Pictures: Premier League Side Aduana Stars Acquire New 40-Seater Bus

The Board and Management of Aduana Stars are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to win the 2015/16 premier league and among the many new incentives they have brought on board is a new 40-seaster bus for the playing body as well as the technical team.

With the acquisition of seasoned players to compliment the already exciting ones, the Club has brought in brand new bus which is yet to be cleared at the Tema harbour.

The fully air-condition bus has all the modern facilities that a team bus should have. a preview of the bus by footballcrusader.com at the Tema harbour shows that it has facilities such as a fridge, flat screen television, announcers box and ver comfortable seats for both players and officials of the team.

This will come as a good news to all Aduana Stars fans, players and technical team members.

It will b recalled that Aduana Stars used the team bus of fellow premiership side Sekondi Hasaacas during the 2016 G-6 Invitational Tournament held at the Essipong stadium from 7th-10th January 2016.

Below are some shots of the new bus as it awaits clearance at the port.

Photo Credit: George Gyawu.

Pictures: Premier League Side Aduana Stars Acquire New 40-Seater Bus

GHALCA Heavyweights Clash Over "Village Club" Remarks

Officials of Techiman City FC have called the decision of former Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) boss, Joseph Yaw Appiah, to lead clubs in the Brong Ahafo region to withdraw their membership from GHALCA as an illegality and one that smacks of inferiority complex.

The action by JY Appiah followed disparaging remarks passed by Alhaji Ali Raji, about premier league outfit, Aduana Stars.

Alhaji Raji, the present chairman of GHALCA, was alleged to have tagged Aduana Stars a ‘village’ club not worthy of winning the just-ended G6 tournament played in Sekondi, moments after they qualified to the finals. The event was eventually won by Kumasi Asante Kotoko after defeating the Dormaa Ahenkro side.

Mr. Appiah, who is also the director of Tano Bofoakwa Football Club, is leading a crusade to see all 86 clubs in the Brong Aharfo Region, made up of 75 second division clubs, seven division one clubs and four Premier sides, to withdraw their membership from the club’s welfare body – if Alhaji Raji remains at post.

“We expect Alhaji Raji to come out and apologise but instead he is going round denying what he said and that has infuriated clubs from the Brong Ahafo region who are calling for his resignation from GHALCA or they would withdraw en bloc from the association.

“I have ordered for the drafting of an undertaking to be signed by all the Brong Ahafo region-based clubs so we pull out of GHALCA for good,” he stressed.

However, spokesperson of Techiman City FC, one of the Brong Ahafo clubs, Mr. Kofi Manu, has discredited the action of Mr. Appiah and noted that it is distasteful and an affront to the football fraternity.

“His action has no basis and the earlier he withdraws that threat, the better it would be for Ghana football.

“Yes, we all agree that what the GHALCA chairman said was not good and many have condemned it, but you do not base on that to say that what he said was against all Brong Ahafo clubs and so you would turn the clubs against the association.”

According to him, what Alhaji Raji was alleged to have said is not the official position of the association, so why would one want to bring the association into such an issue.

“FIFA frowns on actions based on tribal sentiments. His actions is an infringement on the status of our own GFA. It is wrong for him to make a regional grouping and say they are pulling out of an association.”

For him, Techiman City would not be party to such a shame and an illegality,” he told Asempa FM yesterday.

GHALCA Heavyweights Clash Over "Village Club" Remarks

"We Will "Kill" You When You Come To Dormaa"-Aduana Stars Fans Warn Alhaji Raji

Angry fans of Dormaa based Aduana Stars, have warned GHALCA boss, Alhaji Raji not to ever step a foot at any of their home games, else he will have the shock of his life.

This was after the GHALCA boss’ voice was captured in a recording stating that Aduana Stars was a ‘village team’ and that he doesn’t want them to win the G-6 Invitational Tournament which was held at the Sekondi Essipong stadium from the 7th-10th January 2016.

