Home Blog

Can Kudus step up his game against Sudan and punish the man that showed him love and sacrificed his job for his future?

“Not only [Mohammed] Kudus but some other young players. There were people who felt the young players didn’t deserve the Black Stars call-up. But for me, I had watched them and I believed them. I always told my players don’t prove to me, prove to Ghanaians. If you do well that’s for your own good.

After Ghana’s poor showing at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, reaching only the round of 16 and bowing out to Tunisia in Alexandria, a call for new dawn was made.

Kwesi Appiah, then the head coach of Ghana bumped into me at the team’s lobby with a friend and he looked very worried. He told the friend I was with that “give me some time because I need to rest my head and see what the future holds.” Of course, the future looked bleak for him because a lot of Ghanaians were fuming at the stadium, around the team’s hotel and back home.

I had spent over 16 hours in air from Ghana through Morocco and additional two hours by road from Cairo to Alexandria just to witness how Ghana were knocked out of the tournament- so obviously I was among the vast majority who questioned Appiah’s tactics. Yet, the man insisted that he could turn things around since he had earmarked some talented players whom he thinks could replace the aging squad and send Ghana to the promise land.

Surprisingly, among these players was Kudus; very talented at age 19 but not quite ready for the big stage despite going through the ranks of Ghanaian youth teams. Yet, Appiah risked everything to make sure he marked his debut for Ghana along side other youngsters like Gideon Mensah and Baba Iddrisu against South Africa on September 15, 2019.

Rumours even had it that Appiah was threatened should he fail to win against South Africa, he would be sacked since he went against the wishes of some top football executive members at the FA to play Kudus and his likes. Eventually, Kudus announced his presence few minutes after coming on in Cape Coast as he scored a wonderful goal to send the home fans into wild jubilations- a new king has been born.

“My job was on the line because I was warned that if I lost the match I will be sacked. I didn’t mind because I knew I was doing what was good for the country,” Coach Kwesi Appiah shared in an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV.

“Not only [Mohammed] Kudus but some other young players. There were people who felt the young players didn’t deserve the Black Stars call-up. But for me, I had watched them and I believed them. I always told my players don’t prove to me, prove to Ghanaians. If you do well that’s for your own good,” he added.

Three months later, Appiah was eventually sacked after falling out with the new Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku who had previously criticised his style of coaching and mode of selecting players to the national team especially when he left out his player Benjamin Tetteh.

Now, Kudus has improved in all aspects of his career, earning a big move from Ajax to the most talked about league in the world- Premier League with West Ham and becoming a global icon with series of inspiring performances every weekend and even at the 2022 FIFA World Cup staged in Qatar.

With 37 international caps for Ghana and 11 goals, star-boy Kudus is now the interim captain of Ghana following the absence of Andre Ayew and Thomas Partey, therefore, the country’s hope for redemption in a miserable Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers hang in his shoulders.
Ghana are surprisingly without a win in Group F after three games in the qualifiers as the Black Stars have picked only two points- losing 1-0 at home to Angola and sharing the spoils with Niger and Sudan.

Kudus missed a sitter in the first leg against Sudan in Accra but he can be pardoned since there were a lot of pressure on him as a new captain and wearing the iconic #10 jersey for the first time in his senior career for Ghana . However, at the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Libya on Tuesday afternoon, Ghanaians expect no excuses and want him to prove to Kwesi Appiah that he truly has an eye for good things that’s why he picked him even when many doubted his potential.

A win for Ghana will be a major boast for Kudus and the Black Stars as that would breath a new life to a terrific start in the qualifiers and possibly snatch the second automatic qualification spot in Group F…. Go Ghana, Go Kudus.

Sudan FA reports Ghana to CAF over Juju ahead of AFCON qualifier

According to reports, Sudanese FA has reported Ghana to CAF on Monday after they spotted what could be termed as BLACK MAGIC after the Black Stars completed their mandatory training session at Benina Martyrs Stadium where the two countries will meet on Tuesday afternoon 1pm local time, 13h00 GMT.

Sudan are playing as host in Libya due to the political crisis in their home country and as a result, Ghana were obliged to use the stadium for their training seasons before them per CAF rules.

However, items like garlic and onions, among others which are believed to be used to prevent bad spirits and bad luck by a section of religious people were allegedly found on the pitch after the Ghanaian contingent left.

The game is of equal importance to both Sudan and Ghana since if Ghana fail to defeat Sudan on Tuesday, the Black Stars will be on the verge of missing out on 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in over 20 years.

Should Sudan win, they will need only three points from their remaining two games against Niger and Angola to qualify.

Video: Germany U20 thrash Ghana 5-0 in international friendly

The Black Satellites were walloped in Germany as part of their Europe tour in preparations ahead of the WAFU tournament

Ghana U20 suffered a disappointing 5-0 defeat against Germany in a preparatory game ahead of WAFU Zone B Cup of Nations.

The Black Satellites are touring Europe to fine tune for the upcoming WAFU Zone B Cup of Nations after they were paired with hosts Togo, Niger and Benin in Group A.

