Sudanese side, AL Hilal have terminated their contract with former Liberty skipper, Kennedy Ashia.
The former Ghana youth international joined the Sudanese side after a successful 2014-15 season with Liberty Professionals, but he failed to meet the requirements of the club.
The club agreed a compensation fee with the 22-year-old after a meeting with the hierarchy of the club on Saturday, and will return to Ghana next week.
Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga on Saturday evening, securing three points with a 2-0 win over Real Betis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h6kU0Ea58g
Betis were reduced to 10 men towards the end of the first half, but they put up a tough defence, and it was only a calamitous error which allowed Ivan Rakitic an easy finish to send Barca ahead.
A lovely ball into the penalty area from Lionel Messi caused confusion, as goalkeeper Antonio Adan came charging out to punch it, while centre-back German Pezzella attempted an overhead kick clearance.
Atletico Madrid are joint top with Barcelona after a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano ,with Real Madrid also beating Real Sociedad by a goal to nil to stay third
Jermain Defoe scored a penalty in the final minute of stoppage-time as relegation-threatened Sunderland salvaged a dramatic 1-1 draw against Stoke on Saturday.
Desperate for points to boost their survival hopes, the Black Cats struggled to create clear-cut chances and it looked like Marko Arnautovic’s second-half goal would consign them to defeat.
But, with time running out, Defoe won and calmly converted a penalty after a lengthy delay to keep the Sunderland fans dreaming of survival.
The former Tottenham Hotspur forward will join 2016 Peace Ambassador, Stephen Appiah and world renowned ex and current footballers to form a World XI side in Ghana, in June this year.
They will play matches against record Ghana premier league champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and an Asamoah Gyan-led Ghana Black Stars on June 8 and 11 at the Kumasi and Accra Sports Stadia respectively in the much awaited, Vodafone Unity Match 2016 organised by Ghana’s premier event house, Primeval Media Ghana Limited.
Danny Welbeck spared Arsene Wenger’s blushes as Arsenal deepened Norwich’s relegation fears amid fan protests with a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
It took Welbeck just three minutes to seal victory for Wenger on the Frenchman’s 750th Premier League game at the club, rifling home Olivier Giroud’s knock down on 59 minutes.
Disgruntled supporters voiced their concern at the club’s stagnation on 12 and 78 minutes of the Saturday Night Football clash, but they were in the minority as most fans in the stadium declined to join in.
For Norwich, defeat sees them remain 19th in the table and staring relegation in the face after positive results for Newcastle and Sunderland earlier on Saturday.
Arsenal, meanwhile, leapfrog Manchester City into third and move to within two points of north London rivals Tottenham.
Italy based Ghana international Ebenezer Afriyie Acquah steerd Torino to a 1-5 away triumph over Udinese in the Serie A.
The explosive midfielder spiced up his commanding performance at the middle of the pitch with his trade mark long range drives to earn the bragging rights over his compatriot Agyemang Badu.
Acquah followed up an opening strike from Pontus Jandon with his third of the campaign to cap an impressive outing for Giampero Ventura’s men.
The hard tackling midfielder gave his visiting team a 0-2 lead just on the stroke of 45 minutes before returning to set up Josep Martinez for the third of the game.
The 24 year old has enjoyed a spectacular season yet again in the Italian top flight despite his off field setbacks since joining Torino from Sampdoria at the start of the season.
Acquah traded Parma for Sampdoria after the former’s demotion to the fourth tie of Italian football.
International team mate Emmanuel Agyemang Badu lasted the torturing 90 minutes for the home side as Torino run out 1-5 victors to move into the 10th slot.
Udinese meanwhile remains 6 points clear off the drop zone with two games to end the season.
Asante Kotoko have unveiled their new bus for the 2015-16 Ghana Premier League (GPL) season.
The bus underwent branding with the Kotoko famous colours, red.
Versatile Ghanaian defender Daniel Sowatey look set to switch camp after recieving a couple of offers in the second tier league.
The Shumen 1929 utility defender enjoyed a stellar 2015/16 campaign with his Bulgarian side to ignite a mad scrabble for his services ahead of the new campaign.
The former Ghana Youth international has been tipped to win the defender of the season for his exploits at the back in a highly impressive display across the season.
Dunav Russe and Pomorie lead the home based bids for his signature whiles a flurry of bids from Belgian and Sweden has been tabled as well.
The former Olympics and Amidaus Professionals defender however look bound to leave the shores of Bulgaria with topflight football a priority on his agenda as against the financial gains.
