Exclusive: Satellites To Play Burkina Faso

Ghana Black Satellites have sealed a friendly  with Burkina Faso at the Cape Coast sports stadium ahead of their return leg in the AYC   qualifiers.

The wounded national Under 20 side, arranged the friendly match to fine-tune their preparation towards their must-win home tie against Senegal.

Masud Dramani’s charges crashed to a 3-1 defeat in Dakar and will need at least, a 2-0 win to book a place in the 2017 youth soccer fiesta slated for Zambia.

Management of the U-20 side, settled on the Burkinabes’ game to keep the players in top shape and, mentally ready for the main task in two weeks’ time.

The 2009 FIFA World Youth Champions will regroup later in the week for the friendly game at the new Cape Coast sports complex to fine tune their preparation ahead of the second leg of the tie against Lamine Niane’s inspired Senegalese.

Exclusive: Satellites To Play Burkina Faso

AYC: Satellites Midfielder Confident Of Qualification

National under 20 star, Mohamed Amando  is confident his side will overturn their first leg defeat in the AYC qualifiers when they host Senegal  in the final lap.

The Black satellites slumped to a surprise 3-1 defeat in Dakar thanks to a Lamine  Niane’s treble but the imposing midfielder  for the Ghanaians in hopeful of a massive turn out in the second leg.

The 2009 FIFA  Under 20 world champions will need a minimum of 2-0 to book their ticket to Zambia 2017 after that set back,  a feat Amando envisaged.

The Wa All Stars versatile anchor man rallied his colleagues to develop that mental toughness and the can-do spirit that saw them dispatch Ethiopia at the Cape  Coast Sports Stadium.

“It is a painful defeat and very difficult to contain as a group of players.

“We just have to build our mental set up and approach the game like like we did against Ethiopia.

“I am sure we can still turn around the results and book a place in the Championship itself.

“We need the support of the entire football family in the return leg on matter the chosen venue”, Amando told sports crusader.

The Satellites host their Senegalese counterparts in a fortnight’s with a 3-1 aggregate defeat to overcome.

AYC: Satellites Midfielder Confident Of Qualification

Ghana To Play Senegal

Ghana national U-20 team will play Senegal in the final phase of the 2017 African Youth Championship (AYC) qualifiers.

The Black Satellites thumped Ethiopia 4-0 at the Cape Coast sports stadium on Monday to book qualification to final round of the qualifying series on 5-2 on aggregate, and will play the Young Terranga Lions after they matched past Tunisia 4-1 on aggregate

Two goals in each half from Yaw Yeboah and one each from Dauda Mohammed and Evans Mensah were enough to earn Masa-ud Didi Dramani’s men a ticket to Dakar to face the East Africans.

The 2009 World Youth Champions first will travel it Darkar for the first leg on July 7 before hosting the second encounter in a fortnight (July 21).

The winner of the double will join seven other in Zambia for the tournament next year.

Ghana To Play Senegal

Satellites Turn Focus Against Senegal

The Black Satellites have turned their attention quickly to the next stages of the Africa Youth Championship (AYC) after sailing past Ethiopia.

The national U-20 team will meet Senegal phase of the qualifiers, and Masa-ud Didi Dramani, who masterminded the success over Ethiopia wants the team to focus on the next target.

“The team played very well and we deserved the victory but we have to move on from there and start preparing for the next game,” Dramani told Accra-based radio station, Citi FM.

“My understanding of the game allows me to continue working on improving my side both physically and tactically and that is what we have to continue doing.” he said.

The winner of the tie will book qualification to Zambia for the 2017 edition of the AYC.

Satellites Turn Focus Against Senegal

Black Satellites Midfielder Revel After Victory Over Ethiopia

Ghana youth international midfielder Mohammed Armando has expressed his excitement after his side’s heavy win over Ethiopia at the new Cape Coast sports stadium.

The hard tackling midfield gem excelled at the centre of the pitch for the ruthless Under 20 side that put four goals past a hapless Ethiopian side to over turn a first leg deficit in Addis Ababa.

