“I don’t understand why we lost to Hearts of Oak,” disappointed Gold Stars coach Osei laments

The Phobians pipped the debutants in front their supporters and their coach feels they were unlucky to end as losers

Gold Stars coach Michael Osei believes his charges deserved at least a point against Hearts of Oak in matchday twelve fixture of Ghana Premier League.

Despite dominating the Phobians in the game, a James Sewornu’s first half long range shot was all that Hearts needed to break down Gold Stars’ resilience defence.

And Osei believes it was an unfortunate result to take since his players did their best and played above themselves.

“I will not use the word disappointed but I feel for the boys, the playing body because they played very well,” Osei said after the game.

“They did their best. It was very unfortunate because this was the game we shouldn’t have lost but that’s football.

“It is a very strange game, sometimes such results happen and then you cannot understand but we have to move on and then see the next game,” he added.

Gold Stars have now lost two of their six home games this season and sit 12th on the log with 13 points, two points above safety.

They will travel to Tamale next weekend to face RTU before they host Legon Cities at the Dun’s Park in Bibiani.

Hearts of Oak players with WILD JAMA in team bus after win over Gold Stars

The Phobians pipped the Miners by a lone goal in Bibiani and the players could not hold back their joy any longer

Hearts of Oak players could not hide their joy as they celebrated in their team bus with HOT JAMA after pipping Gold Stars 1-0 on matchday twelve of Ghana Premier League at the Dun’s Park in Bibiani.

Midfielder Gladson Awako together with Larry Sumaila were very vocal, while Daniel Afriyie Barnieh who assisted James Serwornu’s goal, was the one playing the drum.

The Phobians have now moved three places up to seventh on the log with 17 points, six points behind leaders Asante Kotoko.

However, the Phobians have two outstanding games to be played against Medeama and Kotoko.

Gold Stars 0-1 Hearts of Oak; Serwornu’s goal seals victory for Phobians in Bibiani

The Phobians returned to winning ways after series of uninspiring results thanks to a James Serwornu’s first half goal

Hearts of Oak defeated Gold Stars 1-0 at the Dun’s Park in Bibiani on Saturday to end their run of poor performance in Ghana Premier League.

After sharing the spoils goalless with Bechem United last weekend, coach Samuel Boadu came under intense pressure and needed a reaction from his players.

After a slow start to the game, the Phobians had their noses in front thanks to a beautiful goal from youngster James Serwornu by the 30th minute.

The midfielder latched onto a pass from Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and powerfully sent in his long range shot beyond the reach of Gold Stars goalkeeper Ernest Kussi.

After the break, Hearts struggled to contain their hosts in midfield which forced them into bringing on midfielder Ansah Botchway for Caleb Amankwah and that worked for them.

On 75th minute, goalkeeper Richmond Ayi saved the Phobians from conceding the equaliser as denied Frank Adjei from close range.

Gold Stars had another chance by the 82nd minute through a corner kick but Hearts defence were equal to the task.

Dun’s Park ready for Gold Stars vs Hearts of Oak cliffhanger

The management of Gold Stars has done a great job to put the Dun’s Park in good shape ahead of the weekend’s make or break fixture against the Phobians

The Dun’s Park in Bibiani is match ready for today’s Ghana Premier League cliffhanger encounter between Gold Stars and Hearts of Oak.

Ahead of the game, both clubs are coming back from poor showings last weekend as Gold Stars were defeated 2-1 by King Faisal in Kumasi while Hearts shared the spoils goalless against Bechem United who were led by in-form Augustine Okrah at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Dun’s Park in Bibiani

As a result, both coaches -Michael Osei and Samuel Boadu- would hope to get reactions from their players and win the game to calm down the nerves of their agitated supporters.

The first and last time Hearts travelled to Bibiani ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Phobians in round 64 fixture of the FA Cup on December 23, 2013.

A brace from Bright Agyei, now with Aduana Stars, did the damage for Gold Stars despite a second half consolation goal from Paul Acquah.

Gold Stars lost 1-0 at home to Asante Kotoko and they have sworn heaven and earth not to allow Hearts to inflict another defeat to them in front of their supporters.

The club’s chief executive officer Kwasi Adu has also returned from his visit to Europe after the spending time during the Christmas festivities with his family and has assured the fans of a good result.

