Team Ghana clinched back-to-back titles at the 2024 Africa Basketball Festival, which is the event’s 4th edition after defeating Team France 62-49 in a thrilling finale on Sunday at the University of Ghana Basketball Court, Accra.
TEAM GHANA WIN THE 2024 AFRICA BASKETBALL FESTIVAL pic.twitter.com/j2JYjiiJPU
— GTV SPORTS+ (@mygtvsports) October 27, 2024
The spotlight once again fell on Spintex Knights small forward James Amotoe, who earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the second consecutive year. The 26-year old’s outstanding performances, marked by his agility, scoring precision, and defensive prowess, were instrumental in Ghana’s championship campaign.
The victory was a team effort, with crucial support from Amotoe’s club teammates Treasure Botchway, Benjamin Ashitey, and Henry Horlali, who played pivotal roles in Ghana’s title defense. Their chemistry on the court proved too much for their opponents throughout the tournament.
Ghana’s journey to the finals showcased their dominance, starting with a hard-fought 49-36 win over Liberia. They maintained their momentum with a 46-36 victory against Togo before dispatching rivals Nigeria 64-51 in the semis to book their place in the finals of the championship game.
The win over France not only cemented Ghana’s reputation at the festival but also highlighted the rising influence of the Spintex Knights’ core players, with Amotoe leading by example. His back-to-back MVP titles underscore his growing status as one of the premier talents in African basketball.
The third-place playoff was equally exciting, with Liberia edging out the USA 45-42 in a nail-biting finish to take the bronze medal. West African teams, including Ghana and Liberia, dominated the competition, showcasing the growing strength of basketball in the region.
The Africa Basketball Festival is more than just a sporting event. Ghanaian music duo DopeNation electrified the crowd with a captivating performance, and the vibrant fashion scene added a cultural flair to the occasion.
With 10 nations represented, 15 fashion brands on display, and performances from top musical acts, the festival was a celebration of sports, fashion, music, and cultural exchange, creating a memorable experience for all involved.