FA Cup History Doesn"t Favour The Big Teams- Liberty Skipper

Ahead of his side’s MTN FA Cup quarter final clash with Division One League club Elmina Sharks, Liberty Professionals captain, Samuel Sarfo says the history of the competition doesn’t favour the big teams.

The FA since it’s reinstatement in 2011, has produced several surprises and with three second tier clubs in the last eight of this season’s edition, there is still a tendency that a surprise winner will emerge.

Having played all their previous Fixtures away from the Carle Reindorf, Liberty will host Elmina Sharks in the quarter final on Saturday and sheaf of the game, Skipper Samuel Sarfo has warned his side against complacency.

“Liberty is bigger than Elmina Sharks and we are ahead of them in terms of performance”, Sarfo told SportsCrusader.com in an exclusive interview.

“But the history of the FA Cup has not been favoring the big teams especially those who approach it with complacent attitude and underestimation.

” So for us, we have task ourselves to lift the FA Cup trophy. we hope to exhibit the best of our performance and comply to every instructions that were given to us to reach this far.

” And I think input will determine the results”, Sarfo added.

In a related development, Samuel Sarfo has expressed delight the Liberty’s top scorer in the FA Cup, Bernard Arthur has been declared fit for the quarter final tie.

“I am happy our main man, Bernard is doing great in training. He has been splendid throughout thus campaign and he will be important for us on Saturday”, the captain concluded.

FA Cup History Doesn"t Favour The Big Teams- Liberty Skipper

MTN FA Cup: Bechem United Defender Confident of Victory Over Kotoko

Bechem United defender, Richard Baffour is confident his side can cause an upset against Asante Kotoko in their MTN FA Cup quarter finals tie at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium this Sunday.

According to the 26-year old center, although the Porcupine Warriors are the favorites for the tie, his side will work hard to progress to the semi final.

In an exclusive interview with SportsCrusader.com on Wednesday, Baffour revealed that Bechem United have identified the potential threats in the Kotoko set up and are going to stop them on Sunday.

“Things are going better for us this time and I am sure we are going to beat Kotoko on Sunday”, he said.

” We are coming in for a win so we are approaching the game with metal toughness and hard work.

“We have watch them a lot of times and we are going to stop them this time round”, Baffour added.

The experienced defender also indicated that the arrival of new signing Alfred Nelson will motivate him to up his game.

“Nelson’s arrival will push me to work hard to maintain my place in the team.

“I wouldn’t have any problem if he is selected ahead of me do long as we continue to football matches. The progress of the team is what matters most for now”, Baffour noted.

With Nelson expected to be handed his Bechem United debut on Sunday, Richard Baffour will hope to line up along side the former Liberty Professionals Skipper as the Brong Ahafo based club eye a first ever major silverware.

MTN FA Cup: Bechem United Defender Confident of Victory Over Kotoko 

MTN FA Cup: Liberty Skipper Wary Of Sharks Threat

Liberty Professionals Skipper, Samuel Sarfo has revealed that his side are aware of the threat posed by Elmina Sharks as the two teams prepare to face each other in the MTN FA Cup quarter final at the Carle Reindorf Park on Saturday.

The Elmina based side remain the only unbeaten team in Ghana football having gone the whole of the first round without a single defeat in the GN Bank Division One League.

But with the FA Cup trophy being Liberty’s only realistic chances of a silverware thus season, captain Samuel Sarfo says they are approaching the game like a league fixture.

“We are aware they are yet to lose a game but I don’t think they have played a team of our quality this season. So they should come prepared because the house is full now and ready to tear them apart”, Sarfo told SportsCrusader.com in an interview.

“I haven’t watch them but I know they are a good side so we are approaching the game like a league match”, he added.

Elmina Sharks reached the quarter final of the 2015/2016 MTN FA Cup after beating Premier League side Ebusua Dwarfs in the Previous round while Liberty saw off Division One side Samartex.