Ghana did not start the game on a good footing as German-born striker of Ghanaian descent Ilyas Ansah capitalised on a poor defending to make it 1-0 against the run of play after only two minutes.

Ansah scored another goal to make it 3-0 by the 32nd minute after Weiper had doubled the lead for Germany on 13th minute. The Paderborn player was a torn in the flesh of Ghana defence as they struggled to keep him in check.

Germany added another goal on the stroke of half time through Birchof as the Ghanaians looked confused and uncertain as to how put their hosts away from further breaching their defence.

After the break, Ghana made several changes to their squad and that seemed helpful since Germany struggled to find openings in their defensive set up.

However, Germany made it 5-0 on 79th minute through Kömur as the Ghanaian defenders were caught ball watching.

The WAFU tournament has been slated between October 17 and 31, 2024.

Otto Addo ‘pleads’ with Ghana players to save his job against Sudan – reports

The Black Stars gaffer could be shown the exit should they fail to qualify to 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Ghana coach Otto Addo has reportedly explained to the players this morning why they can’t lose 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan in Libya on Tuesday.

The Black Stars, after three games, are winless in the qualifiers, losing at home to Angola and sharing the spoils with Niger in Casablanca, Morocco and Sudan in Accra. As it stands now, Ghana are trailing Group F leaders Angola seven points as well as Sudan two points and a defeat against the latter will mean it will be five points.

According to reports in the local media, Addo has highlighted that everyone’s future in the current team lies on this game since a defeat can lead to a massive shake up from technical team to players and almost everyone around the team.

Should Ghana lose to Sudan and fail to qualify to the AFCON, for the first time since 2004, Otto Addo is likely to be sacked and many of the players will not get a chance to the national team again because the new coach would probably have different ideas and tactics which he will need other players to succeed.

Addo has further reaffirmed his faith in new captain Kudus Mohammed and has told the West Ham United star that Ghanaians severely criticise him because they believe in his talent.

Ghana last failed to qualify to the AFCON in 2004 when it was hosted by Tunisia and also failed to make it to the competition when it was last hosted by Morocco in 1988.

Where to watch the game: Ghana TV, AshesGyamera -Journalist [Facebook]

Kick off: 13h00 GMT

Jordan Ayew gives to orphans in Liberia

The Black Stars striker extended his philanthropic mission to Liberia as orphans around enjoyed his kind heart

Ahead of Ghana’s make or break game against Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday in Libya, Black Stars striker Jordan Ayew made a donation to The Love a Child Orphanage in VOA Community in Liberia on Sunday.

The 32-year-old presented items ranging from foodstuffs to other basic needs to the orphanages as part of of his social responsibilities to help the young and less privileged individuals in Africa.

The presentation was made on behalf of Jordan by Team Ayew Liberia, a wing of his foundation.

Ayew is expected to start for Ghana against Sudan and any results, aside victory, could be suicidal as the Black Stars will be on the verge of missing out of the AFCON tournament for the first time since 2004 which was hosted in Tunisia.

“We didn’t want to run away,” Kotoko Sudanese players spotted in Maryland after absconding from camp

The duo left the club’s hotel on Friday night but insist they had no intentions to run away ahead of their friendly game against DC United

Asante Kotoko Sudanese striker AbdoelKarem Yagoub and defender Esmat Al Hasan have been reportedly spotted in Maryland, about one hour drive away from Washington DC after the club initially confirmed that the duo had absconded from camp in the United States ahead of the game against DC United on Saturday.

According to a close source, one of the players said they only left camp to visit their family members in Maryland and believe it was unfair on the part of the club to leak information that they had gone AWOL leading to unnecessary pressure on them.

”We didn’t intend to run away. We only wanted to see some family members,” one of the players said.

”The reports are unfair. It is not good for us,” he added.

The club’s leadership in Washington, per reports, have given them ultimatum to report to camp to avoid further intense disciplinary actions.

As Kotoko are left with five players left in camp, former Bechem United defender and Ghana FA Cup winner Eric Owusu is part of the Ghanaian select side in the United States to be added up for the Capital City game against DC United today.

Other players to also feature in the game include Geoffrey Owusu, Rolland Appiah, Davis Owusu Amankwatiah, Gideon Hooks, Isaac Sarkodie, Charles Adu Bio and Kwadow Nyarko.

Puncherello Chama, do you remember Eric Owusu because he played in Zambia.

Asante Kotoko confirm the missing of two Sudanese players in the United States

Asante Kotoko have officially confirmed the missing of their two players in United States of America following an exclusive report by AshesGyamera.com.

The two players, defender Esmat AbdalHamid Mohamed and striker Obdoelkarem Yoouef Yagoub left the club’s camp on Friday night, a day before their game against DC United in the Capital Cup

“Asante Kotoko SC regrets to inform our supporters and the public that two players, Esmat AbdalHamid Mohamed and Obdoelkarem Yoouef Yagoub, both Sudanese nationals, are currently missing from the camp,” a club statement read.

“The players left the team’s hotel without permission on Friday, 11th October 2024, and all efforts to contact or locate them have been unsuccessful. The club has officially notified law enforcement authorities in the United States and is cooperating fully to ensure their safe return. We urge our supporters to remain calm as we work with the relevant authorities,” the statement added.

Kotoko will be joined by some selected Ghanaian footballers in the United States to form a team in order to face DC United. The guest players to also feature in the game include former Bechem United defender and FA Cup winner Eric Owusu, Geoffrey Owusu, Rolland Appiah, Davis Owusu Amankwatiah, Gideon Hooks, Isaac Sarkodie, Charles Adu Bio and Kwadow Nyarko.

Two Sudanese players of Asante Kotoko absconded in United States ahead of friendly

The two players initially wanted to make money transfer to families back home but it turned out that they had other ideas

Two of Asante Kotoko players that travelled to United States for the friendly against DC United have reportedly left their hotel, AshesGyamera.com sources have revealed.

The duo are striker AbdoelKarem AbdoelRahman Yoouef Yagoub and defender Esmat Abdulhamid Mohamed Al Hasan. The Sudanese players initially wanted to go out of the hotel premises with the excuse of sending money to their families back home but the club’s management declined that request.

However, they were nowhere to be found early hours of Saturday as the team were preparing for their training sessions ahead of the game. Further checks from the hotel’s CCTV footages confirmed that players leaving the premises in a car.

The club’s leadership began to search the local area for the players to make sure they are safe and sound.

AshesGyamera understands that with the ongoing political crisis in Sudan, the players are planning to seek for asylum in the United States and that will make them remain in the country legally as immigrants.

BACKGROUND

Asante Kotoko defeated fierce rivals Hearts of Oak 2-1 on July 17, 2024 to lift Ghana’s democracy Cup thanks to a goal each from Justice Blay and Peter Amidu Acquah and a consolation goal from Asamoah Boateng for Hearts. The victory gave Kotoko the opportunity to represent the country in the Ghana Week Celebrations with a game against Major League Scoccer side DC United in a friendly at Audi Field in Washington, DC on October 12.

However, things did not go as planned as only seven first team players of Kotoko including Elvis Kyei Baffour, Emmanuel Antwi, Justice Blay were able to secure visas for the trip. Although, assurances were given that other players will be sorted out soon, that never happened and the seven players who had had visas were already in United States but the game had to be called off.

On Friday, October 11, the organisers of the event agreed to pick a select side for Ghana comprising of players from Kotoko who were already in the country and other youth players from Ghanaian clubs touring United States.

“D.C. United and Ghana Week DC have announced an update to the Capital City Africa Cup scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12. Due to visa challenges for Asante Kotoko, additional players from other Ghana Premier League teams will be rostered for the match and the team will play as the “Ghana Week DC Select Side,” a statement read.

“The Ghana Week DC Select Side will include seven players from the first team of Asante Kotoko, two players from Attram De Visser FC, in addition to other top Ghanaian players based in America.

“The highly anticipated match, headlining DC Ghana Week celebrations, is aimed at promoting Ghanaian tourism, culture, and sports in the DMV area. The week-long initiative underscores the strong ties between Ghana, the U.S., and the African diaspora, fostering cultural exchange and unity,” the statement added.

After the announcement, the two Sudanese players opted to capitalise on the situation and absconded for greener pastures away from football.

Kwame Poku wins League One Player of the Month

English-born forward who is now Ghana international Kwame Afriyie Aduboufour Poku has been named as English League One Player of the Month of September after scoring three consecutive goals for Peterborough United.

The 23-year-old, who was born in Croydon, a suburb of London, has been in top form this season netting three times in four games. He was on target when Peterborough drew 1-1 with Lincoln City, and in the 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers as well as the 2-2 stalemate with Leyton Orient.

“I am delighted to win the award,” Poku, who has scored six goals this season said after picking his award.

“This is the first time that I have won an award like this, so I am very grateful. It was a good month personally and I was happy to be able to contribute with goals,” he added.

Poku began his career with Cray Wanderers before joining Worthing FC and Colchester United. He signed for Peterborough in 2021 and has worked his way up in the squad to become one of the fans’ favourites.

He made his Black Stars debut in 2021 as Ghana defeated Sao Tome and Principe 3-1 in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, coming on for West Ham United star Kudus Mohammed.

Djiku, Nuamah start as Abdul Mumin & Issahaku dropped against Sudan

Following his mistake that led to Ghana’s defeat against Angola in the last home match in Kumasi, Rayo Vallecano defender Abdul Mumin has been benched by Otto Addo for Alexander Djiku to partner Salisu Mohammed in centre defence against Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Also, Leicester City midfielder Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Inaki Williams will start from the bench but Ernest Nuamah starts on the wings after returning from injury layoff.

Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo lead the attack for the Black Stars as Kudus Mohammed captain the team for the first time in their career.

Ghana are in a dire need of victory since they have failed to win any of their previous two games in the qualifiers.