Ghana Premier League – Page 31

Sulley Muntari uses Asante Kotoko to set an enviable record in Ghana

The 37-year-old was in the thick of affairs when the Phobians pipped Asante Kotoko to lift the President Cup

Hearts of Oak midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari has set another record after helping the Phobians to defeat Asante 2-1 to win 2022 President’s Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.

A goal each from Afriyie Barnieh and substitute Patrick Razak was enough to silence their rivals despite a late consolation goal from Samuel Boateng.

Muntari had a wonderful game as he had 38 touches against Kotoko. The former Inter and AC Milan midfielder also had 69.5% pass accuracy with four shots and three interceptions.

He also gave one key pass, won one tackle and also won three fouls.

As a result, Muntari has become the only Ghanaian player to have ever won Uefa Champions League, FA Cup in England, Serie A, Coppa Italia and Super Copa Italiana in Italy, as well as Fifa Club World Cup.

Muntari still has the opportunity to add other trophies to his cabinet as Hearts have been paired with Elmina Sharks in the round of 16 of FA Cup and could also stage a late challenge in Ghana Premier League despite currently trailing Kotoko by fourteen points.

Razak becomes the hero as Hearts of Oak win 2022 President’s Cup against Kotoko

The midfielder rose from the bench to score the all-important goal as the Phobians pipped their rivals to lift their first trophy of the season

Hearts of Oak defeated Asante Kotoko 2-1 to win 2022 President’s Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.

The game, which took place just two weeks after the two sides shared the spoils goalless at the same venue, had Ghana’s president Nana Akufo-Addo watching from the VIP stands as the country prepares to celebrate it’s independence on Sunday.

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh announced his starting line up against Hearts of Oak with known faces.

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 adds up to Augustine Agyapong, Mubarik Yussif and and Abdul Ganiu Ismail 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.

On the part of Hearts of Oak, goalkeeper Richard Attah started in post while Fatawu Mohammed, Mohammed Alhassan, Robert Addo Sowah and Dennis Korsah made up the defence.

Sulley Ali Muntari started in midfield together Salim Adams, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Aziz Nurudeen.

Also, Kwadwo Obeng Junior and Isaac Mensah will start upfront in search of goals.

Barnieh sent Hearts ahead in the game by the 50th minute after a fine play in Kotoko’s box before Samuel Boateng pulled even for Kotoko on 78th minute.

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.

Kotoko, who are now left with Ghana Premier League to win will travel to Bechem on Tuesday to face Bechem United on matchday nineteen.

Kotoko coach names Etouga & Mfegue in starting XI in President Cup

The Porcupine Warriors boss has announced his starting team that will battle to the Phobians in the Super Clash

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has announced his starting line up against Hearts of Oak in the 2022 President Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday evening.

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

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

Meanwhile, Sherrif Mohammed, Justice Blay, Mudasiru and Richmond Lamptey start in midfield.

Cameroonian striker George Mfegue and Etouga Mbella start in attack.

Asante Kotoko XI vs Hearts;

Ibrahim Danlad (GK), Augustine Agyapong, Imoro Ibrahim, Mubarik Yussif, Abdul Ganiyu (C), Sheriff Mohammed, Georges Mfegue, Justice Blay, Franck Etouga, Mudasiru Salifu, Richmond Lamptey.

Sulley Muntari starts as Hearts coach names starting line up against Kotoko in President Cup

The Phobians boss has announced his starting team that will face Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash

Hearts of Oak coach Samuel Boadu has announced his starting line up against Asante Kotoko in the 2022 President Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday evening.

Goalkeeper Richard Attah will start in post while Fatawu Mohammed, Mohammed Alhassan, Robert Addo Sowah and Dennis Korsah make up the defence.

Sulley Ali Muntari will start in midfield together Salim Adams, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Aziz Nurudeen.

Also, Kwadwo Obeng Junior and Isaac Mensah will start upfront in search of goals.

Hearts shared the spoils goalless with Kotoko a fortnight ago in the Premier League.