MTN FA Cup: Liberty Skipper Wary Of Sharks Threat

MTN FA Cup: Storm Academy Wants Change In Venue For Kotoko Clash

Division Two side, Storm Academy have officially requested for a change in venue ahead of their 2016 MTN FA Cup Round of 16 tie with top flight side Asante Kotoko this weekend.

The Eastern Regional based club on Monday wrote a letter to organizers of the competition to possibly move the game.

A member of the FA Cup committee, Mr. Kofi Poku, who confirmed the news to the media, said his outfit are yet to meet to discuss the matter.

“Initially, the match was scheduled for Nkawkaw but the home team, Storm Academy has made a request of a new venue,” Kofi Poku said.

“The FA Cup Committee is yet to meet and consider the request”, he added.

Storm Academy advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Kotoku Royals 1-0 in Mpraeso in the previous round.

 

MTN FA Cup: Storm Academy Wants Change In Venue For Kotoko Clash

Wa Rockets FC Craves For Kotoko In MTN FA Cup Round of 16

GN Bank Division One Side, Wa Rockets FC is relishing the prospect of landing Kumasi Asante Kotoko in the last 16 of the MTN FA Cup competition.

The second tier side cited the viral nature of hosting the Reds in the last 32 stage that saw the Kumasi based side troop to Tumu to play Real 24 Hours FC.

Wa Rockets FC booked their place in the last 16 for the first time in their history in a dramatic shootout at home to Power Sporting Club.

Manager of Wa Rockets FC, Saying Abubakari Oruma openly declared the readiness if his youthful side for a destiny defining match at home to Kumasi Asante Kotoko ahead of the last sixteen pairings.

The ambitious team manager cited the wholistic importance of playing the media glued Reds at any stage in the competition.

Oruma told sportscrusader.com, “Given the chance to pick my favourite opponent I will even close my eyes and pick Kumasi Asante Kotoko all day long. It is not anything that needs a second look before acting. They are my first choice before any other opponents come on board. It will complete our fairy-tale as Division One club”.

The confident speaking Oruma further added, “playing a match against Kotoko alone comes with its name as seen in the Tumu case. Tumu is now a common name across the football family thanks to their match with Kotoko.

It will raise the image of the club, the confidence of my players and above all the people of Wa will appreciate the good work done by Rockets FC.

It has been my wish to land them when the pairing is done for the last 16 groupings.’

Wa Rockets FC have endured a bright journey in the FA CUP so far with three wins to their name despite their domestic league woes.

The Wa based side qualified to to the second tier of Ghana football for the first time in their history after a string of commanding outings in the Upper West regional division II league last season.

Wa Rockets FC Craves For Kotoko In MTN FA Cup Round of 16

I"m Surprised With Hearts FA Cup Exit

MTN FA Cup Vice Chairman, Kofi Poku has admitted surprise at Hearts elimination from the ongoing competition.

Hearts was defeated 4-5 on penalties by GN Bank Division One side, Samartex FC when the two sides met at Samreboi in the round of 32 MTN FA cup clash.

The Phobians enviable form since the commencement of the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League season saw them named as one of the favourites to win the coveted trophy but they fell short with an early exit.

And this according to Mr Kofi Poku was the most surprising result of the round of 32 games.

Mr Poku who is vying for the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairmanship post told Sportscrusader.com, “the surprising FA Cup result of the weekend for me is the Hearts of Oak elimination at the hands of Division One club, Samartex FC. Though this is the excitement the competition gives to fans, Hearts’ high flying start to the season and their current form gave them a different signal to the result.”

“Both teams were motivated in their own ways but the surprise of them still remains how Samartex stood up to Hearts and eliminated them from the competition,” he added.

I"m Surprised With Hearts FA Cup Exit

MTN FA Cup: Liberty escape Past Pure Joy

MTN FA Cup: Liberty escape Past Pure JoyGhana Premier League side Liberty Professionals once again fought back from the clutches of defeat to progress to the next stage of the 2015/2016 MTN FA Cup.

The Dansoman based side were a goal down to Division One League side Pure Joy courtesy a Tetteh 5 minute strike from the penalty spot.

Pure Joy enjoyed the opening half at the Ghanaman Soccer Center for excellence much to the frustration of the away side.

But striker, Bernard Arthur equalized for the Scientific Soccer Lads six minutes to the end of the game to send the Round of 32 tie to penalty shootout.

Liberty Professionals went on to win the shootout 7-6 to advance to the Round of 16.

The victory was Liberty’s second in succession in the MTN FA Cup.

They eliminated defending Champions Medeama SC in the Round of 64 via penalties after playing out a similar 1-1 draw

MTN FA Cup: Liberty escape Past Pure Joy

MTN FA Cup: Bechem United Defender Has No Knowledge About Sunyani Liberty

Ahead of his side’s MTN FA Cup Round of 32 clash with Second Division club Sunyani Liberty, Bechem United Defender, Richard Baffour has revealed that he has no knowledge of their opponent.

According to the 26-year old center back, he has only been told about their capabilities, but has never known about them prior to the draw.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with SportsCrusader.com on Thursday, Richard Baffour said,”Actually I don’t know anything about them but I am told they are a second division side, that are very good with the ball”.

The experienced defender labeled the game, as a must win as the struggling Premier League side look set to bounce back from recent disappointments.

” It’s a must win game to prepare towards Wa All Stars on Wednesday. We don’t really have any target for the FA Cup but we are fighting to get far in the competition”, Baffour said.

Bechem United have failed to win any of their last four league games and will hope to get a good result against the lower tier club to avoid further troubles

MTN FA Cup: Bechem United Defender Has No Knowledge About Sunyani Liberty

MTN FA Cup: Kotoko’s Halipha Sedogo Set To Feature Against Real 24 Hours

Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s Burkinabe international, Halipha Sedogo has revealed that, he is set to play in the Porcupine Warriors MTN FA Cup Round of 32 tie against Real 24 Hours.

The skillful winger has barely played for the Kumasi based side since joining them on a two-year deal at the back end of last season despite some impressive displays in pre-season.

But Speaking in an exclusive interview with SportsScrusader.com on Thursday, the 22-year old disclosed that he is in line to feature in this weekend’s MTN FA Cup game against Second Division side Real 24 Hours FC.

“Yes [I have not been playing for Kotoko] but now I will play. In Saturday’s FA Cup” , Sedogo said.

The game will take place at the Tumu Park despite complaints from Asante Kotoko that the venue does not meet the club licensing standard.

MTN FA Cup: Kotoko’s Halipha Sedogo Set To Feature Against Real 24 Hours

MTN FA Cup: WAFA Skipper Targets Victory Against Karela

Captain of the West African Football Academy (WAFA), Martin Antwi has disclosed that, his side is targeting nothing, but a win in the MTN FA Cup Round of 32 tie against Division One side Karela FC this weekend.

The Sogakope based side has failed to win in their previous two matches of the Ghana Premier League, losing against Dreams FC at Dawu followed by a 1-1 draw at home to New Edubiase last weekend.

With league action on hold this weekend, WAFA will play host to second tier club, Karela FC in the domestic cup competition- a game which provides a glorious opportunity for John Killa’s side to bounce back to winning ways.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with SportsCrusader.com in the build up to the game, Skipper of the side, Martin Antwi revealed that his outfit is approaching the game with every bit of seriousness to record victory.

According to the midfielder, the game against Karela FC is an important one and they are going all out to ensure that they proceed to the next stage of the competition.

Speaking on whether or not WAFA is targeting the MTN FA Cup trophy this season, Antwi noted that, the club’s primary objective is to do well and better their league position but will gladly accept the trophy if it comes their way.

MTN FA Cup: WAFA Skipper Targets Victory Against Karela

Eric Donkor Calls For Tough Mentality From Team Mates

Kumasi Asante Kotoko attacking midfielder Eric Donkor has called on his colleagues to develop a tough mentality if they to return to winning ways.

The 23 year old left sided attacker played down fears of another trophy less campaign despite opening day baptism at Sogakope.

The Red’s attacking sensation rallied his teammates to develop the right mentality across all competitions if their season is to go as planned.

The experienced wide man, who has won a number of trophies with the 24 times leagues champions admitted to the poor start made his side away to WAFA SC but played down its significance across the 30 match marathon season.

Donkor, who was prolific in the off season with David Duncan’s charges was powerless at the Sogakope pitch as goals from Charles Boateng and Samuel Tetteh sent Kotoko back to Oseikrom with their tales in between their legs but their talismanic wideman pledged to arrest the poor start.

“For now we need the right mentality and a good team spirit to return to winning ways as a group. As players of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, we are always aiming at winning every game we play but will have to toughen our mentality to achieve that.

“We don’t have to blame anybody for the defeat at WAFA because we lost as a team and we cant blame anyone.” Donkor told sports crusader.

The talismanic wideman then played down the effect of the 2-0 mauling by the Academy boys ahead of the visit of Medeama SC.

“We lost one match in match day one but don’t forget it is very long season. Winning the league will not come on a silver platter as we need to play as a team.

“We need to develop the right mentality but most importantly the support of our fans. Their presence will be very crucial to us.” Donkor pleaded.

Eric Donkor Calls For Tough Mentality From Team Mates

Defeat to Hearts Could Put Tom Strand Under Presure

Coach of Medeama Sporting Club, Tom Strand could come in for a lot of criticism if his side loses to Accra Hearts of Oak in Sunday’s top liner of the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

The pressure will surely be on the Swede even if they pick up a point from this game especially so, after they started their campaign with a disappointing 1-2 defeat to AshantiGold at Obuasi.

The Yellow and Mauves are one of two clubs representing Ghana in African club competition this year, and most expected them to get their campaign running as quickly as possible.

But their triumph in the Super Cup has not been built on as they lost their league opener, and, the situation could be compounded for them when they come up against aHearts of Oak side that is looking promising.

Coach Strand will have a lot on his hands in trying to push for a win and admits it will be an uphill task as the phobians have looked an improved preposition from what we saw in the G6 Competition.

The Phobians showed a lot of character in overcoming a very stubborn New Edubiase United side 1-0 in Accra and will carry that momentum into this Sunday’s game at the Takwa and Aboso Park.

With Medeama SC starting their Africa Campaign next month, they need to get things right starting with the Hearts of Oak and Coach Strand should be aware of this as managers of the club have invested heavly in their side this season.

Lots of eye brows will therefore be raised should they lose to Hearts on Sunday as they have another big game coming up against Asante Kotoko in their next league game after this encounter.

The club’s managment made a huge promise to fans at the beginning of the season that they plan to do well in all competitions, and the onus is on Coach Strand to come out big on this.

Defeat to Hearts Could Put Tom Strand Under Presure

Super Cup Preview: Clash Of Trophy Winners.

The euphoria gathered momentum, the stakes grew higher, Bashir Hayford had promised to walk to the stance and insult any supporter who insult him for losing the match. But within the twinkling of an eye, the Ghana Football Association connived with the Ethics Committee to blow the fever deep down the ground, and the anticipation for the high-profile match is now as low as the belly of a snake.

The Ethics Committee met on case brought before them by Wa African United for alleged match-fixing with Techiman City on their match week 22 Division One League fixture last season.

They found Techiman City guilty and gave their ruling to demote the Techiman-based club which qualified as winners of Zone 1 in the Division One to the third tier of Ghana football, putting the start of the season in limbo.

However, the FA insist their planned date for the Super Cup clash between league champions Ashanti Gold and Medeama SC at the Accra Sports Stadium on February 7 and the commencement of the league has not changed.

And it means, the cup match which was launched at the FA secretariat last week, will have the teams representing Ghana in CAF inter-club football competitions — Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively, lock horns for the first major silverware to open the gates for the football weather which has been missing since September last year.

