Ghana Premier League – Page 53

“There’s no deficiency in Kotoko’s defence,” Ogum insists as he heaps praise on Maxwell Agyemang

The Porcupine Warriors boss has rejected suggestions that his side’s defence has been leaking recently in the Premier League

Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has insisted his defence are doing well in Ghana Premier League despite their recent poor performance.

Kotoko have failed to win any of their last three games and conceded five goals in the process which has raised concerns from the club’s supporters and pundits.

However, Ogum believes the problem isn’t about the defence but the strikers who has been poor upfront.

“Not so [there’s no deficiency in the team]. Andrew Appau isn’t well that is why he didn’t play part of the game,” Ogum said, as quoted by AshesGyamera.com.

“It is not because of non performance. He is injured that is why Maxwell Agyemang played against RTU. I think Maxwell Agyemang was able to justify his inclusion and was able to justify why I put him there.

“He played well, marked the opponents very well and was very confident on the ball. I think he did well so defensively, I think he didn’t lack anything,” he added.

Ogum further insisted that he was not disappointed with the stalemate against RTU.

“I’m not disappointed with the draw against RTU in the sense that we played well and created a lot of chances which we could have scored but we couldn’t take our chances,” Ogum said after the game.

“In terms of performance, I think we are playing well. if it is about the results then fine. However, I still believe that we are creating a lot of chances just that we are not taking them.

” I believe we should be winning all our last three games if we had taken out chances because we played well,” he added.

Kotoko, who are currently sitting third on the log with 14 points, will head to Accra this weekend to face Legon Cities in a must win game.

Milovan Rajevac names four local players in Ghana’s provisional squad for 2021 Afcon

The Serbian has arrived at naming four local players among the 40-man squad to be unveiled by the end of the week

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has added four local players in his 40-man provisional squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon next month.

The Black Stars have been paired with Morocco, Gabon and Comoros in Group C and will play their first game against Morocco on January 10.

Asante Kotoko captain Abdul Ganiu Ismail has been selected despite initial reports in the local media suggested that he has been dropped. The defender was considered after Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu turned down the opportunity to represent Ghana at the Afcon.

Also, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Attah has made the grade together with two players from Dreams FC including Fatawu Issahaku and Philemon Baffuor.

According to Ghana FA, the Black Star will open camp in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 ahead of the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon.

The team will be in Doha for a period of three weeks to prepare for the Tournament scheduled for Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, 2022.

The Black Stars will play three International friendly matches in Qatar to give Coach Milovan Rajevac the opportunity to assess his squad for the Tournament.

Ghana are expected to play a yet to named club side on Tuesday, December 28, before taking on one of the Africa Cup of Nations qualified teams on Friday, January 1, 2022 in another friendly.

The team will wrap up their test matches against African Champions Algeria on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

The Black Stars will depart Doha for Yaoundé on Friday, January 7, 2022 to take on the rest of Africa at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

GHANA SCHEDULE IN DOHA – QATAR

Team open camp on December 22, 2021

First Friendly match against a club side – December 28, 2021

Second friendly match against AFCON bound country – January 1, 2022

Third friendly against Algeria – January 5, 2022

Departure to Cameroon – January 7, 2022

Submission of final squad – December 30, 2021,” the statement added.

Ghana last won the Afcon in 1982 but have been in final in 1992, 2010 and 2015.

“I’m not disappointed with Kotoko’s draw against RTU,” says Prosper Ogum Narteh

The Porcupine Warriors boss has insisted that he is not disappointed with the results at home against RTU amid supporters agitations

Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh says he was not left disappointed despite the 1-1 stalemate with Real Tamale United on matchday eight of Ghana Premier League at Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

The Porcupine Warriors failed to record yet another victory as Mbella Frank Thierry’s goal for Kotoko was cancelled thanks to David Abagna Sangna’s late equaliser.

The results mean that Kotoko have gone three games without a win and have only picked two points in the process.

“I’m not disappointed with the draw against RTU in the sense that we played well and created a lot of chances which we could have scored but we couldn’t take our chances,” Ogum said as quoted by AshesGyamera.com.

“In terms of performance, I think we are playing well. if it is about the results then fine. However, I still believe that we are creating a lot of chances just that we are not taking them.

” I believe we should be winning all our last three games if we had taken out chances because we played well,” he added.

Kotoko currently sit third place with 14 points, three points behind joint leaders Aduana Stars and King Faisal.

They will travel to Accra to face Legon Cities next weekend.

Ghana Premier League: Aduana lead Kotoko three points after Week 8; Check goalscorers, Man of the Match winners & table

The matchday eight of Ghana Premier League took place at all the nine centres across the country with interesting and shocking results

Aduana Stars moved to the top of the log after securing their fifth successive wins with a 1-0 victory over Ashanti Gold at the Len Clay Sports Stadium in Obuasi, while King Faisal continued with their unbeaten run as they shared the spoils goalless against Accra Lions in Sogakope.

Hearts of Oak picked their first win of the season against Elmina Sharks thanks to a second half strike by new boy Gladson Awako.

The 31-year-old marked his debut for the Phobians as a second half substitute and capped his wonderful performance with a nice goal to move them from the foot of the log.

In Bechem, Augustine Okrah scored his fourth goal of the season from the penalty spot when Bechem pipped Eleven Wonders 1-0 to return to winning ways after going two games without a victory.

Kofi Owusu became the hero in Berekum when his two goals helped Chelsea to defeat WAFA 2-0 and further push the visitors to the foot of the log.

Meanwhile, RTU surprisingly picked up a point against Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium thanks to a David Abagna Sangna’s late equaliser as the two sides shared the spoils 1-1.

The results means Kotoko are yet to record a win after three games and have only picked two points from a possible nine.

SCORES AT A GLANCE:

KUMASI: Asante Kotoko 1-1 Real Tamale United

Scorers: Frank Etouga | | David Abagna

Man of the Match: Mohammed Sadat (RTU)

ELMINA: Elmina Sharks 0-1 Hearts of Oak

Scorer: Gladson Awako

Man of the Match: Frederick Ansah-Botchway (Hearts Of Oak)

DAWU: Dreams FC 3-1 Karela United

Scorers: Huzaf Ali (2x), Issahaku Abdul Fatawu | | Umar Basiru (pen)

Man of the Match: Ali Huzaif (Dreams FC)

BECHEM: Bechem United 1-0 Eleven Wonders

Scorer: Augustine Okrah

Man of the Match: Abdul Latif Anabila (Bechem United)

BEREKUM: Berekum Chelsea 2-0 WAFA

Scorer: Kofi Owusu(2x)(1pen)

Man of the Match: Adams Zakaria (Chelsea)

SOGAKOPE: Great Olympics 2-0 Gold Stars

Scorers: James Akaminko, Maxwell Nii Abbey Quaye

Man of the Match: Razak Kassim (Great Olympics)

TARKWA: Medeama SC 1-0 Legon Cities

Scorer: Joseph Tetteh Zutah

Man of the Match: Benjamin Abaidoo (Medeama SC)

OBUASI: AshantiGold 0-1 Aduana FC

Scorer: Sam Adams

Man of the Match: Sam Adams (Aduana Stars)

SOGAKOPE: Accra Lions 0-0 King Faisal

Man of the Match: Christopher Acheampong (Accra Lions)

BASIC STATS:

Games played – 9
Home wins – 5
Away Wins – 2
Draws – 2
Goals – 14
Goals scored by Home teams – 10
Goals scored by away teams – 4
Goal/game – 1.56
Home wins % – 55.56%