The Wa All Stars stylish pass master is already relishing the prospect of facing Senegal in the next stage of the qualifiers but could not hide his excitement after registering his first ever competitive match in national colours.

Mohammed Armando rallied his team mates to maintain the same momentum that saw them maul their North African guest when they make the trip to Senegal for the first leg of the last qualifier en route to Zambia 2017 for the AYC.

“it is always good to be recognized by the handlers of the National team as a footballer and I am not an exception. To have played a crucial role in the game makes it even better. It is a day I will not forget in a hurry. I have long dreamt of wearing the national colors and to have achieved that at this stage in my career, it no mean an achievement”, Armando told sports crusader exclusively.

The Wa All Stars versatile midfielder however remains modest ahead of the trip to Senegal for the first leg of the last hurdles, urging his colleagues to avoid complacency.

“We only need to approach the Senegal game with same mentality like we played at home to Ethiopia if we are to make the championship. We can repeat the feat away from home with the right mentality and I believe we will do just that. It is game by game approach as we head towards the final obstacles”, the Satellites midfielder rounded up.

Armando missed out on the 2-1 defeat in Addis Ababa but was handed his debut international match at the new Cape Coast sports stadium in a 4-0 win for Masud Dramani’s men in the return leg.

Black Satellites Midfielder Revel After Victory Over Ethiopia

Minister Charges Satellites To Qualify

The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Kweku Ricketts Hagan paid a visit to the camp of the Ghana national U-20 team, Black Satellites.

The purpose of the visit was to motivate the next generation of the Black Stars ahead of their Africa Youth Championship second leg qualifier against Ethiopia.

The 2009 World Youth Champions succumbed to a 2-1 defeat in a Addis Ababa a fortnight ago, and will need to score at least a goal without conceding to stand a chance of progressing to the final phase of the qualifier at the expense of the Ethiopians.

And Mr. Hagan, who also doubles as Member of Parliament, reckon they have the qualities to progress on Sunday.

“I saw you play at the Cape Coast stadium the day it was commissioned and you did very well, though the Chinese drew the game.

“You did very well that…though you lost (in Addis Ababa), I know you will win this time around and get to the 2017 tournament (in Zambia).”

Hon. Hagan also promised the Satellites they have the backing of the people in the region, and they will throw their weight behind them to achieve glory on match-day.

“We will do everything possible that we can to support you to make sure that you’re fully prepared to win the game on Sunday.

“We will try and mobilise the people in come to stadium and gibe you the support that you need to qualify.” He said.

Minister Charges Satellites To Qualify

Qualification Is Our Ultimate

Mas-ud Didi Dramani says qualifying the Black Satellites to the next phase of the 2017 Africa Youth Championship (AYC) at the expense of Ethiopia is his priority.

The Ghana national U-20 team succumbed of 2-1 defeat in Addis Ababa a fortnight ago, and will require at least 1 goal without conceding to stand the chance of playing either Senegal or Tunisia in the final phase of the qualifiers.

Ahead of the second leg slated for Sunday at the Cape Coast Sports stadium, the former Asante Kotoko coach said:

“I commended the boys for a good job in the first leg. Even those of us on the bench were tired because of the altitude so they did well.

“Securing the qualification is our ultimate goal and I am very hopeful that we will qualify on Sunday,” he added.

Qualification Is Our Ultimate

Didi Blames Ethiopia Weather

Masud Didi Dramani, head coach of Ghana’s U-20 National team, blamed the weather for his side’s 1-2 defeat to Ethiopia in the first leg of the 2017 Africa Youth Championship qualifier in Addis Ababa on Sunday.

The Black Satellites conceded the two goals under 10 minutes, but pulled one back courtesy of Jonathan Osabutey’s late consolation goal.

“It was a difficult game not in terms of technical, or tactical but in terms of climatic conditions, which was something we were thinking about.

“We tried to strategise, we strategised very well in order to try and conserve a lot of energy to last the full duration of the game and, unfortunately, we committed individual technical errors, which you cannot correct as a coach when the game is going on,” he said in a post-match interview.

He praised the team for an impressive performance, despite the hot humidity and is certain of a victory in the second leg to qualify.

“Yet, still, I want to congratulate these boys because what they went through, only God knows. … They were going through their first and [worst] experience of their lives, if not for what I had told them about what the altitude was all about.

“But I think they were able to fight. We had to push them beyond [their limit] and we ended the game in the opponents’ half. We were always pushing for the needed goals,” he added.

The winner of the tie over the two legs will meet either Tunisia or Senegal.

Didi Blames Ethiopia Weather

Dramani Attributes Satellites Defeat To Poor Weather

Head coach of Ghana’s under 20 team- the Black Satellites, Mas’Ud Didi Dramani, has attributed his side’s 2-1 defeat against Ethiopia to climate and defensive lapses.

The match was the first leg of the African Youth Championship second round qualifier and the Black Satellites needed a good result ahead of the second leg in Accra.

However, two quick goals in the first 20 minutes handed the home side an early advantage but Jonathan Osabutey scored late in the second half to give the Black Satellites a straightforward duty of winning by at least a goal in the second leg.

And speaking to the press after the game, Ghana’s trainer, Didi Dramani said that bad choices of defensive judgment and the weather led to the result.

“I think it was a difficult match but the challenge was not tactical or technical. The problem we had was with the weather”, he said.

‘’ We tried to manage the situation and we tried to strategize to help us conserve energy (due to the high altitude). Unfortunately, we committed errors.

“We gave the ball away in our defensive third and that is something you pay for in football. We had to play against the wind and we struggled all game but it was not new to me.

“I came to play at the same venue with the Princesses and we experienced the wind too. In that match, we defended the end that was against the wind and on Sunday with the Satellites, we were at the same end. I told the players to be careful but we conceded”, Dramani added.

The Satellites are scheduled to arrive in Ghana on Monday to get ready for the second leg on June 12.

Dramani Attributes Satellites Defeat To Poor Weather

Ghana XI v Ethiopia

Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, head coach of the Black Satellites has named his starting XI to face Ethiopia on Sunday afternoon in the 2017 African Youth Championship qualifier in Addis Ababa.

Experienced Premier League duo Daniel Amoah and Issahaku Konda will be at the heart of defence with Enoch Adu and Geoffrey Acheampong as wing backs.

Dreams FC’s Emmanuel Lomotey, Unity Stars Michael Otu and Inter Allies Isaac Twum will marshall the centre of the pitch for the Satellites.

The attacking department of the team will be spearheaded by Asante Kotoko’s Dauda Mohammed, and with him to seek to do the damage is Charles Boateng and Jonathan Osabutey.

The winner of the tie over two legs will play Tunisia or Senegal.

Ghana U20 starting XI: Kwame Baah, Enoch Adu, Geofrey Acheampong, Daniel Amoah, Issahaku Konda, Michel Otuo, Isaac Twum, Emmanuel Lomotey, Jonathan Osabutey, Charles Boateng, Dauda Mohamed (c).

Subs: Joseph Paintsil, Evans Mensah, Moses Sarpong, Nicholas Opoku, Benjamin Asiedu, Kingsley Fobi, Mohammed Armando

Ghana XI v Ethiopia

Kwame Baah Earns Praise Of National Goalkeepers" Trainer

Goalkeeper’s trainer of the Black Satellites Issah Najahu has lauded Kwame Baah for his unique talent between the sticks.

The Inter Allies young goalie earned the praise of his national goalkeeper’s trainer after showing enough reflexes while in action with the Black Satellites team.

Baah leads a quartet of goalkeeper’s in the camp of the U-20 national side as they prepare to take on Ethiopia in an African Youth Championship qualifier next week.

Issah Najahu, who has handled many young goalkeepers in the country credited Kwame Baah for his total contribution for the team.

The former Real Tamale United and Wa All Stars custodian heaped kind words on all four shot stoppers in camp but singled out Baah for special praise.

“Kwame is a young goalkeeper any side will like to have between your post. He is a complete goalkeeper and works with the right attitude as well. He look destined for greatness.

Fortunately in our camp, we have almost equal replacement for the Inter Allies goalkeeper.

The likes of Richmond Ayi from Techiman City or Benjamin Asiedu and Fatawu Dida are just as good as Kwame between the post as well.

“Our goalkeeping department has no problem for now,” Najahu told sportscrusader.com.

The trainer added, “Baah’s experience from the previous Championship tells me his value and what he brings on board. He is a very composed shot stopper and has demonstrated it times without number”.

The Black Satellites picked a bye in the opening rounds of the African U20 Youth Championship slated for Zambia 2017.

The Ghanaians head to Adiss Ababa for the first leg of the qualifiers on May 18 before hosting the Ethiopians later.

Kwame Baah Earns Praise Of National Goalkeepers" Trainer

Tang Palace Sponsors Chinese Team to Ghana

Ghana’s premier residential hotel, Tang Palace, sponsored Chinese national team to play national under 20 side, the Black Satellites.

The two countries met for the first time at the juvenile level at the newly built stadium in Cape Coast.

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) and the Chinese Ambassador’s residence in Ghana organised a friendly match between the two national sides.

The newly built Cape Coast Sports Stadium was commissioned by the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama along with the Sports Minister, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye.

The Black Satellites of Ghana drew 2-2 with China in the international friendly that was played to commission the newly built Cape Coast Stadium.

The new Cape-Coast Stadium will host the finals of the 2016 MTN FA Cup finals as well as Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Rwanda.

Tang Palace Sponsors Chinese Team to Ghana

Program Line-Up For Cape Coast Stadium Unveiling Revealed

Ghana’s Under 20 team, the Black Satellites will host China’s Under 19 youth team in a friendly game as part of the official unveiling of the newly constructed Cape Coast stadium.

The match will be played on Tuesday May 3, 2016 after Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has officially unveiled the new Multi Purpose Sports facility.

In a related development, two prominent senior high schools in the Central region; Mfanstipim and Adisadel College will face each other in a football match as part of the activities line up for the unveiling ceremony.

Also, Ghana Premier League side Ebusua Dwarfs will play a club friendly against regional rivals and Division One League side Venomous Vipers.

The 15,000 capacity stadium which was designed by the China IPPR International Engineering Corporation led by architect Zhou Jun have facilities like a two basketball court , athletics tracks, tennis courts and other facilities as well.

 

Program Line-Up For Cape Coast Stadium Unveiling Revealed

I Will Turn Your Land Cruiser Into A Taxi - Afriyie Warns One Man Supporter

Vice president of the Ghana Football Association,  George Afriyie has told Abraham Boakye, popularly known as ‘One Man Supporter’ that he will seize his land cruiser vehicle and turn it into a taxi.

Abraham Boakye petitioned the High Court of Ghana to ensure that the 2014 Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Ghana’s fiasco in Brazil recommendation that George Afriyie should stay out of all football related issues in the national team is abided by.

And George Afriyie says that Abraham Boakye has crossed the line, and he will seize his car and turn it into a taxi.

“I don’t have anything to say, but all I can say is that, you are doomed if your parents failed to send you to school,” the chairman of Liberty Professionals told Atinka FM.

“He thinks he knows the law more, but I will show him that he has threaded at the wrong place. I will seize his land cruiser and dust it as a taxi.

“He has crossed the line and he won’t go free.” He added.

George Afriyie revealed that he challenged the Dzamefe-led Commission of Inquiry recommendation, and was successful, but Abraham Boakye ‘ignorantly’ takes it upon himself to ensure the law take its course.

“I am a law-abiding citizen and I wouldn’t do anything contrary to the law. I appealed the Commission’s recommendation at the Appeals Court and even the incoming sports minister  (Nii Lantey Vanderpuije) is aware. When he was quizzed during his vetting about implementing the recommendations, he said some people appealed the decisions, but One man believes he knows it all,” he said.

He also confirmed receiving a note toappear in court.

“I have the received the letter and meet him in court, but I want him to know that I will seize his land cruiser.” He stated.

I Will Turn Your Land Cruiser Into A Taxi - Afriyie Warns One Man Supporter

I"m Happy With Satellites Call Up - "Dormaa Polo"

Aduana Stars talented youngster, Sampson Boampong Wirekoh couldn’t hide his excitement with his call-up to the camp of the national under-20 side.

 

The tricky-winger who side for the premier league club from Windy Professionals during the transfer window, was in the 40-players called up players for the Black Satellites team that will camp at Prampram in readiness for the first phase of preparations for upcoming assignments.

Boampong known in football circles as ‘Dorma Polo’ due to his resemblance to former Hearts of Oak legend, Mohammed Polo, expressed his joy at the invitation, an action he stressed will go a long way to boost his confidence.

 

 

The youngster said, “It is every player’s dream to play for the national team at any level and I am happy that I have this opportunity and I know it will motivate me the more to give off my best at all times”.

I"m Happy With Satellites Call Up - "Dormaa Polo"

Official: Daniel Amartey is A Fox

Leicester City is delighted to confirm the signing of Daniel Amartey from FC Copenhagen on a contract until 2020, subject to Football Association, Premier League and international clearance.

Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Daniel Amartey from FC Copenhagen on a contract until 2020, subject to Football Association, Premier League and international clearance.

Daniel, a versatile Ghanaian international, arrived in the UK this week to complete a medical and finalise personal terms after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for his transfer.

The highly-rated 21-year-old, who operates both in central midfield and at right-back, becomes City’s second new signing this month, following the arrival of another exciting young player –

England youth international Demarai Gray.

Daniel told lcfc.com: “It’s a great pleasure to join Leicester City. I know the Club have been interested in signing me for some time and that was a big part of my decision to come here.

“All over Europe, people are talking about Leicester City and how well the Club is doing in the Premier League. The team plays exciting, attacking football and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”

A powerful presence both in midfield and defence, Daniel has impressed in Danish football since arriving in the capital in July 2014. He played a key role as Copenhagen finished second in the Superliga to qualify for the UEFA Europa League during his first season with the club and has helped guide them to the top of the table this term.

Copenhagen recruited Amartey from Swedish outfit Djurgårdens IF, who he joined at the age of 18. He made his senior debut for Ghana against Senegal a year ago and has since featured six times for the Black Stars, where he is an international colleague of Foxes winger Jeffrey Schlupp.

Daniel trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Friday ahead of a Barclays Premier League meeting with Stoke City at King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

 

Source: lcfC.com

Official: Daniel Amartey is A Fox

Amartey Will Be Leicester City Regular - George Afriyie

Vice president of the Ghana Football Association, George Afriyie is optimistic Daniel Amartey will be regular in the backline of English Premier League side, Leicester City.

The Black Stars defender was in London on Tuesday for medicals after a reported fee of £6m was agreed by Danish side FC Copenhagen.

And George Afriyie is certain Daniel Amartey,  a youngster he knew would be a successful footballer when he saw him in 2012,  believe has the character to be in the Leicester City back set up week in and out.

“Daniel is, perhaps, going to be the revelation of the EPL second round, so let us wish him well,” Afriyie told Starr FM.

“He has a strong character so I have no doubts that he will command a regular position at Leicester City.

“I was one of those who identified him way back in 2012 when he was part of a select-side for a tournament in South Africa.

“That was when I saw his exploits, so when coach Avram Grant took over the Black Stars and invited him, I was not surprised.” he said.

Amartey Will Be Leicester City Regular - George Afriyie

Abra-Appiah - Football Development Require Infrastructure

Former Ghana Premier League Board Chairman, Welbeck Abra-Appiah says football can only see the daylight with infrastructure available.

Ghana Premier League has lost its power to compete against the elite clubs in the continent, and Abra-Appiah says the failure for Ghana local football to reach it’s peak is caused by lack of infrastructure.

“It hasn’t been easy (been the chairman of the PLB), honestly it hasn’t been easy. Some of these things are such that if you want your football to develop you need to have first and famous, infrastructure,” Abra-Appiah told TV3 Ghana.

The ex-Okwahu United financier wished there were facilities to help him strategies for the effective administration of club football, but empty promises by government caged his success.

He added that projects were put in place due to lack of funds.

“Years ago, before the 10 years that I have been at the chairman of the PLB, there were series of governments which came, where the then minister for Youth and Sports said that every year they were going to put an infrastructure like what we have at El Wak for each of the regions, but that idea never materialized.

“It never came up. It is a historical fact. It has not been easy because there are no funds to support a lot of the projects of which we wished to have brought on table.” He said.

However, Abra-Appiah believes despite the difficulties there were some achievements.

“Despite all these, there have been some few achievements over the 10 year period.

“We cannot separate the Premier League Board from the Ghana Football Association when it comes to some of these projects and achievements.

“Because I can tell you that without the support of the Kwesi Nyantakyi’s administration,nothing, I mean nothing would have been achieved in this country as far as football development is concerned.

“There were many instances. Okwahu United of which I was the financier went to play in Tamale in a crucial match, Kwame Bamfo ‘Sikkens’ and myself were molested and all the people we knew, the RTU directors closed their and watch us been molested.

“I sat on the floor to watch the game because they would not permit me to sit on the chair. These are some of the moments that tells us that Ghana football has come of age and now we’ve stepped into a new era where some of these molestations and other atrocities are no more there in our football.”

Abra-Appiah announced his decision to leave his position as chairman of the PLB prior to the end of last season’s Ghana Premier League.

Abra-Appiah - Football Development Require Infrastructure

Abdul Razak Target National Team Coaching Job.

Ghana legend Abdul Razak Karim says his focus now is to manage any of the national teams of his motherland.

Mr. Razak dubbed the ‘Golden Boy’ for his artistry work with the ball has won may trophies as a coach with Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Stade Malien of Mali, Etoile Filan of Togo.

He served as the assistant coach of the Black Stars in 2001, but was never given a look for a head role of the technical team.

And Abdul Razak, who Africa only representative at the 1978 World Cup finals in Argentina with his magical ‘golden goal’ to help Ghana reach the final of the tournament, wants the opportunity to lead any national team in Ghana.

“The only job I know in this world now is coaching, and my focus now is coaching the national team,” the Golden Boy told sportscrusader.com

He clarified that coaching the national team doesn’t necessarily mean the Black Stars.

“When I say the national team, it doesn’t necessarily mean the Black Stars. We have many national teams in the country and I want to coach any of them.

“We have the junior (Black Starlets and Satellites) national teams, we have the local national team (Local Black Stars), and many other national teams.

“I have done a lot at club level which has been very successful and I thank God for that, and now my focus is to coach the national team and show the world what God has given me, and to put Ghana on the map.” He added.

The former Kumasi Cornerstones kingpin, believes history backs him greatly to succeed as a coach of the national team when given the opportunity.

“I did that (was a successful) as a player at Kotoko and when i came to coach the team, I won trophies. I played for the national team and I won trophies and I want to win the [Africa] Cup of nations or whatever it may be.

“Only God knows and that’s where I want to be at the moment.”

Abdul Razak in his playing days played alongside world greats like World Pele and Carlos Alberto of Brazil and German World Cup winner Frank Beckenbeur.

Abdul Razak Target National Team Coaching Job.

I Have Never Taken Bribe From Players - Paa Kwesi Fabin

The coach of the Ghana Under-17 side Paa Kwesi Fabian has denied ever taking any money from a player or agent since he took over the Black Starlets job.

There have been agitations by footballers and player agents that the technical team of the U-17 collect bribes from them before players are selected.

The former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko trainer claim the rumours and agitations concerning the selection of players into the team are false.

“I have never collected money from any player before selecting him to the Under-17 team, you will end up embarrassing yourself as a coach if you do that, because most of the player agents who try to compromise coaches for their players to be selected are mostly overage and I don’t even know where the MRI scan is conducted,” Fabien told Kumasi-based Fox FM.

The technical team of the Black Starlets is currently embarking on a tour of the 10 regional capitals in Ghana from 14th – 31st January, 2016 to scout for players born on or after 1st January 2000 with the requisite physique, technique, skill, talent and to groom them for selection into the national U-17 team.

Source: Starr FM

I Have Never Taken Bribe From Players - Paa Kwesi Fabin