Egypt Emerges Champions as 13th African Games Ends

The 13th African Games held in Ghana recently concluded with Egypt emerging as the champions, securing a total of 191 medals, including 102 gold, 45 silver, and 44 bronze. The Nigerian team finished second with 121 total medals, while South Africa secured third place with 106 medals.

Ghana, the host country, displayed significant improvement from its previous performance, finishing 6th overall with 68 medals, including 19 gold, 29 silver, and 20 bronze medals. This marked a notable advancement from its 15th position in the 2019 African Games held in Rabat, Morocco.

Impressive Performances in Various Sports

Football: Ghana’s U-20 men’s national football team, the “Black Satellites,” claimed gold in a thrilling final against Uganda, while the “Black Princesses” secured the women’s title by defeating defending champions Nigeria.

Hockey: Ghana’s national women’s hockey team, the Black Sticks, secured their first field hockey gold medal at the African Games by defeating Nigeria in a sudden-death penalty shootout.

Basketball 3×3: Algeria won gold in the men’s competition, while Mali emerged victorious in the women’s category.

Handball: Egypt claimed gold in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

Cricket: Zimbabwe clinched the gold medal in both the men’s and women’s T20 cricket tournaments.

Rugby: Uganda emerged as the champions in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

Volleyball: Egypt secured gold in the men’s category, while Kenya emerged victorious in the women’s competition.

Handover of the African Union Flag to Egypt

Egypt, the next host of the African Games in 2027, received the African Union flag during the closing ceremony, symbolising the transition of hosting responsibilities. This marked the official conclusion of the 13th African Games in Ghana.

Hon. Mustapha Ussif and H.E. Amb. Cessouma Minata Samate hands over the Flag of the African Union to the Minister of Youth and Sports from Egypt 🇪🇬.. #Africangames#ExperiencetheAfricanDream#13thAfricanGames#Accra2023 pic.twitter.com/q9u0K4xOdZ

— 13th African Games, Accra 2023 (@Accra2023AG) March 23, 2024

Closing Ceremony Highlights

The closing ceremony of the African Games in Accra saw a parade of all participating countries’ flags, a match pass of all contingents, and the recognition of retired FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura from Senegal.
The event also featured performances from renowned African artists such as Ghana’s Wiyaala and Stonebwoy, Cameroon’s Stanley Enow, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Innoss’B, and Gabon’s Emma’a. Their performances added vibrancy to the ceremony, celebrating African talent and fostering unity among nations.

President’s Remarks

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commended the Ghanaian athletes, as well as the organising committee, officials, and volunteers, for showcasing the best of Ghana to Africa and the world. He expressed optimism that the successes achieved in the Games would serve as a catalyst for further investment in sports development, empowering Ghanaian youth to reach greater heights.

The successful conclusion of the 13th African Games in Ghana highlights the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence across the continent.