I"ve Been Treated Unfairly - Sergio Traguil

Hearts of Oak former head coach, Sergio Traguil has said the club’s decision to demote him to the youth team is unfair.

The Phobians, yesterday released a press statement stating that the Portuguese has been re-assigned to his position of managing the U20 side of the club, just as was initially agreed before the club hit a snag agreeing a solution with Kenichi Yatsuashi – who was embarking a 25-day coaching refresher course in his native Japan.

Traguil has failed to impress the management of the club since he was confirmed as interim coach with his record, detailing three wins, seven draws and two heavy defeats.

Speaking for the first time since the news broke of his demotion, the tough-talking tactician said; “If the management had made a fair analysis on my team’s performance they will notice I have been treated unfairly.

“They have to make fair analysis and not comparison on this or that as you cannot compare the work of two coaches because it is not the same [as in work]. It is that simple, they [Hearts management] have not been fair to me, most them, I mean,” he added.

Hearts has named assistant coach, Yaw Preko as interim head coach for the remaining three games to the climax of the 2015/16 season.

I"ve Been Treated Unfairly - Sergio Traguil

Hearts Demote Mourinho To Youth Team

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Hearts of Oak have demoted their Portuguese trainer, Sergio Traguil to their youth side, Auroras.

The Portuguese, nicknamed, “Port-Alegre Mourinho” has had a torrid time since his appointment as Kenichi Yatsuashi’s replacement.

In a press release, the club said Sergio has been reassigned to his previous post as academy head coach with immediate effect.

Assistant coach and former player of the club, Yaw Preko has been named as head coach until the end of 2015/16 season.

Hearts have lost their best chance to win the league title since the 2008 season as they’ve recorded three draws and two defeats in their last five league games.

Hearts Demote Mourinho To Youth Team

We"ll Continue To Fight For The Title - Sergio

Hearts of Oak’s under-fire interim coach, Sergio Traguil has called on the club’s fans not to cease supporting the club especially at this crucial moment of the 2015/16 season.

The Phobians have not won the league since the 2008/09 season and, this season, which started promisingly well, appears to have taken a nose dive as they dropped valuable points at home to relegation-threatened, Inter Allies.

The club’s fans expressed their displeasure at the team’s performance during the game and, vented their spleen on Hearts’ management and Sergio, who they have accused of sabotaging the team with their poor managerial and technical decisions.

Speaking at the post-match presser, the Portuguese pleaded with the fans to continue throwing their weight behind the team as the season comes to a close.

“Let me say thank you to the fans for the immense support given the team today though we couldn’t give them the result we craved for.

“But I humbly ask of the fans not to cease supporting the team.

“We will continue to fight for the league title as we have four matches to play.”

Hearts will see its title chase ultimately end, should they fail to win against Bechem United.

We"ll Continue To Fight For The Title - Sergio

Kotoko Secret Revealed!

Kumasi Asante Kotoko interim head coach, Michael Osei, has revealed that determination was a key element in his side’s hard-fought away win over Liberty Professionals.

The record Ghana premier league champions have had a play-pause 2015/16 season and, after winning by a slim margin against Dreams FC in their last game, Osei’s side’s recent convincing victory over Liberty has given the club and fans a glimmer of hope in the bid to reclaim the trophy.

And Osei, a former player of the club, in his post-match presser, attributed their win to hard work and determination from the technical team and the playing body.

“We knew ahead of kick-off it was going to be a tough but good game to play George Lamptey and his technically gifted team.

“We were determined to get a good result against them [Liberty] and the players played very well, dictating the pace of the game and that gave us a good result.”

Kotoko will be extra motivated when they face second-placed Aduana Stars on Wednesday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, knowing a win and other favourable results elsewhere would see them as new league leaders.

Kotoko Secret Revealed!

Hearts Were Under Pressure - Techiman City

Techiman City defender, Issahaku Zakari, reveals that, Hearts’ players were under immense pressure during their match week 24 game at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Coach Nana Joe Adarkwa and his team put in a stellar performance and grabbed along with them, a point, after they held the Phobians to a pulsating one-all draw.

