GPL: Samudeen "Wins" Worst Midfielder Of The Season

Hearts of Oak highly rated midfielder, Samudeen Ibrahim has attributed his below par performance in the just ended Ghana Premier League to injury after he was voted as the worst midfielder in the Happy FM’s Golden Bin Awards.

The silky midfielder was signed by the Premier league giants from King Solomon  FC after winning the Most Valuable Player in the 2015 Division One league, and instantly became the toast of the club’s supporters with impressive displays in the latter part of their pre-season and in the first game of the premiership season against New Edubiase United.

He won the Most Valuable Player in that match, but had to substituted in the dying embers of the game with an ankle injury.

However, he failed to repeat his early season form upon his return from a long lay-off, which made supporters of the club to charge on the player for his abysmal outings.

And after being voted as the midfielder to have disappointed most in the season under review, Samudeen said,”I know I’ve disappointed many people who were expecting so much from me and if the fans say i was the worst in my position, i’m okay with that.”

“I started the season very well up until the time i sustained the ankle injury. Ever since i started playing football, i’ll say that was the first time i’d experienced such an injury. It affected me greatly because i believe the time i returned, the season was far gone.”

“I’m really disappointed in myself, but i’m promising all Hearts of fans that next season, they’ll see the real Samudeen they’ve been craving for.

GPL: Samudeen "Wins" Worst Midfielder Of The Season

Ghana Vs Uganda: "We Have To Break This Jinx" - Gyan

Black Stars skipper, Asamoah Gyan, insists the Cranes of Uganda have long been a thorn in their flesh as they have found it difficult to overcome them whenever they lock horns.

 

The Black Stars of Ghana open their 2018 World Cup campaign on Friday, October 7,2016 against the Cranes in Tamale.

 

The Black Stars have a better head-to-head record to Uganda, having won six, drawn four and lost three.

 

But Gyan, in an interview with the press after their first training session, admitted how tough the Cranes have been in recent years, especially having drawn in Ghana when they last clashed.

 

He said: “Since 2003, that I joined the national team, the Ugandans have been our headache. It’s either we draw or they win, but this time round, we will try and break that jinx because all my team mates are aware of the fact.

 

“So we are mentally prepared for the encounter and we hope to get good results”, he concluded.

Ghana Vs Uganda: "We Have To Break This Jinx" - Gyan

"We"re Expecting Massive Support In Tamale" - Gyan

Captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan, has shared the team’s expectation of massive support from the people of Tamale and Ghanaians in general, as they prepare to take on the Cranes of Uganda on Friday, October 7, 2016.

 

The 30-year-old striker pleaded with Ghanaians to render unflinching support to the team to ensure success in Ghana’s World Cup qualifying campaign, as the focus is not all about qualifying but winning all the games.

 

Gyan, who is the top scorer for the Black Stars of Ghana with 49 goals said: “I am appealing to all the fans to come in their numbers.

 

When the Black Stars are playing, the whole country is involved, but not a section of supporters who have come to support their personal club. “If anything happens, everyone in Ghana is going to be affected, but not individuals, so I’m expecting all Ghanaians to be behind the team.”

 

The Black Stars have safely arrived in Tamale as at Wednesday morning and, they will proceed to visit Chiefs at 2pm and train at exactly 3:30pm at the Tamale Sports Stadium.

"We"re Expecting Massive Support In Tamale" - Gyan

AshGold Supporters Demonstrate Against Fianoo

Irate Supporters of AshGold are calling for Kudjoe Fianoo to vacate his position as the chief executive officer of the club.

A member of the supporter’s union of the club, Nicholas Appiah says that Kudjoe Fianoo, who doubles the chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Associations (GHALCA) time as head of the club has elapsed because of style of management and scheming ways in player transfer.

“We are fed up with Kudjoe Fianoo and his management team. We want them out of the club or else we’ll not give them peace till they leave our loving club for us,” he said on Happy FM sports.

“The man has spent 11 years in the club without anything to show for. Have you seen anyone spending 11 years as the head of a club in Ghana? The AshantiGold company gives him 5,000 $ every month to run the club but we don’t see any change in the club’s fortunes. And because he knows that we need his services no more, he has brought in BetWAY people to invest in the club, but all we’re saying is that he should just leave the club quietly.

