Tuesday 11 October 2016

2018 WCQ: Grant Hopeful Of Venue Change For Egypt Clash

Black Stars head coach, Avram Grant, is hopeful of venue change as his side faces the Pharoahs of Egypt in a 2018 World Cup qualifier, according to the Al Youm newspaper in the North African country.


According to the report, Grant hopes that the match will be moved to a neutral venue amidst security fears.


The Black Stars coach is worried about security in Egypt, with the teams set to meet in a Group E fixture on November 13 at the Borg El Arab Stadium outside of Alexandria.


Further reports also claim the Ghana FA is considering a formal request to FIFA to have the match moved.


Grant reportedly also refused to travel to Cairo for the draw for the group stage of the 2018 qualifiers, again, due to security concerns.


Egypt are on a revenge mission as they suffered a devastating 7-3 aggregate defeat in play-offs for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against the Black Stars.


More to follow …




2018 WCQ: Grant Hopeful Of Venue Change For Egypt Clash

Black Stars Held By Bafana Bafana In Friendly

The Black Stars of Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa  in an international friendly on Tuesday night.


The Black Stars threatened in the first few minutes as Atsu sliced through the South African defence with a pass that picked out Boye, but Brighton Mhlongo saved his shot.


Ghana enjoyed the majority of the possession early and created another opportunity in the 31st minute as Atsu beat Thabo Matlaba before crossing for Acheampong, but he couldn’t find the right contact and the chance slipped away.


Disaster struck for the hosts in the 38th minute when Isaac Nhlapo fouled Afful in the box, giving Wakaso the chance to convert a penalty for a 1-0 lead before the break.


Nhlapo was substituted shortly after giving away the penalty, making room for Ramahlwe Mphahlele.


Shakes Mashaba’s charges made the perfect start to the second half as they levelled matters in the 51st minute. Some good build-up play from Sibusiso Vilakazi gave Ayanda Patosi the chance to curl a shot into the back of the Ghanaian goal.


After equalising, South Africa inched their way back into the game after their visitors dominated the possession stakes for much of the tie.


Thulani Serero made an impact for the hosts after coming on around the hour mark as he had a big penalty shout turned down in the 71st minute when he was brought down in the Ghana area by Edwin Gyimah.


Eleazar Rodgers created a rare chance for Bafana in the last five minutes of the clash as he put Thamsanqa Gabuza in a position to strike, but he smashed his shot way over the bar as the sides played out a draw.




Black Stars Held By Bafana Bafana In Friendly

Djokovic Storms Through In Shanghai

World number one Novak Djokovic cruised into the Shanghai Masters third round with a 6-3 6-3 win over Italy’s Fabio Fognini on Tuesday, the Serbian’s first match since his loss to Stan Wawrinka in last month’s U.S. Open final.


The defending champion, who withdrew from last week’s China Open with an elbow problem, showed little sign of injury against his unseeded opponent, winning 83 percent of his first serve points in a match that lasted an hour and 15 minutes.

Djokovic started strongly, opening up a 3-0 lead to take control of the first set, but displayed signs of rust with 18 unforced errors.

He suffered a minor blip when he was broken in the first game of the second set, but held his nerve and hit back with two successive breaks to seal the win, helped by his opponent making 40 unforced errors.

Spaniard David Ferrer, the No. 10 seed, suffered a first-round upset loss to unseeded Feliciano Lopez who beat his compatriot 7-6(3) 4-6 7-6(4).

Unseeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov served up another upset when he beat Frenchman Richard Gasquet, seeded 14th, 6-4 6-4, and 19-year-old Alexander Zverev’s produced another shock when he defeated eighth seed Marin Cilic of Croatia.

The German, who is the youngest player in the world’s top 50, battled back to see off the vastly more experienced Cilic 3-6 6-3 6-2 in the day’s final match.

Australian Nick Kyrgios, ranked 14th in the world, brushed off the challenge of American Sam Querrey 6-4 6-4 in under an hour, firing down 14 aces and not facing a break point.

Ninth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat unseeded Serbian Janko Tipsarevic 6-3 7-6(6) to reach the third round while his compatriot and sixth seed Gael Monfils beat South African Kevin Anderson 7-6(4) 6-3.


Source: ThePeninsulaQatar




Djokovic Storms Through In Shanghai

EPL : Liverpool Set To Miss Duo Ahead of Manchester United Clash

Liverpool could be without two key midfielders against Manchester United on Monday night after Georginio Wijnaldum became their latest injury victim.


georginio-wijnaldum


Wijnaldum limped off with a hamstring problem in the second half of Holland’s World Cup qualifying defeat to France on Monday night.


The Dutchman joins Adam Lallana in the treatment room, with the Englishman still recovering from a groin injury sustained in the 2-1 win at Swansea at the start of this month.


The midfield duo have started every Premier League match alongside Jordan Henderson this season and have been a key part of the Reds’ rise to fourth, just two points behind leaders Manchester City.


A longer period of recovery gives Lallana the best chance of making the United match but Wijnaldum will be assessed on his return to the club’s Melwood training ground to discover the extent of his problem.


Jurgen Klopp does have Germany international Emre Can waiting in the wings to make his first league start of the campaign after injury in August’s EFL Cup trip to Burton set him back.


Source : Talksports








EPL : Liverpool Set To Miss Duo Ahead of Manchester United Clash

South Africa vs Ghana : Bafana Bafana Name Starting Line Up

Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba has named the starting line up that will play Ghana tonight (Tuesday, 11 October 2016) in a friendly international at Moses Mabhida Stadium (Kick off 19h00).


 


Brighton Mhlongo will start in goals while the back four comprises of Abbubaker Mobara, Isaac Nhlapo, captain Thulani Hlatshwayo and Thabo Matlaba.


The midfield is made up of Ayanda Patosi, Oupa Manyisa, Dean Furman and May Mahlangu while gangling Eleazer Rodgers and Sibusiso Vilakazi will spearhead the strike force.


Bafana Bafana Starting 11 v Ghana: Brighton Mhlongo, Abbubaker Mobara, Isaac Nhlapo, Thulani Hlatshwayo (captain), Thabo Matlaba, Ayanda Patosi, Oupa Manyisa, Dean Furman, May Mahlangu, Eleazer Rodgers, Sibusiso Vilakazi
Substitutes: Jackson Mabokgwane, Itumeleng Khune, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Maphosa Modiba, Mpho Makola, Thulani Serero, Mncwango, Thamsanqa Gabuza








South Africa vs Ghana : Bafana Bafana Name Starting Line Up

GPL Transfer: Hearts Secure Soulama Replacement

Accra Hearts of Oak have secured a deal for New Edubiase United shot stopper, Benjamin Mensah, according to reports.


NEW E UTD


The reports suggest that Mensah will pen down a two-year deal, following Abdoulaye Soulama’s failure to secure a new contract with the club after his initial two-year contract expired.


New Edubiase, who are relegated, have offered Mensah to Hearts after reaching an agreement for the goalkeeper.


Mensah will have to battle it out with Samuel Akurugu who made a statement of reclaiming the number one spot for the Phobia club after featuring in some matches.








GPL Transfer: Hearts Secure Soulama Replacement

GPL Transfer: Kotoko Join Chase For Hearts Target

Kumasi Asante Kotoko are set to hijack Hearts move for Techiman City’s midfielder, Baba Mahama, according to reports.


John Mahama







Hearts in the past few days have inquired about Mahama’s availability but Kotoko has also join race to the young prodigy who was exceptional in the 2015/2016 having scored three league goals and one in the FA Cup.


 


With Techiman City relegated, a move for the the 19-year-old is most certain as the two rivals battle it out for the youngster


 


Further reports also indicate that newly promoted side Elmina Sharks could secure move for the player considering the financial prowess




GPL Transfer: Kotoko Join Chase For Hearts Target

GPL Transfer: Bechem Reject Hearts Bid For Striker

Bechem United have rejected an initial bid for their top striker, Abednego Tetteh, from Accra Hearts of Oak who are keen on acquiring  his services, Sportscrusader.com can reveal.