Hearts starting XI:

Richard Attah (GK), Fatawu Mohammed (C), Mohammed Alhassan, Robert Addo Sowah, Dennis Nkrumah-Korsah, Abdul Aziz Nurudeen, Salim Adams, Sulley Ali Muntari, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Kwadwo Obeng Jr., Isaac Mensah

Ghana coach Otto Addo names Dutch-born Leeroy Owusu in Black Stars squad to face Nigeria

The full-back has reportedly been handed his maiden call up to represent Ghana ahead of the World Cup qualifiers

Ghana coach Otto Addo has named Dutch-born of Ghanaian descent Leeroy Owusu in the Black Stars squad to face Nigeria in 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off game later this month, according to Kickgh.

The 25-year-old defender has been called as a replacement to former Dreams FC right-back Philimon Baffour who is reportedly dropped from the squad after failing to make a single appearance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations held in Cameroon.

Owusu, who was born to Ghanaian parents in Netherlands, has previously represented Netherlands at the youth level. However, he has made 23 league appearances for Willem II in Dutch Eredivisie this season and Ghana FA has reportedly succeeded in his national switch with FIFA.

Earlier on Thursday, reports emerged that Otto Addo has dropped seven players who were part of the Black Stars squad that participated in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs against Nigeria later this year and Kamaldeen’s injury could become a major worry.

Notable among the names dropped include Andre Ayew and box-to-box midfielder Wakaso Mubarak who could not kick a ball at the Afcon due to injury concerns.

Ayew, in particular, has been dropped because of suspension as he picked a red card against Comoros in the final game of the group stage at the Afcon.

Also, former Dreams FC player Philimon Baffour who has constantly been chastised by Ghanaians for his inclusion in the Black Stars has finally been dropped alongside RTU midfielder David Abagna Sandan.

Also, Yeni Malatyspor striker Benjamin Tetteh has been dropped following his ban by CAF after he was captured on camera for hitting a Gabonese player at the Afcon.

SHOCKING: Medals for 2022 President Cup surface on social media [Watch Video]

The pictures and videos medals to be given out to both Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak have been leaked on social media and a section of Ghanaians seem unhappy

Ahead of the 2022 President Cup between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, the medals to be given out to players and officials of both clubs have been leaked onto social media hours before the game.

Although, the quality of the medals is rated as a good one, a lot of Ghanaians believe it is substandard and do not meet expectations since it is an event meant to honour the country’s president Nana Akufo-Addo.

https://youtu.be/0c2TXaT2ORQ

WATCH THE MEDALS TO BE GIVEN TO HEARTS & KOTOKO

The game, which was only confirmed a fortnight ago, is been organized by Ghana League Clubs Association.

Kotoko left Kumasi on Wednesday afternoon to Accra with their new bus after it was unveiled by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace.

Ghana coach Otto Addo drops seven players who went to 2021 Afcon ahead of Nigeria clash

The interim coach has reportedly dropped seven players who participated in the Africa Cup of Nations held last month in Cameroon

Ghana interim coach Otto Addo has dropped seven players who were part of the Black Stars squad that participated in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs against Nigeria later this year.

Notable among these names include Andre Ayew and box-to-box midfielder Wakaso Mubarak who could not kick a ball at the Afcon due to injury concerns.

Ayew, in particular, has been dropped because of suspension as he picked a red card against Comoros in the final game of the group stage at the Afcon.

Also, Yeni Malatyspor striker Benjamin Tetteh has been dropped following his ban by CAF after he was captured on camera for hitting a Gabonese player at the Afcon.

The others include Great Olympics forward Maxwell Abbey Quaye and St. Gallen goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi for poor run of performance. The shot-stopper, in particular, has been constantly conceding goals (44) in 23 games in the Swiss Premier League

As a result, Bechem United goalkeeper Abdulai Iddrisu and Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim are in contention to replace Ati-zigi.

Also, Aduana Stars striker Bright Agyei and Bechem United forward Augustine Okrah as well as Asante Kotoko midfielder Mudasiru Salifu are been monitored for a call up.

Ghana will host Nigeria on March 25 at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium before they travel to Abuja for the return fixture three days later.