TOP SCORERS CHART

Maxwell Nii Abbey-Quaye (Great Olympics) –7
David Abagna (RTU) –7
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Dreams FC ) –6
Huzaf Ali (Dreams FC) –5
Zubeiru Ibrahim(King Faisal) –4
Augustine Okrah (Bechem) –4
Ibrahim Osman (King Faisal) –4
Bright Adjei (Aduana ) –4
Isaac Oppong (Asante Kotoko ) –3
Emmanuel Gyamfi(Aduana Stars) –3
Agyenim Boateng Mensah(Dreams FC)–3
Salifu Rauf (Accra Lions)–3
Emmanuel Avornyo (Bechem United)–3
Prince Owusu Kwabena (Gold Stars )–3
Umar Bashiru(Karela United) – 3
Kofi Kordzi ( Hearts Of Oak) – 2
Francis Twene (Bechem United) – 2
Samuel Boateng (Asante Kotoko) – 2
Jonah Attuquaye (Cities) – 2
Yahaya Mohammed (Aduana) – 2
Justice Torsutsey (WAFA) – 2
Obuaba Yaw Dasi (Bechem) – 2
Tetteh Nortey (Eleven Wonders) – 2
Georges Mfegue (Asante Kotoko) – 2
Justice Ato Mensah (Elmina Sharks) – 2
Abass Ganiu (Eleven Wonders) – 2
Kofi Ansu Patrick(Medeama) – 2
Kofi Owusu (Chelsea) – 2

Ghana Premier League Table:

Elmina Sharks 0-1 Hearts of Oak: ‘Bad Boy’ Awako hands Phobians first win of the season

The midfielder powered the Phobians to their first win of the campaign as he marked his bow since joining them from city rivals

Hearts of Oak defeated Elmina Sharks 1-0 on matchday eight of Ghana Premier League at the Nduom Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

The Phobians returned to action in the local league for the first time in almost a month due to their participation in Caf Confederation Cup.

After a slow start to the game, Hearts exerted themselves on their hosts and began to cause problems.

However, they could not find a breach in their defence in an attempt to score the first goal of the game.

After the break, Awako replaced Asubonteng by the 66th minute and made his presence felt after just six minutes. The midfielder latched onto a pass from his teammate and sent in a powerful shot which took a deflection and went past the goalkeeper.

The goal marked Awako’s maiden effort for the Phobians since joining Hearts from city rivals Great Olympics four months ago.

Hearts pushed men forward very late in the game to kill it but they could not make the few half chances that came theor way count.

Reports emerged that Hearts coach Samuel Boadu was rushed to the hospital in Elmina after he complained of uneasiness in breathing.

His situation is currently under control according to the club.

Bechem United 1-0 Eleven Wonders: Augustine Okrah’s goal sends Hunters to third position

The Hunters returned to winning ways after three games following narrow victory at home over their regional rivals

Bechem United defeated Techiman Eleven Wonders 1-0 on matchday eight of Ghana Premier League at the Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem on Wednesday.

After suffering a narrow defeat in the hands of Bibiani Gold Stars over the weekend, Bechem ringed changes in their set up as captain Kofi Agbesimah and Aaron Essel were suspended while Charles Mensah sit out due to injury.

However, Joseph Kinful was handed his maiden start of the season while Emmanuel Asante led the team as the captain

Augustine Okrah came close to opening the scoring after seventh minute when he latched onto a pass from Clinton Duodo but he couldn’t direct his effort on target.

Bechem were fortunate not to have gone behind by the 32nd minute after a defensive mixup.

After the break, Okrah shot Bechem ahead by the 51st minute from the penalty spot. The goal marked the forward’s fourth goal of the season after eight games.

Bechem have moved to third position with 13 points, four points behind leaders Aduana Stars who also picked an away victory over Ashanti Gold.

Hearts of Oak coach Samuel Boadu in critical condition; rushed to Elmina Hospital

The Phobians boss has been rushed to the health centre after falling ill while his side faced Elmina Sharks in Premier League

Hearts of Oak head coach Samuel Boadu has been rushed to the hospital in Elmina during Ghana Premier League matchday eight fixture against Elmina Sharks at the Nduom Sports Stadium.

The manager was seen complaining of uneasiness while the game was ongoing and was taken into a standby ambulance which speed off to a nearby hospital to seek medical attention.

It is unclear what actually was wrong with Boadu as doctors are yet to release an official statement about his issue.

More to follow

VIDEO: “Asante Kotoko is a big brand and I can’t disrespect or hate them,” GFA president Okraku insists

The country’s football governing body boss has denied suggestions that he is harbouring hatred against the Porcupine Warriors

Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has rejected suggestions that he is having a personal hatred against Asante Kotoko.