The game is expected to kick off at 15h00 GMT and it will be live on Adepa Channel on StarTimes.

Isaac Oppong and three other players to miss Kotoko’s game against Ashanti Gold

The Porcupine Warriors will have to face their regional rivals this weekend without four key players

Asante Kotoko will play Ashanti Gold on matchday twelve of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday without four key players due to several reasons beyond the technical team.

Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama and youngster Isaac Oppong missed the trip to Dormaa Ahenkro last weekend due to injury concerns and they are expected to once again sit out of the game. The duo could not recover fully to have full session of training with the first team.

Also, Clinton Opoku and Richmond Lamptey will be missed due to injury and suspension respectively. Lamptey has been ruled out of the game after picking three yellow cards this season.

The in-form midfielder’s absence will hugely affect Kotoko’s setup as coach Prosper Ogum Narteh must find a replacement who can flow with the Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’ and Mudasiru Salifu’s style of play.

Ashanti Gold come into the game on back of home defeat last weekend against Medeama and coach Thomas Duah is hoping to get a reaction from his players.

Midfielder Seth Osei has already thrown a word of caution to Kotoko ahead of the game, insisting that they would shock the league leaders on Sunday.

“This is a game we can’t afford to lose,” Osei said.

“We have had some terrible scorelines over the past few weeks but we believe that we can overcome the setbacks and return to winning ways against Kotoko.

“This is a derby game and the side which fully prepare and take the few chances that come their way will eventually end as the winners,” he added.

AshesGyamera understands that goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim will start the game ahead of Razak Abalora barring any last minute injury since Prosper Ogum Narteh was impressed with his performance against Aduana and would not want to change a winning team.

Kotoko top the league log with 23 points while Ashanti Gold are occupying 14th position with 12 points.

Medeama name 20-man squad to face Berekum Chelsea without Justice Blay

The midfielder was not named part of the Yellow and Mauve squad that will be playing against Berekum Chelsea on Friday

Medeama have announced their squad to face Berekum Chelsea on matchday twelve of Ghana Premier League at the Akoon Park in Tarkwa on Friday.

The Yellow and Mauve are hoping to make it two wins on a row but Justice Blay will not play part of the game due to the expiration of his contract.

The 28-year-old is believed to have agreed a two-year deal with former side Asante Kotoko where he initially spent a season-long loan deal.

However, in-form goalkeeper Mandjul Boris who has kept seven clean sheets in nine games is around. Also, Ebenezer Ackhabi who scored the winner against Ashanti Gold is available for selection alongside Amed ‘Simba’ Toure.

Medeama are without a defeat in their last five games and currently sit fifth on the log.

Full Squad:

“We begged for points or not, King Faisal will defeat Kotoko again,” Grusah claps back at Nana Yaw Amponsah

The Inshallah Boys are already dreaming of inflicting another pain to their city rivals after already defeating them twice this season

King Faisal owner and bankroller Alhaji Karim Grusah says he is not perturbed by the comments made by Asante Kotoko chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah regarding how they struggled to survive relegation last season.

According to Amponsah, Alhaji Grusah was on his knees begging Kotoko to play a match of convenience with them at the Len Clay Sports Stadium but he didn’t budge and he is happy they are now fighting for points on the field this season.

This comments seem not to have gone down well with Alhaji and he has insisted that they will defeat Kotoko again when they meet on matchday 23.

“We begged for points from who? This is not a problem. I have defeated his club. He should give his chairman respect, that’s all,” Grusah told Ghanasportspage.

“Begging for points or not, it is our own matter. We all are playing in the league. We haven’t ended up with them. We will beat them again and he will see what is going on.

“God willing we will beat them again. Not only this season we have beaten Kotoko front and back, go to the history book. I don’t think about Kotoko but I am thinking about the rest of the matches and the second round,” he added.

King Faisal are currently joint top leaders with Asante Kotoko on Ghana Premier League log as both clubs have 23 points. They will travel to Techiman this weekend to face Eleven Wonders at the Ohene Ameyaw Park.

