Category: Ghana Premier League

‘Controversial’ South African referee Victor Gomes to officiate Ghana vs Gabon

The 38-year old, who has been a FIFA/CAF Elite Referee for the last ten years, will be in the centre when the Black Stars face Gabon in the cliffhanger encounter on Friday

South Africa’s best referee Victor Gomes has been appointed by Caf to officiate Ghana’s make or break encounter against Gabon in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, AshesGyamera.com understands.

The 38-year-old, who was in the centre of action when Ghana were eliminated from 2019 Afcon by Tunisia in the round of 16, after he disallowed Andre Ayew’s goal which could’ve sent the Black Stars through to the next stage of the competition.

With Ghana in dire need of three points now, Gomes is expected to fairly handle the game, although a lot of Ghanaians are harbouring fear that he may be blinded with revenge since the Black Stars were controversially qualified ahead of South Africa in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers after Senegalese referee Ndiaye Maguitta awarded them a penalty.

A defeat for Ghana against Gabon will likely end the Black Stars’ journey at the tournament earlier than expected.

Gomes has always believed that refereeing is a passion for him because he has been officiating since he was 14 years.

“For me, this is not a job but it’s a passion and I am very passionate about it. I love refereeing and it makes it very easy for me. It is a life time commitment,” Gomes says, speaking to CAFOnline.

In 2016, Gomes hogged the headlines in South Africa when he sent off a ball boy for unintentionally throwing a ball on the pitch in a game between Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City FC at in the Premier Soccer League.

Although, Gomes has been very successful, he insists that he wouldn’t have reached this far without the support of his family and friends.

“It is definitely not easy but I am happy because I am blessed with a very good support structure. I have family, friends and workmates who play an important role in supporting me. If you are to succeed you must have a very good foundation,” he explains.

“In my business, I have a partner who does things when I am not around and also thanks to technology, you can always make things move when you are not around. With refereeing comes a lot of travelling and you are away for so much time, but having people to support you is important,” further adds Gomes.

“It has been a very interesting journey and I am really happy with how things have gone for me. I am grateful for the people who have supported me to be here today,” Gomes says.

In spite of the controversies surrounding Gomes, he has also attracted good headlines. In 2018, Gomes seized the headlines worldwide after he rejected a $30,000 bribe to manipulate a CAF Confederation Cup match.

Gomes was reportedly approached to fix the first leg play-off encounter between Nigeria’s Plateau United and Algeria’s USM Alger which Plateau went on to win the encounter 2-1.

Breaking News: Fifa places transfer ban on Nana Yaw Amponsah’s Phar Rangers

The lower-tier side’s problems have been compounded with yet another ban following unpaid fees from transfers they have made in the past

Former Ghana Division One League side Phar Rangers have been banned by Fifa from transferring or registering new players in the new season, AshesGyamera.com can confirm.

The club, which was recently demoted by Ghana FA due to their decision to opt out of Ghana Division One League, have been slapped with another punishment by Fifa after they failed to pay an unnamed foreign club which they owed.

“FIFA has banned Ghanaian lower league club Phar Rangers FC for failing to comply with a decision of FIFA’s Player Status Committee,” a Ghana FA statement read.

“In the decision, the now Eastern Regional Third Division side was ordered by FIFA to made payment of Thousands of Dollars to a foreign club that the Ghanaian club owes or face sanctions from the world football governing body.

“The Ghanaian lower tier side has however failed to comply with FIFA’s decision. Phar Rangers FC initially made an appeal to the CAS but has since club withdraw their appeal and has also failed to obey the decision.

“Following a request by lawyers for the foreign club for harsher sanctions to be imposed on Phar Rangers FC, FIFA has announced that Phar Rangers FC shall initially be ban from participating in the next Transfer Window which starts on February 1, 2022.

“Should Phar Rangers FC still fail to made good their indebtedness, FIFA may impose further sanctions.

“In light of the foregoing, the said Transfer Window ban shall remain up until the due amount is paid, FIFA reiterated in a letter to both parties and to the GFA.

“The GFA is tasked to ensure that Phar Rangers FC does not trade any player during the ban period.

“The GFA consequently wishes to inform all clubs and stakeholders in order to ensure strict adherence to the FIFA ban. The GFA will update members and stakeholders if the current status changes,” the statement added.


Asante Kotoko chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah is a director of the club as he vied for the Ghana Football Association presidential elections in 2019 on the ticket of the club.

Watch how Vincent Atinga punished Hearts of Oak in Tarkwa

The defender, who was at a point deemed surplus to requirements, reminded the Phobians what they were missing as his goal ended their five-game unbeaten run

Former Hearts of Oak defender Vincent Atinga helped Medeama to defeat his former club 1-0 in Ghana Premier League matchday six outstanding fixture at the Akoon’s Park in Tarkwa on Wednesday.

The Phobians, who suffered a poor start to the season, went into the game on the back of a victory over Gold Stars last weekend and wanted to add Medeama to their victims.

Kwame Obeng Junior was played through by Afriyie Barnieh by the ninth minute but the striker couldn’t guide his effort on target for Hearts.

Two minutes later, Medeama were presented with their first chance of the game after Prince Opoku Agyemang connected a pass from his teammate but his last ditch effort was saved by goalkeeper Richmond Ayi.

https://youtu.be/g756_sMA7xs

After the break, Burkina Faso striker Amed ‘Simba’ Toure forced a wonderful save from goalkeeper Ayi before Barnieh also threatened Medeama’s goal area moments later.

Medeama finally found a breach in Hearts defence after You’re connected a through pass from his teammate only to be brought down by Mohammed Alhassan in the box.

Former Hearts defender Vincent Atinga stepped forward and perfectly slotted the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Ayi.

Hearts pressed harder for the equaliser but Medeama were resolute at the back and held on to record another memorable victory over the Phobians.

Hearts, who will host Techiman Eleven Wonders on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium, remain seventh on the log with 17 points while Medeama have moved one place up to fourth position with 22 points.

Medeama 1-0 Hearts of Oak: Atinga’s late strike breaks Phobians’ hearts in Tarkwa

The defender stepped up to slot home a late penalty and ends his former club’s five-game unbeaten run in the all competitions

Medeama defeated Hearts of Oak 1-0 in Ghana Premier League matchday six outstanding fixture at the Akoon’s Park in Tarkwa on Wednesday.

Hearts maintained the starting squad that pipped Gold Stars over the weekend in Bibiani as they looked forward to make it two wins in a row.

Kwame Obeng Junior was played through by Afriyie Barnieh by the ninth minute but the striker couldn’t guide his effort on target for Hearts.

Two minutes later, Medeama were presented with their first chance of the game after Prince Opoku Agyemang connected a pass from his teammate but his last ditch effort was saved by goalkeeper Richmond Ayi.

After the break, Burkina Faso striker Amed ‘Simba’ Toure forced a wonderful save from goalkeeper Ayi before Barnieh also threatened Medeama’s goal area moments later.

Medeama finally found a breach in Hearts defence after You’re connected a through pass from his teammate only to be brought down by Mohammed Alhassan in the box.

Former Hearts defender Vincent Atinga stepped forward and perfectly slotted the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Ayi.

Hearts pressed harder for the equaliser but Medeama were resolute at the back and held on to record another memorable victory over the Phobians.

Hearts, who will host Techiman Eleven Wonders on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium, remain seventh on the log with 17 points while Medeama have moved one place up to fourth position with 22 points.

Exclusive: Kotoko goalkeeper Abalora close to sign for Uefa Champions League side FC Sherif

The shot-stopper would become Moldovan club’s first signing this January as the manager looks to bolster his options in goalkeeping

Moldovan giants FC Sherrif are close to agreeing a deal worth around $300,000 to sign Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalora, AshesGyamera.com understands.

According to our sources, talks between the two clubs are ongoing, but it is understood that the particulars of the deal are very close to being finalised ahead of the player agreeing personal terms.

Abalora has been in fine form this season after keeping five clean sheets in nine Ghana Premier League games.

Should the deal go through as expected, AshesGyamera understands that Abalora would leave the shores of Ghana early February.

Abalora would become the second Ghanaian to join FC Sherif alongside Black Stars midfielder Edmund Addo who helped them to reach the group face of the Uefa Champions League this season.

“Kotoko could’ve scored more goals against Ashanti Gold,” says unsatisfied Prosper Ogum

The Porcupine Warriors boss feels his charges could’ve walloped their rivals in the derby game on Sunday

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has insisted that they could’ve scored more goals despite defeating Ashanti Gold 3-1 in the Ashanti derby at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

After a slow start to the game, a second half hat-trick by Cameroonian striker Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry broke down a resilient defence of Ashanti Gold.

Elijah Addai scored a late consolation goal for Ashanti Gold who have now gone three games without a win.

However, Ogum feels his charges fluffed several other chances which could’ve helped them to achieve a historic scoreline.

“It was good. I think that for the first time at the Baba Yara Stadium, we were able to find our rhythm,” Ogum said after the game.