Daniel Sowatey has been a regular at the back for the mid table Shumen across the campaign but look set to switch camp baring any unforeseen circumstances.
“For now I am weighing my options as at now. I am looking at whether to leave Bulgaria and go to another country (likely Belgium or Sweden) or stay here and change my club.”
“Two clubs have already approached my club for my services from Belgium, Malaysia, Malta and several others outside Bulgaria. I am looking at the offer that will suit my football not one I will later regret over’, Daniel told sports crusader exclusively.
The talented defender enjoyed spells in South America before finally sealing a move to Bulgaria with Shumen 1929.
Ghanaian striker Jordan was on target for already relegated Aston Villa in their 3-2 Premier League loss to Watford on Saturday afternoon.
The former Lorentz forward put Villa 2-1 up early in the second half after Ayman Abdi had cancelled out Ciaran Clarke’s opener in the first half.
Jordan’s goal look as though it had secured three point for the Villans but defender Ally Sissokho was sent off for a late challenge on a Watford attacker which swing the game to the advantage of the Vicarage Road outfit.
Watford pressed on until they finally rip benefit of their numerical advantage with Striker Troy Deeney scoring twice in injury time to hand the newly promoted side all three points.
The defeat means Aston Villa will finish the season bottom of the table as they are currently on 16 points with just two matches remaining
Kumasi Asante Kotoko will line up on Monday against Hearts of Oak without first choice centre-back, Osei Agyemang.
Osei Agyemang, who joined the Porcupine Warriors from Berekum Chelsea, knocked Ohene Brenya out of the starting role, and has been excellent at the back with Ahmed Adams.
He has earned plaudits for from the fans and management members of the Porcupine Warriors for his performances.
He is widely considered to be one of the best centre backs in domestic front, for his artistic tackles, elegance on the ball, distribution, and tight marking of opponents.
His absence will be a big blow for Michael Osei, but he will have Evans Quao and Ohene Brenya ask as back ups.
Skipper Amos Frimpong is versatile and could also switch into the central defence to partner Ahmed Adams while either Samuel Sekyere or Atta Kusi man the right back.
Division Two side Republicans Football Club have unveiled their new players and the new head coach of the club Kassim Mingle ahead of the coming season in a colourful orientation ceremony at the Madina Social Welfare School on Saturday, 30th April, 2016.
The unveiling ceremony was well attended by the Board and Management of the club together with the technical team and backroom staff, and the playing body.
There were also representatives from the Union Bank of Ghana and a Professional Referee, who came to educate the players on savings and the rules of the game respectively.
New head coach Kassim Mingle was officially unveiled at the ceremony together with eight new players.
The players were taken through the history and humble beginning of the club and plans for the club’s future Academy was also revealed at the ceremony.
Chairman of the club, Moro Mohammed advised the players to take the game seriously and also mentioned that the main target for the team this season is to secure promotion to Division One.
Also, the head coach mentioned that the players should be disciplined and committed at all times in order to help develop their game and fulfill their true potentials.
Meanwhile, Union Bank of Ghana representative Mike Shola was at the gathering to lecture the players on finances and the need for savings.He encouraged the players to save the little they have now so that they could earn more in the future.
Furthermore, Referee Acquaye Adotey also educated the players on the rules of the game and demonstrated some of the more difficult tenets of the beautiful game to the team.
The ceremony was a wonderful occasion, and before the gathering ended, the players assured the Board and Management team of their willingness to be committed at all times and their ambition of fulfilling the targets of the team come the end of the coming season.
The playing body of Kumasi Asante Kotoko will earn GH¢ 2000.00 each if they they beat Accra Hearts of Oak.
The Porcupine Warriors who have been a pale shadow of themselves in the 2015-16 Ghana premier league (GPL), will visit their bitter rivals, Hearts of Oak on Monday.
Matches between the two glamorous clubs in Ghana domestic football history go beyond 90 minutes of football.
And Life Patron and management have promised each player GH¢ 2000.00.
The life patron, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II promised each player earlier today that he will give each player GH¢1000.00, and management also promised the same amount.
There is special package in place, but according to Sportscrusader sources, the package will only be unveiled should they win.
The Life Patron of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has charged the playing body of the club to beat Hearts of Oak.
The Porcupine Warriors set off on on Saturday evening to Accra to honour the biggest game in Ghana’s football calendar.