“Samuel Boadu is sabotaging Kofi Kordzi,” striker ready to exit Hearts of Oak due to lack of game time

The bulky forward has fallen down the pecking order at Hearts since Samuel Boadu opted to play a different formation and is looking for a move elsewhere

Hearts of Oak striker Kofi Kordzi has reportedly told the club’s top hierarchy he wants to leave the club but there have been no offers for the forward thus far.

Kordzi, who has scored seven goals in the ongoing Ghana Premier league, has fallen flat of a starting role in recent games and came off the bench to play the final 15 minutes against Legon Cities in a match that ended 1-1 at the El Wak Sports Stadium.

According to the player, he feels head coach Samuel Boadu is sabotaging his progress with his recent attitude towards him.

“Prior to the game against Asante Kotoko, Hearts played RTU in Tamale and the coach said same squad will be in camp for the Super Clash against Asante Kotoko. However, a player was injured and didn’t join the Tamale but the player started ahead of Kordzi for the Super Clash,” a source close to the player told AshesGyamera.com.

“As a result, Kordzi spent 34 minutes warming up and he eventually played only 15 minutes. The player is not happy and ready to leave the club. He feels that he deserves more game time if you check his total output and compares it to other players,” he said

Kordzi re-signed a two year contract with Hearts of Oak when the team was preparing for the CAF Champions league after joining them from Qatari side Muaither side.

Reports suggest that Kordzi has been dropped from the Hearts squad that will play against Kotoko in the President Cup on Friday.

The Phobians already find themselves fourteen points behind rivals Kotoko, who sit on top of the Premier League table with 40 points.

By: Frederick Offei-Ansah

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II heaps praise on Nana Yaw Amponsah at Manhyia [VIDEO]

The Porcupine Warriors life patron was full of praise on the club’s chief executive officer after he recieved the new bus at Manhyia Palace for blessings

Asante Kotoko owner and life patron Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was full of praise on the club’s chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah after he received the players, technical team and management members at his Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Wednesday in a short ceremony to officially unveil their new team bus bought for them by sponsors Access Bank.

Amponsah, who was appointed as the CEO in 2020, has brought transformation to the club’s fortunes as they currently have one of the tallest lists of sponsorships in West Africa.

Video: Otumfuo & Nana Yaw Amponsah chatting at Manhyia

Among these companies include Hisense, Adonko Next Level Energy Drink and StarLife Assurance.

Other companies include CEEK, GOIL, CedarVite, Ticketlake, Zeepay and Access Bank who purchased the new team bus for Kotoko around Two million Ghana cedis (20 billion old cedis).

https://youtu.be/9CJxzeRUJFQ

How Asante Kotoko new bus was recieved at Manhyia

Nana Yaw Amponsah recently revealed that he is ready to even help Ghana Football Association to secure sponsorship deals when they contact him.

“I have always said that people don’t respect expertise,” he said in an interview with Oyerepa FM.

“I am part of Ghana Football, so if the GFA is ready to engage me to help get sponsorships for the Ghana Premier League, why not? I will be ready to assist them in that regard,” he added.

https://youtu.be/JKCdcWnlpGE

Nana Yaw Amponsah speaks about Kotoko & his future

Otumfuo blessed the bus and advised the playing body to continue with their fine form in Ghana Premier League in order to win the title and represent Ghana in next season’s Caf Champions League.

The technical team and playing body left Kumasi after the ceremony to Accra to fine tune ahead of the 2022 President Cup against Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.

Kotoko currently lead the Premier League log with 40 points, nine points better than Great Olympics who sit top of the log after 18 games.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II blesses Asante Kotoko team bus at Manhyia

The Porcupine Warriors life patron recieved the club’s new bus at his place for blessings before they set off to Accra

Asante Kotoko owner and life patron Otumfuo Osei Tutu II received the players, technical team and management members at his Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Wednesday in a short ceremony to officially unveil the club’s new team bus.

https://youtu.be/9CJxzeRUJFQ

The bus which was bought for the playing body by Access Bank as part of their partnership with the club is believed to cost ç2 million (20 billion old cedis).

Otumfuo blessed the bus and advised the playing body to continue with their fine form in Ghana Premier League.

They will face Hearts of Oak this weekend in the 2022 President Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Kotoko currently lead the Premier League log with 40 points, nine points better than Great Olympics who sit top of the log after 18 games.