiliating defeat in the first game at the Fukkuoka Stadium and were on a mission to redeem their image in today's encounter.

Photos: Callum Hudson-Odoi pays courtesy call on Akufo-Addo

Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi on Monday paid a courtesy call on  President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House.

He presented the President with a signed Chelsea jersey with his favourite number 20 at the back.

 

One of the topics which came up for discussion was a nationality switch.

Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce becomes second-fastest woman of all time

Jamaica's two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has become the second-fastest woman in history after running 10.63 seconds in Kingston.

The 34-year-old, who also won world gold at Doha 2019, streaked clear to win a national trials warm-up event in Kingston.

 

Only American legend Florence Griffith-Joyner has run faster.

Highlights: How Isaac Dogboe beat Adam Lopez by majority decision

Former WBO Super Bantamweight champion Isaac 'Royal Storm' Dogboe saw off a late rally by Adam Lopez to claim a ten-round majority decision win Saturday evening in Las Vegas.

Judge Dave Moretti had the action even at 95-95, overruled by judges Chris Migliore (97-93) and Don Trella (96-94) who ruled in favor of Dogboe in a spirited featherweight battle.

Super Clash: Hearts of Oak silence Kotoko in Accra to keep title hopes alive

A Daniel Afriyie's second-half strike proved decisive as it handed Hearts of Oak a 1-0 home triumph over arch-rivals Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League Super Clash on Sunday to keep their title hopes alive.
 

Photos: Shaka Zulu wins TV3 Ghana's Strongest for third time

Damian Smith aka Shaka Zulu is the winner of Champion of Champions edition of TV3 Ghana's Strongest, walking away with a brand new car.

Not only did Shaka Zulu walked away with a car but a cash prize of GHC10,000 and will be in South Africa to participate in the prestigious Arnold Classics Africa.

Video: I'm not doing drugs - Ike Quartey insists

Former World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight titlist, Ike Bazooka Quartey has played down reports that he is a drug addict.

This comes on the back of a viral picture where the looks of the former champions have changed.

Italy crowned Euro 2020 champions after shootout win over England

England's hopes of ending a 55-year wait for a major trophy were left in tatters as Italy came from behind to win Euro 2020 following a dramatic penalty shoot-out at Wembley.
 

'It's finally home': Hearts of Oak wins first Ghana Premier League title after 12years, gets GH¢250K

It took a while but finally, the wait is over as Hearts of Oak are champions of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League with a game left to be played.
 

Copa America: Messi breaks drought, win first major title with Argentina as Brazil beaten in final

Lionel Messi was uncharacteristically quiet in Argentina's 1-0 win over Brazil on Saturday but his performance was irrelevant compared to what the victory means a first major title for Messi in the blue and white of the national side.

Black Stars captain Andre Ayew joins Qatari side Al Sadd

Black Stars captain Andre Ayew is set to join Qatari side Al Sadd, the club have announced.

The midfielder who left Swansea this summer is expected to complete his move after a medical on Thursday, July 22.

GFA bars AshantiGold, Inter Allies players from travelling abroad over match-fixing allegation

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) through a notice have stated that they will not approve the issuance of any International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and Introductory letter to any Embassy for visas for any of the persons under investigation.

This comes after the alleged match-fixing between AshantiGold and Inter Allies in the Ghana Premier League matchday 34 fixture last Saturday.

Milwaukee Bucks beat Phoenix Suns to win first NBA title for 50 years

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 50 points as the Milwaukee Bucks claimed their first NBA title for 50 years with a 105-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

The Bucks' 4-2 series win was sealed in front of a 17,000 crowd as 65,000 celebrated outside the Fiserv Forum.

Tokyo 2020: Ghana qualifies for men's 4x100 relay final (video)

Ghana's 4x100m relay team booked their spot in the finals of the men's 4x100m relays with a blistering run in their heat that secured the quartet a new national record in the event.

Samuel Takyi secures Ghana's first Olympic medal since 1992

Boxer Samuel Takyi has won Ghana's first Olympic medal since the men's football team won bronze at the 1992 Games in Barcelona.

Takyi won his featherweight quarter-final 3-2 on points over Colombia's Ceiber David Segura to guarantee himself at least a bronze medal in Tokyo.

Tokyo 2020: Ghana disqualified in men's 4x100 relay final

Ghana's 4x100m team have been disqualified for a lane violation in the final of the men's relay at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

They finished seventh in the blistering race but were disqualified because the team's last baton exchange happened outside the changeover zone.

Barcelona confirms Lionel Messi departure

Lionel Messi will not sign a new contract at Barcelona, the club has confirmed.