And Otumfuo charged them to return to the Garden City with pride. According to the over lord king of the Ashanti Kingdom, the game against the Phobians would either bring joy or sadness to the people.
The players were also promised a special package, should they win the game.
The playing body, about three weeks ago requested a new bus to facilitate their travels when the Asantehene visited them at the Adako Jachie training ground.
The team makes their first trip with the bus on Saturday afternoon out of Kumasi ahead of their epic clash with sworn rivals Hearts on Monday, May 2 in Accra.
The Asantehene inspected the bus before the Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku presented the keys to the General Manager, Samuel Opoku Nti, who thanked the Asantehene for his kind gesture.Luke Shaw has handed Manchester United a significant boost as they prepare for their clash with Leicester City on Sunday by revealing that he could make his return from injury before the end of the season.
The full-back has been sidelined since September after suffering a double fracture of his leg during the Champions League defeat at the hands of PSV Eindhoven.
Shaw has been working hard on his fitness levels in recent weeks and has recently begun training outdoors with a physiotherapist at United’s Carrington training ground.
The England defender has not given up all hope of featuring before the end of the season and has revealed that he is fighting hard to make his first appearance of 2016 before the campaign is over.
Speaking to United’s website, Shaw said: “I am back outside now, still with the physio but, day by day, I am getting better and fitter.
“I am just going to keep pushing now until the end of the season and see what happens.
“At the moment, my leg feels really great every time I go outside. There was a bit of aching at the start but now they are all gone.
“It is just back to hard work now and hopefully I will see the fans before the end of the season.”
Former player and coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, Mohammed Polo has reiterated the need for the players of Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko to sell to the world the quality brand of football that is being played in the Ghana Premier League.
The start of the 2015/2016 GPL has seen a sizeable increase in spectatorship across the country which can be attributed to the level of quality of play been witness in the league so far.
The former Black Stars player in an interview with Sportscrusader.com said “this football match would be watched by millions around the round and it is the chance for us to prove to the world that we are gradually getting there as one of the football super powers in Africa,it is obligatory for this two clubs to give the fans value for their money”.
The ‘dribbling magician’ as he is being referred to also emphasized the need for fluidity with regards to play, in order to prevent any form of controversy that may arise, he also entreated the referee of the game to be firm in executing his officiating duties.
Manchester City will be without playmaker David Silva for two to three weeks, ensuring he will definitely miss Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg tie at Real Madrid, manager Manuel Pellegrini said on Friday.
Pellegrini expressed his hope that the Spanish international might be fit should City reach the final in Milan on May 28.
The bad news for City came as Pellegrini reiterated his annoyance that having to play a key Premier League match on Sunday against Southampton might affect their European final ambitions.
Silva limped out of the first leg tie at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, with Pellegrini revealing: “He has a small hamstring injury and he’ll need two or three weeks to recover.” Asked when he might be back, he added: “He’ll be able to play the final.”
Yaya Toure remains another injury concern for Pellegrini following a muscle injury. “Yaya started working today, we saw the way he improved during the weekend and we’ll see if he can be fit for Wednesday. At the moment we don’t know.”
Pellegrini said he could not understand why, amid such a crowded schedule and with City still pushing for the top four finish that would guarantee Champions League football next season, they had not been given the chance by the Premier League to play on Saturday.
Osu Mantse, His Majesty Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI joined this month’s fun packed aerobic session dubbed, ‘Accra Works Out’ at the Multi purpose court of the Accra Sports Stadium.
The event organised by Ghana’s premier event house, Primeval Media comes off on the last Saturday of every month as qualified fitness instructors guide participants through healthy works out.
Here are some images of the April session:
Primeval media-powered monthly fitness session dubbed ‘Accra Works Out’ came off today (April 30) on the multi-purpose court of the Accra Sports Stadium.
The primary aim of the fitness session is to enable employees of corporate Ghana de-stress at the end of each month in an atmosphere of fun, while networking for immediate and/or future benefits.
This month’s workout session was graced by Peace Ambassador and former Black Stars skipper, Stephen Appiah, the Osu Mantse, His Majesty Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI as well as ex-Black Stars midfielder, Laryea Kingston.
Many other dignitaries including Ghana Black Stars team doctor, Dr. Prince Pamboe and also members of the Teshie Celebration Fitness Club were present.
Participants were led by licensed fit instructors and they were taken through various aerobic regimes vis-a-vis good music from Cil Soundz to make the exercise fun as always.
Those in attendance were refreshed after burning the calories.