And Zakari, who was a tower in defense for the premier league debutants, said they played with no pressure as they knew they went into the game as under-dogs and had nothing to lose, unlike the 20-time Ghana Premier league champions, Hearts.

He said; “the game was a tough one, as Hearts, unlike us, were coming into the game with the back drop of defeats but Hearts were under more pressure than we as they played at home.

“Should we have lost, it won’t be news, but vice versa would have been, and that motivated us. Though we didn’t get the win, it is a point gained.”

Techiman City host New Edubiase at the Den in match week 25 as they look to get back their ‘home fear factor’.

Hearts Were Under Pressure - Techiman City

Traguil"s Appointment Was A Mistake

The appointment of Portuguese trainer, Sergio Traguil, as Hearts of Oak coach was a ‘mistake’ according to a section of the club’s supporters.

Traguil has had a torrid time since he was named as replacement to fans favourite, Kenichi Yatsuashi with a poor run of form. Their recent 3-0 humiliation at the hands of West African Football Academy (WAFA) and the home draw against league debutant, Techiman City, irked the club’s fans.

Some fans believe the coach is clueless, judging from some of his substitutions as well as team selection for games and, thus believe the time is right for the board to relieve the coach of his duties immediately.

Speaking after the side’s lethargic 1-1 home draw, some of the fans said, “the coach’s [Sergio Traguil] appointment was a mistake and it has cost us [as a club] a lot and as you can see, the trophy is gradually slipping away from our hands. He has to go and leave our club alone.”

The Portuguese trainer will look to get his side back to winning ways as they travel to Wa to face league leaders, All Stars, in their match week 25 clash.

Traguil"s Appointment Was A Mistake

We Were Complacent - Hearts Coach

Hearts of Oak head coach, Sergio Traguil, has attributed his side’s dropped points at home against Techiman City to complacency.

Cosmos Dauda scored his ninth goal from the penalty spot to give the Phobians the lead but, was quickly cancelled out by a powerful low shot from City defender, Vincent Adu.

And Traguil, who the aggrieved fans attacked verbally, admitted his frustration at the results and called on his boys to pick themselves up and get ready for the home run.

“We had a good game in the first half and the second wasn’t a good one,” he told the media at his post-match presser.

“But we lost concentration and we got punished. We will work on that and ensure we don’t get complacent again in the remaining games.”

Hearts have a herculean task at hand when they face Wa All Stars on Wednesday at the Wa Park.

We Were Complacent - Hearts Coach

GPL: Samudeen Returns For WAFA Clash

Highly rated midfielder, Samudeen Ibrahim is likely to feature for Hearts of Oak in their Ghana Premier League Match Week 23 clash with WAFA after cutting short the bereavement leave handed to him by the club to return to training. 

The youngster lost his mother last weekend, but after the Islamic funeral rites came to an end on Monday, he decided to re-join the first team at training much to the surprise of the technical team.

Samudeen was given an unspecified leave of absence by head coach Sérgio Traguil but the young star turned up at training on Wednesday, just five days after the family bereavement.

He trained with the team at the Legon Park on Wednesday and at the Tema Sports Stadium on Thursday morning.

He is likely to train with the team on Friday as they wrap up preparation for Saturday’s league clash with WAFA.

It is however, still unclear whether he will be available for selection on Saturday but coach Sergio insists Samudeen loves to play.

“I am not surprised Samudeen came back so early,” Sergio said.

“He loves to play and he loves to play for me. I do not know yet whether he is in the right frame of mind to play on Saturday.”

GPL: Samudeen Returns For WAFA Clash

GPL Match-Day 22 Review: Hearts Extend Lead

Accra Hearts of Oak extended their lead at the top of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) table to four points despite drawing 1-1 with reigning champions AshantiGold SC at the Accra Sports Stadium in their midweek clash on Wednesday.

This was the top-liner of the Match-Day 22 fixtures which also saw wins for Bechem United, Dreams FC, Liberty Professionals, Inter Allies, Ebusua Dwarfs and New Edubiase United.

In the seven matches played, 18 goals were scored as six teams recorded wins with only the encounter in Accra between the Phobians and the Miners failing to produce a winner.

Accra: Accra Hearts of Oak v AshantiGold SC (1-1)

Accra Hearts of Oak played out a 1-1 draw with AshantiGold SC in a closely fought encounter played at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Phobians were hoping for a double over the Miners after winning the first round tie 2-1 at Obuasi, but, it was not to be as AshGold held on as they seek to revive their season.

Captain Robin Gnange gave Hearts the lead after converting a penalty midway through the first half but, AshGold fought back gamely to cancel that out later in the session through Antony Yarful as the spoils were shared.

Hears have 39 points from the 22 games they have played and lead the second placed team by four points with eight games to end the season. AshGold are 11^th with 26 points after earning their 14^th drawn game of the season.

Bechem: Bechem United v Techiman City (2-0)

Bechem United returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Techiman City at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Bechem.

The win was the seventh of the season for the Hunters and moves them out of the relegation zone with eight games to end the season. They have 26 points and sits in 13^th position on the table.

Abednego Tetteh and Yaw Annor scored the goals for the home side as they won this Brong Ahafo regional derby leaving Techiman City in 12^th position with also with 26 points but with a game in hand.

Tema: Inter Allies v Wa All Stars (2-0)

Tema based Inter Allies FC scored an important 2-0 home win over Wa All Stars at the Tema Park as they continue with their battle of surviving the league at the end of the season.

Goals by Enoch Adu and Gockel Ahortor helped them to their sixth win of the season as they moved to 14^th on the table but still in the relegation zone with 25 points. T

Defeat was the sixth of the season for Wa All Stars who are second on the log with 35 points but with a game in hand as they chase their first major trophy in Ghana football.

Dansoman: Liberty Professionals v Sekondi Hasaacas (4-0)

Liberty Professionals won for the first time this second round by recording a resounding 4-0 victory over troubled Sekondi Hasaacas at the Karl Reindorf Park, Dansoman.

Latif Atta Blessing scored a hat-trick for the Scientific Soccer lads with Felix Addo being their other goal scorer as they posted their eighth win of the season.

Liberty are eighth on the ladder with 29 points with Hasaacas who are still in search of their first away win of the campaign, down in 15^th position with 25 points from 22 games.

Cape Coast: Ebusua Dwarfs v WAFA (1-0)

The good form of Ebusua Dwarfs continued on Wednesday as they beat the West Africa Football Academy (WAFA) 1-0 at the Robert Mensah Stadium, Cape Coast.

Bright Luqman scored the only goal of the game as the Abontoa Abontoa Boys settled for their seventh win of the season to extend their unbeaten run to three games.

They are 10^th on the table with 27 points with WAFA who recorded their eighth defeat of the campaign, dropping to seventh on the log with 30 points.

Bekwai: New Edubiase United v Asante Kotoko (2-1)

Struggling New Edubiase United beat Kumasi Asante Kotoko 2-1 at the Nana Gyamfi Park, Bekwai as they strive to get out of the relegation zone.

Toffic Mohammed and Nasser Lamine scored the goals for New Edubiase United with Amos Frimpong getting the consolation for the Porcupines.

New Edubiase United remain bottom of the log with 21 points from the 22 games they have played with Kotoko in sixth position with 33 points with their campaign floundering.

Dawu: Dreams FC v Berekum Chelsea (4-0)

Debutants Dreams FC gained grounds on the leaders with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the Dawu Park as the recorded their 10^th win of the season.

Goals by Samuel Abeiku Ainooson Michael Sarpong Emmanuel Hayford and Emmanuel Eli Keke condemned Chelsea to their 11^th defeat of the campaign and still without an away victory.

Dreams FC have moved to third on the table with 35 points with Berekum Chelsea in ninth position with 29 points from the 22 games they have played.

 

GPL Match-Day 22 Review: Hearts Extend Lead 

GPL: Patrick Razak Delighted With Super Clash Support

Sensational Hearts of Oak forward, Patrick Razak has expressed gratitude for the support of the Phobians fans during their 1-1 draw with Asante Kotoko last Sunday.  

The Porcupine Warriors were shot into the lead just 17 minutes into the match with a close range finish by striker Kwame Boateng but the Accra based side restored parity through new boy Patrick Razak early in the second half to maintain their unbeaten run away from home.

And following the game, the former Tamale Utrecht star has taking social networking site, Facebook to express his gratitude to Hearts Fans for the support they gave the team.

“I very happy for the great support that our supporters have shown to us during our game against kotoko”,  Razak wrote on his Facebook book timeline on Tuesday.

Hearts of Oak will host defending League champions, Ashanti Gold on Wednesday and Razak believes the Week 22 Fixtures is one that will test his side’s character.

“Tomorrow [Wednesday]  is another test for us to show how tough we are and I hope with our determination and hard working we are surely going to win”, he noted.

The Phobians are currently occupying the summit of the league with 38 points, 3 above second placed Wa All Stars who have a game in hand.

GPL: Patrick Razak Delighted With Super Clash Support

GPL Report: Kotoko and Hearts Share Honours

Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak shared honours with with magical moments and suspense characterizing the Super Clash.

Great goals, wonderful Patrick Razak, Emmanuel Gyamfi and super glimpses of brilliance from Samudeen Ibrahim and gold standard goalkeeping made the game relieved the days of old.

Games involving these two sides is a traffic magnet and it proved it. Football-loving fans flooded the stands, the football lubricated the feet that and millions watching across the globe were served with a Ghanaian dish worth appreciating.

The game began with electrifying pace with Emmanuel Gyamfi and Sarfo Gyamfi being Hearts’ nemesis. The duo terrorised the laterals of the Phobians, Thomas Abbey and Richard Akrofi with their nimble feet, sipping through with ease.

Kotoko’s early dominance immediately paid dividends. A perfect inch lob from the midfield by Osei Agyemang was deliciously controlled by Emmanuel Gyamfi before he uunleashed a bee stinging volley. Soulama Abdulaye, the villain in the reverse fixture for his howler parried the ball with perfection but he was unable to cover his line as Kwame Boateng reacted quickest and beat him at his angle.

The

GPL Report: Kotoko and Hearts Share Honours

Ghana Premier League Live Update: Kotoko vs Hearts of Oak

Follow Sportscrusader.com live text commentary on the Super Clash between Ghana’s two most successful Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Ghana Premier League Live Update: Kotoko vs Hearts of Oak

Kotoko Back To Training Ahead Of Hearts Game After Dwarfs Humiliation

Kumasi Asante Kotoko returned to training on Thursday morning after their heavy 4-1 alienation against Ebusua Dwarfs on Wednesday in their Match-Day 20 Ghana Premier League (GPL) encounter played in Cape Coast.

They have started their preparations for Sunday’s big clash with arch rivals Accra Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi knowing they cannot afford to lose guard ahead of this clash.

The entire playing body reported to work at their Adako Jachie training ground under acting coach Michael Osei who has come in for some heavy criticism following a run of poor results lately.

The Porcupines have not won in the GPL in their last three games and the defeat to Dwarfs at the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast was their biggest in the league in recent seasons.

They have dropped to fourth on the table from their previous second position, and trail the leaders Hearts of Oak incidentally the side they face on Sunday by five points.

Pressure is on Coach Osei and his technical staff to produce a result in this game, and they know they have to quickly put this latest setback behind them and look up to the Hearts of Oak game on Sunday.

The former Ghana international will continue to prepare his charges for the rest of the week and hope that on match-day, they will rise up to the task in a game they know they cannot afford to drop points if their hopes of winning the ultimate at the end of the season is to be sustained.

Kotoko Back To Training Ahead Of Hearts Game After Dwarfs Humiliation

Hearts Striker Rewards Coach

Match-winning goal scorer, Kwame Kizito has admitted his satisfaction at rewarding the trust head coach, Sergio Traguil, had in him.

The forward gave the Phobians, perhaps, the most important three points and Sergio’s second win in a row since his appointment as head coach.

Kwame Kizito

And Kizito during the post-match interview, told the press his coach whispered words of encouragement to him and added he will score a goal, which happened in the 78th minute against Berekum Chelsea.

 

“He has been encouraging me at training and before coming on, he told me I will score and I’m happy to have done just that as a striker.”

Kizito wheels away in celebration after securing Hearts all three points

He added, “it was a very tough game and as you know, I haven’t played many games but I’m happy to have rewarded the coach’s trust in me.”

Kizito will now shift his focus to getting playing time in the Super clash against fierce rivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Sunday.

Hearts Striker Rewards Coach

Top Spot for Now is Meaningless - Hearts Coach

Sergio Traguil, head coach of Hearts of Oak, has mentioned he’s not getting carried away with the club’s top spot after match week 18.

Hearts leap-frogged Kotoko and Wa All Stars to the summit of the most competitive Ghana Premier League season after recording a 1-0 away win over Hasaacas.

But Sergio, to who this win is his first after three games in charge, told the media during his post-match presser, that their [Hearts] position now doesn’t matter, but that, the end justifies the means.

“I don’t come along with assertion that we’re in first place and that’s all that matters, No! We are still focused on working hard to achieve our objective [win the league].

“The first doesn’t do anything to me as a coach or give me more confidence because I always have confidence in my ability and the team as well and I reiterate I’m not too confident of cocky we’re in first place,” he added.

Hearts will meet Chelsea in the mid-week encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium as the Phobians aim to place a firm grip on the top spot.

Top Spot for Now is Meaningless - Hearts Coach

Liberty Star Man Eyes Hearts, Kotoko Move

Sensational Liberty professionals’ forward,  Latif Atta Blessing has expressed his desire to join one of Hearts of Oak or Asante Kotoko next season.

The 19-year old has been terrific for the Scientific Soccer lads in this Ghana Premier League, scoring 10 goals plus a number of assists and is in serious contention to be pick the GPL player of the year award at the end of the season.

But unlike many local players who solely look to join clubs abroad after one successful season in the Ghanaian top flight, Blessing has revealed that he is open to move in the domestic League with Hearts of Oak and Kotoko been his preferred future destinations.

“Every player wants to play for a big club in his career”,  he said in an interview, adding that,  “I just pray to God that next season I can join another club, either Hearts of Oak or Asante Kotoko, or perhaps travel to Europe”

The youngster, whose fine form this season has already earned him a call up into the Local Black Stars is second on the GPL top goal scorers chart behind Aduana Stars’ Yahaya Mohammed.

But just he noted at the beginning of the season, Latif Blessing is still optimistic about wining the goal king award at the end of the 2015/2016 campaign.

“I just pray to God to enable me win the award, if it is his will that I win the goal king definitely I will win,” he said in optimism.

Blessing will hope to continue with his great form for Liberty Professionals when the Dansoman based side square off against Dreams FC at their favourite Carle Reindorf Park this Sunday.

The Scientific Soccer Lads are in search of their first win in five matches.

Liberty Star Man Eyes Hearts, Kotoko Move

Invasion: Hearts to Name Portuguese As Assistant Coach

Portuguese trainer, Elton Jorge Nunez is set to be named as the new assistant head coach for 20 times Ghana Premier League champions, Hearts of Oak.

Nunez will join compatriot, Sergio Traguil who was appointed caretaker coach after fans favourite, Kenichi Yatsuashi was relieved of his post due to misunderstanding.

Jorge Nunez has been working with the Phobians as the team’s Video analyst and is set to replace embattled assistant, Yaw Preko who is rumoured to have hit a snag with his employees over what is perceived as an ambush tactics (coaching the team in the local dialect to the disadvantage of Traguil, a foreigner) since the appointment of Sergio.

Ghana Black Stars goal keepers trainer, Nassam Yakubu is also rumored to follow Preko through the exit door.

Nunez will be confirmed as the new assistant coach by the end of the week as the club looks to shift focus onto the team as they target a first league title since 2008.