Abednego-Tetteh-620x400


According to reports gathered, Hearts, last week, made an official approach for the striker but Bechem United want Hearts to improve their offer, as the striker has been linked with a move to Europe.


The 25-year-old has been one of the brightest prospects in the just-ended Ghana Premier League, especially after helping his team, Bechem United, win this season’s MTN FA Cup.


Meanwhile, Hearts are favorites to sign Tetteh if his Europe deal should fall through, as the striker has expressed his admiration for the Phobia club in the past.








GPL Transfer: Bechem Reject Hearts Bid For Striker

Top XI facts About Wa All Stars

In what was a historic season for Wa All Stars, Sports Crusader’s Saani Abacha chronicles the top XI facts about the Northern Blues.


From their nomadic campaign that saw them travel across eight of the ten administrative regions to their variety of goal scorers, we recap the historic feat chalked by the division’s most travelled side.

1. With a total of 51 points to show for their efforts, Wa All Stars finished the season as the number one club. The Wa-based side kept their cool to end a nine-year wait for domestic glory with a deciding 2-1 win over Aduana Stars in Wa. Also, the Northern Blues have benefited from one own goal across the season(scored by Isaac Baah of TCFC)in a 2-0 win at the Wa Park.


2. Wa All Stars have failed to score in just two of the eight regions they have featured in across the campaign. Shut outs in Western region and the central region remains the only centres not to have awarded Wa All Stars a goal.


3. Wa All Stars’ longest winning streak across the season ended with three wins on two different occasions. Successive wins over New Edubiase, Hearts of Oak and Ebusua Dwarfs was halted by a painful defeat away to Bechem United.

Another run saw them win in succession against Kotoko and back-to-back wins over Berekum Chelsea.


4. The Ghanaian champions have won in four of the eight regions across the seasons. Triumphant trips to Greater Accra, Brong Ahafo region and Ashanti region added to their 11 wins on home soil. The youthful looking side ended Aduana Stars’ three year home invincibility before downing Berekum Chelsea, Accra Hearts of Oak and New Edubiase away from home.


5. Wa All Stars picked at least one point in five of the eight regions toured. Wins for Hasaacas and Medeama over All Stars, followed by a 1-0 defeat in Cape Coast alongside the 2-1 deficit at Sogakope in an otherwise impressive away record all season.


6. The newly-crowned winners of the 2016 GPL found the back of the net in six different regions in their energy sapping 16, 879.4 km travelled. Also notable, is their highest point earned from one region away from home (six points from Brong Ahafo region).


7. The longest unbeaten run across the season saw All Stars play seven games without defeat. Wins over Hasaacas, Aduana, New Edubiase, Hearts of Oak and Ebusua Dwarfs were dimmed by two drawn games against Liberty and Dreams FC.


8. The division’s most nomadic side stopped at almost every single region, except Upper East and Northern Region. They also dropped eight points at home all season.


9. A total of nine players made their league debut for the Wa-based side. From David Sandan Abagna through to Alhassan Rashid, All Stars handed topflight debut to 9 different players.


10. Ten different players found the back of the net for All Stars all season. The variety of scorers was highlighted by the goal distribution ratio(2 goals from defenders, 10 from the midfielders, 18 from the strikers and 1 own goal). Richard Arthur, Emmanuel Ocran, Atta Kofi Yeboah, Kweku A. Baffoe, Mathew Kelvin Andoh, Maxwell Baako, Paul Asare, Saddick Alhassan, Ismail Abdul Ganiu, Mumuni Wahidu and an own goal from Isaac Baah.


11. Jersey number eleven for the Champions featured the least of the remaining players left with the club at the end of the season. Moomin Khalid managed 20 minutes in the league. The fewest amongst the remaining players.







Written by : Saani Abacha

Follow on Twitter: @saani_abacha




Top XI facts About Wa All Stars

2018 WCQ: Black Stars, Pharaohs Still Favourites

Uganda coach, Micho Sredojevic, has tipped African football heavyweights, Ghana and Egypt, to make it from group H of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.


Despite the stumble by the Black Stars in last week’s encounter with the Cranes, Egypt had a dream start to their campaign after making their intentions clear by defeating Congo 2-1 in Brazzaville to assume Group E leadership.


Micho told Uganda’s Daily Monitor: “Egypt with Ghana are still carrying tag of favourites due to the fact that Egypt won away.


“But the game against Ghana was very good step in developing our team character and African football identity on the road to enter amongst the best teams on the continent.


“We got a point away in Ghana but we have no right to exaggerate things but realistically look to not be favourites on paper and contenders on the field of play with performance, earning practical not declarative tag of favourites.


“We need to approach the next five matches like five cup finals looking in each to fight like lions in human shape for three points and see what will come out as final product.”




2018 WCQ: Black Stars, Pharaohs Still Favourites

Ghana-SA: Today"s Game Will Be Interesting - Gyan

Black Stars Captain, Asamoah Gyan, opines today’s friendly with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa is going to be an interesting one considering the quality of players in both teams.


Both teams were held in goalless drawn games in their respective 2018 World Cup qualifier openers and this friendly will serve the purpose of preparing the teams for next month’s second round of match in the qualifiers.


In a pre-match presser, the leading goal scorer of the Black Stars said: “This friendly will be an interesting one, because of the quality both teams possess but they will have their amazing fans behind them, but I think it will still be a balanced game and the better side will win.”


He added: “We feel at home whenever we are in South Africa, the fans have supported us in most continental matches, but today’s game is a tough one but let’s see what happens.”


The friendly match is scheduled to kick-off today at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban at exactly 17:00 hrs GMT.




Ghana-SA: Today"s Game Will Be Interesting - Gyan

Durban: Gyan Recalls "Hand Of Suarez"

Black Stars Captain, Asamoah Gyan, has revealed the depth of pain he feels whenever he is in South Africa, after Barcelona’s Luis Suarez’ magical hand prevented Ghana from making it past the quarter final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.


The  Black Stars are due to play the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a friendly today at the Mabhida Stadium  at 17:00 hrs GMT.


According to Ghana’s leading all-time goalscorer – 49 goals – he  feels inexplicable pain whenever he recalls the unfortunate incident that happened in 2010, though he was quick to add that, personally, it made him strong.


He said: “The incident has been haunting me, once in while and, not even when in South Africa alone but in my daily life.


“But it has made me a strong man and life goes on, but I’m here to do what I do best and leave afterwards.”







Ghana failed to secure all three points in their group opener against their Ugandan counterparts in last Friday’s opening 2018 World Cup qualifiers.




Durban: Gyan Recalls "Hand Of Suarez"

84th Airtel Ghana Golf Open Ends On a High

Telecommunication giant Airtel Ghana, through its Airtel Business sub brand, delivered yet another masterful Ghana Open tournament at the Celebrity Golf Club on Sunday.


The well-attended tournament which is the biggest on the country’s golfing calendar attracted golfers from across the country and across the Sub-region.


Impressive scores and high level of competition characterized the 72-hole event, which Ghana Golf Association (GGA) President Mike Aggrey and Richard Adiase, Head of Airtel Business, Airtel Ghana in their separate words attributed to efforts injected into the sport the last three years.


“We have done this for three years running and as you can see it has always been an improvement over the previous competition. Besides seeing it this as a great sponsorship opportunity, this tournament provides the needed platform for Airtel Business and Premier customers network and connect” said Adiase.


The GGA boss on the other hand pointed out that “What you have seen here is a clear demonstration of what we have done in the last few years. The interest has always been there and we are not relenting. We have set high targets to make the sport more appealing especially to the youth.”


It was Celebrity Golf Club’s  Gabriel T. Korley, who emerged the overall  winner in the men’s scratch A event, having shot a 77 score on day one and 71 on the final day (148) to run home with the trophy at stake.


He beat Tafo’s Alfred Kwame  on count back  with Frank Avorsey of Achimota  and Cote d’Ivoire’s Amany M. Joseph following in that order with I48, 148 and 149 scores.


Esther Antwi finished first in the ladies seniors category with a 77 score, while Prince K. Asanpong  went home with the Juniors ultimate trophy.