 

We know that if we accept this BetWay investors, they’ll maintain him as the chief executive, and that’s something we’re trying to avoid.”

“Ever since Fianoo has been in office, the only time we’ve received a transfer fee under his tenure was the sale of Kadiri Mohammed, and even with that one, we wouldn’t know where the money would go had it not been the intervention of one of our members.

 

There’re several players that AshGold has sold, but the transfer monies are nowhere to be found, Wakaso, Bernard Morrison and recently our captain, Eric Opoku. If he doesn’t heed to our warning and he comes back to Obuasi, what will happen will happen.”

AshGold Supporters Demonstrate Against Fianoo

Hearts Player Invited To The Black Stars Ahead Of Uganda Clash

Accra Hearts of Oak player, Inusah Musah, has been invited by the coach of the Black Stars , Avram Grant, ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Uganda in Tamale on Friday,7th October 2016.

 

Musah, together with Emmanuel Ocran of Wa All Stars will be closely observed by Grant in order to monitor their status as potential replacement in the future.

 

Even though the duo are not part of the initial 23-man squad, this call up will serve as massive boost for the local players as the black stars coach has reiterated his desire to call up players based on merit irrespective of where they play.

Musah especially has had an outstanding 2015/2016 Ghana Premier League campaign with Hearts after winning numerous man of the match award.

 

 

 

Hearts Player Invited To The Black Stars Ahead Of Uganda Clash

Hearts To Decide On Yaw Preko"s Future

Management of Accra Hearts of Oak will decide on the future of Yaw Preko, who was named as the interim coach of club with three games to end the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League season.

Preko won two out of three matches which was able to earn Hearts a top four spot which is considered as a below par performance to many of its fans.

The Communications Director of the club, Opare Addo, has highlighted the plans of his management on an immediate decision that will determine the fate of Yaw Preko before the commencement of the preseason.

He said: “Management is deliberating on the season’s reports, after which, recommendations will be made.

“We will give him(Preko) mandate as substantive coach if we think he is the right person to lead the club.

“Nonetheless, if there is a need to bring an individual who would assist them in their technical duties, it will be discussed and a consensus will be reached to ensure support across board.”

Opare reiterated that any decision that will be taken at the club will be of the best interest to the team.

Hearts To Decide On Yaw Preko"s Future

AWCON 2016 : Black Queens Squad Announced

Black Queens coach,Yusif Basigi, has invited 34 players for camping ahead of Africa Women Nations Cup of Nations to be staged in Cameroon from 19th November – 3rd December 2016.

The players are to report at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence- Prampram Tuesday 27th September 2016 4pm.

GOALKEEPERS:

1.Nana Ama Asantewa -Police ladies

2. Fafali Dumehisi -Police ladies

3.Patricia Mantey – Immigration ladies

4 . Beatrice Ntiwa -Hasaacas ladies

DEFENDERS:

5 Hillia- Kobblah – Hasaacas ladies  

6.Cynthia Adobea -Prisons.

7 Rosemary Ampem -Immigration

8.Agnes Quaye – Immigration

9.Regina Antwi -Hasaacas ladies

10.Fauzia Mustapha -Faith ladies

11.Mabel Baffoe Eshun -Hasaacas ladies

12.Cynthia Adjei – Police ladies.

 MIDFIELDERS:

13. Safia Abdul Rahman -Lipo

14 . Alice Kusi -Fabulous .

15 Mary Essiful -Intellectuals

16 . Grace Asare -Prisons

17.Priscilla Saahene -Fabulous

18 . Ruth Appiah -Ashtown

ATTACKERS:

19 . Deborah Afriyie- Police

20. Alberta Asante -Police

21. Faiza Ibrahim -Police

22. Ruth Anima -Ashtown

23.Rita Otchere -Prisons

24.  Akyiaa Asante -Ampem Dakoa.

FOREIGN BASED PLAYERS WILL JOIN NEXT MONTH.

1. Janet Egyir

2. Samira Sule man

3.Linda Eshun(ICELAND )

4. Portia  Boakye

5.Juliet Acheampong

6. Elizabeth Addo(SWEDEN)

7.Priscilla Otchere (SERBIA)

8.Mercy Mylse (CANADA)

9.Eunice Beckmann (BAYERN MUNICH /BOSTON )

10. Grace Adams(USA)

AWCON 2016 : Black Queens Squad Announced

Hearts Target Top Bechem Marksman

Accra Hearts of Oak have identified Bechem United striker, Abednego Tetteh, as a top transfer target ahead of the 2016/2017 Ghana Premier League season, Sportscrusader.com can reveal.

 

Hearts have made the 25-year-old a priority and are ready to spend on him as they look forward to beef up their team for next season’s league.

 

Tetteh, has undoubtedly been one of the brightest prospects in the just-ended Ghana Premier League, especially after helping his team, Bechem United, win this season’s MTN FA Cup.

 

Tetteh, earlier in the season, expressed his desire to stay with Bechem United, especially after securing a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, but Hearts are planning to table a juicy offer that could lure him away from Bechem.

 

Recently, Tetteh gained his first call-up to the senior national team, the Black Stars, when they played Rwanda in the last group qualifier of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Hearts Target Top Bechem Marksman

GFA Launches National Juvenile Championship

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially launched the National U15 Championship on Monday, September 26, 2016.

The launch took place at the FA’s Conference Center, where the local football governing body has commissioned a four-year development plan.

The Acting President of the GFA, George Afriyie, in a speech on behalf of the GFA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi said:

“This vision will see young referees who are almost of the same age with the players, trained to handle the matches when the championship kicks off.”

He added that young referees will also be trained to officiate during the championship adding up to the fifty coaches that have already received training by the FA to coach the various teams that will be taking part in the league.

In all, 16 teams will be taking part in the competition nationwide, on regional basis and, in two zones; that are the Northern Zone and Southern Zone.

Meanwhile, substantive GFA boss, Nyantakyi, is at FIFA’s headquarters, fighting the two Confederation of African Football (CAF) vice presidents for the two new places FIFA has reserved for Africa in its highest decision-making body.

GFA Launches National Juvenile Championship

AFCON BS 2016 : Ghana Draw Rivals Nigeria

West African rivals Ghana and Nigeria have been drawn in Group A for the final tournament of the second edition of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations fixed for 13-18 December 2016 in Lagos.

Cote d’Ivoire and Egypt complete Group A whilst holders Madagascar, Libya, Morocco and Senegal make up Group B.

The draw was conducted on Saturday, 24 September 2016 at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

The finalists will qualify to represent the continent at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Bahamas in 2017.

Group A – Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire

Group B – Madagascar, Libya, Morocco, Senegal

AFCON BS 2016 : Ghana Draw Rivals Nigeria

GHALCA Uncertain Over Preseason Tournament Format

The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) is not sure as to the number of teams that will play in the annual preseason tournament organized for top table teams in the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League (GPL).

Last year’s tournament consisted of six teams who partook in the tournament after it was changed from the usual ‘top four’.

After a meeting held in Accra yesterday, a member of the GHALCA Executive Committee, Otuo Acheampong, briefed reporters that, there was no concrete agreement, so the meeting had been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 28.

“All the members were of different opinions. Some suggested top four, others top six and even top eight, though the dominant opinion was the top eight.

“So we finally agreed that all members should write a proposal and present it on Wednesday. Then we sort it out, with the majority opinion having their way,” Mr. Acheampong stated.

But speculations after the meeting suggest that the ‘top eight’ format is likely to be accepted and if accepted, the eight teams will consist of top five premier league clubs, whilst the three newly-promoted clubs from Division One will join them.

GHALCA Uncertain Over Preseason Tournament Format

Security Agencies Will Investigate Football Corruption - Nii Lantey

Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has revealed that his ministry has initiated talks with security agencies in the country with the aim of investigating the alleged instances of corruption in the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League.

This year’s league has been marred by numerous bribery scandals, tainting the GPL’s credibility and rendering it ‘unattractive’ as asserted by the the minister few months back.

Nii Lantey, in an interaction with members of “Football Africa Arena” about his engagement of security agencies on the matter of corruption in the GPL, said: “Soon, you will see what will happen. I have been talking to club representatives as well.

“I also think it is ingenious to club owners for club owners and administrators to also be running the football federation.

“The administration of our football should be devoid of conflict of interests. It must be professional and for people with the requisite knowledge and qualifications.

“Club owners are stakeholders. How can people be judges in their own cases?” he posed.

Meanwhile, Wa All Stars, which is owned by Ghana Football Association President, won  the 2016 GPL.

Football Africa Arena (FAA) is a Whatsapp group that brings together the biggest minds in African football for the good of the African game.

Security Agencies Will Investigate Football Corruption - Nii Lantey

AFCON BS 2016: Ghana To Know Group Opponent On Saturday

Ghana’s Black Sharks will know their group opponents for the 2nd edition of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria 2016, which will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

The qualified teams are host Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Libya, Madagascar, Morocco and Senegal.

The Black Sharks go into the tournament as underdogs with some of Africa’s heavyweights in a competition that will be fierce and keenly contested.

The final tournament will be held from December 13 – 18, 2016 in Lagos with the finalists qualifying to represent the continent at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Bahamas in 2017.

AFCON BS 2016: Ghana To Know Group Opponent On Saturday

GPL: Kenichi - A Blessing Or Curse To Hearts?

Kenichi Yatsuhashi, is a name that certainly rings a bell among football enthusiasts in Ghana, after his short spell with Accra Hearts of Oak in the 2015/16 Ghana Premier league season(GPL).

The Japanese trainer was largely seen as a ‘god ‘ who gave life back to the Phobia spirit and to some extent, Ghana’s football, as record spectatorship was recorded across the country whenever Hearts played any team.

The ‘Kenichi Factor’, most definitely resurrected the GPL as numerous football fans, including Japanese, trooped to the stadium to watch matches.

The resurgence of Hearts was only resultant, after Kenichi led them to an impressive away run in the first round in which they were undefeated with wins in Tarkwa, Obuasi and Berekum.

His departure on 20th June 2016 from Hearts, was very disturbing to football fans who saw him as a blessing to the league. His contract was terminated on ‘mutual consent’ after extensive deliberations between him and the club’s management.

This development directly affected the league in general and Accra Hearts of Oak in particular, as various forms of feuds erupted within the technical and management units which hindered their quest to annex the 2015/16 GPL title.

Despite his impact on the GPL, Kenechi was seen as a ‘problem child’ for most media men and his superiors. His outbursts resulted in his being branded ‘impatient’ and ‘disrespectful’.

Walking out of several press conferences and meetings within his club, certainly didn’t help his cause.

Well, with the just-ended 2015/16 season, of which Wa All Stars emerged victors, it remains to be seen which magic wand would project the upcoming league, cure the recent match-fixing allegations as well as increase fan patronage in the league.

GPL: Kenichi - A Blessing Or Curse To Hearts?

Ghana Coach Laments Delayed Team Camp

Black Queens Coach, Yussif Basigi has expressed his disappointment of not being able to call for an early camp ahead of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations that is scheduled to kick-start in November.

Ghana is in a very difficult group together with defending champions Nigeria, Mali and Kenya.

Coach Basigi told Sportscrusader.com that, he is hopeful of calling for an early camp, but was still waiting on the directives from the management committee of the Black Queens.

He said: “It’s been a headache for me, not being able to call for an early camp has somehow distorted my plans, nonetheless, I hope to receive directive from management so as to commence camp as soon as possible.”

Basigi also reiterated the belief in his players, both local and foreign based, as regards their readiness to make Ghana proud in the upcoming championship where the Black Queens are yet to win its first honour as a team.

Ghana Coach Laments Delayed Team Camp

AWCON: Our Group Is Difficult, But... - Basigi

Coach of Black Queens, Yussif Basigi, has shared his thoughts on the recent Africa Women’s Cup of Nations draw, that saw Ghana being paired with defending Champions Nigeria, Mali and Kenya in Group B.

 

The finals, which is scheduled to kick-start on November 19 in Cameroon, will see the Black Queens of Ghana attempt to claim its first honours in the competition since its inception in 1991.

In an interview with Sportscrudsader.com, Coach Basigi highlighted the difficulty in being paired with eight-time winner Nigeria, and Mali, who are an emerging force in women football across the continent.

“There is no doubt as to how difficult the group is, but I’m hopeful we will sail through from the group phase into the knock-out stages.

“Playing against newcomers, Kenya, will be one of the toughest matches but I have belief in my team, and I’m ready for the championship.”

The Black Queens have made 11 appearances at the championship and, have lost to Nigeria in the 1998, 2002 and 2006 finals.

AWCON: Our Group Is Difficult, But... - Basigi

Cricket: Ghana Wins Africa Div 2 Tourney

Ghana’s U-19 cricket team have won the International Cricket Conference, Africa Division Two Cricket tournament in Benoni, South Africa.

Ghana made 28 runs for zero in 4.3 overs in the second innings to outran Nigeria’s 27 runs for 10 wickets in 15.4 overs to emerge as winners by 10 wickets.

Ghana, had a 100% winning record in the tourney after defeating Botswana, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Rwanda, Tanzania before recording a 10-wickets victory in the last game over the weekend to qualify them as eventual winners of the seven-day tournament.

The cricket team is expected to receive a rousing welcome when it lands at the Kotoka International Airport tomorrow, following their triumph.

The victory has qualified Ghana for the ICC Africa Division One to be played next year at a yet-to-be-named venue and will serve as a platform for the winner to qualify for the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2019 in New Zealand.

Cricket: Ghana Wins Africa Div 2 Tourney

AFCON BS Qualifiers : Ghana Secures Qualification After Victory

The National Beach Soccer team of Ghana, the Black Sharks, have confirmed their qualification to the 2016 Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations which would be staged in Lagos, Nigeria on the 13-18 December, 2016.

The Black Sharks beat the Harambee Sand Stars of Kenya 7-1 (17-4 aggregate) at the Laboma beach resort on Sunday in the second leg encounter to ensure their second successive qualification to the games.

 

Having won by 10-3 in the first leg far away in Kenya, the Sharks were relentless in their approach after Harambee Sand Stars took an early lead but a hat-trick from Richard Osa, Brace from Captain Micheal Sema & Alexander Adjei and a lonely goal by Aziz Kofi sealed the deal for team Ghana.

 

AFCON BS Qualifiers : Ghana Secures Qualification After Victory

FIFA Women Administrators Course Ends On Monday

Thirty five (35) football administrators are undergoing a FIFA Women’s Administration Course at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

The course which is being conducted by FIFA instructor Emy Casaletti-Bwalya is mainly focused on taking the participants through how to successfully develop a girls and women’s development plan within their clubs, as well as covering the marketing of female football, leadership skills, managing a budget and developing sponsorship proposals.

The course began on Thursday September 15 with the participants drawn from various women football clubs across the country as well as officials of some female national teams.

The course is expected to end on Monday September 19.

Source : GFA

FIFA Women Administrators Course Ends On Monday

GPL Week 30 Round Up : Wa All Stars Crowned, Techiman City Relegated

The final lap of the 2015/2016 season has ended with Wa All Stars crowned champions despite their 3-0 loss to relegated side Sekondi Hasaacas at the Essipong Sports Stadium.

 

Techiman City and New Edubiase join Hasaacas in the relegation zone and all three teams will certainly feature in next seasons Division One league whilst league winners Wa All Stars will play in the CAF Champions league.

 

Ebusua Dwarfs ensured their survival in this years’ league after they beat Dreams FC at Dawu,whilst Inter Allies reinstated their claim to remain in this years league after they held Aduana Stars.

 

Wa All Stars, Aduana Stars, Hearts and Medeama SC make up the top four spot respectively with Kotoko unable to break into the top four despite their 2-1 win over WAFA  in Kumasi.

 

Bechem United will represent Ghana in the Confederation Cup after their victory in the FA Cup over Okwahu United last month.

Below are the full results for Week 30

Liberty Professionals 3 Bechem United 1

Sekondi Hasaacas 3 Wa All Stars 0

New Edubiase 1 Hearts 3

Chelsea 4 Techiman City 0

Aduana Stars 1 Inter Allies 1

Dreams Fc 0 Dwarfs 2

Kotoko  2 WAFA 1

Medeama 3 AshantiGold 3

Top Four

1.Wa All Stars

2.Aduana Stars

3. Hearts

4. Medeama

Relegated

14. Techiman City

15. Hasaacas

16. New Edubiase

 

GPL Week 30 Round Up : Wa All Stars Crowned, Techiman City Relegated