Invasion: Hearts to Name Portuguese As Assistant Coach

GPL Round UP: Hearts, Kotoko and Wa All Stars Held As City Marches On

The return of the Ghana premier league could not have been any worst for the top four clubs as they all dropped points over the weekends.

With a total of 12 goals scored across the eight match venues, none of the top four clubs bagged three maximum points in a draw specialist week.

The only Saturday match of the week saw Kumasi Asante Kotoko dropping points at the Tema Park in a 1-1 thriller away to Inter Allies. Bernet Ofori’s beauty for the Reds was cancelled out by Fredrick Opoku Yamoah for the Eleven is to One. Kumasi Asante Kotoko surge top for the next 24 hours before vacating the seat for the ‘right’ owners- Wa All Stars.

Up north at the Wa Park however, wicked goal keeping from Fatawu Dauda shared honours for the two sides as the Miner bagged their sixth clean cleans in nine attempts. Fatawu Dauda denied the host on eight occasions including a world class one handed save deep into injury time in the eventual 0-0 stalemate.

The football president, Baba ‘John’ Mahama, accounted to his people with a world class dead ball to floor WAFA SC at the Den. The quick footed play maker capped another MOTM performance with a beauty in a 1-0 win for TCFC over the soccer mathematicians.

New Edubiase came from an early latif Blessing opener to draw parity in a 1-1 score line at their new Bekwai based home grounds. Blessing registered his 10^th of the season to open the scoring for the Nokia Boys but Wahab Yayaha leveled for the Yen Ko Nkoa boys.

Two spot kicks for Christopher Bonney were enough to tie down Sekondi Hasaacas away to the rejuvenated Ebusua Dwarfs. The mystery club mystified their guest with ruthless interchange of passes to earn two spot kicks in the 2-0 win.

The Brong Ahafo derby saw Bechem United spanked Berekum Chelsea for 2-0 thanks to Ernest Baffoe and Solomon Mensah at the Bechem Park.

The honey moon period for Dreams FC ended at the Tarkw Park despite the aesthetically driven goal from star man Aron Amoah. The CAF Confederation campaigners have their midfield general, Kwesu Donsu, to thank for their 2-1 win over the dreamy Dreams FC. Donsu’s brace tamed Akunor’s side on the road.

 

GPL Round UP: Hearts, Kotoko and Wa All Stars Held As City Marches On

Gilbert Koomson Excels In Sogndal Seven Goal Thriller.

Norway based Ghanaian midfielder Gilbert koomson flourished for his Elliteserien side Sogndal in a seven goal thriller against Molde FC.

The 22 year old attacking midfielder bagged two assist in a 4-3 win over the high flying visitors to extend his impeccable in the division.

Gilbert located Hannu Patronen with a pearling pass to open the floodgate just three minutes into the contest before adding his personal second on the 30^th minute mark.

The Ghanaian import was joined by former Hearts of oak goal poacher Mahatma Osman Otoo later in the second half as Sogndal urged out the spirited Molde FC.

The duo played crucial roles in the Norwegian second tier league during the 2015/16 European season to book top flight football for Sogndal.

Sogndal moved further away from the drop into the 9^th slot after a dreadful start to the season.

Gilbert Koomson Excels In Sogndal Seven Goal Thriller.

Razak Eyes Hearts Glory

Hearts of Oak attacker Patrick Razak has set sights on winning the Ghana Premier League (GPL) in his debut campaign with the Phobians.

The young attacker who has been phenomenal since joining the former league champions wants to win the league and compete in continental events.

“It is my wish to win the league so I will tell the supporters to help me in prayers because that is the only trophy left for us and I believe it will send us to play in Africa.”

The Phobians completed the signing Razak from Division One side Tamale Utrecht during the second transfer window and has in all three games so far.

And despite facing stiff competition from Aduana Stars, Wa All Stars and Asante Kotoko for the league title, he is confident the league can be won by the capital clubs should they work.

“We are very serious about winning the league because if you look at some of the teams competing with us, they are all on form so I know it will not be easy but we will continue to work hard and I know we will reap the results at the end.”

Hearts continue with the quest for a league title with a tricky test against Aduana Stars.

Razak Eyes Hearts Glory