Referee Sefa Antwi to officiate Ashanti derby in Kumasi; Kenny Padi to handle Gold Stars vs Hearts in Bibiani

The country’s football governing body has confirmed the appointment of referees ahead of the weekend’s top-flight games across nine centres

The Referees Committee of the Ghana Football Association has announced Match Officials for Matchweek 12 of the Ghana Premier League.

Table toppers Asante Kotoko will welcome regional rivals Ashanti Gold to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday. The Porcupine Warriors would be hoping to add Ashanti Gold to their casualties and make it two wins on a row after they shocked Aduana Stars in Dormaa Ahenkro last weekend.

Referee Eric Sefah Antwi has been selected to be in the centre of affairs when the two giants clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Hearts of Oak, on the other hand, will travel to the Dun’s Park in Bibiani to lock horns with debutants Gold Stars. The Phobians have had a relatively slow start to the campaign and even struggled last weekend against Bechem United at home as they shared the spoils goalless.

Therefore, underfire coach Samuel Boadu would hope to get a reaction from his players as they play at a venue where they were defeated for the first and only time they played at in a FA Cup game.

Below are the match officials for Matchday 12:

  1. DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2022
    MATCH: ELEVEN WONDERS vs KING FAISAL

VENUE: OHENE AMEYAW PARK

REFEREE: EMMANUEL TAMPURI

ASSISTANTS: KWASI BROBBEY & ATO YAWSON

4TH REFEREE: SELORM KPORMEBGE

MATCH COMMISSIONER: ALHASSAN MOHAMMED

VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: OBED ANANE FRIMPONG

GFA CAMERAMAN: KWAKU KWANING

  1. DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2022
    MATCH: DREAMS FC vs LEGON CITIES

VENUE: THEATRE OF DREAMS, DAWU

REFEREE: MOHAMMED MISBAO

ASSISTANTS: BARNABAS AMENYO & FAUZAN MINKAA-IL

4TH REFEREE: BENJAMIN SEFA

MATCH COMMISSIONER: MIKE AMEDIOR

VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: RICHARD ACHORE

3 DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2022
MATCH: BECHEM UNITED vs RTU

VENUE: NANA FOSU GYEABOUR PARK

REFEREE: EMMANUEL OTOO

ASSISTANTS: PAUL ATIMAKA & KENNETH ARMOO

4TH REFEREE: JACOB ADUNTERA

MATCH COMMISSIONER: AWUDU DZANG

VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: PRINCE AGYEMANG

GFA CAMERAMAN: PAUL EGBENYA

  1. DATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2022
    MATCH: GOLD STARS vs ACCRA HEARTS OF OAK

VENUE: DUNS PARK

REFEREE: JOSEPH KENNY PADI

ASSISTANTS: STEPHEN BALANGUENA & ALEX OSAM

4TH REFEREE: RUSTUM SENORGBE

MATCH COMMISSIONER: CHARLES DARKWAK

VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: SETH ADJEI

LIVE ON STARTIMES

  1. DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2022
    MATCH: GREAT OLYMPICS vs KARELA UNITED

VENUE: ACCRA SPORTS STADIUM

REFEREE: SELORM YAO BLESS

ASSISTANTS: KOFI NYARKO BEKAE & RICHARD APPIAH

4TH REFEREE: ALI MUSAH

MATCH COMMISSIONER: ADAM MAKAILA

VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: SENA RICHARDS

GFA CAMERAMAN: FELIX ANYANE

  1. DATE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022
    MATCH: MEDEAMA SC vs BEREKUM CHELSEA

VENUE: AKOON PARK, TARKWA

REFEREE: ABDUL LATIF QADIR

ASSISTANTS: EMMANUEL DOLAGBANU & ERIC NDEBUGRI

4TH REFEREE: PHILIP ARTHUR FORSON

MATCH COMMISSIONER: ALHASSAN SENI SEIDU

VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: RICHARD BAFFOUR NKRUMAH

LIVE ON STARTIMES

  1. DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2022
    MATCH: ELMINA SHARKS vs ADUANA STARS

VENUE: NDUOM STADIUM

REFEREE: ALFAA BA-ADEY

ASSISTANTS: DAVID ADDICO & SETH ABLETOR

4TH REFEREE: FREDERICK SAMENA

MATCH COMMISSIONER: GABRIEL INKOOM

VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: JONATHAN NELSON ACKON

GFA CAMERAMAN: EMMANUEL LARTEY

  1. DATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2022
    MATCH: ACCRA LIONS vs WAFA

VENUE: ACCRA SPORTS STADIUM

REFEREE: GEORGE MAWULI VORMAWOH

ASSISTANTS: HARUNA BAWA & ABDUL RAUF ALHASSAN

4TH REFEREE: IMGERDE IREME MAALE

MATCH COMMISSIONER: OUSMANE TASEMBEDO

VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: NANA AKUA FREMA

GFA CAMERAMAN: ISHMAEL ODARTEY MILLS

  1. DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2022
    MATCH: ASANTE KOTOKO vs ASHGOLD SC

VENUE: BABAYARA STADIUM

REFEREE: ERIC SEFA ANTWI

ASSISTANTS: SULEMANA SALAU DEEN & FREDERICK DANFUL

4TH REFEREE: WISEMAN GHANSAH

MATCH COMMISSIONER: MICHAEL AYEH

VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: NATHANIEL GYASI

LIVE ON STARTIMES

Match Review Panel: Referees Julian Nunoo & Nkuah handed 10-match ban following mistakes in Kotoko’s games

The duo, just like other five assistant referees, have been handed severe punishments following their mistakes during Ghana Premier League games

The Match Review Panel of the Ghana Football Association has announced decisions on some complaints received from some Premier League clubs in the on-going league competition.

Below are the decisions of the Review panel on the respective complaints:

OLYMPICS VRS. DREAMS FC (MATCH DAY 4)
Per the video watched, the Panel observed that in the 33rd minute complaint, the player No. 3 of Dreams FC did not handle the ball as claimed by the referee because the player did not jump and his hands remained on his body.

The 65th minute complaint, the Panel observed per the video watched that there was contact between the attacker No. 11 of Gt. Olympics and the defender of Dreams FC No. 20 which was careless.

Referees official responses

The referee was given the opportunity to defend his decisions and he insisted that player No. 3 of Dreams FC jumped which the video did not support that.

DECISION(S)

The referee (Awurisa Andrews) is therefore suspended for four (4) match days from the date of receiving the information.

The fourth referee (Jones Akubiem) is cautioned to be effective on carrying out the fourth referee duties by ensuring that the benches are effectively managed and controlled during the game.

Assistant referee (Halilu Alhassan) is also cautioned to always be on top of the laws of the game.

  1. ASANTE KOTOKO VS. R. T. U (MATCH DAY 8)

Per the video watched, it showed a clear contact between player No. 15 of RTU who fouled player No. 25 of Asante Kotoko, but the referee ignored it in the 28th minute of the game. The referee therefore erred in his decision.

In the 46th minute incident, the video showed that there was a reckless contact between the goalkeeper and the attacker even though the attacker jumped. It also showed that a foul had been committed and the resultant should be a penalty and yellow card. The referee however awarded the penalty alright but failed to caution the player.

Referees official responses

The referee admitted faults he had committed during the match when videos were sent to him for study and response.

DECISION(S)

Clement Kwame Nkuah committed multiple errors in his game and his actions changed the outcome of the game. He is therefore suspended for six (6) match days effective from date of communication.

  1. KING FAISAL VS. MEDEAMA (PREMIER MATCH DAY 5)

Per the video watched, the goal scored by Medeama player Kwasi Donsu in the 89th minute was a good goal. There was absolutely no infringement whatsoever before the goal was scored. It was therefore strange that, Referee Musah Mubarik Paradavoa disallowed such a goal at that crucial moment.

It was also observed that his total output in the game was abysmal.

REFEREE’S RESPONSE

Referee Musah Mubarik Paradavoa when contacted via a call, tried to justify his decision for not accepting the goal, but he only talked about the incident he could later not justify when he saw the video which was sent to him.

DECISION(S)

The referee Musah Mubarik Paradavoa performance in the match day was bad and his decision changed the outcome of the game.

He is suspended for eight (8) match days starting from the day of notification.

  1. ASANTE KOTOKO VS. KING FAISAL (MATCH DAY 6)

Per the video watched the Panel observed that Asante Kotoko player No. 9 who was flagged offside was really not in an offside position at the time of kick of the ball. The Assistant 2 Referee, Roland Addy’s positioning was problematic which made him take a wrong decision in ruling the player offside. Both the referee and the assistant erred in the 11th minute decision.