Asante Kotoko won the tournament, beating Aduana Stars by a lone goal. Centre referee for the final match, Issaka Afful gave some dubious decisions s against Aduana during the game, an action that did not go down well with the Aduana fans who called for the head of the GHALCA boss after the game.

Most of them trooped to the entrance of the referee’s changing room in anger after the game to voice out their displeasure. But in the midst of their anger against the whom they mentioned was officiated the game under the instructions of the GHALCA boss who earlier, was quoted as saying that he will prefer Kotoko to in the tournament ahead of ‘village team’ Aduana Stars.

“We want to make a point before we leave here that both the GHALCA boss, Alhaji Raji and the referee should not step a foot in Dormaa for any of our games otherwise what will happen to them should not be blamed on us”, the Aduana Stars supporters chanted.

One seemingly angry fan went to the extreme with his threat saying that they will kill the two any time they are sighted at Dorma.

“They say we are villagers so we don’t deserve to win any trophy. We hear. They should also not setup a foot in Dormaa, otherwise, we will kill them like the villagers that we are”.

"We Will "Kill" You When You Come To Dormaa"-Aduana Stars Fans Warn Alhaji Raji

"It Was A Pianful Loss To Kotoko In G-6 Final"-Godfred Saka

Captain of Aduana Stars Godfred Saka has mentioned that it was very painful to see Asante Kotoko lift the G-6 Invitational Tournament trophy, judging from the fact that they had several chances to win the game.

Kotoko won the G-6 tournament by beating Aduana Stars, thanks to a lone goal scored by winger Halipha Sedogo in the 47th minute. Aduana in the 3rd minute was awarded a penalty, but Godfred Saka’s kick was saved by Kotoko goalkeeper, Eric Ofori Antwi.

“It was very painful, especially for me as my penalty miss later came to haunt us. We played well as a team and managed to create several goalscoring chances so I expected more in the end”, Saka told footballcrusader.com.

“We were very determined to win the tournament and that was our aim prior to its commencement, but it’s happened and we have to move on as a team.”

For Saka, he and his colleagues are content with the fact that they ended the tournament with a medal (silver) and won the bet defender award, an action that was conferred on Yakubu Mohammed.

“Yes we did not win, but I believe that we did not disgrace ourselves at all. The team played very well in all matches and we conceded only a goal, so for me, the team is gradually gelling ahead of the new season.”

"It Was A Pianful Loss To Kotoko In G-6 Final"-Godfred Saka

Aduana Stars Yakubu Mohammed Wins Best Defender Of The G-6 Invitational Tournament

Young intelligent defender, Yakubu Mohammed has been adjudged the Best Defender of the 2016 Firs Trust Savings and Loans G-6 Invitational Tournament held at the Essipong stadium from the 7th to 10th January.

The former national under-17 player had a sterling tournament playing in all three games of Aduana Stars. His precise timing coupled with swift man-marking on strikers earned home the man of the match award in their 3-0 drubbing of SC Medeama on Saturday.

He did a wonderful job in putting the brakes on strikers throughout the competition and was actively involved in the final match.

A key component of the present Aduana Stars setup, Mohammed stands tall among his peers and it is expected that he will be one of the exciting players to watch in the next football season.

Very young, tall and athletic, the defender has a bright future only if it is managed well by friends, family and his coaches.

For his prize, he took home  double-burner gas stove as well as a plaque from the headline sponsors of the tournament First Trust Savings and Loans as well a the organizers.

Aduana Stars Yakubu Mohammed Wins Best Defender Of The G-6 Invitational Tournament

Asante Kotoko"s Kwame Boateng Is Best Player Of G-6 Invitational Tournament

Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s striker Kwame Boateng has been voted the Best Player of the 2016 G-6 Invitational Tournament held at the Sekondi Essipong stadium.

The former Accra Great Olympics striker had a wonderful tournament and played in all three matches of Kotoko.

He also emerged as the joint top goal scorer of the tournament  with Aduana Stars Yahaya Mohammed 2 goals in the three matches played.

