Vodafone Unity Match 2016: Kotoko Maul World XI

Ghana record Premier League champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko thrashed the Stephen Appiah led world XI by four goals to one at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The game an initiative of Ghana’s number one Sports event house, Primeval Media in conjunction with Ex Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah was aimed at promoting and educating Ghanaians on the need for peace and unity before, during and after the elections in November.

Liverpool legend, Emile Heskey recounted his glorious days with a swift turn after a lovely through ball from Appiah saw him hit a low power drive shot pass the helpless Felix Annan in goal for Kotoko.

Kotoko new signing, Emmanuel Osei Carlos marked his club debut with a goal after he was put through in on goal by enterprising Burkina Faso international and Kotoko’s best performer of the match, Halipha Sodogo.

Substitute Bennett Ofori nicknamed ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’ made the game a Fiesta for the Kotoko faithful present as he scored a hat trick after replacing Carlos for the commencement of the second half.

Here are photos of the game:

 

Vodafone Unity Match 2016: Kotoko Maul World XI

VUM 2016 Ticket Prices Released

Ticket prices for the much-anticipated Vodafone Unity Match 2016 have been revealed.

The match, an initiative of event powerhouse, Primeval Media, to promote peace and unity ahead of the 2016 general elections, will see a galaxy of world football players – retired and active – travel to Ghana to play a two-legged tie.

Stephen Appiah will lead a world XI side to face record Ghana premier league champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and the senior national team of Ghana, the Black Stars at the Kumasi and Accra Sports stadia on June 8 and 11 respectively.

Fans of the beautiful game will have to acquire tickets for either games at the following rates in Kumasi; Popular Stand – Ghc 20, Centre Line – Ghc 30, VIP – Ghc 50, VVIP – 100 and in Accra; Popular stand – Ghc 20, Osu Stand – Ghc 30, VIP Lower – Ghc 50, VIP Upper – Ghc 100 and VVIP – Ghc 150.

The Communications Team of Primeval Media, organisers of the event, have informed Sportscrusader.com of two impending raffles, one each in Kumasi and Accra, to be supervised by the National Lottery Authority (NLA) which will enable fans win special prizes with their tickets.

VUM 2016 Ticket Prices Released

The Current U-17 Is Cursed - Awudu Issaka

It’s Clear The Black Starlets Is Cursed – Awudu Issaka

The Ghana national U17 team, popularly referred to as the Black starlets have not won the FIFA U17 trophy since 1995 and former Black starlets player and a key member of the team that won Ghana’s last, Awudu Issaka knows why this barren run of trophy exists.

 

 

Awudu Issaka, 36, started his playing career with the youth team of record 23-times Ghana premier league champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko before signing for Prampram Mighty Royals FC in Ghana’s second division, where he already played for the first team at the age of fifteen.

 

The dribbling magician as he was nicknamed signed for Belgian side, RSC Anderlecht after the FIFA World Youth Championship and in an interview with Boss 93.7 fm in Kumasi revealed what he knows and believes is the reason why the recent Black starlets have not been successful since he last played in the 1995 winning team.

 

According to the former Liberty professionals play maker, “before the Ecuador 1995 FIFA U17 world cup, head coach, Oti Akenteng lead the playing body to visit a man of God at Akim-Oda for prayers (spiritual assistance – to help the team win the trophy) before leaving for the tournament.”

 

“After the tournament the Black starlets and the technical team failed to return to the man of God and show appreciation and the one-time creative midfielder believes it is why the Ecuador squad was not so successful.”

“I’ve cursed the players , he (the man of God) said. I (Awudu Issaka) believe Servant Isaac’s comment – he’s done’ with the team is a bare fact to what the current U17 team is experiencing. The thanks and appreciation he wanted in return was missing and I believe he’s still hurt,” he added.

 

Head coach, Paa Kwasi Fabian along with the technical head at the Ghana football association

The Current U-17 Is Cursed - Awudu Issaka

Appiah Tells Ghanaian Not To Allow Political Difference Wipe Our Democratic Gains

Ex Black Stars skipper, Stephen Appiah has called on Ghanaians not to allow political differences before, during and after this year’s general elections destroy what ever resources the country has gained with it’s democracy.

The former Fernabache midfielder was unveiled as the Peace Ambassador by the National Peace Council chairman Rev Emmanuel Asante ahead of Ghana’s general election on 7 November, 2016.

The former Juventus star during his days as the Black Stars captain was seen as a unifier as his leadership skills brought a lot of peace and unity in camp which wasn’t seen in the past.

Appiah believes playing for the national team was an opportunity and the best way to return Ghanaians love is to preach peace and unity.

“…for me I believe Ghana has been so good to me and one of the best ways to give back my beloved country is to commit myself to its development which can only be achieved by fostering an atmosphere of peace and unity.” Appiah said in statement.

The ex-Black Stars captain added: “It is a popular knowledge that election in our part of the World are stained with pocket of violence seeming from political differences and other factors.

“Yes I’m of the view that here in Ghana we must not let this factor divide us let alone wipe or threatened to wipe the democratic gains we have made over the years.”

The Unity match to promote peace is scheduled for June 8 and 11 at the Baba Yara and Accra Sports Stadiums respectively.

Appiah Tells Ghanaian Not To Allow Political Difference Wipe Our Democratic Gains

Ghana Should Always Be The Winner - Stephen Appiah

Former Black Stars of Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah has called on Ghanaians to put Ghana first and not allow emotional attachment mar the peace of the country.

Stephen Appiah, who was unveiled as the Peace Ambassador by the National Peace Council chairman Rev Emmanuel Asante ahead of Ghana’s general election on 7 November, 2016 on Monday said Ghana is always the winner and not a specific body.

Prior to his unveiling as the Peace Ambassador on Monday at the State Banquet Hall in Accra, Appiah told Ghanaians at the venue and across country to embrace peace and togetherness no matter the political party they belong to during the general elections.

The former Juventus star during his playing days captained the was seen regarded as a unifier as his leadership skills brought a lot of peace and unity in camp.

Appiah believes Ghana made him who is today, and his unbridled love for the country will always be his priority.

“As the former Black Stars captain as well as former international footballer, I strongly believe my status today has been made possible by Ghana,” Appiah said in a statement.

He added: “From the moment I was offered my first opportunity to wear the national colours and through my days with the various national teams till I was made the captain of the Black Stars.

“Which was the highlight of my career, for me I believe Ghana has been so good to me and one of the best ways to give back my beloved country is to commit myself to its development which can only be achieved by fostering an atmosphere of peace and unity.

“It is a popular knowledge that election in our part of the World are stained with pocket of violence seeming from political differences and other factors. [And] Yes I’m of the view that here in Ghana we must not let this factor divide us let alone wipe or threatened to wipe the democratic gains we have made over the years.”

The nation come together as one during football, and Stephen Appiah football and elections have a common relationship, and that is the outcome.

Whether you’re winner or a loser, accept the result and move on.

“In my opinion I see election to be similar to the game of football: there are two possible outcomes a win or lose, there are opposing sides who supporters have made huge emotional investment and can go extreme length just to see their favourite team win, there is a referee to ensure the rules are obeyed.

Stephen Appiah was the first captain to lead Black Stars to their maiden World Cup appearance in 2006 in Germany.

Ghana Should Always Be The Winner - Stephen Appiah

Pictures: Official Launch Of 2016 Peace Match

Watch picturs from Monday night’s official launch of the 2016 Peace Match held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Accra.

The event was attended by former England international and Arsenal Legend Sol Campbell, former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, former Holland international George Boateng and a host of dignitaries.

Pictures: Official Launch Of 2016 Peace Match

2016 Peace Match Officially Launched By Sol Campbell, Appiah And Boateng

The official press launch of the 2016 Peace Match took place last night at the Banquet Hall of the State House.

Th event which was to formally launch the series of activities in the 2016 Peace match, was well attended by several dignitaries, officials of the Ghana Football Association, Parliamentarians, the Arsenal Supporters Group of Ghana as well as the media.

Peace Ambassador and former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah was ably joined by Arsenal legend Sol Campbell and former Holland international George Boateng to launch the event.

Addressing the gathering, the president of the National Peace Council, Rev Professor Emmanuel Asante, who is also the Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church Ghana, mentioned that Ghana cannot afford to lose its peace because of politics and urged all Ghanaians to do all they can to ensure peace in the country before, during and indeed after the December 7 elections.

“We have only one Ghana and it is up to you and me, to make sure we keep the peace. That is why when Primeval Media came up with this wonderful idea, I wholeheartedly supported it and will help to see it to its fruition in June when the matches proper and the event will be held.”

“The doors of the National Peace Council is open to anything that has to do with the peace of our dear country, so I want to state here that Primeval Media and Stephen Appiah have our full support.”

He later officially appointed Stephen Appiah as a peace ambassador for the upcoming general elections.

Appiah in his speech mentioned that he thought it wise to come up with this idea with the help of Primeval Media because he knows the tension that normally greets election season in Ghana, adding that h believes, using the passion of the nation which is football, Ghanaians will appreciate the message of peace better.

“Football is the only thing that brings us together as a nation even when there’s tension in the political arena. Myself, Sol Cambell and George Boateng have taken it upon ourselves to preach this message of peace to all Ghanaians ahead of the December elections and we believe that the two games that we will host in June will go a long way to bring unity among Ghanaians.”

England international and former Arsenal legend Sol Campbell was full of praise for the organizers of the event and promised to support in any capacity. He expressed delight at the invitation of Stephen Appiah to help in the launch of this great project that is aimed at fostering unity among Ghanaians irrespective of the political affiliations.

Also present at the launch was the Minister of Youth and sports Dr. Mustapha Ahmed and Vice President of the Ghana Football Association, George Afriyie all of who pledged their respective associations full support for the launch as well as the two matches that will be played in June 2016.

Dr. Mustapha Ahmed after a short speech officially launched the 2016 Unity Match with the help of Stephen Appiah, Sol Campbell and George Boateng.

Both the Sports Minister and the President of the National Peace Council were presnted with brand new Sol Campbell autographed Arsenal jersey in a frame by the legend himself Sol Campbell.

2016 Peace Match Officially Launched By Sol Campbell, Appiah And Boateng

Live Update: Stephen Appiah & Sol Campbell Officially Launch Unity Match At State House

Live Update: Stephen Appiah & Sol Campbell Officially Launch Unity Match At State House

Arsenal Fans Serve A Wine Difficult To Swallow As Euphoria Surrounding Sol Campbell"s Arrival Turn Bitter.

At about 22:13 GMT Sunday night, Sol Campbell and George Boateng flanked by two military men with Stephen Appiah the torch brightening the way led them out of the arrival hall of the Kotoka International Airport.

Five photographers stood at the heart of the main arrival entrance to take pictures of the former Arsenal defender and Netherland’s midfielder, George Boateng. Arsenal fans in the country who had heard of the coming of their legend and thronged to the Kotoka International Airport to catch a glimpse of the defender they saw on television ooze class and played with elegance, battled and led the team courageously to go unbeaten in the 2003/2004 season and reached the champions league final in 2006, filled the Forex Bureu Automated Teller Machine end, singing, clapping and dancing in excitement.

“Are we passing here?” Came the voice of Stephen Appiah who wanted to know whether they are heading to meet the fans and the media at the dance ground.

“Yes!” I answered. And as they marched towards the crowd, media men slipped through with recorders and cameras for Sol’s first words on his first visit to the West African country. Stephen Appiah, the gentle giant who invited him over, stepped up and said: “i am here to introduce Sol Campbell and George Boateng. As you all know, towards our unity game in June, tomorrow we’re going to launch the the unity game. If you have one or two questions you can ask them. Thank you!”

He turned and smiled at Sol Campbell, and he laughed out loud “hahahahahaha, wow!” And moved towards the journalists who had prepared their recorders.

After a few seconds of silence, George Addo Jnr of Accra-based radio station, Joy FM, pushed out the first words from the journalists.

George “Sol welcome to Ghana.”

Sol Campbell “Thank you! Is a pleasure to be here.”

George “why are you motivated to come down to assist Stephen Appiah in this event?”

Sol Campbell “I think is important for players like me to be motivated to honour this invitation.You have the elections coming up and having football and politics is quiteful together. You need to bring everybody together for peace and unity and playing some football I think is quite fantastic.”

George Addo “Is really a good time for Arsenal fans here…”

Sol “Yeah, yeah, Is fantastic and i can see the fans out there. And also more importantly, I can feel the love.”

George Addo “you’re enjoying it here?”

Sol “yeah, is good. Hot? I like it hot.” With a grin, he turned as media satellite centred on George Boateng afterwards. He thanked Sol Campbell for coming and said “is an honour for Ghana to have such a legend player come into the country to share his experiences with us. Sol, we say Akwaaba.” And Sol replied “Akwaaba!”

Everyone laughed in unison. And that was that

Organisers whisked him away much to the surprise of fans who gathered at the arrival hall and waited for about four hours to have a glimpse and probably a selfie with the Jamaican-born England international.

“He’s had a long journey and is tired, he needs to take some rest.” Came the voice media director of Primeval Media who empathized with the 41-year old.

“And to the media, let’s meet at the house former president Kuffour at 10:30.”

Some fans ran across for photographs, and got it, others stood with mouths wide open in disappointment.

“Is that all? This is not what we were told.” A disappointed Arsenal fan said whilst looking at his red and white paraphernalia with the Gunners crest boldly on the heart of it.

“I should have slept instead of wasting my time to come here,” another disgruntled fan told sportscrusader.com.

“We were here as early as 7 – something because they said he will arrive at 8 and see the time now!”

“Mu j3” he told a friend in the Hausa parlance meaning “let’s go”.

With anger, they moved to where their bus was parked. Others too could not hide their disappointment. They poured out their venom with passion. Leaders of the group were no where to be found for their reaction to what unfolded.

Organisers too left before the frustrations and disappointment poured out and their side as why they could not fulfill their promise to let Sol appreciate the love they showed him on his arrival with even ‘thank you!”for the love one-on-one.

Ghana football lovers and Arsenl fans came out in their numbers to support, but they were served with the bitters of wine one would ever swallow.

Arsenal Fans Serve A Wine Difficult To Swallow As Euphoria Surrounding Sol Campbell"s Arrival Turn Bitter.