“We were able to circulate the ball very well, confidently and if you look at the chances that we created we could have scored more. We could’ve won the game by a bigger margin than this.

“I’m happy that for the first time they were very calm on the ball, they were very calm without the ball and were able to exploit the spaces that we created.

Ashanti Gold is a big team which we all know and going up by 3 goals to 1 is fantastic. I’m happy for the boys,” he added.

Kotoko lead the Ghana Premier League log with 26 points, three points above Aduana Stars and they will travel to Golden City Park in Berekum next weekend to face Berekum Chelsea.

“I have unfinished business with Asante Kotoko,” Justice Blay tells fans

The midfielder who was spotted at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday is expected to be unveiled by the Porcupine Warriors in the coming days

Justice Blay has insisted that he has unfinished business with Asante Kotoko few days after his contract with Medeama expired.

The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to Kotoko and was even spotted at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium when the Porcupine Warriors hammered regional rivals Ashanti Gold 3-1 in the Ashanti derby.

“My next destination is Asante Kotoko because I have unfinished business in the team due to the love shown me by the supporters,” Blay told Focus TV.

“I decided not to extend my contract at Medeama and even told all my colleague players that I am leaving that is why there was a guard of honour from my colleagues.

“In football, you have to get a new challenge to make you improve as a player that’s why I am moving on.

“My happiest moment at Kotoko is when I see a lot of supporters at the stadium and cheering the players on. That thing makes me play above myself,” he added.

Blay helped Kotoko to reach the group stage of the Caf Confederation Cup during his first stint with the club and he is expected to be unveiled in the coming days after reportedly signing a two-year deal.

He is expected to boss Kotoko’s midfield with Mudasiru Salifu, Richmond Lamptey and Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’.

Fire destroys Asante Kotoko’s training pitch at Adako Jachie

One of the Porcupine Warriors’ training pitch was destroyed by a fire outbreak over the weekend

There was a fire outbreak at one of Asante Kotoko’s training pitches at Adako Jachie, near Ejisu over the weekend, AshesGyamera understands.

The source of the fire is unknown but our sources say that it has destroyed one of the pitches used by the players for training.

Although, some supporters and people who live nearby called on Ghana Fire Service for assistance, their calls could not yield any better result and they had to improvise to put out the fire by fetching water from a nearby tap.

In 2016, a similar incident happened at the training ground when the players were in Takoradi to participate in Ghalca G6 tournament.

Kotoko defeated regional rivals Ashanti Gold 3-1 in the Ashanti derby at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday thanks to a hat-trick by Cameroonian striker Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry.

Asante Kotoko: 3-1 Ashanti Gold: Mbella scores first hat-trick for Porcupine Warriors in GPL

The Cameroonian bagged a hat-trick against the Miners in the Ashanti derby to propel Kotoko to a famous victory

Asante Kotoko hammered Ashanti Gold 3-1 on matchday twelve of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

After a poor start to the game, a second half hat-trick by Cameroonian striker Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry changed the outcome of the game.

Kotoko had the first opportunity by the 12th minute after Mbella combined with his countryman George Mfegue but Frank Akoto dealt with the threat.

Mbella saw his header cleared off the line by Ashanti Gold goalkeeper on 46th minute after the Cameroonian striker had already bolted to jubilate.

However, Mbella was lucky nine minutes later from the spot after Ashanti Gold defender handled the ball in the box.

Kotoko doubled their lead by the 67th minute after scoring from a rebound. Mfegue’s shot was blocked by the Ashanti Gold defenders and Mbella was at the right place to tap home the rebound.

Three minutes later, Mbella completed his hat-trick after beating his marker to connect a pass from his teammate.

With five minutes left to end proceedings, Elijah Addai pulled one back for Ashanti Gold as the Miners hoped to stage a late comeback.

Although, they pushed men forward for another goal, it was too little too late as Kotoko were resolute at the back.

Behind the scenes: Gold Stars supporters charge on players; insist Michael Osei must be sacked

It was a disappointing scene as the Miners failed to once again pick a point against one of the big clubs in the league

A section of Gold Stars supporters were very furious following the 1-0 defeat to Hearts of Oak at the Dun’s Park in Bibiani on Saturday and believe head coach Michael Osei must be sacked.

The debutants have enjoyed a slow start to the their debut campaign in the top-flight and have lost two of their six home games this season.

A James Sewornu’s goal was all what Hearts needed to run away with a win and the results have left many supporters questioning the tactics of coach Michael Osei.

Some of the supporters vented out their frustrations