By Theo Sampah
Ghana’s boxing team has lit up the rings at the ongoing Africa Youth Games in Angola’s capital, Luanda, delivering a stirring performance that underlines the nation’s rich boxing heritage and a bright future ahead.
With four boxers already guaranteed medals, Team Ghana’s young pugilists have combined courage, discipline and elite ring craft to outclass some of the continent’s toughest opponents.
Leading the charge is history-maker Margaret Angel Naa Oyoo, Ghana’s lone female representative in the boxing tournament. At just 14 years old, Margaret, has announced herself on the big stage with maturity beyond her years.
Competing in the women’s 46–48kg class, she opened Ghana’s campaign on December 16 with a dominant display and followed it up with an even more convincing performance on day two.
Her victory over Cameroon’s Houaken Mapouokam sealed her place in the semi-finals, leaving her just two wins away from a coveted gold medal for Ghana. Her composure, sharp movement and fearless exchanges have made her one of the standout athletes of the tournament.
In the men’s division, 15- year old, Richardson Ofori, has been nothing short of sensational in the 50–55kg category. Ofori have made seasoned opponents look ordinary with his stiff jabs, pinpoint accuracy and lightning-fast reflexes.
His journey to the semi-finals was capped by a commanding unanimous decision victory over Tunisia’s Yabih Aymen, marking his second win in as many bouts and reinforcing his status as a genuine gold medal contender.
Redemption and resilience defined the performance of 15-year old, William Laryea, in the men’s 48–50kg class. Facing Algeria’s Aouali Abedellah, a familiar rival, Laryea produced a memorable 2–1 victory to avenge his controversial defeat to the same opponent in the final of the ANOCA Schools Games in Algiers.
It was a bout rich in intensity and determination, and Laryea’s triumph sent a powerful message about growth, focus and unfinished business settled in the ring.
Completing Ghana’s impressive quartet is 14-year old, Abdul Rahman Ablorh, who has thrilled fans in the 55–60kg division. Ablorh delivered an eye-catching performance against Algeria’s Messaoud Nasereallah, dictating the tempo from start to finish. His tactical intelligence, footwork and clean combinations earned him a unanimous points victory and a deserved place in the semi-finals.
Behind the scenes, coaches Charles Quartey and Joseph Martey remain grounded but ambitious. They have made it clear that the mission in Luanda is gold, stressing that the team will maintain focus and intensity as the competition reaches its decisive stages.
As the Africa Youth Games continue, Ghana’s boxers are not just competing—they are inspiring. With four medal slots secured and eyes firmly set on the top of the podium, the Black Rockets are once again reminding Africa that Ghana’s boxing spirit burns as fiercely as ever.
