Category: Ghana Premier League

Why Bechem United could add salt to Kotoko’s injury in Premier League top-liner

The Porcupine Warriors lost to their biggest rivals as Ghana celebrated its 65th independence anniversary and the hangover is still there

Asante Kotoko will play their biggest away game in the second round as they lock horns with Bechem United at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park on Tuesday.

This is a game which was initially scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 6 but it was eventually postponed due to Kotoko’s involvement in the 2022 President’s Cup – a game that they ended up losing to their bitterest rivals Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.

That defeat has left some scare on the faces of Kotoko supporters and although, they console themselves that it was just a friendly game and can’t determine who represent Ghana on the continent next season, another poor results against Bechem will move matters from bad to worse, if not worst.

Prosper Ogum Narteh needs to have the mojo of his players on time and show reaction against Bechem or else, their season could turn from an impressive one to a situation where they would have to double their efforts to prevent losing their grips on the league trophy like last season.

Apart from Kotoko facing former players like Augustine Okrah, Emmanuel Asante and Latif Anabila, they will be playing one one of the well-composed teams this season.

https://twitter.com/AugustineOkrah1/status/1501059198674784258?t=IefCVnUW6TJOxlnNkHXpEQ&s=19

Remember that Bechem United went eleven games unbeaten in the Premier League (13 games in all competitions) and only lost that streak of matches in a controversial manner against Medeama in Tarkwa last weekend thanks to a last minute penalty which Vincent Atinga scored.

Again, Bechem have won seven of their eight home games this season and only shared the spoils once, as well as conceding just one goal.

They have the best goalkeeper so far this season in Abdulai Iddrisu and their defence led by Kofi Agbesimah and Samuel Osei Kuffour is one any team would relish to have.

Okrah, who has scored eight goals so far, is the known face in the Bechem squad but Clinton Duodo, Francis Twene, Emmanuel Annor and Hafiz Konkoni can punish you any day with the slightest of opportunities. To sum it up, Bechem pipped Kotoko 2-1 at the same venue last season and that caused major confusion in the visitors squad which eventually led to the departure of some players including deputy captain Emmanuel Gyamfi.

“They should send [their anger] to other teams but not us here in Bechem,” Bechem coach Kassim Mingle told ghanasportspage.

“We are not afraid of them and we are very much prepared for them. At our home ground, I don’t think they can even take a point from us.

“We are preparing very well for them. You know we’ve never lost a match in our home grounds this season so we have to maintain that record,” Kassim added.

Kotoko have a shaky defence especially Abdul Ganiu and Yussif Mubarik. Remember that it was Bechem that exposed them in the first leg at Baba Yara Sports Stadium which even led to the referee being banned six games because he failed to show Ganiu red card.

The only thing that has saved Kotoko’s defence this season is that their opponents have failed to punish them and the last league game against Dreams FC was an evidence.

However, in the President’s Cup against Hearts of Oak, Patrick Razak made them pay for such blunders and if care is not taking today, Bechem will repeat it. The defence is always exposed when they play high line and that was why Ganiu and Mubarik were exposed by Razak on Friday.

Kotoko’s strengths are in midfield and attack with Etouga Mbella but not defence, so they must score more than a goal today if they want to leave Bechem with all the points.

Even with Kotoko’s attack, Bechem United coach seems to have plotted a plan to neutralize them since he has already promised that Etouga will have a terrible day.

“On Friday, Kotoko played against Hearts of Oak and they couldn’t surprise Hearts of Oak, so definitely the same thing is going to happen at our home grounds,” Kassim said.

“Etouga Mbella and Mfegue played against Hearts of Oak and we couldn’t see them in the game. Even for Etouga, he only scores goals in their home at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.”In away matches, he can’t score goals. You watch the statistics you will see that all the goals he has scored this season were all in Kumasi. So it’s going to continue, yesterday they played they couldn’t score. It’s going to continue like that,” he added.

With Aduana Stars picking up points and now sit only seven points behind Kotoko, Ogum and his charges need to be weary of the opposition they face in Bechem or else it will be another defeat within four days.

I’m expecting a highly entertaining game with good officiating.

Kudus Mohammed scores hat-trick for Jong Ajax in Netherlands

The midfielder’s recovery process had another major boost as he netted three times for his club’s junior side in a league game

Ghana midfielder Kudus Mohammed scored a hat-trick for Jong Ajax in their 6-3 drubbing of ADO Deng Hag in the Dutch Erste Division on Sunday.

