Category: Ghana Premier League

Caf names Daniel Laryea as the only Ghanaian referee among 64 referees for 2021 Afcon

The fast rising referee has been named as the only referee to participate in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations holding next month

Ghana’s finest referee Daniel Laryea has been named as the only Ghanaian among 64 referees to officiate 2021 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon next month.

Out of the 64 referees selected for the competition, 24 of them are center referees of which Laryea is among, while nine of them are VAR referees to assist in dicey situations.

Also, 31 of them are assistant referees who will be running on the lines to help the centre referees take accurate decisions.

Laryea recently came under intense criticisms as he was alleged to have told referee Julian Nunoo to overturn a penalty awarded to Asante Kotoko during a Ghana Premier League game against King Faisal a fortnight ago.

King Faisal to host Kotoko in FA Cup Round 64; Hearts battle Lions in Accra derby

The Porcupine Warriors have been handed another opportunity to revenge the league defeat suffered in the hands of their city rivals

Ghana Premier League leaders King Faisal have been handed a relatively difficult pairing in the round of 64 of FA Cup as they host city rivals Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The Inshallah Boys pipped Kotoko 3-2 in the league earlier this month and will have to embrace themselves for another showdown.

Meanwhile, defending champions Hearts of Oak will battle Accra Lions at the Accra Sports Stadium while Great Olympics and Berekum Chelsea face Real Athletico and Unity FC respectively.

Full Draw:

Group A:

  1. Sene Hotspurs v Berekum Freedom Fighters
  2. Berekum Arsenals v Young Apostles
  3. Wa Yassin v Bofoakwa Tano
  4. Aduana FC v Eleven Wonders
  5. Jinijini Eagles v Nsoatreman
  6. Unity FC v Berekum Chelsea

GROUP B:

  1. Dreams Tamale v Real Tamale United
  2. Tamale City v Steadfast

GROUP C:

  1. Bolga All Stars v Bolga FC

GROUP D:

  1. Wa Sombo Free Stars v Wa Suntaa

GROUP E:

  1. AshantiGold v Bechem United
  2. Asokwa Deportivo v Pro Players Academy
  3. Sasaamo Panin v Kwawuman United
  4. King Faisal v Asante Kotoko
  5. Koforidua Suhyen v First Klass

GROUP F:

  1. Nzema Kotoko v Unistar Academy
  2. Eleven Wise v Aboi Young Stars
  3. Sekondi Hasaacas v GoldStars
  4. Karela United v Medeama SC

GROUP G:

  1. Swedru All Blacks v Ebusua Dwarfs
  2. Skyy FC v Police Nationals
  3. Elmina Sharks v Achiken FC

GROUP H:

  1. Vision FC v Akosombo Krystal Palace
  2. Port City FC v Dreams FC
  3. Inter Allies v Kotoku Royals

GROUP I:

  1. Sons of Thunder v Akatsi All Stars
  2. Heart of Lions v WAFA SC

GROUP J:

  1. Tema Youth v Legon Cities
  2. Accra Lions v Hearts of Oak
  3. Real Athletico v Great Olympics
  4. Liberty Professionals v FC Nania
  5. Accra City Stars v Golden Kicks

Fifa orders Hearts to release Raddy Ovouka after player drags them for unfair treatment

The defender sent the Phobians to Fifa and they have been given an ultimatum to release him to a Moroccan club or face their wrath

Congo international Raddy Ovouka has reportedly dragged Ghana Premier League champions Hearts of Oak to Fifa as he hopes to force his way out of the club, according to Ghana Sports Page.

The left-back is believed to have secured a deal with an unnamed Moroccan club and although there are clauses in his contract with Hearts which allows him to move, the Phobians top hierarchy are not ready to allow him.

This, coupled with a minor injury sustained against JS Souara, have forced Ovouka to absent himself from training since Hearts returned from Algeria after their elimination from the Caf Confederation Cup.

According to emerging reports in the local media, Fifa has given Hearts an ultimatum to activate the buyout clause and allow the player to leave.

Should Hearts fail to release Ovouka, they could be fined or banned from signing players in the coming seasons.

Hearts will travel to Elmina on Wednesday to lock horns with Elmina Sharks in matchday eight of Ghana Premier League at the Nduom Sports Stadium.

They currently sit at the foot of the log with three points from four games and have three outstanding games including a home fixture against fierce rivals Asante Kotoko.

NSA denies renting out Accra Sports Stadium to host Stonebwoy & Davido; educates public on stadium usage

Concerning issues regarding use of our facilities, as already explained to stakeholders and the general public, since 2019 the NSA entered into agreement with Green Grass Technology Company Ltd as consultant in management of pitches in our major stadia (Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast and Tamale).

They (Green Grass Tech) regularly issue reports and recommendations to us for implementation. This is routine. Currently and per government’s directive, each stadium renovated or constructed comes with maintenance and operation manuals that we adhere to strictly and religiously.

Due to extensive pressure on our facilities due to high number of clubs and matches per stadium (for instance 400 matches in Accra sports stadium per year instead of the ideal 40), the rate of repairs also increase per unit time.

Clubs that we have contract with, and permitted to play are unable to pay the Finance Ministry’s determined rent of GHS 110,000.00 per match (including use of pitch) as indicated in the 2021 LI for Fees and Charges, so NSA does not rent the facility to premier clubs but we co-organize with them and share gate proceeds (OPTION 2).