Video: PSG announce Lionel Messi signing on two-year deal

Lionel Messi has completed a move to French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain, the club have announced.

AFCON 2021: Black Stars drawn in Group C with Morocco, check out full draw

The Black Stars of Ghana have discovered their opponents for AFCON 2021 tournament to be held next year in Cameroon.

The 33rd edition of the tournament draw took place at the Yaounde Conference Centre in Cameroon. 

The Black Stars will battle Morocco, Comoros and Gabon in Group C of the AFCON 2021.

'From landguard to landlord!' - Hearts of Oak announce Gladson Awako signing

Ghana Premier League champions, Hearts of Oak SC have announced the signing of Great Olympics captain Gladson Awako.

Awako has signed a two-year contract with the Phobian club.

Ghana will host best ever African Games in 2023 - Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo says Ghana will host the best African Games in 2023.

The President made this statement at the sod-cutting ceremony of a 50,000 capacity Olympic Stadium at Borteyman which will be one of the facilities to host the African Games in two years' time.

'He's back' - Manchester United announce Ronaldo signing on two-year deal

It's the homecoming Manchester United fans have been waiting 12 years for.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Old Trafford return has finally been confirmed, with the Portugal star completing his dramatic move from Juventus and becoming a United player for the second time in his career.

Breaking: Black Stars coach C.K Akonnor sacked

The Ghana Football Association has parted ways with Black Stars coach C.K. Akonnor and his two assistants.

Official: Milovan Rajevac returns for second stint as Black Stars coach

Serbian tactician Milovan Rajevac has been named as the new coach of the Black Stars on a two-year deal on a $30,000 monthly salary.

The Serbian takes over from CK Akonnor who was sacked on September 14 after a string of poor performances.

Manny Pacquiao retires from boxing

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement from the sport to focus on his political career.

Video: Tyson Fury stops Deontay Wilder to retain title in sensational fight

Tyson Fury delivered a thrilling 11th-round knockout against Deontay Wilder to retain his WBC heavyweight crown as their trilogy bout produced another classic on an electric night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Twenty months since Fury dethroned the American, the 33-year-old had to show all his resolve and resilience to extend his undefeated professional record to 32 fights after twice being floored in the fourth round.
 

France stage comeback against Spain to win Nations League

A late goal from Kylian Mbappe sees France come from behind to produce a brilliant 2-1 win over Spain and win the Nations League trophy for the first time in their history.

Video: Canelo Alvarez knocks Caleb Plant to become first-ever undisputed super middleweight champion

Canelo Alvarez violently broke down Caleb Plant on his way to making the type of history Saturday night that means the most to the Mexican icon.

Alvarez battered Plant, dropped him twice early in the 11th round and stopped the previously unbeaten Plant to become boxing’s first fully unified super middleweight champion in the sport’s four-belt era.

FIFA Prez Gianni Infantino wants AFCON played in September, November

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has suggested that the AFCON should be played between September and November as part of any revised international match schedule.

Football's world governing body is proposing an overhaul of international football, including the World Cup being played every two years rather than four.

UCL: PSG face Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid land Manchester United in new last 16 draw

The draw for the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League has been redone after a mistake saw the first attempt declared null and void.

The draw which took place at UEFA's headquarters saw the eight group winners and eight runners-up from the group stages thought they had discovered their fate for the first phase of the knockout stages following the completion of the group stages last week.

Video: Vasiliy Lomachenko beats Richard Commey by unanimous decision

Vasiliy Lomachenko couldn’t finish off Richard Commey in the seventh round Saturday night, but he did more than enough to beat him.

Lomachenko knocked Commey to the canvas in the seventh round, landed the harder shots with more consistency and beat the former IBF lightweight champion by unanimous decision in the main event of a 10-fight card at Madison Square Garden.

 

All three judges – Eric Marlinski (119-108), Tony Paolillo (117-110) and Tom Schreck (119-108) – scored Lomachenko the winner of their 12-round lightweight bout.

Samuel Eto'o elected President of Cameroon Football Federation

Former international Samuel Eto'o will run Cameroonian football for the next four years after being elected head of the country's FA on Saturday.

The four-time African Footballer of the Year defeated rival Seidou Mbombo Njoya, the fourth vice-president at the Confederation of African Football. 

Hasaacas Ladies wins maiden First Lady's Cup, makes it historic 5th title in a calendar year

Hasaacas Ladies are champions after winning the maiden edition of the First Lady's Cup following claiming a hard-fought win over Ampem Darkoa Ladies.

Hasaacas Ladies emerged victorious 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after a pulsating 90 minutes of action.