Maureen Akuaku picked the Ladies Group B Longest Drive prize with Japheth Achola winning the men’s event. The ladies Group A Longest  Drive Prize  went to Royal Golf Club’s Constance Awuni, while Thywill  Komladzei  lifted the men’s event.


Catherine  Fabbi picked the  ladies Group A Nearest-to-the pin trophy with  Yao Dogbe  winning the men’s category.


Improved Jessica Tei proved superior in the ladies main event (Scratch) after recording a score of 166 over two days, beating seasoned golfer Mona Myers  Captan  by just a stroke, who also beat Cynthia Nyantakyi, Constance Awuni and Felicity Okyei-Gyeabour in that order.


The Group B men scratch category saw  Theodore Asampong  recording an 83 score over  36 holes with Maureen Akuaku winning the men’s event.


N. Hage picked the ultimate prize in the ladies Group B handicap event, while J. Ababio went home with the men’s prize.


Gabriel  K. Ayiwah picked the men’s Group A handicap  ultimate prize.


The Airtel Ghana headline sponsored tournament received support from companies like Awake Mineral Water, City Investment Ltd, Citi Fm, Emirates, Garmin Ghana Ltd., Groupe Ideal, Holiday Inn, Huawei, Johnny Walker, KEK Insurance Brokers, Mechanical Lloyd, Mobus Ghana, Oak Plaza, Rendevour, Royal Sweet Ltd, Sahel Sahara, Samsung, Stanbic Bank, Tang Palace, TV3 and Vanguard Assurance




84th Airtel Ghana Golf Open Ends On a High

Monday 10 October 2016

Liverpool Eye Premier League Defender

Liverpool are interested in signing Burnley defender Michael Keane, according to a report.


UK News providers Bleacher Report claimed via a video on their official Twitter account that there’s a good chance that the 23-year-old will leave the Lancashire side next year with the Reds, Chelsea and Arsenal all interested.


The defender has recently been handed a call-up to the England senior team and it is claimed that the international call has prompted him to consider his club future







Keane has under two years left on his current deal set to run out in the summer of 2018 and it is stated that he will only sign a new contract with Sean Dyche’s team if a release clause is inserted into the deal.

The defender came through the academy of Liverpool’s fierce rivals Manchester United, where he made just four appearances for the Red Devils.

He spent loan spells at Leicester, Blackburn and Derby respectively before completing a permanent move with Burnley during the January 2015 window.

He starred for the Clarets as they won the Championship in the last campaign and has made seven appearances for them in their Premier League season, which includes playing the full 90 minutes during the 2-0 victory over Liverpool.




Liverpool Eye Premier League Defender

Appiah "Mocks" Ghana-South Africa Friendly

Ex-Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah, has mocked the contract details of the Black Stars’ friendly with South Africa to be played on Tuesday, October 11, 2016.


Reports indicate that the Black Stars will not earn anything from the match as the South Africa Football Federation( SAFA) will take care of all expenses that will be incurred on the match.


Appiah shared his frustration as to why the World Cup qualifier had to be played earlier, just to accommodate an international friendly.


“Come to think of it, I heard Ghana is getting nothing out of the South Africa match, as they will take care of the team’s accommodation. Come on, is that the level Ghana has reached?


“If not anything, we are considered one of the football giants in Africa, having qualified for three successive World Cups,” he told Hot Fm


Despite his misgivings, the match is scheduled to kick-off tomorrow at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in South Africa at exactly 17:00 hrs GMT.




Appiah "Mocks" Ghana-South Africa Friendly

2018 WCQ: J.E. Sarpong Fingers Maxwell Konadu

Popular Ghanaian Coach, J.E Sarpong, has blamed the assistant coach of the Black Stars, Maxwell Konadu, for not being bold in decision making, after the Black Stars’ stalemate with the Cranes of Uganda in a 2018 World Cup qualifier opener last Friday.


Many football enthusiasts have questioned the technical direction of the Black Stars under head coach, Avram Grant.


Sarpong, a former Ebusua Dwarfs coach, considers Konadu to be the problem. He claims the assistant coach is not helping Grant with his purported inability to offer bold tactical recommendation.


“I am telling Maxwell Konadu, this is your country, put your feet down and recommend tactical ideas that would aid the Black Stars. He should be able to tell Grant when he is getting things wrong when it matters.”


Sarpong went on to express his frustration over the two players(Emmanuel Ocran and Inusah Fuseni) who were invited to the Black Stars camp for ‘observation’ as he thinks Konadu could have done a better job in monitoring local players who deserved outright call-ups.




2018 WCQ: J.E. Sarpong Fingers Maxwell Konadu

2018 WCQ: Poor Planning Cost Black Stars - Appiah

Ex Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah, has blamed poor planning as being the reason for Ghana’s stalemate against Uganda in their 2018 World Cup qualifier opener.


According to the retired footballer, the players’ timing for the game was inappropriate, as majority of them arrived late to camp, hence unable to acclimatize to weather conditions at the time.


Appiah found it illogical for a World Cup qualifier to be rescheduled in order to honour a friendly match with the Bafana Bafana, deeming it as a non-starter considering the pedigree of Ghana as a football nation.


He said: “I was unhappy why the game had to be played on Friday because of the friendly match with South Africa, considering the arrival of the players from their respective clubs,  especially from Europe.


“The time span to the matchday was very limited and, they might have been tired, considering the flight schedule and some external factors that hindered their preparedness for the game.”


Meanwhile, the Black Stars have arrived in South Africa for an international friendly against the Bafana Bafana to be played on Tuesday October 11, 2016 at 17:00 GMT.








2018 WCQ: Poor Planning Cost Black Stars - Appiah

Ghana Football Is Not Heading For Doom - Appiah

Former captain of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah, has allayed fears over the direction Ghana football is heading, per the ongoing tension between the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports(MoYS).


The two bodies (GFA & MoYS) have not yet reached an amicable solution to issues concerning the management of national teams which has created a gap in communication, with regards to football activities including the local league and Women’s football.


Lamenting the Black Stars’ 0-0 stalemate with Uganda in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Tamale on Friday, the iconic football star vented his frustration at the current happenings.







He said: “They should stop all these things and come together so we see our national teams growing, not only Black Stars alone.


“We have seen people, we have seen others be in charge of the position and this is not the way they handled the team so we all have to involve ourselves and ensure peace in the team because the path Ghana football is treading is not good for us,” he told MoonLite FM.


The retired footballer also reiterated the need for GFA and MoYS to put all personal egos aside and work in the interest of the nation as the Black Stars team is not an individual’s personal property.




Ghana Football Is Not Heading For Doom - Appiah

EPL : Injury Boost For Arsenal Ahead Of Swansea Clash

Arsenal are inching ever closer to having a fully-fit squad for the first time this season.


Francis Coquelin and Lucas Pérez have today returned to full training as they continue their respective comebacks from injury, ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League fixture at home to Bob Bradley’s Swansea City next weekend.


Coquelin had been absent from the starting lineup since picking up a knee injury in the 3-0 win against Chelsea at the Emirates next month, and while there were initial fears that he could be out for the rest of 2016, scans showed that this was absolutely not the case.







 


The French midfielder, according to the Mirror, is in line to return against Swansea but it remains to be seen if manager Arsene Wenger will throw him back in at the deep end – summer signing Grant Xhaka has been starting in his absence so the safest thing to do from their point of view would probably be to continue the Swiss international’s partnership with Santi Cazorla in midfield until such time as Coquelin is 100% raring to go.


Pérez, a £17m summer signing from Deportivo La Coruna, could also return on Saturday.


 


The 28-year-old has been used sparingly by Wenger since arriving at the club and missed the win against Burnley (also with a knee injury), but given the fact that he scored twice in his last appearance – the 4-0 EFL Cup win at Nottingham Forest – the forward will be desperate to play some part against Swansea.