The game will serve as a good opportunity for both technical benches to test their readiness for Africa. Ashanti Gold have MO Bejaia of Algeria to engage in their opening encounter in the Champions League next week, and been in a competitive shape for the fixture will be massive.

Bashir Hayford said “It is a very good opportunity for us to prepare for the CAF Champions League game because everyone knows that we haven’t started the league whilst our counterparts have played about six matches.”

Medeama SC on the hand will use the game as a preparatory ground for the premier league because their Africa campaign will begin in March.

And the Swede pronouncements stated emphatically that his side will win the trophy.

“We have beaten them many times. We will both battle it out but Medeama will win on the day.”

Football fans across the country have been offered free entry into the stadium to support their clubs as they entertain themselves to usher in the new football season.

Super Cup Preview: Clash Of Trophy Winners.

Preview: Ghanaian Players In European Action This Weekend

Ghanaian Players In European Action This Weekend

As the year has began Ghanaian players are well informed of the opportunity available to represent the senior national team – the Black Stars in African cup of Nations and FIFA world cup qualifiers later this year as such their club performance will be a yard stick to measure their preparedness to play for Ghana.

 

In this weekend round of games, English premier league will be hold sa the world’s oldest cup competition, The FA cup takes centre stage.

The city of Milan will be the venue for Europe’s biggest game of the weekend as Inter Milan face Ac Milan in the Milan derby.

The Spanish la liga will see a top of the log clash between FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

 

England

Dede Ayew and his Swansea city team mates will have the weekend off as the Welsh club will not be copetiting in the Emirates FA cup after losing lower league side, Oxford united in the third round. The Swans won their first game away in a long while against Everton in week 23 of the English premier and will be next in action when the premier league returns in mid-week against, West Brom.

 

Aston Villa – Manchester City

Meanwhile Dede’s younger brother, Jordan Ayew will hope to continue with his consistent first team selection under manager, Remi Garde when 2012 FA cup champions, Manchester City travel to Villa park. Aston Villa have won just twice in their last five competitive matches and Manchester City’s three wins in 5-games isn’t too convincing and considering the citizens’s calibre and crop of players available.

Italy

AC Milan – Inter Milan

Ghanaian midfielder, Kevin-Prince Boateng will hope he makes manager, Sinisa Mihajlovic’s team for the Milan derby on Sunday. The Rossoneri go into the game as the in-form team with three wins and two draws in their last 5-games whilst their city rivals boast of a win, two draws and two defeats in their last 5-games. Inter Milan are placed 4th on the table and with 8-points separating them from 6th place AC Milan a defeat in the game will the 7-times UEFA champions league winners move to 5th place and also reduce the points difference to 5.

Carpi – Palermo

Isaac Cofie’s Carpi will play host to 14th place Palermo and with the away side recording two defeats in a row in their last two matches the home side should be in confident mood to annex all three points and salvage what is gradually looking like relegation sealed fate. The versatile Ghanaian midfielder missed Carpi’s one-all trip to Inter Milan last week and will hope to put in a similar and stellar performance at home.

 

Atalanta – Sassuolo

Yussif Chibsah played 87 minutes when his Sassuolo side hosted Atalanta last weekend in the coppa Italia and will hope his performance on the day will guarantee him a starting berth when they travel to the same opponent but this time in Serie A action. Sassuolo are just 9-points off a champions place and will be motivated to focus on grabbing all the three points.

Chievo Verona – Juventus

Isaac Cofie missed Chievo’s last game against empoli which ended one-all and will hope to be in manager, plans. Chievo have not won against the old ladies of Italian football, Juventus.Kwadwo Asamoah missed Juve’s 1-0 victory over AS Roma and have an enviable record of six wins in a row. The ghanaian midfielder is rumoured to have raptured his knee injury and might miss the game. Juventus edge Chievo in the head-to-head meeting with four wins and two draws in their last five meetings.