Prior to the 2019 FA general elections which brought Okraku to power, Kotoko opted to throw their support behind his contender George Afriyie and even campaigned for him.

However, Afriyie lost the elections to Okraku after it travelled to runoff and reports have emerged that the latter has sworn to revenge.

A section of Kotoko’s supporters accused Okraku of manipulating matches in favour of their rivals Hearts of Oak last season as they missed out on the opportunity to win the Premier League title.

A fortnight ago, Kotoko lost 3-2 to city rivals King Faisal in the Kumasi derby and some of the club’s supporters insisted that the Football Association has an agenda against them since referee Julian Nunoo awarded them a penalty only to quickly overturn it.

“Kotoko is a powerhouse in Ghana and FA president who will want to forget this will not have a successful reign,” Kurt Okraku said at a media briefing in Kumasi.

“Of course, there are other Premier League clubs and 48 division One clubs as well as 20 Women’s Premier League clubs but Kotoko come with a rich history and it is owned by the great king.

“Nobody can show disrespect to a brand like this. The FA has been very supportive to Kotoko especially in their Africa campaign and beyond so the FA or my good self do not hate any club left alone Kotoko,” he added.

Kotoko currently sit third on the Ghana Premier League log with 13 points, three points behind leaders King Faisal and will host RTU at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

Meet Mudasiru and FOUR key Kotoko players who will miss the game against RTU

The Porcupine Warriors would be hoping to return to winning ways against RTU but they must do without five of their players

Asante Kotoko will be without five key players in Ghana Premier League matchday seven fixture against Real Tamale United at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

Midfielder Mudasiru Salifu will play no part of the game after starting all the first six games so far their season. The defensive midfielder has picked up three yellow cards which rules him out of the game due to accumulated cards.

Also, striker Samuel Boateng has been ruled out of the game due to injury concerns. The young striker, who has scored two goals so far this season, failed to pass a late fitness test after picking up a knee injury at training.

Also, young prodigy Isaac Oppong and defender Andrew Appau are also going to play no part of the game.

Meanwhile, striker Andy Kumi will be missing the game also since he is yet to recover from an injury he picked up before the start of the season.

Kotoko are yet to pick a win after sharing the spoils goalless with Karela United and losing 3-2 in the Kumasi derby against King Faisal.

They currently sit third on the log with 13 points, three points behind King Faisal who also play Accra Lions at the Red Bull Arena in Sogakope.

Asante Kotoko Administrative Manager Dasoberi ‘TEARS APART’ Daniel Laryea; labels him most corrupt referee in Ghana

The Porcupine Warriors chief has aimed a dig at arguably the country’s finest referee after his name was released to officiate in the upcoming Afcon

Asante Kotoko Administrative Manager Emmanuel Newton Dasoberi has launched a scathing attack on Ghanaian referees Daniel Laryea and Julian Nunoo.

According to Dasoberi, Laryea, who has been enlisted among 64 referees to officiate 2021 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon is never the best referee currently in Ghana.

The Porcupine Warriors management member believes Laryea and Nunoo are the most corrupt referees ever in the country and should not be hailed.

This attack comes after Kotoko’s painful 3-2 home defeat to city rivals King Faisal in the Kumasi derby a fortnight ago.

During the game, Nunoo who the centre referee awarded Kotoko a penalty but he later rescinded his decision. Reports in the local media suggested that he was prompted by Laryea, who was the fourth referee on the day, to overturn the decision since the ball did not touch the hand of the King Faisal defender.

“The two most corrupt and manipulated guys are D. Laryea and J. Nunoo,” Dasoberi posted on Facebook, Monday evening.

“Number one my foot,” he added.

Out of the 64 referees selected for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, 24 of them are center referees of which Laryea is the only Ghanaian among them. Also, nine of them are VAR referees to assist in dicey situations whereas 31 of them are assistant referees who will be running on the lines to help the centre referees take accurate decisions.

Kotoko, who currently sit third position with 13 points, three points behind Faisal, will host Real Tamale United at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as they hope to return to winning ways.