Ghana Premier League – Page 44

Black Stars players receive $20,000 as Afcon appearance fees despite poor performance?

Despite the poor showing at the 2021 Afcon, rumours have it that each player took home $20,000 for appearing at the tournament

Amid Ghana’s shambolic performance at 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, reports in the local media have suggested that each player was paid $20,000 as an appearance fee by government.

Although, the Black Stars failed to win any of their three games in the group stage, losing to Morocco and minnows Comoros as well as sharing the spoils with Gabon, it has been rumored that each of the 27 players who were in camp bagged that amount before even kicking the ball.

If the Black Stars had defeated Comoros in the final group game and made it to the round of 16 of the Afcon, each player was going to get $30,000 and that would’ve made it $50,000 in total.

However, the four-time champions failed to make it out of the group for the first time since 2006 and also failed to win a game for the first time since the country participated in the Afcon in 1963.

These uninspiring records have led to a public outcry by majority of Ghanaians who believe that Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac should be sacked from his position.

As a result, Ghana government through the ministry of Youth and Sports held a crunch meeting with Ghana Football Association’s top hierarchy on Friday in Accra to deliberate about the way forward of the national team.

It was later revealed that government wants Milovan Rajevac sacked but the football association is adamant to that stance since they believe it will jeopardize the country’s chances of making it to the 2022 Fifa World Cup holding in Qatar.

Ghana have been paired with neighbouring country Nigeria in the final round of the qualifiers to be played in March. The winner after the two legs will automatically qualify to play in the World Cup.

Asante Kotoko unveil ‘chief’ Justice Blay in a two-year deal

The box-to-box midfielder has sealed a two-year deal with the Porcupine Warriors and will be at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium until 2024

Former Medeama midfielder Justice Blay has officially been unveiled by Asante Kotoko in a two-year deal as a free agent, the club confirmed on Saturday.

The midfielder, 28, has returned to Kotoko after an impressive loan spell with the Kumasi-based club and opted to seal a permanent deal following the expiration of his contract with Medeama last month.

Blay, who plays holding midfield role, is expected to join forces with Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’, Richmond Lamptey, Fabio Gama, Sheriff Mohammed and Mudasiru Salifu.

Kotoko currently tops Ghana Premier League log with 27 points, three points above Aduana Stars who sit second place and seven points above rivals Hearts of Oak.

Blay is will be in the stands on Sunday when Kotoko welcome his former club Medeama to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in matchday fourteen of Ghana Premier League.

Karela United 1-0 Hearts of Oak: Dafie’s late goal breaks Phobians’ hearts in Ainyinase

The Phobians’ ambitions to defend the Premier League trophy was dealt another big blow in Ainyinase

Karela United defeated Hearts of Oak 1-0 on matchday fourteen of Ghana Premier League at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park in Ainyinase on Saturday.

The Phobians headed in to the game on the back of two wins in all competitions and were hoping to make it three wins in a row.

Karela had the first shot on target by the sixth minute after Mohammed Dafie’s shot was blocked.

Few minutes later, Mohammed Alhassan came to the rescue of Hearts after a quick break by Karela.

After the break, Karela goalkeeper Kyei was forced to make a wonderful save from a trademark long range effort from Salim Adams.

Although, both clubs were very cautious going forward in the dying embers of the game, Karela were fortunate to have an opening and score the only goal with barely the last kick of the game through Mohammed Dafie.

“Razak Abalora has proven Ghana FA & Milovan wrong,” Kotoko coach Gazale fires

The Porcupine Warriors youth team coach has hit back at the country’s football governing body and the national team boss has insisted that Razak Abalora has shamed those who wanted him to fail

Former Asante Kotoko head coach Abdulai Gazale who now acts as the head of Youth team has launched a scathing attack on Ghana Football Association and Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac on how poor former Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalora was treated.

According to Gazelle, Abalora was axed from the Black Stars together with goalkeeping coach Najawu Issah in a ploy to disgrace them after making few mistakes.

As a result, Richard ‘Olele’ Kingson was appointed as the new goalkeeping coach and he opted to name Jojo Wollacot as the new number one but things didn’t work. Ghana were surprisingly eliminated from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Morocco and minnows Comoros.

However, Abalora has regained his mojo and signed a three-year deal with Moldovan champions Sherif Tiraspol.

“Coach Najawu Issah (Kotoko Goalkeeper’s trainer) is one of the best in the country. He and Razak is one of the best in the country. He and Razak Abalora has proven to sections of those who pull him out of the senior national team,” Gazale posted on Facebook.

“Razak Abalora has shown the professionalism. Some few weeks ago, I advised my colleague coaches to start thinking of how to develop our very own players’ talents to meet the demand in Europe.