The next edition of the fun filled aerobic exercise comes off on May 28 as the venue still remains the multi-purpose court of the Accra Sports Stadium.
The 2015/16 Ghana Premier League (GPL) enters match week 10 this weekend with top of the fixture pile, the Super Clash between bitter rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
Watch Sportscrusader.com preview show of the GPL with the national chief drummer of the Ghana Black Stars, Joseph Langabell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVhs8liCtD0
MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly made a bid for Palmeiras’ striker Gabriel Jesus Gabriel, who starred for Brazil at last year’s Under-20 World Cup, scored 37 goals in 22 matches for Palmeiras’ youth team last term.
And according to Brazilian newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo, United have made a bid to snap up the youngster.
The 19-year-old has a release clause of £23.5million, but the Red Devils are one of five clubs who get a discount on the forward due to another clause in his contract.
United, along with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich can all apparently sign the teenager for £19m.
Gabriel, who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, is expected to play for Brazil in the Olympics, and his agent, Cristiano Simoes, wants to wait and negotiate any deal for the striker after the tournament to get a bigger transfer fee.
He said: “Until then [the Olympics], it’s certain that he will stay. After that, we believe there will come good and concrete bids.
“Gabriel is calm and isn’t interested in these subjects, but he knows that many people want to take him and he’s now the main player who Palmeiras can make profit with.”
Ghana Oil Company (GOIL), an indigenous state-owned company has signed a one year sponsorship deal with Ghana’s two most successful clubs, Accra Hearts of Oak ad Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
The agreement which was signed at the headquarters of GOIL sees both clubs pocket a total of Nine hundred and sixty Ghana Cedis (Ghc960,000) with each receiving half of the total amount which will be paid in monthly installments of Forty thousand Ghana Cedis (Ghc40,000) and will include monthly fuel allocation.
Here are selected photos of the event:
Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Christian Atsu says he is enjoying life in La Liga after joining Malaga on loan last January.
The 24-year-old failed to make a Premier League appearance at Bournemouth during the first part of the season due to injuries.
However, he has played eight Liga games since his arrival in Spain but remains unsure whether his current deal would be made permanent by Chelsea and Malaga.
“I am very happy in Malaga,” Atsu told Spanish newspaper Marca. “What I wanted was a chance to play and now I have that option.
“But to stay here depends on Chelsea.”
Atsu joined Chelsea in a £2.3million deal from Porto in 2013 but is yet to represent the Blues at senior level.
Goal
Dutch sensation Tahith Chong has revealed that he is close to signing for Manchester United.
Old Trafford chiefs have been following Chong’s progress after impressing them in Feyenoord’s Under-17 side, report the Manchester Evening News.
The 16-year-old featured at the Premier Cup event which was held at the club’s Carrington training complex last summer.
A number of Premier League clubs including City, Arsenal and Chelsea had reportedly been monitoring the promising striker.
Chong revealed earlier in the year that he was considering whether or not to remain at the Eredivisie outfit, but it appears that United’s impressive facilities have convinced the forward that his future lies in Manchester.
“It was my intention to stay at Feyenoord, but no plan was made for me,” he told Elf Voetbal.
“When I said I wanted to leave, they made a plan. That was too late.
“At Manchester United I had a better feeling.
“You can feel it immediately when you walk in a club.”
Former Board member of Accra Hearts of Oak, Aziz Haruna Futah has thrown his weight behind head coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi to lead the club to success.
According to the vice chairman of the National Chapter, a supporters Union of Ghana’s national teams, he doesn’t care if Kenichi disrespects the club.
“I don’t care of the relationship between Kenichi and the club, what I am more interested in is the results. Do you know what a win for Hearts of Oak will do to the ordinary supporter in Tumu?” Aziz Haruna said on Gtv Stage Africa programme.
Kenichi Yatsuhashi took to Facebook about two weeks ago to make public inner canker, and the Board were livid.
He was called for a meeting, but the meeting was one members of the team regretted. It is alleged the former Aspire Academy players development coach insulted his employers.
But Aziz says Kenichi has his backing.
“I support Kenichi 150% even if he disrespects Ghana. He told them to meet his demands and they failed, and he can’t work without other people supporting him.
“When the Board paid the players and backroom staff, Kenichi thanked Vincent Odotei-Sowah. So if they do what they are supposed to do, there won’t be any problems,” he said.
Former Asante Kotoko player and coach, Abdul Razak ‘Golden Boy’ says matches between the Porcupine Warriors and Hearts of Oak has nothing to do with the current form of either side.
The two most glamorous clubs in the history of Ghana football, have had contrasting performances this season.
Hearts of Oak are flying high after nine games, acquiring 18 points from a possible 27. However, their bitterest rivals had their worst start to a season in 42 years.
The two teams will meet for the first time this season, and football pundits expect the Rainbow colours to whitewash the Porcupine Warriors.
But the former Stade Malien head coach is adamant Hearts will not find it easy on Monday.
“Matches between Hearts and Kotoko go beyond form. This game means a lot to the players, the coaches, fans and even former players. Every player will want to play in a match like this,” Abdul Razak told Sportscrusader.com.
“The determination the players come on to the field with makes it a different game. The side with the best form on the day wins. You can win all your matches against other teams but when they meet, your form won’t count,” he noted.
Former Kumasi Asante Kotoko coach, Abdul Razak Karim has backed interim boss Michael Osei to lead the team to success.
Michael Osei, served as assistant coach under Masa-ud Didi Dramani and David Duncan respectively, before he was promoted to head the technical bench of the team after a series of poor results under the latter.
The team has won three of their four games under his tutelage, but the latest defeat to New Edubiase United opened up old wounds and the atmosphere surrounding his future as a permanent heir to David Duncan passed through the window.
However, Abdul Razak Karim, who won the Premier League title in the 2003-04 season for the Porcupine Warriors, reckon he has the capabilities to succeed at Kotoko.
“Michael (Osei) is a very good coach. He has worked at New Edubiase United, he also worked with Didi Dramani and David Duncan,” the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations Cup winner told Sportscrusader.com.
“He has acquired a lot of experience under all these coaches and he has also shown that he can be his own man when the management asked him to take over the team.
“And it is not the first time he has done that: he won the FA Cup two years ago and he also won the GHALCA tournament. He just need the support of the people and he will do a good job for the club,” he added.
The Golden Boy as Abdul Razak is affectionately called, says he knows the problem and is ready to offer advise if the hierarchy need ideas.
Sweden based Ghana midfielder Nasir Mohammed proved crucial for BK Hacken in their 6-1 comeback win over Gefle.
The talented midfielder starred at the middle of the pitch for the struggling Hacken as they dispatched their clueless opponents to move out of the relegation zone.
The former Ghana youth international , who racked in eight impressive strikes playing as an offensive midfielder, has been deployed into a more defensive role in the opening matches of the Swedish Allsvenkan league.
Johan Bertilson opened the scoring for Gefle away to the struggling Hacken just four minutes into the clash before a 10 minute brace from Demba Savage turned the scorelines on its head.
Rene Makonde and John Oweri both equaled the feat of Savage with two goals each in the second half of the game to complete the remarkable turn around.
Nasir Moro combined his defensive responsibilities with his trade mark diagonal passes before bowing out in the 81st minute.
Former Inter Allies centre back Baba Mensah watched proceedings from the bench for Hacken whiles Kwame Bonsu lasted the full throttle for Gefle in the one sided demolition exercise.
Gefle replaced BK Hacken in the bottom three with five points from the opening six fixtures.
Ghana Oil company (GOIL) has signed a one year deal with Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
The deal which is a cash payment was signed for Kotoko’s General Manager, Opoku Nti.
Watch the official signing of Sportscrusader.com YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpVVd2msl2c
Ghana midfielder Kamal Issah steered Staebik into the Norwegian Cup third round with his opening account of the season.
The explosive midfielder lighted the Staebik Arena with his blistering performances at the heart of the pitch in a 1-7 thumping of Sparta.
Sparta opened the floodgate in the goal feast before eventually shipping in response to end their domestic cup journey.
Kamal Issah capped an impressive outing at the heart of the pitch for his paymasters with a commanding performances to tame his opposing midfielders.
The Ghanaian set up his side’s opening two strikes before scoring his personal season opener with a pile driver in a 7 goal demolition exercise.
Compatriot Ernest Asante played his part in the cup progress despite failing to register a strike.
Elsewhere in cup competition, Mahatma Otoo and his Sogndal colleagues limped into the third round at the expense of Fordes.
Louis van Gaal has warned Leicester City that his Manchester United players will not allow them to win the Barclays Premier League title at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Claudio Ranieri’s men require three more points to secure the championship crown, but the Reds must also win with a place in the top four still up for grabs and four important matches left to play.