 




EPL : Injury Boost For Arsenal Ahead Of Swansea Clash

Boxing: Mayweather "Mocks" Golovkin

Retired former five division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (49-0, 26KOs) was not impressed with the recent victory by Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin (36-0, 33KOs).


golovkin


 


Golovkin retained his WBC/IBO/WBA/IBF middleweight world titles last month, when he traveled over to the UK and stopped IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook in five rounds.


Brook moved up by thirteen pounds to take the fight. He suffered a broken orbital bone in the second, which eventually forced his corner to throw in the towel in the fifth round.


Mayweather said the outcome seemed fishy to him, because he felt Brook just stopped fighting back and his corner sent in the towel. Boxing analyst  and veteran trainer Teddy Atlas made a similar claim last month, but he felt Brook entered the fight with a pre-existing injury to his eye.


“There shouldn’t be no quit in no fighter. Just like in the Kell Brook fight, I saw the corner jump in and threw in the towel. To me it looked like a fix,” Mayweather told a group of reporters following an event which his company staged on Saturday night in Las Vegas.


Mayweather, who jump in weight from super featherweight to junior middleweight, once again called on Golovkin to move up to super middleweight. Mayweather has been angling for Golovkin to come up to 168 to fight WBC champion Badou Jack, who Mayweather promotes.


To throw some fuel to the fire, Mayweather admitted that his nephew’s favorite is Golovkin – but he now views him in a new light based on the performance against Brook.


“What we want to see is this. We’ve seen Sugar Ray Leonard go up in weight, Robert Duran go up in weight. We’ve so many legendary fighters go up in weight, but my nephew’s favorite fighter, Triple G, has yet to go up in weight,” Mayweather said.


“I see my nephew after the Kell Brook fight, and he said ‘[Golovkin] wasn’t really what I thought he was, he cool.’ I told you he got punching power, for a stationary target [to get hit]. Then he said ‘unc, you would have stopped him, you would have destroyed him.’ I said ‘nephew, you ain’t telling me nothing new.’ He was just a fan of Triple G fighting those stationary targets.”


 








Boxing: Mayweather "Mocks" Golovkin

FIFA U -17 WC : Black Maidens Begin Preparations For Korea DPR Clash

The Black Maidens will resume training on Monday as they prepare for their 2016 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter finals match against Korea DPR.


The game which will be played on Thursday October 13 at the Al Hassan Stadium in Irbid, will see the national U-17 team female side take on their Asian opponents for a place in the semi finals.


Coach Augustine Adotey gave his players one- day rest on Sunday after beating Paraguay 1-0 on Saturday to book a quarterfinal place.


The team who moved from the Grand Hyatt hotel to Le Meridien hotel in Amman, had team video analysis session on Monday morning to identify mistakes in the previous game.


Coach Adotey, the technical team and the players will resume training from Monday afternoon till Wednesday before the crunch quarterfinal match on Thursday.


Head coach of the side has however admitted that though he knows little about Ghana’s next opponents, he will prepare his team well ahead of the game.


“We still don’t have any information about Korea DPR, the team we’re facing in the quarters, but as they finished top of Group C, we’ll clearly have to be well-prepared”,Coach Adotey said at the post match press conference after the final group game.


Kick off time for Ghana’s quarterfinals match is 16:00pm(1:00pm local time).




FIFA U -17 WC : Black Maidens Begin Preparations For Korea DPR Clash

Andre Ayew Will Be Crucial For West Ham - Chief Medic

West Ham’s chief medic, Stijn Vandenbroucke, believes the Ghana’s Andre Dede Ayew will be a vital member of the team when he returns to action later in the year


The head of medical and sports science for the Hammers has been discussing the fitness of attacker Andre Ayew during a trip to the Ghanaian homeland of the summer signing.


The Black Stars attacker joined West Ham in the summer from Swansea City in a record breaking deal for the Hammers.


But Ayew picked up a serious thigh injury on his debut with the club against Chelsea and has since not featured.


Vandenbroucke who is currently in Accra,Ghana along with West Ham striker Ashley Fletcher as part of a sponsorship tour said.


“Andre is a great player and as a great player he is very important to the West Ham United family.”


“His comeback will be crucial but we believe it is a team effort and definitely we will turn things around.”




Andre Ayew Will Be Crucial For West Ham - Chief Medic

Black Stars Arrive in Durban For South Africa Friendly

The Black Stars have arrived in South Africa for an international friendly against the Bafana Bafana to be played on Tuesday October 11 after last weekend’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda.


Eighteen (18) out of the Twenty-three (23) who were in the squad that drew goalless with Uganda on Friday, travelled to South Africa with coach Avram Grant and the rest of the technical team.


Some players including Jonathan Mensah, Jordan Ayew and Afriyie Acquah  could not travel with the team due to injuries.


The friendly is part of the team’s preparations for their next World Cup qualifier against Egypt which will be played in Cairo next month.


Coach Grant and his side are expected to train in Durban at 6:30 on Sunday ahead of the game.


Below are the players who travelled to South Africa for the friendly:


1. Adam Kawarasey


2. Harrison Afful


3. Daniel Amartey


4. Enoch Adu Kofi


5. Gilbert Koomson


6. Thomas Partey


7. Razak Braimah


8. Mubarak Wakaso


9. Baba Rahman


10. Agyemang Badu


11. John Boye


12. Edwin Gyimah


13. David Accam


14. Samuel Tetteh


15. Frank Acheampong


16. Christian Atsu


17. Majeed Waris


18. Asamoah Gyan







Source : GFA




Black Stars Arrive in Durban For South Africa Friendly

Nadal and Federer Drop Out World"s Top Four

Former world number ones Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are both outside the top four in the men’s world rankings for the first time in 13 years.


Spaniard Nadal, 30, is fifth in the latest ATP standings, with 35-year-old Swiss Federer two places lower.


Serbia’s Novak Djokovic tops the list, ahead of Briton Andy Murray and Federer’s compatriot Stan Wawrinka, with Japan’s Kei Nishikori in fourth.


Briton Johanna Konta is in the women’s top 10 for the first time.


The 25-year-old climbs to ninth after reaching the final of the China Open, in which she was beaten by Agnieszka Radwanska.


Nadal, who won the most recent of his 14 Grand Slams in 2014, has claimed two titles this year – in Barcelona and Monte Carlo.


Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, has been out with a knee injury since Wimbledon, where he was knocked out in the semi-finals by Canada’s Milos Raonic.


ATP rankings:


1 Novak Djokovic (Ser) 13,540 points


2 Andy Murray (GB) 9,845


3 Stan Wawrinka (Swi) 5,910


4 Kei Nishikori (Jpn) 4,740


5 Rafael Nadal (Spa) 4,730


6 Milos Raonic (Can) 4,690


7 Roger Federer (Swi) 3,730


8 Gael Monfils (Fra) 3,745


9 Tomas Berdych (Cze) 3,470


10 Dominic Thiem (Aut) 3,295


Source : BBC




Nadal and Federer Drop Out World"s Top Four

Thursday 6 October 2016

Black Maidens Begin Preparations For Final Group Match

The Black Maidens began preparations for their final group match on Thursday morning after coach Evans Adotey gave his players  a day’s rest on Wednesday.


The team had a training session on Thursday morning and Will also train at the Al Hassan Stadium, venue for Saturday’s must-win game in the evening before an early morning session on Friday.


Team captain Sandra Owusu Ansah revealed how the players had meetings after their heavy defeat to Japan and how they were motivated by the management committee chairman and the technical team.


” After the losing to Japan we the players had a meeting and told ourselves that at all cost we must beat USA else we will go back home with humiliation. Personally I didn’t want my name to be mentioned as they captain of a team that got knocked out in the group stage.”


“When we lost by 5 goals all the players were down but when we returned to the hotel, our coaches psyched us to forget the defeat and focus on the next match against USA and that helped us a lot”, Sandra said in her interview with GFA’s official website.


” In the game when we went down as early as the 5th minute, I was telling my team mates not to give up and fight for a win”


Sandra got the winning goal for the Black Maidens after Ghana was awarded an 84th minute penalty and she also explained what motivated her to pick the ball and score.


“I don’t really like playing penalties but before picking the ball I knew I will score so I went into the spot kick with confidence and I managed to score and give us the win”, She added.


The charismatic captain of the team called on Ghanaians to support the team in their game against Paraguay and was confident that they will do everything to bring smiles on the faces of all their fans in the final group game.


Kick off time for the final group D match against Paraguay is 19:15pm (4:15pm Ghana Time).


Source : GFA



Black Maidens Begin Preparations For Final Group Match

WCQ 2018: : Damba Picks Brimah Ahead of Kwaresey

Former Blacks Stars goalkeeper, Abubakari Damba, has urged coach of the Black Stars, Avram Grant, to make Razak Brimah his first choice goalkeeper for reasons of consistency.

Damba



Grant is still undecided as to which goalkeeper will be selected to start Friday’s opening 2018 World Cup qualifier against Uganda in Tamale.



But Damba, a national icon known for his superb agility in the post during his days, has advised Grant as to the way forward in solving the inconsistent decisions regarding the goalkeeping department of the current Black Stars team.



He said: “Looking at our Black Stars team, we have been very confident in Brimah, even though he may be having challenges or making mistakes, but he’s the most capped goalkeeper among the three current goalkeepers and also, the one who is used to our back line.


“Now, I’m not looking at him as an individual but rather, a team player and I think Razak Braimah should be in the post for us because of consistency”, he told Ashh FM.



Brimah was in-between the sticks in the final 2017 Africa Cup of Nations against Rwanda, while Kwarasey started against Russia.




WCQ 2018: : Damba Picks Brimah Ahead of Kwaresey

FA Veep Denies Knowledge Of Stars-Bafana Friendly Cancellation

The Vice President of the Ghana Football Association, George Akwesi Afriyie says they are yet to receive any letter from the ministry concerning the cancellation of the Black Stars friendly game against Bafana Bafana.




In an exclusive interview on Nyhirah FM, Nii Lante Vanderpuye declared that due to the amount the country will derive from the friendly game, the ministry has decided against sanctioning the game.



However,George Afriyie has revealed that he only heard of the minister’s suggestions on the airwaves, but they are yet receive any official letter from the ministry.





He told Happy Fm sports, “We’ve not had any official letter in regards to what the minister said. I only heard it on the radio yesterday that he’ll not sanction the match, which I think It’s unfortunate.”



“I believe as minister if you don’t understand something concerning the Black Stars, the best people to contact is the FA rather than go on the radio station. If his argument is that the game will not benefit us economically because of the money we’ll get from the game isn’t enough, I don’t believe so.”


“I think the media is the cause of all this. How can a radio station call someone who doesn’t have any information on the Black Stars, when there people who have managed the team are there to be called for more explanation. I challenge anyone who says Zambia got 1 Million $ from the friendly game they played against Japan.”











FA Veep Denies Knowledge Of Stars-Bafana Friendly Cancellation

2018 WCQ: Ghana Has Been Our Focus - Uganda"s Coach

Uganda Cranes Coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, has indicated that their main focus has always been on the Black Stars of Ghana, so their loss against Togo in Tuesday’s international friendly, cannot be used as basis for judgement.


 


The Cranes are due to face the Black Stars of Ghana on October 7th, at the Tamale Sports Stadium in the opener of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.


 


“We have no time to dwell on the result of the game we played against Togo because our focus has always been on the game against Ghana on October 7th.


 


The Togo game simply helped us identify areas we need to improve and polish some others to help us get a very good result in Tamale.’ Micho said  after the training session that lasted close to two hours.


 


Meanwhile the Cranes are expected to arrive in Ghana on Thursday morning,via Accra to Tamale and train at exactly 16 : 00 GMT.



2018 WCQ: Ghana Has Been Our Focus - Uganda"s Coach

WCQ 2018 : Uganda Cranes Hold Last Training In Lome (Photos)

On Wednesday evening, the Uganda Cranes  team held a successful training session in Lome where the team has been in an acclimatization camped ahead of their World Cup Russia 2016 qualifier against Ghana on Friday October 7th in Tamale.


uganda-cranes-3


The first part of the recovery training after Tuesday’s international build up match against Togo mainly focused on retaining possession and quickly retaining it from the opponent once its lost before it switched to the utilization of wings and crossing of balls into the penalty area.


uganda-cranes-5


Goalkeeper Denis Onyango who didn’t feature in Tuesday’s game against Togo after joining the team late owing to flight delays today joined the team in training and was in good spirit as goalkeeping coach took him and his assistants Salim Jamal and Benjamin Ochan through the drills.


The team will tomorrow morning leave Lome and head to Tamale via Accra in time for the last team training at the venue of the game on Friday.


 


FUFA



WCQ 2018 : Uganda Cranes Hold Last Training In Lome (Photos)

WCQ 2018: Black Stars Train In Tamale Ahead Of Uganda Clash

The Black Stars of Ghana have held their first training session at the Tamale Sports Stadium ahead of Friday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Uganda.







The senior national team will begin their World Cup qualification campaign against the Cranes of Uganda before taking on Egypt and Congo.

All invited players were present at the training session for today’s training in Tamale including Adam Kwarasey, Thomas Partey and Jeffery Schlupp who joined the team late.

The Black Stars will travel to South Africa for a friendly match after Friday’s qualifier which will kick off at 3:30pm.


Source : GFA




WCQ 2018: Black Stars Train In Tamale Ahead Of Uganda Clash

Wednesday 5 October 2016

GPL: Samudeen "Wins" Worst Midfielder Of The Season

Hearts of Oak highly rated midfielder, Samudeen Ibrahim has attributed his below par performance in the just ended Ghana Premier League to injury after he was voted as the worst midfielder in the Happy FM’s Golden Bin Awards.


The silky midfielder was signed by the Premier league giants from King Solomon  FC after winning the Most Valuable Player in the 2015 Division One league, and instantly became the toast of the club’s supporters with impressive displays in the latter part of their pre-season and in the first game of the premiership season against New Edubiase United.


He won the Most Valuable Player in that match, but had to substituted in the dying embers of the game with an ankle injury.


However, he failed to repeat his early season form upon his return from a long lay-off, which made supporters of the club to charge on the player for his abysmal outings.


And after being voted as the midfielder to have disappointed most in the season under review, Samudeen said,”I know I’ve disappointed many people who were expecting so much from me and if the fans say i was the worst in my position, i’m okay with that.”


“I started the season very well up until the time i sustained the ankle injury. Ever since i started playing football, i’ll say that was the first time i’d experienced such an injury. It affected me greatly because i believe the time i returned, the season was far gone.”


“I’m really disappointed in myself, but i’m promising all Hearts of fans that next season, they’ll see the real Samudeen they’ve been craving for.



GPL: Samudeen "Wins" Worst Midfielder Of The Season

Nii Lantey Disapproves Stars-Bafana Friendly

Minister of Youth and Sports, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye says they will not sanction the friendly match against South Africa due to its insignificance.


 


Nii Lante declared in an interview on Happy FM yesterday that the ministry is unaware of any upcoming game with South Africa and that if they are approached by the Ghana Football Association at the last hour, they will study it internally to see the necessary step

to take.


 


However, the outspoken sports minister has come out boldly today on Nhyira FM to declare that they are not ready to approve the game as they deem it not important for the country.


 


“The ministry will not sanction the friendly match against South Africa because the country will not get anything from it,” says Nii Lante on Nhyira FM.


 


“We’ve weighed the pros and cons of the game and I must admit, it will not favour the country in any way.”



Nii Lantey Disapproves Stars-Bafana Friendly

Stars To Be Paid Bonus Arrears Before Uganda Match

Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Lante Vanderpuye has revealed that the Black Stars will receive their bonuses for the Mauritius game before the World Cup qualifier match against Uganda on Friday.


 


The Black Stars defeated Les Dodos of Mauritius 2 nil in the penultimate game of the Gabon 2017 AFCON qualifier to book their tickets.


 


And after four months, the minister of the youth and sports has indicated that they are ready to honour bonuses owed to the players that partook in that match before they undertake the Cranes of Uganda in the first game of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier at the Tamale sports stadium on Frinday.


 


“All the players that played in the Mauritius match will receive their bonuses before the Uganda match,” he said.


“We’ll pay the bonuses of this Friday’s match before our next game is played, if we win.”

The Black stars are drawn in Group E of the 2018 World Cup qualifier alongside Uganda, Egypt and Congo.



Stars To Be Paid Bonus Arrears Before Uganda Match

Minister To Meet Stars In Tamale

Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has declared that he will be meeting the leadership of the Black Stars tonight in Tamale.


This comes after the minster snubbed the customary handshake of players before every Black Stars game against Rwanda in the last match of the 2017 AFCON qualifier at the Accra sports stadium, which created so much hullabaloo in the country.

Nii Lante has disclosed that he is ready to meet the leadership of the side in a bid to empower them ahead of the crunch tie against the Cranes of Uganda


“I will be meeting the management of the Black Stars tonight in Tamale.


“I wouldn’t want anybody to create feud between me and the players. I don’t think it will work” Nii Lante said in an exclusive interview on Nhyira FM.


The Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports was quizzed on whether the rumour making rounds that the bonuses of the players has been increased will be the main topic for discussion.

Nii Lante answered: “The bonus of the Black Stars has not changed, they will receive $8000 in cedis. If it changes, I’ll be the first person to inform public.”


The Black Stars are seeking to qualify to a fourth successive World Cup in Russia after being drawn in Group E against Egypt, Congo and Uganda.



Minister To Meet Stars In Tamale

Ghana Vs Uganda: "We Have To Break This Jinx" - Gyan

Black Stars skipper, Asamoah Gyan, insists the Cranes of Uganda have long been a thorn in their flesh as they have found it difficult to overcome them whenever they lock horns.


 


The Black Stars of Ghana open their 2018 World Cup campaign on Friday, October 7,2016 against the Cranes in Tamale.


 


The Black Stars have a better head-to-head record to Uganda, having won six, drawn four and lost three.


 


But Gyan, in an interview with the press after their first training session, admitted how tough the Cranes have been in recent years, especially having drawn in Ghana when they last clashed.


 


He said: “Since 2003, that I joined the national team, the Ugandans have been our headache. It’s either we draw or they win, but this time round, we will try and break that jinx because all my team mates are aware of the fact.


 


“So we are mentally prepared for the encounter and we hope to get good results”, he concluded.




Ghana Vs Uganda: "We Have To Break This Jinx" - Gyan

2018 WCQ: Stars To Be Paid "Befitting" And "Affordable" Bonuses - MoYS

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Honorable Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has indicated that the Black Stars players would receive a befitting bonus and a package that his ministry can afford, ahead of Friday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Uganda.


 


Even though the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) have not yet reached a mutual consensus in relation to the winning bonus required for the team, the Sports Minister has hinted that the Black Stars would receive a befitting settlement.


 


In an interview with Accra-based radio station, Happy Fm, the minister said: “We have not yet reached a consensus, but there are negotiations ongoing between the MoYS and Management Committee of the Black Stars, but I can assure all Ghanaians that we will pay a bonus that is well deserved and affordable.


 


“So far, the players have not complained about what they are receiving, so it’s my assumption that at least, it will serve as a yardstick to decide on what to pay and, we shall do everything in the interest of Ghana and pay bonuses which can be sustainable going into the future.”




2018 WCQ: Stars To Be Paid "Befitting" And "Affordable" Bonuses - MoYS

"We"re Expecting Massive Support In Tamale" - Gyan

Captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan, has shared the team’s expectation of massive support from the people of Tamale and Ghanaians in general, as they prepare to take on the Cranes of Uganda on Friday, October 7, 2016.


 


The 30-year-old striker pleaded with Ghanaians to render unflinching support to the team to ensure success in Ghana’s World Cup qualifying campaign, as the focus is not all about qualifying but winning all the games.


 


Gyan, who is the top scorer for the Black Stars of Ghana with 49 goals said: “I am appealing to all the fans to come in their numbers.


 


When the Black Stars are playing, the whole country is involved, but not a section of supporters who have come to support their personal club. “If anything happens, everyone in Ghana is going to be affected, but not individuals, so I’m expecting all Ghanaians to be behind the team.”


 


The Black Stars have safely arrived in Tamale as at Wednesday morning and, they will proceed to visit Chiefs at 2pm and train at exactly 3:30pm at the Tamale Sports Stadium.




"We"re Expecting Massive Support In Tamale" - Gyan

2018 WCQ: Agyemang Badu Wary of Uganda"s Quality

Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu says he and his teammates are wary of the threat the Uganda Cranes pose ahead of Friday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier to be played at the Tamale Sports Stadium.


 


Uganda in their two recent meetings with Ghana in African Cup of Nations qualifiers,won in Kampala and drew in Kumasi and they have certainly established themselves as a major threat for Ghana in past recent years.


 


Agyemang-Badu didn’t hesitate to highlight the quality the Uganda Cranes posses, he said: “The Cranes of Uganda have the quality to make the encounter a difficult one for us,  but we also have the quality to match them , this World Cup opener is very important  to us.”


 







Agyemang Badu also pleaded with the fans to come in their numbers to the Tamale Stadium and support the Black Stars to victory.


 




2018 WCQ: Agyemang Badu Wary of Uganda"s Quality

Maria Sharapova Ban Reduced

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned a two-year suspension that Sharapova received after she tested positive for a banned substance on the WADA (World- Anti-Doping-Agency) list to 15 months


Early in the year Sharapova informed the world that she tested positive for the drug   meldonium at this year’s Australian Open.


Sharapova claimed ignorance for not knowing the drug she had been taking for 10 years for a heart condition, was on the list of banned substances as of January 1st of this year.


As a result of testing positive Sharapova was handed a two-year suspension by the ITF causing her to miss the last three grand slams of the year, as well as other significant tournaments.


The decision was immediately appeal by Sharapova’s lawyers who stated the decision was a “stunning repudiation”, due to what he believed was a lack of notification that meldonium had entered the banned substance list. The CAS agreed to an extent stating in their ruling that Sharapova “bore some fault” but “less than a significant amount of the fault”.


 


For Sharapova it has been a trying time. Since announcing her positive test she has received heavy criticism from tennis fans and from fellow players. Sharapova even lost some endorsement deals.


 




Maria Sharapova Ban Reduced

Togo Pip Uganda In Friendly

Uganda Cranes suffered a 1-0 defeat to Togo on Tuesday night as the prepare to take on the Black Stars of Ghana in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.


 


Lalawele Atakora’s half hour goal was enough to hand the hosts victory ahead of the Cranes who were not sharper in front of goal.


 


The Cranes even though very wasteful had their moments in the first half, Farouk Miya, skipper Geoffrey Massa and Kizito Luwagga involved in a sleek passing move only for Togo goalkeeper Kossi Agassa to stop the shot.


 


The Cranes returned from recess hungrier, Togo fans even applauding Oloya after his trickery bamboozled Togo’s Kouloun Maklibè.


 


Micho seemed encouraged, later throwing on Yunus Sentamu in place of Luwagga as the Cranes pushed for an equalizer.


Togo did force the Cranes back, Murushid Juuko intercepting a dangerous ball in the visitors’ area as the clock clicked away which made the hawks of Togo earn the win at the end of the game.


 


Meanwhile, the Cranes are expected to arrive in Ghana on Thursday, 6 October, 2016 ahead of the match with Ghana which will be played in Tamale.


 




Togo Pip Uganda In Friendly

Former Ghana coach Osam Duodu Passes Away

Former National team coach, Fred Osam Duodo has passed away after battling illness over the past weeks.


The 1978 AFCON winning coach  passed away Tuesday evening at the Korle-bu teaching hospital where he had been admitted.


The late Osam Doudu won the African Cup of Nations with Ghana in 1978 and also coached in other African countries, including Gambia where he led them to lift the  2005 U-17 African Youth Championship trophy.


He won the 1993 African U-20 Nations Cup and a silver medal at the 1993 FIFA World Youth Championship after a similar feat on during the African U20 Championship.


He was Ghana’s coach during the 2002 African Cup of Nations, held in Mali.


He also coached senior national team the Black Stars at various periods from 1978 -1981, 1988- 1989 and also in 2002.


He acted as technical director and General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association at a point and was the president of the Coaches Association.

He was also a CAF and FIFA Instructor.







Source : GFA




Former Ghana coach Osam Duodu Passes Away

Tuesday 4 October 2016

2018 WC: FA Boss Rallies Support Ahead Of Uganda Tie

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, has mentioned the need for massive support for the Black Stars, as they take on the Cranes of Uganda in Friday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier to be played at the Tamale Sports Stadium.


 


Support for the Black Stars from Ghanaians has been low since the team’s abysmal performance at the Brazil 2014 WC, further exaggerated by the ‘feud’ between the football association and its sector ministry.


 


After their first training session at the Accra Sports Stadium, Nyantaki said: “I’m making an appeal to all Ghanaians to rally behind the team and offer them the needed support, we need people to fill the stadium on Friday.


 


“So I’m using this medium  to appeal to Ghanaians who are around Tamale to troop to the stadium and offer their unflinching support to the team in their drive to qualifier for the World  Cup.”


 


The Black Stars will depart for Tamale on Wednesday, October 5, as they are expected to pay a courtesy call on chiefs of the region ahead of the World Cup qualifier.



2018 WC: FA Boss Rallies Support Ahead Of Uganda Tie

2018 WCQ: Fifa Exco Member Addresses Black Stars

President of the Ghana Football Association(GFA) as well as newly-elected Fifa Executive Council member, Kwesi Nyantakyi, has received and addressed players of the Black Stars who have reported to camp ahead of their 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Cranes of Uganda on Friday, October 7, 2016.


 


A total of 21 out of the 24 players have arrived in camp, the remaining three; Jeffery Schulpp, Adam Kwarasey and Thomas Partey are due to join the team tonight.


 


After their first training session, which lasted two hours at the Accra Sports Stadium, Nyantaki said: “We have embarked on an important journey towards the World Cup in Russia in 2018, the match is a very crucial one and even though we have the experience of qualifying for the World Cup, this challenge is a different one.


 


“The expectation of every Ghanaian is that, we play and win against Uganda, to set the tone for qualification to the World Cup,” he concluded.




2018 WCQ: Fifa Exco Member Addresses Black Stars

WCQ (Photos): Kwarasey, Partey And Schlupp To Complete Squad

The Black Stars of Ghana held their first training session today at the Accra Sports Stadium ahead of their 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Cranes of Uganda on Friday, October 7, 2016.


black-stars-training-2
Photos by Senyuiedzorm Awusi Adadevoh

 


The training session which lasted for two hours saw 21 out of  24 players engaged in numerous training activities which was led by head coach, Avram Grant and his assistant Maxwell Konadu in very hot weather.


black-stars-4
Photos by Senyuiedzorm Awusi Adadevoh

Three players which include Jeffery Schulpp, Adam Kwaresey and Thomas Partey are yet to arrive in camp,but they are expected to arrive this evening.


 


Inusah Musah and Emmanuel Ocran were in action as well and, closely monitored by Grant.


 


The team is due to fly out to Tamale tomorrow morning with its full compliment.


 




WCQ (Photos): Kwarasey, Partey And Schlupp To Complete Squad

Team News : Black Maidens Coach Makes One Change Ahead Of USA Match

Black Maidens Head Coach Evans Adotey has made one change to his starting lineup for Tuesday’s FIFA U-17 World Cup second group stage match against USA.


Ampem Darkoa Ladies defender Mawia Uwaisa will replace Linda Amoako who started Saturday’s opening game against Japan at the right back position.


Ottawa South United’s Karza Massey will start in post again the for Black Maidens with Cecilia Hagan at the left back position.


Grace Asantewaa and Fuseina Mumuni will play in central midfield with Adiza Kubrah Mustapha and Rafia Mustapha Kulchire playing on the flanks.


Skipper of the side Sandra Owusu Ansah will support Gifty Acheampong in attackfor today’s all important match.


Kick off time is 4:00pm (1:00pm Ghana time).


Black Maidens XI vs USA:


1. Kayza Ka-a Ayine Massey


2. Mawia Uwaisa


3. Cecilia Hagan


4. Shine Blessing Agbomadzi


5. Philicity Asuako


6. Fuseina Mumuni


7. Adizatu Kubrah Mustapha


8. Grace Asantewaaa


9. Gifty Acheampong


10. Sandra Owusu Ansah (C)


11. Rafia Al-Hassan Kulchire


Source : GFA




Team News : Black Maidens Coach Makes One Change Ahead Of USA Match

WCQ: "I"ll Be The First In Tamale" - Nii Lantey

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Honorable Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has reiterated the need to garner support for the Black Stars ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier, suggesting he will take the lead to Tamale where the match will be played.


The Black Stars face off against the Cranes of Uganda on Friday, October 7, 2016 in Group D’s opener.


The sports minister has emphasized the need to put all issues aside and concentrate on the upcoming task for the nation, as it supersedes all personal differences.


In an interview with Accra-based radio station, Happy Fm, the minister said: “I will be leaving for Tamale either this evening or tomorrow morning.


“Everything, with regards to their accommodation has been well taken care of.


“I will deliver whatever message the President of the Republic has for them and I pray they listen to it in good faith and do their best for the country.”


Meanwhile, the Black Stars are due to have their first training session this morning at the Accra Sports Stadium and leave for tamale at exactly 4pm.




WCQ: "I"ll Be The First In Tamale" - Nii Lantey

AshGold Supporters Demonstrate Against Fianoo

Irate Supporters of AshGold are calling for Kudjoe Fianoo to vacate his position as the chief executive officer of the club.


A member of the supporter’s union of the club, Nicholas Appiah says that Kudjoe Fianoo, who doubles the chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Associations (GHALCA) time as head of the club has elapsed because of style of management and scheming ways in player transfer.


“We are fed up with Kudjoe Fianoo and his management team. We want them out of the club or else we’ll not give them peace till they leave our loving club for us,” he said on Happy FM sports.


“The man has spent 11 years in the club without anything to show for. Have you seen anyone spending 11 years as the head of a club in Ghana? The AshantiGold company gives him 5,000 $ every month to run the club but we don’t see any change in the club’s fortunes. And because he knows that we need his services no more, he has brought in BetWAY people to invest in the club, but all we’re saying is that he should just leave the club quietly.


 


We know that if we accept this BetWay investors, they’ll maintain him as the chief executive, and that’s something we’re trying to avoid.”


“Ever since Fianoo has been in office, the only time we’ve received a transfer fee under his tenure was the sale of Kadiri Mohammed, and even with that one, we wouldn’t know where the money would go had it not been the intervention of one of our members.


 


There’re several players that AshGold has sold, but the transfer monies are nowhere to be found, Wakaso, Bernard Morrison and recently our captain, Eric Opoku. If he doesn’t heed to our warning and he comes back to Obuasi, what will happen will happen.”








AshGold Supporters Demonstrate Against Fianoo

FIFA U17 WC: Black Maidens Face Uphill Task Vs USA

The Ghana Under-17 Women’s national team, the Black Maidens, will continue their contest at the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on October 4, against USA at the King Abdullah II International Stadium in Amman, Jordan.


The match will be aired live on GTV Sports+ starting at 13:00 hrs GMT.


After suffering  humiliation from their Japanese counterparts in their group opener, Coach Evans Adotey and his girls will have to be at their best if they can secure something as they face USA who also beat Paraguay by 6-1 in their opening match.







Ghana are bottom of Group D with Japan leading on 3points followed by USA with 3 points, Paraguay and Ghana have no point.




FIFA U17 WC: Black Maidens Face Uphill Task Vs USA

Results Of National U15 Championship Opening Matches

The National U15 Championship commenced last weekend across the country.


