Appiah "Mocks" Ghana-South Africa Friendly

Ex-Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah, has mocked the contract details of the Black Stars’ friendly with South Africa to be played on Tuesday, October 11, 2016.

Reports indicate that the Black Stars will not earn anything from the match as the South Africa Football Federation( SAFA) will take care of all expenses that will be incurred on the match.

Appiah shared his frustration as to why the World Cup qualifier had to be played earlier, just to accommodate an international friendly.

“Come to think of it, I heard Ghana is getting nothing out of the South Africa match, as they will take care of the team’s accommodation. Come on, is that the level Ghana has reached?

“If not anything, we are considered one of the football giants in Africa, having qualified for three successive World Cups,” he told Hot Fm

Despite his misgivings, the match is scheduled to kick-off tomorrow at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in South Africa at exactly 17:00 hrs GMT.

Appiah "Mocks" Ghana-South Africa Friendly

2018 WCQ: Poor Planning Cost Black Stars - Appiah

Ex Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah, has blamed poor planning as being the reason for Ghana’s stalemate against Uganda in their 2018 World Cup qualifier opener.

According to the retired footballer, the players’ timing for the game was inappropriate, as majority of them arrived late to camp, hence unable to acclimatize to weather conditions at the time.

Appiah found it illogical for a World Cup qualifier to be rescheduled in order to honour a friendly match with the Bafana Bafana, deeming it as a non-starter considering the pedigree of Ghana as a football nation.

He said: “I was unhappy why the game had to be played on Friday because of the friendly match with South Africa, considering the arrival of the players from their respective clubs,  especially from Europe.

“The time span to the matchday was very limited and, they might have been tired, considering the flight schedule and some external factors that hindered their preparedness for the game.”

Meanwhile, the Black Stars have arrived in South Africa for an international friendly against the Bafana Bafana to be played on Tuesday October 11, 2016 at 17:00 GMT.

2018 WCQ: Poor Planning Cost Black Stars - Appiah

Ghana Football Is Not Heading For Doom - Appiah

Former captain of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah, has allayed fears over the direction Ghana football is heading, per the ongoing tension between the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports(MoYS).

The two bodies (GFA & MoYS) have not yet reached an amicable solution to issues concerning the management of national teams which has created a gap in communication, with regards to football activities including the local league and Women’s football.

Lamenting the Black Stars’ 0-0 stalemate with Uganda in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Tamale on Friday, the iconic football star vented his frustration at the current happenings.

He said: “They should stop all these things and come together so we see our national teams growing, not only Black Stars alone.

“We have seen people, we have seen others be in charge of the position and this is not the way they handled the team so we all have to involve ourselves and ensure peace in the team because the path Ghana football is treading is not good for us,” he told MoonLite FM.

The retired footballer also reiterated the need for GFA and MoYS to put all personal egos aside and work in the interest of the nation as the Black Stars team is not an individual’s personal property.

Ghana Football Is Not Heading For Doom - Appiah

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

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

GFA To Announce Partnership With University of Ghana

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kwesi Nyantakyi will hold a press conference tomorrow to announce a partnership with the University of Ghana (UG).

Mr Nyantakyi will join the university authorities on Tuesday evening 4:30pm to also launch the University of Ghana Football League.

He will use the launch of the league to announce the various measures the GFA is undertaking to help develop football talents and administrators in the university.

The new FIFA Executive Council member will also use the opportunity to announce talks between the GFA and UG to establish academic programmes in football and sports in general.

The media is kindly invited to cover the event which takes place at the University of Ghana’s Sports Directorate at 4:30pm.

Source : GFA

GFA To Announce Partnership With University of Ghana

2018 FIFA WC : Grant Names Squad To Face Uganda

Black Stars head coach, Avram Grant has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifier against Uganda in Tamale on Friday,7th October 2016.

Norway-based midfielder Gilbert Koomson was handed his first Black Stars call-up in the squad.

Midfielder Enoch Adu Kofi, who plays in Sweden, returns to the national team for the first time since December 2014.

Captain Asamoah Gyan will lead the team that is dominated by players who have played recently in the Black Stars.

Coach Grant invited Hearts of Oak defender Inusah Musah and Emmanuel Ocran of Wa All Stars to join the team to be closely observed. The duo has only been called up to be observed as their status is non-residential.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Razak Braimah (Cordoba, Spain), Adam Kwarasey (Rosenborg, Norway) Richard Ofori (Wa All Stars)

Defenders: Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City, England), Jeffery Schlupp (Leicester City, England), Baba Rahman (Schalke, Germany), John Boye (Sivasspor, Turkey), Jonathan Mensah (Anzhi, Russia), Edwin Gyimah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)

Midfielders: Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese, Italy), Afriyie Acquah (Torino, Italy), Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid, Spain) Enock Adu Kofi (Malmo, Sweden) Samuel Tetteh (Leifering, Austria), Mubarak Wakaso (Panathinaikos, Greece), Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht, Belgium), Christian Atsu (Chelsea, England), Gilbert Koomson (Songdal, Norway)

Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ahli, UAE), Jordan Ayew (Aston Villa, England), Abdul Majeed Waris (Lorient, France), David Accam (Chicago Fire, USA).

 

The team will train in Accra on Monday and Tuesday before flying out to Tamale as they prepare to face the Cranes.

2018 FIFA WC : Grant Names Squad To Face Uganda

Bekoe Not Ruling Out Kotoko Return

Hasaacas striker Eric Bekoe has expressed his thought over a possible return to his beloved club, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, after his team suffered demotion from the 2015/2016 Ghana Premier League (GPL).

Bekoe celebrating a goal in his Kotoko days

 

Bekoe ended up with eight goals in this seasons’ league which was not enough to help Hasaacas survive the GPL.

 

Bekoe is now a free agent after he signed a year deal with Hassacas with expired at the end of the season and he has indicated his uninterested in renewing his contract with club.

 

In an interview with Sportscrusader.com, the former goal king, reiterated his desire to explore new challenges from all endeavors and has decided not to be selective this time round.

 

“I’m open to offers across all teams including Kotoko, in the past i have made mistakes as to being selective in my career by this team time round if the offer from any club is good, why not !!!!.”

 

With his experience as a prolific striker, clubs will certainly be looking forward to secure a deal for the striker ahead of the 2016/2017 GPL season.

 

Bekoe Not Ruling Out Kotoko Return

Nii Lante Congratulates Nyantakyi

The Minister of Youth and Sports (MoYS), Hon. Nii Lante Vanderpuye, on behalf of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama and  Government of Ghana has sent  congratulatory message to Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), on his election as a member of the Executive Council of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

The Sports Minister acknowledged the contribution of Nyantakyi to the development of Ghana’s football as well as the African continent as a whole.

A statement released by the MoYS reads :

“The Ministry has received the news of your election to the high office of FIFA with joy, and we believe you would bring your diverse experience to bear on your new position.

“Furthermore, it is our hope that as an Executive Council member of FIFA, you would help to institute the necessary reforms needed to improve the game in the country”.

Mr. Nyantakyi came second  after polling 31 votes  in a closely-contested election, which was topped by Guinea’s Almamy Kabele, who polled 37 votes. The duo therefore are the two Africa representatives to the FIFA Counci until March 2017 where they will seek re- election

 

Nii Lante Congratulates Nyantakyi

SWAG Congratulates Nyantakyi

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has congratulated Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for his election onto the  Executive Council of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

 

Mr. Nyantakyi polled 31 votes, the second highest to pick the second slot reserved for Africa, whilst Almamy Kabele Camara of Guinea polled 37 votes to pick the first slot on the continent, with Ahmad of Madagascar Polling 30 votes and Augustine Senghor of Senegal polling 9 votes.

 

Mr. Nyantakyi will remain on the Executive Council of FIFA till March 2017.

 

A statement from the secretariat of SWAG said, Mr Nyantakyi’s commitment to the development of football in Ghana and Africa has been duly rewarded with his election onto the Executive Council of FIFA.

 

It said the achievement marks another significant milestone in his career as a football administrator on the global platform.

 

“Having restored Ghana’s name on the Executive Committee of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) after a long absence, you have extended your administrative prowess to the corridors of FIFA and the entire nation is proud of you.

 

“It is our hope that you will bring your rich experience to bear on the Executive Council of FIFA and contribute positively to the development and promotion of football in the world and Africa in particular.

 

“SWAG is indeed proud of your achievements and we urge you to continue with your exploits to the highest level,” the statement noted.

SWAG Congratulates Nyantakyi

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

UN Peace Match: Hearts And Kotoko Share Spoils

Hearts and Kotoko thrilled their fans with some exciting football as they drew 2-2  in the UN Peace Match played at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Hearts  opened the scoring in the first half through their top marksman, Cosmos Dauda from the penalty spot, while Kotoko captain, Amos Frimpong, also earned a penalty in the first half but failed to convert.

Kotoko returned in the second half with some purposeful football and were rewarded accordingly as Sanogo Khalifa equalized for Kotoko with a sublime strike.

Kotoko captain made up for his earlier miss in the first half as he scored the second for Kotoko with some few minutes to end the match.

Amazingly, Hearts of Oak’s combative midfielder struck a long range shot which stunned Kotoko goal keeper to draw parity for his side.

There will be a return leg in Kumasi to decide the winner of the trophy.

Meanwhile, Hearts defender, Inusah Musah, won the Man-of-The-Match award and received $1000US whilst Emmanuel Gyamfi of Asante Kotoko also won the Fair Play award which earned him $1000US too

UN Peace Match: Hearts And Kotoko Share Spoils

Hearts - Kotoko Battle For Supremacy In UN Peace Match

Ghana’s two most glamorous football clubs Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko will renew their rivalry when they lock horns today in the UN Peace match at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The two giants are set to go head-to-head again for the fourth time this season in yet another battle for supremacy in a day earmarked for the celebration of Ghana’s Founder’s Day (the birth date of the country’s first President Kwame Nkrumah) which is also a statutory public holiday.

The game which is being powered by the United Nations Association Ghana is aimed at seeking tranquility ahead of the November general election.

Aside this being a challenge cup contest, the game is also being used to foster peace and unity ahead of the 2016 General Elections in Ghana.

This will be the fourth time the two fierce rivals will be going at each other this season after their home and away encounters in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) and the Republic Day (Presidents’ Cup) game.

Kotoko took four of the six points at stake in the GPL and also won the Presidents’ Cup game in Accra. However, the performance of the two teams was on a high in all three games and many will expect same in this upcoming contest.

Hearts - Kotoko Battle For Supremacy In UN Peace Match

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