The youngster, who has been battling with injuries recently, was named in Ajax’s junior team as part of his recovery process and he made the most out of it.

Kudus scored the first goal of the game by the 18th minute after he connected a pass from Youri Baas .

However, the visitors pulled even five minutes later through Ricardo Kishna.

Danilo restored Ajax’s lead on 35th minute before Kudus added another’s goal from the penalty spot as Ajax went into the break with a 3-1 advantage.

Naci Unuvar scored a brace after the break and Kudus completed his hat-trick by the 64th minute as Ajax ran riot although Sem Steijn got another consolation goal.

Jong Ajax have now moved up to fifth on the log with 52 points, nine points behind FC Volendam who lead the log

Although, Kudus failed to report to camp during Ghana’s participation in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations held in Cameroon, he expected to be named in the Black Stars squad for the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs against Nigeria on March 25 at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

The final squad is expected to be released this week by Ghana Football Association and the players will start arriving in the country on March 21.

Stephen Amankonah & Fabio Gama return as Kotoko name squad to face Bechem United in cliffhanger encounter

The Porcupine Warriors are hoping to recover from the painful defeat they suffered against Hearts of Oak on Friday as they now switch their attention to the Premier League

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has named his matchday squad for week nineteen of Ghana Premier League against in-form Bechem United at Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem on Tuesday.

Despite recent brouhaha surrounding the future of midfielder Stephen Amankonah, the former Berekum Chelsea star has been named in the travelling squad and could make his first appearance for the club in almost two months.

Also, Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama who has been battling with injuries is now fully fit and may even start to provide creativity in midfield for Kotoko.

As usual, goalkeepers Danlad Ibrahim and Kwame Baah were called to camp while skipper Abdul Ganiu Ismail lead the hosts of defenders expected to play part of the game.

Cameroonian striker Georges Mfegue, whom reports suggested that he is lacking match fitness has been passed fit and will likely maintain his starting place upfront alongside countryman Etouga Mbella, who has bagged 13 goals so far this season.

Although, Bechem’s eleven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end last weekend in Tarkwa, following a controversial penalty which was awarded against them and Vincent Atinga calmly slotted it in, they are still invincible at home.

Bechem are still unbeaten at home this season as they have picked seven wins and shared the spoils only once after eight games.

Interestingly, Kotoko’s last visit to Bechem ended in a 2-1 defeat thanks to a brace by Steven Owusu and Solomon Sarfo Taylor got the consolation goal for the visitors. Kotoko will be facing three of their former players this afternoon including Augustine Okrah, Emmanuel Asante and Latif Anabila as the trio are currently plying their trade with Bechem.

However, Kotoko lead the Premier League log with 40 points, ten points better than Bechem

Kotoko’s travelling squad:

Goalkeepers:
Danlad Ibrahim
Kwame Baah

Defenders:
Maxwell Agyemang
Andrews Kofi Appau
Abdul Ganiu Ismail
Christopher Nettey
Patrick Asmah
Augustine Agyapong
Yussif Mubarik
Imoro Ibrahim

Midfielders:

Fabio Gama
Mudasiru Salifu
Sheriff Mohammed
Justice Blay
Richmond Lamptey
Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’

Strikers:

Evans Adomako
Samuel Boateng
Stephen Amankonah
Etouga Mbella
Georges Mfegue
Dickson Afoakwa

“Etouga Mbella can’t score Bechem United; he only scores in Kumasi,” Bechem United coach Kassim Mingle insists

The Hunters boss has insisted that the Cameroonian striker is not a threat to them ahead of the game on Tuesday in Bechem

Bechem United coach Kassim Mingle has rejected suggestions that Cameroonian striker Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry is a threat to his side ahead of matchday nineteen of Ghana Premier League at the Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem.

The 20-year-old has had an explosive start to the Premier League as he currently leads the topscorer’s chart with 13 goals.

However, Kassim believes Etouga Mbella has been struggling to find his feet in away matches for Kotoko and his poor away run will continue.

“On Friday, Kotoko played against Hearts of Oak and they couldn’t surprise Hearts of Oak, so definitely the same thing is going to happen at our home grounds,” Kassim said.

“Etouga Mbella and Mfegue played against Hearts of Oak and we couldn’t see them in the game. Even for Etouga, he only scores goals in their home at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

“In away matches, he can’t score goals. You watch the statistics you will see that all the goals he has scored this season were all in Kumasi. So it’s going to continue, yesterday they played they couldn’t score. It’s going to continue like that,” he added.

Etouga’s goals represent 46 per cent of the total goals scored by Kotoko at this point in the league but 11 of his 13 goals have been in Kumasi and they include four penalties.

Kotoko will meet three former players on Tuesday including Augustine Okrah, Emmanuel Asante and Latif Anabila.

They lead the Premier League log with 40 points, ten points better than Bechem who sit fourth on the log.

“We’ll deepen Kotoko’s recent trouble in Bechem,” Bechem United coach Kassim promises

The Hunters boss insists Kotoko will not leave Bechem without defeat ahead of the Ghana Premier League top-liner on Tuesday

Bechem United coach Kassim Mingle has insisted that they will defeat Asante Kotoko to add to their miseries on Tuesday when the two clubs meet on matchday nineteen of Ghana Premier League at the Fosu Gyeabour Park.

Kotoko suffered a major setback last week as they were pipped 2-1 by rivals Hearts of Oak in the President’s Cup which has infuriated a section of their supporters. As a result, they are expecting a good reaction from them against Bechem.

Meanwhile, Bechem’s eleven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end last weekend in Tarkwa after a controversial penalty was awarded against them and Vincent Atinga calmly slotted in the resulting kick.

Also, Bechem lost the first leg 2-0 in Kumasi to Kotoko thanks to late goals from Abdul Ganiu Ismail and Samuel Boateng.

In spite of this, Bechem are still unbeaten at home this season. They have picked seven wins and shared the spoils only once after eight games.

“They should send [their anger] to other teams but not us here in Bechem”, Kassim told ghanasportspage.

“We are not afraid of them and we are very much prepared for them. At our home ground, I don’t think they can even take a point from us.

“We are preparing very well for them. You know we’ve never lost a match in our home grounds this season so we have to maintain that record and add another one to their last defeat,” Kassim added.

The visitors will be facing some of their former players on Tuesday including Augustine Okrah, Emmanuel Asante and Latif Anabila.

Kotoko lead the Premier League pack with 40 points, ten points above their hosts who sit fourth.

How Police protected Fifa referee Daniel Laryea from physical attack by irate King Faisal supporters

The Fifa referee was almost physically assaulted by fans of King Faisal as Aduana made it two wins out of two in the second round of the top-flight

Fifa referee Daniel Laryea and his assistants were in the centre of confusion after Aduana Stars defeated King Faisal 1-0 on matchday eighteen of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Bright Agyei shot Aduana into the lead very early in the game but King Faisal players, officials and supporters argued that Agyei was in an offside position during the build up.

However, referee Laryea and his assistant one Akwasi Brobbey did not rescind their decision of awarding the visitors the goal.

King Faisal appealed for a penalty on 28th minute after one of their players fell in the box but referee Daniel Laryea ignored their appeals.

Angry King Faisal fans rushed on Referee Daniel Laryea & assistants

Aduana held on to win the day which infuriated the home supporters and they charged on the officials after the only for the security officers present to calm the situation.

It could’ve been worse until the referees were whisked away in a saloon car.

https://youtu.be/yezzgOg1NG0
Bright Agyei’s goal which led to the confusion

Aduana have now moved second on the log with 33 points, seven points behind Asante Kotoko who have a game in hand against Bechem United on Tuesday.

Watch Bright Agyei’s goal which infuriated King Faisal supporters & police had to protect referee Daniel Laryea

The Ogya Boys have made it two wins out of two in the second round of the top-flight as they are now only seven points behind Asante Kotoko

Aduana Stars defeated King Faisal 1-0 on matchday eighteen of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The two clubs came into the game on the back of victories from their last game in the Premier League.

However, it was Bright Agyei who handed Aduana an early lead after King Faisal defenders were caught ball watching on the fifth minute.

The King Faisal players and supporters protested that Agyei was offside but referee Daniel Laryea did not have non of that.

https://youtu.be/yezzgOg1NG0
Watch the goal from Bright Agyei

On 24th minute, Sam Adams sent a long range effort but it was parried away by goalkeeper Frank Boateng to deny the former Asante Kotoko midfielder.