Udinese – Lazio

Agyemang Badu played in Udinese’s 1-4 defeat away to Palermo and saw yellow in the game but the memory of been the captain on that night during the thrashing can be cast back when Udinese defeat Lazio in this weekends Serie A clash at the Stadio Fruili. Udinese are on a bad run of form with three defeats in a row and will have to start picking up maximum points.

Bologna – Sampdoria

Godfred Donsah played 72-minutes in Bologna’s 0-2 victory away to Sassuolo las week and will look forward to kick odd from there when they host 17th placed, Sampdoria at the Renato Dall Ara stadium.

Greece

Platanias – Panathinaikos

Michael Essien will hope to inspire his Panathinakos side in this weekends clash against Platanias after scoring his first goal for the club in the Greece super league against, Levadiakos. Panathinakos lie 3rd with 35-points after 19-matches played in the 2015/16 league season.

Preview: Ghanaian Players In European Action This Weekend

Smoked The Peace Pipe: Chelsea Duo Settle Their Differences

Chelsea Pair ‘Bury The Hatchet’ – Hiddink

The premier league defending champions can’t seem to get out of the news after a poor defense to the title they won convincingly sweeping away opponents with easy during the 2014/15 season. Chelsea have struggled to replicate that form and it cost manager, Jose Mourinho his job and also lost the backing of the board who have been supportive all season.

 

Chelsea duo, Diego Costa and Oscar were yesterday reported to be in each others throat during a training bust up and two had to be separated by team mates.

It is understood the clash occurred when Oscar rattled Costa with a hefty tackle before the former Atletico Madrid hit man responded with hard-hitting tackle of his own. The second clash is understood to have sparked the heated confrontation between the pair, who had to be pulled apart.

Oscar embrace Costa after the Spansh striker assist gave him an easy tap in to give Chelsea the lead during the 3-0 victory at Crystal Palace

During interim boss Guus Hiddink’s pree conference today, the Dutch manager said, “He took a charge from behind and it was overdone and especially when you know it is Oscar – he got Diego and of course they scrambled and stood up which is a normal reaction and then chested a bit without the threat of punching. It was the two bulls – I don’t like when they hit but with the intensity of the training session, we had a very sharp training session and it was on the edge.

Costa and Oscar walk out together to train at Cobham on Friday

“After that Oscar apologised in front of the group and he apologised for over reacting and then they looked at each other and started laughing. Jokes were made afterwards and it was a battle that happened afterwards. It is solved. If they have solved it in the way it has been done then there is no need for discipline. It was solved within seconds,” he added.

 

Chelsea’s next premier league game is at home to West Brom on Wednesday, 13 January but will meet league one side, Scunthorpe United in the Emirate FA cup on Sunday.

Smoked The Peace Pipe: Chelsea Duo Settle Their Differences

EXCLUSIVE: Kurt Okraku handed chairmanship of FA Cup Committee

Ever rising football administrator Kurt Okraku will be appointed the chairman of the FA Cup Committee by the Ghana FA, Sportscrusader.com can exclusively reveal.

Okraku who owns newly promoted Premier League club Dreams FC will be taking over from J.Y Appiah who served just one term as chairman of the FA Cup Committee.

This decision was taken at the final meeting of the GFA’s Executive Committee for the year on Wednesday.

Kurt Okraku’s immense work with the committee first as a member under Lepowura Alhaji MND Jawula and then as Vice Chairman to J.Y Appiah made him the clear choice for the position.

He is widely credited for the several innovations of the FA Cup Committee, notable amongst them being the massive attendance to the stadium the first time the finals was FA Cup was played outside Accra in Sekondi just this year.

He will be joined by six other members to complete the FA Committee which is expected to be announced by the Ghana FA Communications Division anytime soon.

Kurt Okraku emerged as one of the new faces to join the 22-member board of the Ghana FA following elections held in October.

EXCLUSIVE: Kurt Okraku handed chairmanship of FA Cup Committee