Boateng, it will be recalled came off the bench in Kotoko’s first match against Berekum Chelsea to score his side’s 3rd goal. He was a constant thorn in the flesh of the defenders throughout the tournament, an action that saw him being fouled on many occasions.

He scored in his first two matches against Chelsea and Ashgold but due to an injury he sustained in the final match, he had to be substituted earlier on in the game.

Kwame Boateng receiving his television from an official of headline sponsors of the tournament First Trust Savings and Loans

For his prize, he received a 32-inch plasma television as well as a plaque from the headline sponsors of the tournament First Trust Savings and Loans.

Asante Kotoko"s Kwame Boateng Is Best Player Of G-6 Invitational Tournament

Asante Kotoko Pip Aduana Stars 1-0 To Win G-6 Invitational Tournament

Kumasi Asante Kotoko have won the 2016 Firs Trust Savings and Loans G-6 Invitational Tournament playec at the Sekondi Essipong stadium.

A lone goal by Burkinabe international, Halipha Sedogo in the 47th minute was enough to see the ‘Porcupine Warriors’ walk away with the giant trophy at stake.

Both team came into the final match having won their respective groups. Kotoko beat Berekum Chelsea 3-1 in their first match played on Friday and drew 1-1 with Ashantigold on Saturday.

Aduana Stars on the other hand drew goalless with Accra Hearts of Oak on Thursday before thrashing SC Medeama 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.

Coincidentally, both Aduana and Kotoko had players gunning for the goalking award with Yahaya Mohammed and Kwame Boateng on two goals each. Unfortunately, none of them could score in the final game.

Aduana Stars made a couple of changes to the team that walloped SC Medeama on Saturday. The likes of Yahaya Mohammed and Richard Mpong were dropped to the bench, an action the coach must be regretting now looking at the impact of the duo when they later came on in the second half.

Coach Michael Osei of Kotoko maintained the same team that drew 1-1 with Ashgold.

The game, as expcted commenced on a high note with both teams gtting at eachother. Indeed it was a livly game by all standards as they fans chered very move by both teams.

The game was 2 minutes old when Aduana Stars were awarded a penalty after Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Ofori Antwi was adjueged to have fouled Daniel Darkwa in the penalty box.

Captain Godfred Saka elected himself to take the kick, but his shot was parried back into play by Kotoko goalkeeper Ofori Antwi, much to the delight of theKotoko fans.

Tyhe game sprung to life since then with end to end action from both teams. Asante Kotoko were forced into making their first substitution of the day in the 32nd minute after striker Kwame Boateng was rplaced by Michael Yeboah.

It looked like a blow to the Kotoko team judging from his qualities as a striker and that fact that he was gunning for the goal king award, but the quality of the Kotoko team made it impossible to see that he want part of the game.

The first half ended goalless.

Back from recess both teams continued from where they left off, with Kotoko slightly on top in terms of ball possession. And it came as little surprise when they scord the first goal of the game, an action that later turnd out to be the match winner.

Halipha Sedogo recive a pass from Elvis Amoh and the Burkinabe international raced into the Aduana Stars penalty box. He was met by s astiff challenge by defender Yakubu Mohammed and both players were shrugged eachother for the ball as they both fell to the ground.

Centre referee Issaka Afful whistld for a penalty an action the Aduana players protested, but th referee stood his grounds.

Halipha Sedogo pickd himself up and took the kick, sending goalkeeper Joseph Addo the wrong way. 1-0 to Kotoko with 47 minutes played.

Kotoko then picked up the momentum and pilled more pressure on Aduana who were by then in sixes and sevens. On one of such occassions defender Yakubu Mohammed was given a yellow card as he hacked down Kotoko’s Stephen Nyarko in a one on one situation.

Aduana thn brought on Yahaya Mohammed for Sam Adams in the 55th minute and followed it up with another change in the 66th minute as Richard Mpong came on for Elvis Opoku. Maxwell Frimpong also made way for Sampson Boampong Wirekoh in the 82nd minute.

Kotoko also came up with their own substitution in the 72nd minute. Reagan Gyeda came on for the goal scorer Halipha Sedogo. Mandela Azeko also came on for Elvis Amoh.

It was a nervy end to the game as Aduana Stars threw more men forward in search of the equalizr, one that will force the game into penalties. But try as they did they couldnt gert the goal the wanted.

Kotoko thus became the first Club to win the G-6 Invitational Tournament, something the organizers have mentioned has come to stay.

Asante Kotoko Pip Aduana Stars 1-0 To Win G-6 Invitational Tournament

G-6: Aduana Stars" Yakubu Mohammed Wins Man-Of-The-Match Award Against Medeama

Aduana Stars talented defender Yakubu Mohammed was voted the man of the match last Saturday when they played against SC Medeama in the match day 3 of the G-6 invitational tournament played at the Essipong stadium.

The young Yakubu Mohammed was one of the many reasons why Medeama could not make any meaningful impact in front of the Aduana goal as his combination with other defenders ensured that the Dormaa based team became the only team in the competition not to have conceded a goal.

His precise and timely tackles coupled with hi ability to join the attack did not go unnoticed by the organizers of the tournament who then announced him as the man of the match.

Aduana scored three unanswered goals against SC Medeama to send them packing out of theG-6 tournament.

They will face Asante Kotoko in the final match of the tournament on Sunday.

Yakubu Mohammed was presented with a plaque from the headline sponsors of the tournament First Trust Savings and Loans.

G-6: Aduana Stars" Yakubu Mohammed Wins Man-Of-The-Match Award Against Medeama

G-6: Aduana Stars Thrash SC Medeama 3-0 To Qualify For Finals

A highly determined Aduana Stars tam led by their charismatic captain Godfred Saka beat SC Medeama 3-0 in the match day 3 of the G-6 Invitational Tournament played on Saturday afternoon at the Essipong stadium.

Medeama needed only a draw to qualify for the finals as they had already beaten Hearts of Oak 1-0 on Friday. Aduana on the other hand, needed to win at all costs because they had only one point coming into the game, after the played a goalless drawn game against Hearts of Oak on Thursday night.

In the opening minutes of the game, both teams were sizing each other up to see how best and were to attach from. But it was Aduana who came out of their shells to seize dominance of the game.

The likes of Richard Mpong, Godfred Saka, Noah Martey and Yahaya Mohammed were terrorising the defence of the FA Cup champions and it was no surprise when they grabbed the first goal in the 19th minute.

Richard Mpong received a precise pass from Yakubu Mohammed who after displacing and outrunning the Medeama players sent in an intelligent cross into the box which met the onrushing Yahaya Mohammed, and he had no problems slotting home the goal with goalkeeper Muntari Tagoe in dream land.

Medeama took up the challenge and mounted countless pressure on Aduana Stars, and in one those attacks won a penalty after Joseph Gordon was fouled in the penalty box.

Dominic Ashun elected himself to take the kick, but could not get the ball past Aduana Stars goalkeeper Joseph Addo as the kick was punched back into play and evetually cleared to safety.

The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Aduana Stars.

Back from recess Coach Tom Strad of Medeama made two quick changes. Ishmael Hammond and Patrick Opoku were taken out and were replaced by Paul Aidoo and Phillip Philip Aseweh.

It was an end to end stuff then on, until in the 75th minute when Aduana Stars increased the tally to two, with Daniel Darkwah the goalscorer.

SC Medeama fought but could not penetrate the formidable Aduana Stars defence.

When all seemed to heading for a 2-0 win for Aduana Stars, a moment of lack of concentration on the part of Medeama goalkeeper Muntari Tagoe saw them concede a penalty.

Tagoe recived a back pass and in he decided to dribble the onrushing Aduana player. Unfortunately, he couldn’t and lost the ball in the penalty box. In a bid to get the ball back, he fouled the player and the referee had no other choice that to whistle for a penalty.

Stariker Yahaya Moahmmed scored the goal to end the game 3-0 in favour of Aduana Stars who will be playing against Asante Kotoko in the finals on Sunday afternoon.

G-6: Aduana Stars Thrash SC Medeama 3-0 To Qualify For Finals

G-6 Day 3 Preview: Who Will Qualify For The Finals?

The Day-3 fixtures of the G-6 Invitational Tournament will come off this afternoon at the Essipong stadium.

The past two days of the competition has produced nothing but thrills and exdcitement for the fans who trooped to the stadium to watch their idol Clubs to battle.

Indeed, the unfortunate incident with the floodlighting on match day one nearly marred the beauty of the tournament, but organizers were able to weather the storm by coming up with some sort of arrangement, thus forcing all matches to be played in the afternoon, instead of the evening.

Originally, the first game was supposed to commence at 4:00 pm with the second 6:45 pm, but all that has been changed now as all matches today will follow the same kickoff times as yesterday, 1:30pm first match and 3:30 pm for the second match.

Today is the final day of the group stages and with two casualties already recorded, the stakes are high for the remaining four team to ensure qualification to the finals tomorrow.

Berekum Chelsea became the first team to exit the competition after they were walloped 3-1 by Asante Kotoko. They drew their first match with Ashantigold, an action that meant that they had only one point to their credit.

Next to xit the competition was Hearts of Oak, who were beaten1-0 by SC Medeama on Friday. Hearts, just like Chelsea, drew their first match with Aduana Stars an action that meant that they have only a point to their nam, making qualification unrealistic.

On paper Asante Kotoko following their 3-1 win over Chelsea look set to be in the finals, but league champions Ashantigold would want to pick the sole ticket from the Group. Ashgold has one point to the name and a win over Kotoko will give them three more, making it four, with Kotoko still with three points.

This could be their motivation this afternoon as they face their old foes once again in a must-win match for both teams. A draw will suit Kotoko very well as Ashgold will exit the competition with just two points.

If not for anything at all, pride and bragging rights will be at stake at the Essipong stadium this afternoon. Kotoko beat Ashgold 1-0 at the Baba Yara stadium last November to lift the SWAG Cup, and the miners will be looking to avenge th at defeat.

In a similar fashion, Aduana Stars who have a point, following their goalless draw with Hearts on match day one, will be looking to pull a fast one on their opponents SC Medeama at the same venue today.

Medeama go into today’s game with three points already in th bag and a draw will take them through to the finals.

Aduana on the other need to win at all costs to ensure their dream of winning the G-6 tournament stays on course, but that will not come on a silver platter looking at the performance of SC Medeama against Hearts of Oak yesterday.

The stakes are high and come what may, two other teams will exit the competition today, with two others qualifying for the finals tomorrow.

Day 3. Saturday 9th Jan

1. Medeama v Aduana- 1:30 pm

2. Kotoko v Ashgold- 3:30 pm

G-6 Day 3 Preview: Who Will Qualify For The Finals?

G-6: Aduana Stars" Wahab Adams Wins Man-Of-The-Match Award Against Hearts Of Oak

Aduana Stars defender Wahab Adams was voted the man of the match in their G-6 Invitational tournament game against Hearts of Oak on Thursday night.

The defender was one of the many reasons the Phobians could not find the back of the net in the game despite their many attacks on goal.

His combination with other Aduana defenders and goalkeeper Joseph Addo did not go unnoticed by the organizers who decided to adjudged him the man of the match.

For his prize, he received a plaque from the headline sponsors of the tournament First Trust Savings and Loans.

Wahab in a chat withfootballcrusader.com at the team’s hotel, mentioned that he is confident that the award will spur them on to go all out in the next game on Saturday.

G-6: Aduana Stars" Wahab Adams Wins Man-Of-The-Match Award Against Hearts Of Oak

"Don"t Underrate Hearts Of Oak"-Aduana CEO Albert Commey Warns Players

Chief Executive Officer of Aduana Stars FC, Albert Commey has warned the players against complacency during their match tonight against Heart of Oak.