King Faisal appealed for a penalty on 28th minute after one of their players fell in the box but referee Daniel Laryea ignored their appeals.

Mawuli Wayo teamed up with Osman Ibrahim by the 55th minute but the latter’s effort could not beat Aduana goalkeeper.

Aduana have now moved second on the log with 33 points, seven points behind Asante Kotoko who have a game in hand against Bechem United on Tuesday.

Karela United 2-1 AshantiGold: Kelvin Andoh’s brace deepens Miners’ woes in GPL

The Miners failed to recover from their recent poor run of results in the Premier League as they further drop down on the log

Karela United defeated Ashanti Gold 2-1 on matchday nineteen of Ghana Premier League at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park in Ainyinase on Sunday.

After surprisingly losing at home to Eleven Wonders last weekend, Ashanti Gold went into this game with the hope of snatching at least a point but despite their good start, they ended up losing.

Eric Esso sent Ashanti Gold ahead by the 20th minute through a well taken effort and Frank Akoto nearly added another goal but his header was blocked.

Karela pilled pressure on the visitors and they eventually drew even by the 40th minute mark after a defensive mixup by Ashanti Gold.

Andoh made it 2-1 after the break with a calmly taken shot to send the home fans into wild jubilations.

Although, Ashanti Gold laboured to find the equaliser, they could not find a breach in the hosts’ defence.

Karela have moved up to seventh on the log with 27 points while Ashanti Gold have dropped to 13th position with 22 points.

A win for Eleven Wonders in their game against Berekum Chelsea on Monday will see Ashanti Gold dropping into the relegation zone.

King Faisal 0-1 Aduana Stars: Ogya Boys pip Faisal in Kumasi to pile pressure on Kotoko

The Ogya Boys have made it two wins out of two in the second round of the top-flight as they are now only seven points behind Asante Kotoko

Aduana Stars defeated King Faisal 1-0 on matchday nineteen of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The two clubs came into the game on the back of victories from their last game in the Premier League.

However, it was Bright Agyei who handed Aduana an early lead after King Faisal defenders were caught ball watching on the fifth minute.

On 24th minute, Sam Adams sent a long range effort but it was parried away by goalkeeper Frank Boateng to deny the former Asante Kotoko midfielder.

King Faisal appealed for a penalty on 28th minute after one of their players fell in the box but referee Daniel Laryea ignored their appeals.

Mawuli Wayo teamed up with Osman Ibrahim by the 55th minute but the latter’s effort could not beat Aduana goalkeeper.

Aduana have now moved second on the log with 33 points, seven points behind Asante Kotoko who have a game in hand against Bechem United on Tuesday.

“We’re sorry but Kotoko will bounce back,” Prosper Ogum apologises to Kotoko fans after Hearts defeat

The Porcupine Warriors boss has apologised to the club’s supporters following the defeat to Hearts of Oak on Friday

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has apologised to the club’s supporters after the 2-1 defeat to Hearts of Oak in 2022 President’s Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.

Young goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim once again was given the nod ahead of Kwame Baah to start in post while Imoro Ibrahim came in for Charles Owusu who got injured against Dreams FC.

He added up to Augustine Agyapong, Mubarik Yussif and and Abdul Ganiu Ismail to make up the defence.

Meanwhile, Sherrif Mohammed, Justice Blay, Mudasiru and Richmond Lamptey started in midfield while Cameroonian striker George Mfegue and Etouga Mbella started in attack.

Afriyie Barnieh shot Hearts into the lead very early in the second half but substitute Samuel Boateng brought Kotoko even with less than ten minutes remaining.

However, substitute Patrick Razak left it late to snatch the winner as a mistake from Kotoko led to a counterattack which the winger rounded goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim by the 88th minute and calmly slotted in the all-important goal.

The defeat opened a can full of worms as a section of Kotoko supporters believe Ogum had his tactics and substitutions wrong in the game.

“Sorry we couldn’t win the President’s Cup,” Ogum posted on Twitter.

“Your support of the team has been exceptional this season. Thank you Kotoko supporters. We shall bounce back,” he added.

How Patrick Razak scored the winning goal vs Kotoko

Kotoko will shift attention to Premier League as they travel to Bechem on Tuesday to face Bechem United on matchday eighteen.