“Razak Abalora has started and very soon I know few players are joining. Football administrators and coaches let us start think fast. Razak Abalora I wish you best of the luck at your new home,” he added.

Abalora left the country to Moldova this week to complete his much-anticipated move and was unveiled on Friday.

Sherif Tiraspol confirms Abalora’s arrival; goalkeeper could play in Europa League next month

The Moldovan champions have confirmed that Razak Abalora has arrived in Moldova after sealing a mega deal with them

Moldovan champions Sherif Tiraspol have officially announced the signing of former Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalora.

The 25-year-old was initially reported by AshesGyamera a fortnight ago that he could heading to Europe after he caught the eye of Tiraspol’s scouts in Africa.

Although, both Kotoko and Tiraspol were quite on it, the two clubs have confirmed the deal on Friday.

According to our sources, Abalora left shores of the country on Wednesday and completed his medical on Thursday.

“We have a new keeper. This became clear after the Ghanaian goalkeeper underwent a medical examination, and the parties agreed on a transfer. Now, Razak Abalora will become part of the big family of FC Sheriff,” a club statement read on Friday.

“The 25-year-old football player was born on September 4, 1996 in the capital of Ghana, the city of Accra. He spent his entire professional career on the African continent. Started at the East African Football Academy. From there he moved to FC Azam (Tanzania). The player’s last club was Asante Kotoko FC.

“On October 12, 2020, he made his debut for the Ghana national team in a friendly match against Qatar (5: 1). In total, Razak wore the jersey of the national team of his country 4 times.

AshesGyamera understand that Abalora, who has become the third Ghanaian player at the club after Edmund Addo and Abdul Basit Khalid, could be registered for the Europa League group stage which kicks off in February since article 46, clause section 1-8 allows Abalora to be registered.

“If a club cannot count on the services of at least two goalkeepers registered on List A because of long-term injury or illness, the club concerned may temporarily replace the goalkeeper concerned and register a new goalkeeper at any time during the season and complete the official registration list A with a goalkeeper fit to be fielded,” article 46 reads.

“An injury or illness is considered long-term if it lasts at least 30 days as of the day the injury or illness occurred. In case the recovery of the goalkeeper occurs before this 30 day period, the player must remain out of the players List A until the end of such period. If the replaced goalkeeper was registered as a locally trained player, the new goalkeeper does not need to be a locally trained player.

“The club must provide UEFA with the necessary medical evidence in one of UEFA’s official languages. UEFA may require further medical examination of the goalkeeper by an expert appointed by UEFA at the cost of the club. Once the injured or ill goalkeeper is fit to be fielded again he can resume his position in place of his nominated substitute.

“Fresh from an adventurous debut in the UEFA Champions League group stage, Sheriff make their first appearance in springtime European competition as Portuguese Cup winners Braga visit Tiraspol in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-offs,” the article adds.

• Sheriff made a sensational start to UEFA Champions League Group D, winning their first two matches, the second of them a momentous 2-1 triumph at Real Madrid. However, they would not claim another victory, finishing third behind Madrid and Inter but five points above Shakhtar Donetsk. Braga, meanwhile, completed a hat-trick of UEFA Europa League group stage qualifications by picking up ten points in Group F and finishing as runners-up to Crvena zvezda.

Previous meetings
• This is Sheriff’s first UEFA encounter with Portuguese opposition and Braga’s first against a team from Moldova.

Asante Kotoko thanks Razak Abalora for his services after leaving to Sherif Tiraspol

The Porcupine Warriors have bid farewell to their former shot-stopper who has sealed a lucrative deal with the Europa League side

Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko have sent their heartfelt gratitude to former goalkeeper Razak Abalora who has sealed a move to Moldovan giants Sherif Tiraspol.

The 25-year-old left Ghana this week to Moldova and went through the club’s mandatory medical check up. After passing successfully, he signed a deal and was unveiled.

“Outstanding goalkeeper Razak Abalora has completed a permanent transfer to Sherif Tiraspol of Moldova,” a club statement read.

“We thank our former deputy captain for his dedicated service and wish him well in his new home,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Tiraspol have also acknowledged the arrival of Abalora and feels his inclusion will help the club.

“On October 12, 2020, he made his debut for the Ghana national team in a friendly match against Qatar (5: 1). In total, Razak wore the jersey of the national team of his country 4 times.

“The team of FC Sheriff is glad to welcome Razak and wish him great success in the shirt of our club,” the statement concluded.

‘I’ll not resign as Ghana FA president,’ Kurt Okraku tells Ghanaians after terrible Afcon

The football association boss has rejected suggestions that he should vacate his position after the Black Stars disappointing display at the Afcon

Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has insisted that he will not resign from his position despite call from a section of Ghanaians.

