Sports
Ambassador Quarcoo eulogises Alfred Kotey
IT was with great sadness on June 30 2020 to learn of the sudden demise of Alfred “Cobra” Kotey – who was one of my top talented boxers, during my tenure as President of the then Ghana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) in the 80s.
I am so touched by his passing which sad event is reported to have occurred in New York City, US, where he was receiving medical treatment. Lot of us on the boxing circuit thought Alfred could go right to the top in his division which he did. He was like a son to me; he was a likeable, cheerful, respectful young man who everyone loved.
Alfred got hooked to boxing at a very tender age and regularly trained at the Akotoku Academy Gym in Bukom and together with Ike Quartey formed the Whiz kids of Ghana Boxing and both were selected to join the national boxing team, Black Bombers.
Quickly emerging as one to keep an eye on, he compiled a 35-4 amateur record, and despite the relatively few bouts, he accomplished a lot, representing his country all over the world and reaching the quarter finals of the 1988 Seoul Olympics as a flyweight.
As is often the case with top amateurs, he decided to turn professional after returning from the Olympics, and had his first paid bout on November 26, 1988 sharing the undercard of a show at the Orion Cinema Hall in Accra with Olympic team-mate, and fellow debutant, Ike Quartey.
He was nicknamed ‘the Cobra’, and indeed, in his heyday, he could instill terror in anybody he came across with his speed and accurate punches. He was on a fast-track with ambitions to reach championship level in quick time. His professional boxing career reached its pinnacle in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
At 26 years old and probably at his peak, Kotey put on an excellent display, and became a world champion by out-boxing the Puerto Rican Rafael Del Valle. He really left no doubt, and won by unanimous decision.
Now based in United States, Kotey made title defences against Mexican Armando Castro and British champion Drew Docherty, before losing his world title on points to former World super bantamweight ruler, Daniel Jimenez in October of 1995.
After losing his bantamweight world title, I negotiated with the late Jose Sulaiman, then President of WBC and Kotey was giving a shot at the vacant WBC super bantamweight title. Less than seven weeks later, he was back in the ring in London ready to launch his assault on a new weight division – super bantamweight.
At York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, together with the WBC President, late Jose Sulaiman, I witnessed with joy from ringside when he captured the vacant WBC International title, out-scoring two-time world title-challenger Freddy Cruz.
Alfred Kotey did not only have the passion for the sport, but he showed a lot of discipline, dedication and commitment. His commitment saw him growing in the sport and this was envisaged by his results when he joined the paid ranks. He was a genuine role model.
Kotey achieved so much in his career. He held a Commonwealth, WBO, WBC International and WBF Intercontinental titles, and fought against some of the biggest names of his era. This is an enviable record.
He was a credit to us in the boxing fraternity. He would fight a lion if he had to with no fear, but he was brought up to be polite and respectful and that had been reflected by the amount of tribute pouring in to him. I am sad that we have lost him at such a stage as we have very few boxing trainers and coaches now in the country.
He still had a lot to give to the country and the world of boxing. It is a tragedy for his family, friends and the entire boxing fraternity that such a talent had been lost at such a young age.
Fare thee well, the Cobra, you were an exemplary sportsperson and source of inspiration who demonstrated the power of human spirit and determination. I am very proud of your achievements and hope that others can feel inspired by your boxing journey.
Source: Ghanaian Times
Sports
World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana beats Mali to boost qualification hopes
The Ghana Black Stars on Monday evening secured a vital 1–0 win over Mali in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a result that strengthens their chances of booking a ticket to the 2026 tournament.
The Match
The only goal of the game came in the 52nd minute when Alexander Djiku powered home a header to put Ghana ahead at the charged Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana dominated possession and created more chances, with Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus troubling the Malian defense.
Coach Otto Addo’s side managed the game well, with substitutes, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Iñaki Williams and Joseph Paintsil helping to protect the narrow lead.
Mali pushed for an equalizer but Ghana’s defense held firm until the final whistle.
What the win means
The victory takes Ghana to the top of their qualifying group, giving them a strong advantage in the race to secure a direct World Cup spot.
It also boosts team confidence as the Black Stars aim to make their fifth appearance at the global showpiece.
Games Remaining and Qualification Path
Ghana now has two games left in the qualifiers. To qualify directly, they must finish first in their group.
If they end up second, they will have to compete in the CAF play-offs to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
About the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The next FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, and run until July 19, 2026. For the first time in history, the tournament will feature 48 teams, an expansion from the usual 32.
It will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches spread across 16 cities.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports
Black Stars face Mali test in FIFA World Cup qualifier – Preview
With only two rounds left, the Black Stars lead the table but can’t afford slip-ups against a Mali side still firmly in contention for a top two finish.
Ghana entered the September window with momentum, but a late setback against Chad pegged the team back in N’Djamena.
The Black Stars looked in control for large parts of the match, with Jordan Ayew’s first-half strike seemingly setting the team on course for a routine win. However, missed opportunities left the door open for Chad, who snatched a dramatic equalizer in the 89th minute.
The 1-1 draw cost Ghana the chance to extend their cushion at the top, though results elsewhere kept them three points clear of Madagascar and four above Mali.
For Mali, after a stop-start campaign that included too many draws, the Eagles reignited their qualification hopes with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Comoros last time out – putting them firmly in contention.
Dorgeles Nene, Kamory Doumbia, and Lassana Coulibaly all scored in a display that showcased both cutting-edge and balance, qualities Tom Saintfiet’s men have often lacked in recent games.
The visitors have proven difficult to beat, losing just once in seven outings, but their three draws have left them playing catch-up. Their defensive stability is impressive, with only four goals conceded so far, boasting one of the stingiest backlines in the group.
What Saintfiet now demands is greater ruthlessness in attack, where Doumbia and El Bilal Touré have often flattered to deceive despite flashes of brilliance.
With the gap to second-placed Madagascar now three points, Mali knows victory in Accra would put them firmly back in the race for automatic qualification. Otto Addo’s side are still well-placed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups, but sharper finishing and greater control in midfield will be needed to avoid more late frustrations.
Home form has been a strong foundation for Ghana’s campaign, with the Black Stars unbeaten in Accra so far in the qualifying series following wins against Madagascar, Central African Republic, and Chad.
Defensively, Ghana have conceded just six goals in seven games. With the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew supporting Antoine Semenyo and Iñaki Williams in attack, this Ghana side has plenty of quality to punish any opponent.
Both teams arrive with plenty to play for – Ghana aiming to consolidate their lead and Mali looking to force their way back into contention.
Ghana’s firepower, especially in Accra, makes them favorites, but Mali’s defensive organization and recent attacking revival mean this could be a far tighter contest than the standings suggest.
The match will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025.
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