Aduana will open their 2016 G-6 Invitational Tournament account with a game against a ‘troubled’ Hearts of Oak side, but that according to the CEO should not in any way make his charges feel they have already won the game, stressing that they can be shocked if they do.

“I know Hearts of Oak inside out and I know that when things are not going well for them internally, that is the time they spring surprises. Indeed, we are all aware of the recent troubles in the team and the ultimatum given their coach and all that,” Albert Commey told the playing body after Thursday morning’s training session.

“But that will not deter them from playing good football and I know that many have already written them off, but that is the danger here. Give them equal respect and make sure that you go about your business on the field as usual.”

“We are in this tournament to win it and it will all depend on what you are able to do against Hearts of Oak tonight.

"Don"t Underrate Hearts Of Oak"-Aduana CEO Albert Commey Warns Players

"It Won"t Be Easy Against Hearts Of Oak Tonight"-Yahaya Mohammed

Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed has insisted that his team will not have it easy against Accra Hearts of Oak tonight when both teams play in the G-6 Invitational Tournament at the Essipong stadium.

The Phobians go into tonight’s game as underdogs by virtue of the recent performances, but that does not concern Yahaya who knows too well that it won’t be a walk in the park for them.

“Heart of Oak is still Hearts of Oak and no matter the little issues they are going through, I believe we are not going to have it easy against them tonight”, Yahaya Mohammed told footballcrusader.com in an interview soon after the team’s training on Thursday morning.

“I am confident we are going to beat them because we have really prepared well and want to win the tournament. The team is in good shape and hopefully we will smile at the nd of the 90minutes.”

For him coming back after a long layoff might come with its challenges as he will play his first match for Aduana since joining them, but he is confident that his colleague will help him have a good day.

“My colleagues are wonderful and I have been enjoying my stay with the team so far and I believe that they will help me tonight.”

 

"It Won"t Be Easy Against Hearts Of Oak Tonight"-Yahaya Mohammed

Noah Martey To Hit The Ground Running For Aduana In G-6

Striker Noah Martey wants to use the G-6 Invitational Tournament to hit the ground running for his new Club Aduana Stars.

The former Bechem United goal poacher joined Aduana during the offseason and already he is looking to become a fan favourite by banging in the goals.

“I think this is the perfect time for me to announce my presence with the Dormaa fans and I believe that I will hit the ground running in the tournament”, the confident Noah Martey told sportscrusader.com.

“I had a good time with Bechem United and I hope to do same for my new Club. I have had a very warm reception from both the coaches and my new colleagues since I arrived and the team is confident of making an impact in the upcoming season.”

Aduana Stars will commence their G-6 Invitational tournament against Accra Hearts of Oak on match day one at the Essipong stadium on Thursday.

Noah Martey To Hit The Ground Running For Aduana In G-6

Full Fixtures Of G-6 Invitational Tournament: Ashantigold/Chelsea To Play First Match

Premier League champions Ashantigold will battle Berekum Chelsea in the opening match of the 2015 G-6 Invitational Tournament.

This was after the organisers of the event announced the fixtures ahead of today’s tournament.

The three-day tournament is slated from the 7th-10th January 2016and will see six Clubs in the Ghana Premier League battle each other for the giant trophy at stake.

After the all play all group stage, winners will play in the final on the last day of the tournament which is Sunday 10th Jan 2016.

Below are the fixtures of the group stage.

Day 1. Thursday. 7th Jan 2016:

1. Ashgold v Berekum Chelsea – 4 pm

2. Hearts of Oak v Aduana – 6:30 pm

Day 2. Friday 8th Jan

1. Kotoko v Chelsea- 4 pm

2. Hearts v Medeama- 6:30 pm

Day 3. Saturday 9th Jan

1. Medeama v Aduana- 4 pm

2. Kotoko v Ashgold- 6:30 pm

Full Fixtures Of G-6 Invitational Tournament: Ashantigold/Chelsea To Play First Match