The 31st minute decision by the referee not to admit a foul was a very tight decision because the video did not show clearly foul committed. The referee is therefore given the benefit of doubt.

The 37th minute reversal of a penalty that was taken against King Faisal and in favour of Asante Kotoko was a very vital decision because even if the player handled the ball, the ball came from his own teammate and therefore the defender cannot be penalized for handball. The referee took the right decision in this respect.

The 45th minute complaint of a King Faisal player wearing a pant numbering 20 and the top jersey numbering 26 even though clear in the video watched did not disqualify the player because that No. 20 was the player CMS Registered number. There was however an attempt by team officials to reconcile the two numbers to be No. 20.

As regard the complaint of eight persons on the technical bench of King Faisal, the Panel did not have the benefit of the video showing any technical bench and the number on it.

Referees official responses

In a long and detailed discussion with the referees (Center, Assist One and 4th) all attempted to explain their point of views on the match.

The Panel came to the following conclusion:

DECISION(S)

The Referee Julian Nunoo is therefore given a four (4) match day ban effective the date of communication for the clear error committed in the 11th minute of the game.

Assistant 2 (Referee Roland Addy) is also suspended for four (4) match days effective on the date of communication.

Recommendation

Team officials are advised to ensure the right numbers are embossed on the player’s jerseys properly.

Match Officials should also be vigilant during inspections to avoid these unacceptable mistakes in future.

  1. ELMINA SHARKS VS. HEARTS OF OAK (MATCH DAY 8)

Per the video watched closely, it shows that the fast ball hit the body of the player before the hand in a quick movement.

Per the laws regarding hand ball, the player cannot be charged with a handball offence since the ball came off the body before touching the hand.

DECISION(S)

The referee, Richmond Antwi and his Assistant 2, Kenneth Armoo are commended for the right decision taken in the game.

  1. R. T. U VS. MEDEAMA (MATCH DAY 7)

Per the video watched, the Panel observed that RTU player No. 15 headed the ball and it touched the hand of the Medeama player No. 27 while on his way down after a jump to challenge for the ball. The position of the hand of Medeama player was as a consequence of his body movement and therefore cannot be considered as a hand ball.

DECISION(S)

For the referee’s decision not to award a penalty was clearly on his good interpretation and understanding of hand ball situations. The referee is therefore commended for a good decision.

  1. BIBIANI GOLDSTARS VS. BECHEM UNITED (MATCH DAY 7)

The Panel observed that the attacker No. 27 of Bibiani Goldstars was put on side by player No. 14 of Bechem United who was found at the far-right side of the field. Therefore, there was no offside offence. The foul was justified and the red card on player No. 5 was also a good decision.

The 90th minute incident was a penalty and yellow card which the referee denied Bechem United. The referee (Joshua Samadji) and his Assistant 2 (Avinou Prosper) both erred.

Referees official responses

Referee Joshua Samadji after watching the video sent to him agreed that he was far from the action spot in the game and could not see clearly. He could clearly now see in the video that there was contact between the attacker No. 20 of Bechem and the goalkeeper of Bibiani Goldstars No. 22 which was clear foul on the player.

DECISION(S)

Referee Joshua Samadji and his Assistant 2 Prosper Avinou are therefore suspended for six (6) match days each effective from the date of communication since their error changed the outcome of the game.

Source: GFA COMMUNICATIONS

Emmanuel Nettey joins Iraqi Division One club Duhok SC after leaving Hearts of Oak

The midfielder has put pen to paper with the lower division side in Iraq after leaving the Phobians last month

Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Emmanuel Nettey has signed a one-year deal with Iraqi Division One side Duhok Sports Club, AshesGyamera.com can confirm.

The 25-year-old left Hearts last month after the expiration of his contract and has sealed this deal which is way better than his previous one with Hearts in terms of finances.

Nettey, who joined Hearts from Inter Allies, was part of the Phobians squad that won Ghana Premier League and FA Cup last season, played 17 league games.

Before his departure, he made five appearances out of nine games played by Hearts this season and was ever present in the club’s participation in Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup.