Ghana’s Ebenezer Ankrah produced a remarkable display of courage and skill to give the Black Bombers a winning start at the 2026 IBA Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Friday.
Ankrah defeated Eswatini’s Chawe Innocent Gamedze by a unanimous 5-0 verdict in the men’s lightweight (60kg) round of 16, despite being forced to rely solely on his left hand after injuring his right early in the contest.
The Ghanaian reportedly hurt his right hand while punching Gamedze on the forehead but adapted impressively, continuing to outclass his opponent. His determined performance earned Ankrah not just the commanding verdict of all five ringside judges, but also a mammoth applause from Congolese fans, who appreciated his composure and technical ability under difficult circumstances.
The victory sends Ankrah into the quarter-finals, where he will face tough customer Tryagain Morning Ndevelo of Namibia, the silver medallist in the same weight category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Ndevelo booked his last eight spot by defeating the host nation's Bamanyama Badibanga convincingly, 5-0, in the bout preceding Ankrah’s contest.
Ankrah’s latest performance adds to his growing international experience, having represented Ghana at the 2024 IBA World Youth Championships in Montenegro, the 2025 IBA World Championships in Dubai and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in the UK.
Speaking to the Graphic Online after Friday's fight, Bombers coach, Charles Quartey indicated that the injury to Ankrah is not severe, and that the boxer will be alright for the next round.
"It is not that bad, just the middle finger. We can manage it," Coach Quartey said.
Ghana’s campaign comes amid financial constraints, with the country fielding only three male boxers and no female representatives at the continental competition.
Ankrah’s progress puts him alongside teammates Joseph “Jaguar” Commey and Amadu Mohammed, who both received byes into the quarterfinals and are scheduled to compete on Sunday October 25.
Commey will face Congo-Brazzaville’s Loulendo Dieu Merci, while Amadu takes on Mozambique’s Armando Sigalque. All three Ghanaians are now one victory away from securing places in the medal zone.
The continental championships opened on Thursday at the Stade des Martyrs Gymnasium in Kinshasa with a colourful ceremony featuring Congolese rumba, cultural performances and a parade of national delegations. Twenty-eight countries took part in the parade, against the 33 reportedly registered for the competition.
IBA Africa President General Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo highlighted the importance of the championships to African boxing, with athletes competing for continental honours and valuable IBA prize money.
With Ankrah through to join Commey and Amadu in preparing for their quarter-final assignments, Ghana will hope its small contingent can turn determination into medals in Kinshasa