Below are the results of matches played over the weekend:


Northern Sector


KUMASI: Ashanti “A” 1 – 0 Tamale Utrecht Academy


WA: Upper West 1 – 1 Northern Region

(Northern Region won 5 – 3 on penalties)


SUNYANI: Brong Ahafo “B” 0 – 0 Ashanti “B”

(Brong Ahafo “B” won 7 – 6 on penalties)


BOLGA: Upper East 0-0 Brong Ahafo “A”

(Upper East won 4 – 2 on penalties)


Southern Sector


5. H0: Volta 0-0 Greater Accra”A”

Match rained off


6. KOFORIDUA :Winneba 3-2 Eastern


7. ACCRA: Gt.Accra A 3 -3Western

(Western won 3-0 on penalties )


8. CAPE COAST:Central 0-1 Unistar


League Table Northern sector


P W D L. F A PT GD

Ashanti A  1  1  0 0  1 0  3   +1

Brong    B 1 0  1 0  0 0  2     0

Uppereast 1 0  1 0  0 0  2     0

North        1 0  1 0  1 1  2     0

Upperwest 1 0 1 0  1 1  1      0

Ashanti  B  1 0 1 0  0 0  1      0

Brong    A  1 0 1 0  0 0  1      0

Utrecht      1 0 0 1  0 1  0     -1


League Table southern sector


P W D L. F A PT GD

Winneba 1  1  0  0 3 1  3   +1

Unistar    1  1  0  0 1 1  3   +1

Western  1  0  1  0 3 3  2     0

Accra A  1  0  1  0 3 3  1     0

Accra B  1  0  1  0 0 0  1     0

Volta       1  0  1   0 0 0  1    0

Central    1 0   0   1 0 1  0   -1

Eastern   1 0   0   1 2  3 0   -1




Results Of National U15 Championship Opening Matches

Monday 3 October 2016

Nyantakyi Appointed To Serve On UG Sports Board

President of the Ghana Football Association Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi has been appointed to serve on the University of Ghana Sports Advisory Board.


The University of Ghana Sports Advisory Board is the highest decision  making body of the Sports Directorate.


The Board is chaired by the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs) and is made up of the Director of Sports, Assistant Registrar at the Sports Directorate as well as representatives of the Ghana Education Service, National Sports Authority and other key individuals from the University of Ghana.


The core remit of the Board are the following:


1. To formulate policies towards the realization of the University’s strategic plans regarding Sports in its entire dimension recreational, health, competitive and academic.


2. To advise on the integration of sports as an academic discipline within the course credit system


3. To consider ways in which the Sports Directorate can be strengthened and enabled to effectively serve the recreational, health, competitive and academic needs of the University in particular and external public in general


4. To advise on the development and optimal use of prevailing Sports infrastructure with a view to maintaining at international levels.


Mr. Nyantakyi who is an alumni of the University of Ghana, will be expected to use his expertise and knowledge to help promote Sports at the University.




Nyantakyi Appointed To Serve On UG Sports Board

2018 WCQ: Black Stars Reschedule Training

The Black Stars of Ghana have rescheduled their first training session from Monday to Tuesday,  October 4, at 10:00 hrs GMT ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Cranes of Uganda.


The team’s first session was rescheduled to accommodate the delay in arrival to camp of majority of the players. As at Monday morning, only a handful had reported to camp for Friday’s clash in Tamale.


In an interview with Sportscrusader.com, the spokesperson for the GFA, Mr Sanni Daara, said: “The Black Stars were due to train today (Monday), but due to the minimal number of players that had arrived, it was virtually impossible to kick-start their first training session.


“Majority of the players are expected to arrive Monday evening, ” he concluded.




2018 WCQ: Black Stars Reschedule Training

GFA To Announce Partnership With University of Ghana

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kwesi Nyantakyi will hold a press conference tomorrow to announce a partnership with the University of Ghana (UG).


Mr Nyantakyi will join the university authorities on Tuesday evening 4:30pm to also launch the University of Ghana Football League.


He will use the launch of the league to announce the various measures the GFA is undertaking to help develop football talents and administrators in the university.


The new FIFA Executive Council member will also use the opportunity to announce talks between the GFA and UG to establish academic programmes in football and sports in general.


The media is kindly invited to cover the event which takes place at the University of Ghana’s Sports Directorate at 4:30pm.


Source : GFA




GFA To Announce Partnership With University of Ghana

Boxing: Tyson Fury Announces Retirement

World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury says he has retired from boxing in an expletive-laden message on Twitter.


 


The Briton, 28, withdrew from a rematch with Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko, scheduled for 29 October, because of reported mental health issues.


Fury, who holds the WBA and WBO titles,faces a hearing into a charge for an alleged doping violation in November.


 


“Boxing is the saddest thing I ever took part in” read his tweet, adding: “I’m the greatest, and also retired.” Fury had been scheduled to earn the biggest purse of his career for his second fight with Klitschko at the Manchester Arena this month. He postponed the original rematch against the Ukrainian, which was scheduled for July, after injuring an ankle in training.


 


He has been given 10 days by the World Boxing Organisation to provide detailed reasons for his second withdrawal.


 


Fury is under investigation, having been charged by the UK Anti-Doping Agency (Ukad) in June, after traces of a banned substance were allegedly found in a urine sample.




Boxing: Tyson Fury Announces Retirement

WCQ 2018: Ghana Better Beware - Uganda Player

Uganda defender, Denis Iguma, has reiterated the need for self belief ahead of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Black Stars of Ghana on Friday, October 7, 2016.


The Cranes of Uganda, after having secured a place at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations due to be held in Gabon, are now focused on the task of making it to Russia 2018, while being in the same group with some of Africa’s heavyweights, namely Egypt, Ghana and Congo for the World Cup qualifiers.


In an interview with FIFA.com, the Lebanon-based defender who plays for Al-Ahed Sport Club said: “Our national motto is; ‘For God and My Country’. Football is easy when you believe in yourself. If you do that, you can achieve your objectives.”


Believing that the Cranes need to stay grounded, however, he added: “There are no small teams in football. The other sides in our group are strong and they have some quality players who play in Europe.


“Most of our side play in Africa, with only a few based in Europe. We give our all for our country though.”


The Cranes have left Kampala to Lome where they will play the Hawks of Togo in an international friendly on Tuesday.




WCQ 2018: Ghana Better Beware - Uganda Player

Bradley Named As Swansea Coach

American Bob Bradley will replace Francesco Guidolin as Swansea City manager, the Premier League club said on Monday after sacking Guidolin.


Bradley, 58, who has been in charge at Le Havre in the French second division, is the former United States national team coach.


Bradley was hired as the Egyptian national team manager in November 2011 with the target of taking the Pharaohs to the 2014 World Cup for the first time since 1990, but he failed.


 


Former Udinese coach Guidolin took over Swansea in January and kept the Welsh club clear of relegation, but they have struggled this season and are fourth bottom of the table after seven games.




Bradley Named As Swansea Coach

Africa U-17 Championship : Draw Date Set For October 24

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will hold the draw for the U17 Championship on Monday,October 24, 2016  at their Headquarters in Cairo.


STARLETTS


 


The tournament which is scheduled to take place in Madagascar, from the 2–16 April 2017 will see eight teams including Madagascar,Angola,Cameroon,Congo,Ghana,Mali,Niger compete for the ultimate trophy


Ghana booked a place at next year’s competition which will be hosted by Madagascar after ejecting neighbors Cote d’ Ivoire in the final round of qualifiers.


The Black Starlets will be hoping to redeem their image after an awful performance in their last appearance in 2013 where they failed to advance past the group stage.




Africa U-17 Championship : Draw Date Set For October 24

2018 FIFA WC : Black Stars To Commence Training Today

The Black Stars of Ghana will hold their first training today at the Accra Sports Stadium at 15 :00 hrs GMT ahead of Friday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Uganda Cranes


On Saturday, Ghana coach, Avram Grant, named his 23-man squad for the clash, and reports have it that numerous players have already arrived.


Meanwhile their counterparts Uganda Cranes have left Kampala to Lome where they will

play the Hawks of Togo in an international friendly on Tuesday.


Grant will be hoping to have a full house by Tuesday to enable them depart to Tamale by Wednesday,5 October,2016.




2018 FIFA WC : Black Stars To Commence Training Today