Speaking to reporters at his pre-match press conference at the Aon Training Complex on Friday afternoon, van Gaal remained quietly optimistic of securing UEFA Champions League qualification next season and spoke of delaying the Foxes’ coronation as Premier League champions.
“I think we have to beat Leicester because we are still in the race for the first positions, so we have to beat them,” he said. “We cannot allow that they are the champions this weekend at Old Trafford. I think they shall be the champion a week later, so we don’t spoil the party, just postpone it a little bit.
“I was the first who said that they could be champions and now a presenter [Match of the Day’s Gary Lineker] has to wear underwear when they are the champions. For me it is not a surprise; I say that many, many times. I believe in team building and the manager has done that with this team.
“They had the circumstances to play always with the same team as they did not play so many matches as the other teams in the league, so it is always possible. It is good for the Premier League and the sport of football that not always the same teams are the champion.”
At his press conference, van Gaal was also quizzed on Ranieri’s remarkable work this season and the Dutchman was full of praise for the Italian, citing their previous meetings as managers in La Liga.
“Yeah, it was never easy to beat his teams,” van Gaal told reporters. “Valencia and Barcelona is also more or less a derby so it is a difficult match. He has always organised his teams very good.”
Manutd
Dreams FC coach, Charles Kwabena Akonnor, has told his players not to underrate Sekondi Hasaacas going into their Ghana Premier League Match-Day 10 game on Sunday.
The Premier League debutants whose bright start to the season was halted by Asante Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea respectively, has told his players returning to winning ways against the awful looking Hasaacas side will not be a stroll in the park.
Hasaacas have lost all their matches on the road this season and their miserable away form gives their hosts the advantage.
“Every game comes differently and we approach it in a unique way. Yes, Hasaacas might have lost most of their away matches but we don’t have to look at it from that angle,” Akonnor said.
“We’ve also lost two matches and it’s not a good sign. Sometimes, it brings the level of confidence of the players a bit down and so we will look at the opponent from a different perspective; we want to play, we want to create chances, we want to score, we want to press and try and finish the game on a good note,” he added.
“In our previous matches we’ve only had one or two goals, maybe, if we are able to create chances and score two or three goals I would really appreciate that but it’s important that we work hard towards it,” he added.
“I hope it works well for the team and of course, for the strikers because we’re trying something, we’re scoring but less goals,” he noted.
“It is not good enough, maybe what we’re changing might help us to score more goals.” the former Ghana captain said.
Ghana Oil company (GOIL) has signed a one year deal with Accra Hearts of Oak.
The deal which is a cash payment was signed for Hearts by Head of the Strategic Committee, Vincent Sowah Odotei.
Watch the official signing of Sportscrusader.com YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7uFLi0FuhI
Former skipper of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Daniel Nii Adjei has thrown his weight behind his former employers to beat high-flying Accra Hearts of Oak in their Ghana Premier League (GPL) Match-Day 10 Super Clash in Accra.
The Porcupines Warriors are not on a good run this year, but the TP Mazembe midfielder has backed them to amass all three points on Monday.
“I know Kotoko is not performing well in the league but on Monday 2 May, they will win the match against Hearts because I believe the boys will lift up the porcupine spirit and fight for victory. Good luck to you guys!” He wrote on his Facebook page.
Daniel Nii Adjei captained Kotoko to win the GPL in 2012-13 season before joining TP Mazembe.
Head of the Strategy Committee of Accra Hearts of Oak, Vincent Odotei-Sowah has revealed to Sporstcrusader.com that the feud the club had with head coach Kenichi Yatsuashi has been settled.
The Japanese-American caused a stir with his recent Facebook rants in connection with players salaries and bonuses with the latest been the dismissal of chief scout, Joe Addo and this public declaration of internal wranglings agitated the Board led by Togbe Afede XIV who according to Sportscrusader.com source were advocating for his dismissal.
But speaking after the signing a one year sponsorship deal with Ghana owned, Ghana Oil Companay (GOIL), Mr Odotei-Sowah nicknamed, ‘Sports Obama’ said, “there was no crisis in Hearts of Oak and there has ever been one. We have made it clear to Kenichi that we wont accept such conduct in the near future after we smoked the peace pipe with him.”
“Employees are individuals and do have their peculiar issues with employers and ours with Kenichi is no exception. Kenichi’s is our head coach and our employee and we respect him but there are standing issues with management and we are following the terms of his contract as there are no issues with management as it has been reported by the media,” he added.
Hearts are currently in a secret camping place outside Accra as they prepare to face fierce and sworn rivals Asante Kotoko in a Ghana Premier League match on Monday.
Some of the most established golfers in Ghana are set to show off their golfing skills at the third edition of the South Africa (SA) Freedom Day Golf tournament to be held on Saturday, 30 April 2016 at the Celebrity Golf Course in Tema.
Freedom Day is an annual celebration of South Africa’s first non-racial democratic elections of 1994. Peace, unity, the preservation and the restoration of human dignity, hallmark Freedom Day celebrations on the 27 April of each year.
Over 300 golfers are expected to take part in this event to demonstrate their solidarity to South Africa’s Freedom Day celebration.
Corporate organisations partnering this prestigious event include South African Airways, South African Tourism (SAT), Cummins Ghana and other South African Companies.
The South Africa Freedom Day Golf, is organised by Global Media Alliance in collaboration with the Celebrity Golf Club and the South African High Commission.
It is expected to gather both the South African and Ghanaian Business communities in Ghana in a relaxed, friendly and thrilling atmosphere.
The event is partnered by Trellidor, Afrgri Ghana, First National Bank, Old Mutual, MultiChoice Ghana, Mobile Tout Terrain (M.T.T), Shoprite and Distell Company,
Former player and coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, Mohammed Polo has said the that Kumasi Asante Kotoko can regain their rhythm if Hearts are complacent in their Ghana Premier League (GPL) Match-Day 10 encounter.
The two heavyweights in Ghana football, are due to clash on Monday, May 2 at the Accra Sports Stadium in a match dubbed as the ‘Super El-clasico Clash’.
The former Black Stars player in an interview with Sportscrusader.com, said, “Kotoko is only facing short term challenges, they have the capability of regaining their momentum against Hearts of Oak, if the players of Hearts are complacent and this could see the Fabulous boys staging a magnificent comeback in the GPL”.
“In matches like this, form guide doesn’t count, the victors are players who are able to concentrate on the match for 90 minutes, and Kotoko is not a bad team at all “.
The ‘dribbling magician’ as he was referred to in his hey days, also emphasized that the season is too early to draw conclusions, and, anything can happen especially when you are able to win two matches in a row.
Cristiano Ronaldo will “decide on the day” whether he fit enough to play in Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City, says Guillem Balague.
After a 0-0 draw at the Etihad on Tuesday, which Ronaldo missed with a thigh injury, the forward is in a race against time to be fit for Wednesday night’s crucial return leg at the Bernabeu.
Ronaldo – who will sit out Saturday’s league game against Real Sociedad – would be a huge miss for Real having scored 16 goals in 10 Champions League games this season, and Balague says the fact the 31-year-old has chosen to take treatment away from the club is indicative of the “medical crisis” at Real.
Spanish football expert Balague told Sky Sports: “The latest is that he has been treated by physios and doctors away from Real Madrid, which confirms the medical crisis at the club.
“Ronaldo felt he was OK in the last training session in Manchester before the semi-final draw with City on Tuesday. He sprinted, ran, did everything as usual that you do for the training session, but 10 minutes before the end he felt a sharp pain again.
“Some are saying there is no tear, others say there is. I believe there is a tear, and he wants to treat it with stem cell treatment, which could speed the healing process.
“It would still be tender, so it’s a risk for certain, but the stem cell treatment could help him recover. He will decide on the day, and Zidane will follow whatever Cristiano decides.”
Ronaldo’s contract at Real Madrid runs out in the summer of 2018, but speculation over his future at the Bernabeu is still rife.
Balague says his future does not depend on Real’s domestic and Champions League success this season, and that if figures cannot be met with other clubs, the next logical step is to negotiate a new contract with the La Liga side.
“His future does not depend on Real’s success this season. Real and Cristiano have been looking at avenues to part company, but Real have not found a buyer with the money that they want, and Ronaldo hasn’t found anyone with the money required for him to leave Real Madrid.
“Unless a big offer comes in, the next step will be for Real and Cristiano to agree a new contract. Zidane wants him to stay.
“There have been conversations for clubs for sure, but Manchester United have not shown enough interest to get him, and PSG have calculated that they don’t have the money required. But we have to see what happens in the next few weeks.”
Skysports
Newly promoted GN Bank Division One League side Roberto have set their sight on recording a second away victory of the season when they travel to Oda to face Kotoko Royals on Sunday.
The Volta Regional based side will be hoping to arrest a recent slump which has seen them lose back-to-back matches and according to their trainer Christopher Tsomafo, he has a strategy in place to outsmart his Week 9 opponent.
Speaking in an interview in the buildup to the game, the Roberto FC Head Coach said his side are ready to go to Oda and cause an upset.
“We are ready to go and win the match there [in Oda]. I know Kotoku Royals and the quality they pose but we have a strategy that will ensure our victory come Sunday”, Tsomafo was quoted to have said.
Roberto FC started the 2015/2016 GN Bank Divison One League on a bright not going six games without a defeat before on Match Week Seven at Amidaus Professionals which was followed by a home defeat to Okwawu United last weekend.
They are currently lying 10th in Zone Three with 10 points after Eight Games.
Match Week 9 of the GN Bank Division One League will see a lot of enterprising fixtures in Zone Three.
With nothing to separate the top three teams, this weekend will provide an opportunity for at least one of the three joint leaders to break away from the rest.
Okwawu United will host Tema Youth at the Nkawkaw Park on Sunday as they seek to go clear of the chasing Park while Joint Leaders Heart of Lions and Okyeman Planners will play each other at the Kpando Park in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
Mighty Jets will hope to continue their resurgence as they play at home to relegation threatened Pure Joy at the Burma Camp Park in Accra.
Meanwhile, newly promoted Vision FC, who are just a point away from the joint top three teams will embark on a short trip to the Fire Service Training School in Accra to face Great Olympics on Sunday.
Elsewhere in Tema, Amidaus Professionals come face-to-face with King Solomon while Roberto will hope to prevent a third straight defeat with an away trip to Oda where they will face Kotoko Royals.
The other game of the weekend in Zone Three will have Sporting Mirren and Istanbuk Playing as host to Nania FC and Danbort respectively.
GN BANK DOL WEEK 9 FIXTURE
Istanbul VS Danbort
Mighty Jets VS Pure Joy
Sporting Mirren VS Nania FC
Amidaus VS King Solomon
Okwawu United VS Tema Youth
Kotoku Royals VS Roberto
Great Olympics VS Vision FC
Heart of Lions VS Planners
The race for Ghana’s top flight continues this weekend in Zone Two of the the GN Bank Division One League.
Leaders Elmina Sharks will seek to continue their unbeaten start to the 2015/2016 season as they travel to Kumasi to face Relegation threatened Cornerstones in the first game of the weekend on Friday.
The other game in Kumasi will see Asokwa Deportivo square off against Wassaman United on Saturday.
Gold Stars will be hoping to close the gap on Sharks when they travel to Tarkwa to play Tarkwa United while Eleven Wise host Achiken at the Gyandu Park in Sekondi.
Elsewhere, Proud United play Nzema Kotoko at the Gyandu on Saturday while Samartex welcomes Venomous Vipers on Sunday.
Struggling King Faisal will also be involved in an away encounter to Dunkwa United while Karela FC host Starke in Anyinase
GN BANK DOL WEEK 9 FIXTURES
Karela FC VS Starke.
Deportivo VS Wassaman
Tarkwa United VS Gold Stars
Corners VS Sharks
Dunkwa United VS King Faisal
Samartex VS Venomous Vipers
Eleven Wise VS Achiken FC
Proud United VS Nzema Kotoko
Ghana’s Second tier league returns this weekend with some interesting match-ups as the race for Promotion continues to get interesting in Zone One.
Leaders Bofoakwa will on Saturday hope to consolidate their position at the top of the log as they play host to Guan United at the Sunyani Coronation Park.
The Tano based side will be hoping the likes of Berlin FC, Berekum Arsenal and RTU who are all playing away from home to drop points.
Early season favorites Berlin have struggled to record wins in recent past but will be hoping to arrest their current situation when they travel to Bolga All Stars on Sunday.
Arsenal are away at Steadfast while RTU will be engaged in a Tamale derby against Utrecht.
Elsewhere, Bawku United will play Wa Rockets at home with Struggling BA United welcoming FC Tanga at the Coronation Park on Sunday.
The other games in Zone One will Liberty Babies taking on Wamanafo Mighty Royal and Unity FC will face off against Mpuasoman.
GN BANK DOL Week 9 Fixtures.
Unity FC VS Mpuasuman
Bofoakwa VS Guan United
Bolga All Stars VS Berlin FC
Steadfast VS Arsenal
Tamale Utrecht VS RTU
Bawku United VS Wa Rocket
B. A. United VS FC Tanga
Liberty Babies VS Mighty Royals