The FA boss has come under intense pressure after Ghana failed to progress from their group at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars picked just a point as they were defeated by minnows Comoros as well as Morocco and could only pick a draw against Gabon.

The results means that Ghana experienced their worse ever Afcon participation since 1963.

“I don’t think it [resignation] is a topic that we should discuss,” Kurt Okraku told Asempa FM.

“In 2006, we exited at the group phase and we never called for the heads of the people in charge.

“We have played in two finals and after failing to win the trophy nobody called for the exit of people.

“I know people are angry by the performance of the team but I don’t think asking me to resign is the right thing but we have to stick together and fix the situation,” he added.

Okraku was elected as Ghana FA president in 2019 to replace Kwesi Nyantakyi who was banned from football after being found guilty of bribery and corruption following an investigation by undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

“Philimon Baffour deserves every Black Stars chance,” Kurt Okraku chides Ghanaians despite Afcon elimination

The country’s football governing body boss has defended the beleaguered defender and says he deserves every opportunity handed him in the Black Stars

Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has insisted that defender Philimon Baffour deserves all the opportunities he has been given in the Black Stars despite the criticisms by a section of Ghanaians.

Baffour has been called to the senior national team eight times but failed to play a single minute in the process including at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana were bundled out of the tournament following defeats to Morocco and Comoros as well as sharing the spoils 1-1 with Gabon.

“I think you are being unfair to Philimon Baffour. The young man is a Ghanaian just like every other person. He deserves the opportunity. He is the vice-captain of Dreams FC. He is a U20 champion,” Kurt Okraku told Benedict Kwadwo Mensah on Asempa FM in an interview.

“We should not treat him as an outcast because he is a good footballer and will one day prove that when given the opportunity,” he added.

BREAKING NEWS: Former Kotoko captain Felix Annan signs for US-based club Maryland Bob Cats FC

The shot-stopper has finally sealed a move to the United States of America side after passing the club’s mandatory medical check up

Former Asante Kotoko captain Felix Annan has signed a one-year contract with United States lower division side Maryland Bob Cats FC, the club has confirmed.

The 28-year-old left Kotoko last year following the mutual termination of his contract and has since been a free agent.

Although, Annan was linked with a comeback to Kotoko after Razak Abalora left the club to join Moldovan giants Sherif Tilarspol, he was been announced as the new addition to Bob Cats FC setup along two other players.

“We are excited to announce the signing of Felix Annan as our new goalkeeper,” a club statement read.

“Coming to MBFC by way of Ghana, Annan graduated from Feyenoord Academy (now renamed WAFA SC). He signed for Asante Kotoko Sporting Club in 2011 at age 16 and had been with them for the last 10 years.

“With Asante Kotoko, Annan was the captain for the team the last 3 years until leaving the club after last season cementing himself as a club legend. He has played for all levels of the National Team in Ghana except for the U-17 and was named to the final Senior National Team (the Black Stars) for the African Cup of Nations 2019 In Egypt.

“Annan was able to help bring a lot of trophies to Asante Kotoko, including multiple League Championships, FA Cups, and was named the 2019 Best Goalkeeper at the Ghana Football Awards, was a Best Home-based Player nominee in 2019 at the Ghana Football Awards, and was a Best Male Athlete nominee for the 2019 Ghana SWAG Football Awards, among many others,” the statement added.

Maryland Bobcats FC, formerly World Class Premier Elite (WCPE), are an American soccer team and academy based in Montgomery County, Maryland, which was founded in 2016. The club competes in the National Independent Soccer Association in the third division of U.S. Soccer.

Milovan Rajevac makes three changes in Ghana squad to face Comoros; Yiadom, Kamaldeen benched as Philimon Baffour & others to start

The Dreams FC full-back has been given the opportunity to make his bow for the Black Stars in the make or break encounter

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has made three changes in the squad to face Comoros in the last game of Group C of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations ongoing in Cameroon.

Reading defender Andy Yiadom has been benched following his poor defending that led to the equalizer by Gabon in the 1-1 stalemate last week.

In his absence, Dreams FC defender Philimon Baffour has been surprisingly given the chance to fill the void and prove to Ghanaians why he has always been called to the national team.

In midfield, Sherif Tilarspol midfielder Edmund Addo starts alongside Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey after Baba Iddrisu failed to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained against Gabon.

Also, Fatawu Issahaku of Dreams FC will start the game for the first time in the tournament after Kamaldeen Sulemana was benched due to poor run of performance.

Ghana need a win at all cost to progress to the knockout stage either as the runners up of the group or one of the best four third-place countries.

Ghana XI vs Comoros

Jojo Wollacot, Philemon Baffuor
Baba Rahman, Daniel Amartey, Alexander Djiku, Edmund Addo, Fatawu Issahaku, Thomas Partey, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew