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Goalkeeping crisis hit King Faisal after only four games in Ghana Premier League

The Green and White are struggling to hit the ground running following their return to the top-flight

King Faisal have had a poor start to the Ghana Premier League season, picking only a point after four games as they look certain to be one of the candidates which will struggle to keep their heads up after the campaign.

Interestingly, the Kumasi-based club have already used four goalkeepers and shipped in nine goals as against three scored after matchday four.

On opening day against Dreams FC in Dawu, Faisal started with Domfeh Alexander in post when they suffered a 4-1 thrashing. Former Asante Kotoko shot-stopper Kaisan Yuisu took over in the second game against Ashanti Gold as they also lost 1-0 at home.

Yuisu, howeve, picked up an injury in the process and that meant that third-choice goalkeeper Mustapha Bampoe was the last resort before their trip to Dormaa Ahenkro in the game against Aduana Stars with no proper back up.

Despite an improved performance against the former champions, Faisal lost 2-1 to Aduana and they had to enter the market for another goalkeeper especially when negotiations with former Ghana international Stephen Adams had fell through.

Luckily for them, Moro Yussif was ready to join and they picked him up in Berekum on their way back to Kumasi. It took Yussif barely 48 hours to make his bow.

With Faisal leading Bechem United 2-1 on Wednesday, goalkeeper Bampoe suffered an injury and was replaced by Yussif but the former Berekum Chelsea star conceded the equaliser with the first attempt he faced.

As they prepare for a trip to Tarkwa on Sunday to face Karela United on matchday five, Bampoe will have to pass late fitness test to return to the team or Yussif will have his first start of the campaign.

Kotoko accept Ghana FA’s decision to play home games behind closed doors

The Porcupine Warriors have declined to further contesting the decision taken by the football association following their supporters’ misbehaviour

Asante Kotoko will now play five of their next home games without their supporters at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium following the club top hierarchy’s decision not to appeal to the sanction given to them by Ghana Football Association.

Following the defeat to Berekum Chelsea last weekend, a section of the supporters clashed with the police on grounds as they wanted to allegedly attack match officials who handled the game.

In the process, one supporter suffered a gunshot, losing his left eye in the process after surgery and Ghana FA decided to fine Kotoko Kotoko cedis as well as play their next five home games in closed doors.

“Asante Kotoko have agreed to Ghana FA’s decision to sanction them with a five-home games behind close doors in Ghana Premier League,” according to the club’s director of communications Kennedy Boakye Ansah.

“We have taken the decision in good faith and will now plan on how to win these games without our supporters. It is an unfortunate situation but we believe that we shall surely overcome and return to winning ways. Everyone should remain calm and do what he or she can do to help us win the games in the empty stadium, ” he added.

The development means that Kotoko will now play Ebusua Dwarfs on Sunday without their fans as they hope to recover from two defeats on the bounce.

Asibu: Dwarfs supporters wanted me ‘dead’ as they attacked me spiritually & physically

The Crabs former boss has shed lights on why he tendered in his resignation letter after only four games in the top-flight

Former Ebusua Dwarfs coach Robert Asibu Raymond has revealed that he vacated his position due to the constant attacks he suffered from the club’s supporters.

Despite losing four games on the bounce in the Ghana Premier League, leaving Dwarfs without a point and languishing at the bottom of the log, Essibu insists the poor form was even orchestrated by some of the supporters.

“The supporters wanted to destroy my life. Some of them attack me spiritually and physically and I can lose my life as a result so I have decided to resign and be a free man,” Asibu told Otec FM.

“I have sacrificed a lot for the club and I think enough is enough. This is because the personal hatred was unprecedented. Some of them always want us to lose so that they can achieve their agenda. If I die today because of Dwarfs, it is my family that will suffer.

“I have never regretted taking this decision because coaches are hired and fired. I qualify to work anywhere with my license so any club that will be willing to support me so I’m ready to join another club in future,” he added.

Dwarfs head to Kumasi on Sunday to face Asante Kotoko on matchday five at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Kotoko face five home games behind close doors after GFA charges them on four counts

The Porcupine Warriors will likely play their next home game in an empty stadium

Ghana Football Association has reacted to the unfortunate incident that happened when Asante Kotoko lost 1-0 at home to Berekum Chelsea on matchday.

After the defeat, Kotoko supporters charged on referee Charles Bulu leading to chaos and a supporter lost one of his eyes in the process.

“In accordance with Article 34 (7) of the GFA Premier League Regulations (newly introduced provision in 2020), the GFA Prosecutor has proposed the following sanctions:

Should Asante Kotoko SC accept their guilt, Asante Kotoko SC shall play five (5) home matches behind closed doors at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and a find of GH¢10,000.00,” a GFA statement read.

“Asante Kotoko SC has within two days to either accept the charge and immediately comply with the sanction (s) and that will end this matter or otherwise proceed to submit your Statement of Defence as prescribed below.

“In case Kotoko SC decides to proceed to the Disciplinary Committee, should the prosecution be successful at the Disciplinary Committee, the Prosecution shall pray the Disciplinary Committee for the imposition of the maximum sanction(s) as set out by the GFA Statutes, Disciplinary Code and Regulations.
“The Prosecution intends to rely on the evidence in the reports of the Referee, the Match Commissioner, any witness(es) and video of the match.

“Asante Kotoko are to submit a written response to the charges by close of work, Friday, January 17, 2020 on or before 5pm at the GFA Secretariat or through email address to the Disciplinary Committee, [email protected] failing which the Disciplinary Committee shall proceed to adjudicate the case without a Statement of Defence.

“Should this matter proceed to the Disciplinary Committee, it will hear the case on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 5:05pm at the GFA Secretariat if the Club is present or not.”

Kurt Okraku, Three Others Get Appointment at CAF

Confederation of African Football, CAF has appointed four Ghanaian football administrators to serve on the various committees and caucuses of football for the next four years.

The continental body shortlisted these administrators to serve on various committees towards attainment of a successful term.

To set the bore rolling, president of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku has been appointed as a member of the Organising Committee of the African Cup of Nations, AFCON.

The Game Changer replaces former FA Vice President George Akwasi Afriyie who served in the said position for the last four years.

Lawyer Thadeus Sory, a Legal Team Member for the GFA has been appointed to serve on CAF Jury’s Appeal.

Also, Chairperson for the Ghana Premier League Committee, Alhaji MND Jawula Lepowura will be serving his second term on the CAF organising committee and a member of the Club Licensing System.

While Dr Ransford Abbey, who happens to be an Executive Council Member, was shortlisted to serve on CAF’s Legal Affairs and National Association Committee.

These administrators will have their mandate ending in 2023.

By: Fareed Mohammed Awal

Ghana FA reacts to Kotoko supporters’ demand; names new referee to officiate Medeama encounter

The Porcupine Warriors supporters demanded for the change of the centre referee and their request has been met

Asante Kotoko’s away fixture against Medeama will see a new referee as Jones Akubiem has been named to replace Latif Adaara hours before kick off.

Adaari’s appointment saw protests from Kotoko supporters since that would’ve been his second time handling Medeama’s home game in a row since he was in action when Medeama thrashed Hearts of Oak 3-0 on matchday two.

“Referee Jones Akubiem will officiate the Ghana Premier League Day four match between Medeama SC and Asante Kotoko in Tarkwa,” a statement read.

“The Referees Committee initially appointed Daniel Laryea to officiate the midweek encounter but was changed after Referee Laryea reported that he had not recovered from an injury he suffered during the Day Three match between Dreams FC and Legon Cities over the weekend.

“The Committee has therefore reviewed the appointment it after Mr Laryea’s unavailability and has now placed Jones Akubiem in charge of the match. All stakeholders are informed to take note of the change accordingly.”

Match Officials for the Match:

MEDEAMA Vs ASANTE KOTOKO

Venue: Tarkwa

Ref: Jones Akubiem

Asst 1: Courage Kuechufia

Asst 2: Shine Ayitey

4th Ref: Latif Adaari

M/C: C.M Atsatsa

Ibrahim Tanko misses out on Black Stars job, handed ‘Local Black Stars’

The former Black Stars assistant coach was overlooked by the football association as his hopes of becoming the main boss hit a snag

Former Ghana assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko has been appointed new head coach of the Black Stars B, replacing Maxwell Konadu who is currently in charge of Asante Kotoko.

Although, majority of Ghanaians were rooting for Tanko to replaced Kwesi Appiah as the new coach, Tanko has been given the task to manage the local stars as they hope to qualify to the 2022 African Championship.

C.K Akonnor has been tipped to become the new Black Stars coach.

“The Ghana Football Association has named Ibrahim Tanko as Head Coach of the Black Stars ‘B’ national team,” a GFA statement read.

“He will be assisted by Prince Owusu as Assistant 1 and Godwin Attram as Assistant 2.

Other members of the Technical Team are:

Joseph Akeem Anyagre – Goalkeepers Coach
Prince Pamboe – Team Doctor
Edmund Ackah – Welfare Officer
Justice Kofi Mensah – Equipment Officer
Emmanuel Armah – Physical Trainer
Zakari Abdulai – Masseur
Tijani Mumuni – Equipment Officer.

The GFA has also named a Management Committee for the Black Stars ‘B’ as follows:

Tony Aubyn – Chairman
Alhaji Yahaya Sadugu – Vice Chairman
Takyi Arhin – Member
Kwesi Adu – Member
Terry Maxwell Aidan – Member

Read why?: Kotoko supporters raise ‘red flag’ against referee Adaari ahead of Medeama clash

The Porcupine Warriors head to Tarkwa on Wednesday but their supporters are already anticipating a plot against them to lose

A section of Asante Kotoko supporters have began a campaign on Social Media against the appointment of referee Latif Adaari who has been named to officiate their away fixture against Medeama at Akoon Park on Wednesday.

According to the supporters, it is quite surprising that Adaari will be in charge for the second home game of Medeama since he was in charge when the Yellow and Mauve humiliated Hearts of Oak 3-0 on matchday two of the Ghana Premier League.

In effect, it will means that Adaari will be the only referee to officiate all Medeama’s games at home so far.

It will be recalled that supporters of Kotoko allegedly clashed with the Police on Sunday following their side’s 1-0 home defeat to Berekum Chelsea leading to several warning shots fired by the security present.

One supporter was hit in the face and has lost one of his eye after undergoing surgeries at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital on Monday in Kumasi.

AshesGyamera.com understands that the supporters are planning to officially petition Ghana FA and Referees Appointment committee to act swiftly by changing Adaari before midday of Wednesday, January 15, 2020 in order not to bring the name of the game into disrepute.

Medeama are yet to taste a defeat in the ongoing campaign after picking two wins and a draw.

Dr.Randy Abbey appointed onto Caf’s legal affairs & national associations committee

The country’s football association chief has been named to serve on a committe by the continent’s football governing body

Ghana Football Association executive Council member Dr. Randy Abbey has been appointed a member of CAF legal affairs and Member Associations Committee, AshesGyamera.com can confirm.

Currently as one of the six Ghanaians to be given higher positions in the continent’s football structure, Dr.Abbey will be part of a group of members tasked to examine cases which will arise from football games and other developments and will at a point in time propose amendments to the executive committee of CAF to be abreast with the ever changing world.

“The committee of legal affairs and national associations shall examine all legal issues pertaining to football and CAF’s Statuses and Regulations. It shall propose any necessary amendments to the Executive Committee,” portionof their duties read on Caf’s website.

“The committee shall also be responsible for maintaining good relations with and between the national associations and for encouraging fruitful cooperation on all matters relating to the game, its rule and regulations and the development of football,” their duties further explained.

Abbey is the owner and president of Ghana’s second-tier side Heart of Lions who play their home games in Kpando.

Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku, Dr. Pambo, MND Jawula and Dr. Tony Aubyn are other Ghanaians holding vital positions at Caf.

Kudjoe Fianoo appointed Vice chairman of Ghana FA’s technical review team

The astute football administrator has been given a three-month mandate together with other four people to help the football association

Ghana League Clubs Association chairman Kudjo Fiaano has been named as the vice president of a five-man committee set up by Ghana FA to help provide new direction for various technical teams of the national teams.

Fianoo, who will work together with GFA vice president Mark Addo and others, have been handed a three-month mandate to wrap up their assignments.

“The Ghana Football Association has appointed a five-man National Team’s Review Committee chaired by vice President Mark Addo,” a statement read.

“The Committee which has been given a three-month mandate is tasked to present a paper on the structure, membership and functions of the technical teams of all national teams.

“The National Team’s review Committee will also advise the GFA on the possible emoluments and rewards for players and technical team members.”

“Aside its other functions, the Committee will also make recommendations on the payments to be made to the management committees of all national teams and prepare a Code of Conduct for players, technical teams and management committee members for all national teams.

“Kudjo Fianoo is the vice Chairman of the Committee with Habiba Atta Forson, Prof Joseph Mintah, Linford Asamoah as members.”