Ghana, the defending champions, will kick off their title defense against Liberia in the first match of the Africa Basketball Festival (ABF) on October 24, 2024, at the University of Ghana Basketball Court. The organizers revealed the tournament pairings on Thursday at a launch event in Accra.
The ABF’s 2024 edition will have ten teams, with the United States, last year’s runners-up, facing off against France in the opening rounds. The four-day competition features teams like China, Great Britain, Togo, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria.
Ghana captain Gabriel Ashaley stated his confidence in retaining the title for his team during the tournament.” We are preparing well for the challenge ahead and have the men to give us the results.”
The University of Ghana and the Ghana Communication Technology University will compete in an international competition and a university contest. The official television broadcaster, GTV Sports Plus, will show all the games live.
Event launch and expansion
Dr. Austin Luguterah, Director of the University of Ghana Sports & Wellness Directorate, emphasized the significance of the launch, describing it as a celebration of basketball, fashion, and music and a demonstration of sports’ ability to bring people together across boundaries. He implored participants to embody sportsmanship, highlighting the competition’s role in uncovering fresh basketball talent.
The CEO of RITE Sports, Yaw Sakyi Afari, commented onhow the tournament has expanded since its start in 2019, with only two teams from Accra and Tema participating. It’s a big deal that ten nations have been added this year. He mentioned plans to involve more teams, fashion houses, and musicians in upcoming festival editions.
Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson officially launched the event, with sponsorship from brands like Indomie Noodles, GTS Drilling Ghana, GoldGod Entertainment, and GLICO General Insurance, among others.
Get ready for a thrilling fusion of sports, culture, and entertainment at the Africa Basketball Festival, which will take place from October 24 to 27, 2024.