Other clients can rent places within the stadia for activities too per IGF mobilization mandate.

GT Bank rented the place for their end-of-year get-together (not concert per agreement we have with them). This one-day programme has no effect on sporting activities in the stadium, and did not influence timelines for pitch maintenance by the Green Grass Technology. They are to mount their systems on asphalted areas behind the goalposts but not to use the pitch which is currently being worked on by Green Grass and our Estate workers.

Our consultant in his report indicated that the pitch soil has become acidic with pH of 4 instead of 7 (neutral). Such acidic condition in the soil kills our good grass and allow colonization of weeds on the pitch. As we speak now they have applied chemicals which will correct the pH in the next 7 days or so. Until such effect is achieved, and with fertilizer application, we cannot use the Accra stadium pitch for sporting activities. That’s why we informed our stakeholders.

This kind of intervention is done on all our pitches. Currently, Cape Coast is undergoing same process prior to match of National U20 Women football team, and also at Aliu Mahama.

Please, further explanation would be provided as and when needed.

Thank you.

Ghana FA appoints ‘no nonsense’ Kwame Nkuah to officiate Asante Kotoko vs RTU

The Porcupine Warriors will be hoping to return to winning ways on Wednesday when the welcome the returnees to Bbaa Yara Sports Stadium

The Referees Committee of the Ghana Football Association has announced match officials for match week eight midweek matches and referee Clement Kwame Nkuah will be in the centre of affairs when Kotoko host Real Tamale United at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The young referee who has had a fairly good start to the season is expected to fairly handle the game together with his assistants. He is notably known for issuing cards and taking firm decisions.

Nkuah who is a teacher by profession, completed Wesley College of Education in Kumasi before having his first degree at Valley View University. He was in charge of last season’s week two fixture between Legon Cities and Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Kotoko’s last game at the venue ended in a painful defeat as they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at home to city rivals King Faisal in the Kumasi derby.

Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak will play their first league game in almost a month following their participation in Caf Confederation Cup.

The Phobians have three outstanding games to be cleared and would wish to pick a favourable scoreline against Elmina Sharks at the Nduom Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

Below are the Match Officials for Week 8:

1.DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
MATCH: MEDEAMA VS LEGON CITIES
VENUE: AKOON PARK, TARKWA
REFEREE: JACOB ADUNTERA
ASSISTANTS: PETER DAWSA & ALEX OSAM
4TH REFEREE: EMMANUEL OTOO
MATCH COMMISSIONER: MOSES ABAIDOO
VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: RICHARD BAFFOUR NKRUMAH
GFA CAMERAMAN: ABDUL SAMED

2.DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
MATCH: ASHANTIGOLD VS ADUANA
VENUE: LEN CLAY STADIUM
REFEREE: JOSEPH KWOFIE
ASSISTANTS: MUMUNI FUSEINI & ISAAC ODOOM
4TH REFEREE: SELORN KPORMEGBE
MATCH COMMISSIONER: JAMES MORNAH
VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: NUHU ADAMS
GFA CAMERAMAN: EMMANUEL LARTEY

3.DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
MATCH: ELMINA SHARKS VS HEARTS OF OAK
VENUE: NDUOM STADIUM
REFEREE: RICHMOND ANTWI
ASSISTANTS: RICHARD APPIAH & KENNETH ARMOO
4TH REFEREE: ABDUL LATIFF QADIR
MATCH COMMISSIONER: FELIX ADJETEY SOWAH
VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: JONATHAN NELSON ACKON
LIVE ON STARTIMES

4.DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
MATCH: ACCRA LIONS VS KING FAISAL
VENUE: SOGAKOPE
REFEREE: FREDERICK SAMINA
ASSISTANTS:PAUL ATIMAKA & EMMANUEL ARKAIFIE
4TH REFEREE: JONES AKUBIEM
MATCH COMMISSIONER: ODURO NYARKO
VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: TILDA ACORLOR
GFA CAMERAMAN: ISHMAEL ODARTEY MILLS

5.DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
MATCH: DREAMS FC VS KARELA FC
VENUE: THEATRE OF DREAMS, DAWU
REFEREE: ADAARI ABDUL LATIFI
ASSISTANTS:ALHASSAN ABDULAI & ALHASSAN ABDUL RAUF
4TH REFEREE: CHARLES BULU
MATCH COMMISSIONER: MIKE AMEDIOR
VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: RICHARD ACHORE

6.DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
MATCH: BECHEM UNITED VS ELEVEN WONDERS
VENUE: NANA FOSU GYEABOUR PARK
REFEREE: ALI MUSAH
ASSISTANTS: FRANCIS BONZIE ARTHUR & DAVID ADDICO
4TH REFEREE: IMORO OSMAN
MATCH COMMISSIONER: AUGUSTINE ASANTE
VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: PRINCE AGYEMANG
GFA CAMERAMAN: KWAKU KWANING

  1. DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
    MATCH: BEREKUM CHELSEA VS WAFA
    VENUE: GOLDEN CITY PARK
    REFEREE: EDWARD ANNAN
    ASSISTANTS: KWESI BROBBEY & AUGUSTINE SOGLO DAKURA
    4TH REFEREE: ERIC SEFA ANTWI
    MATCH COMMISSIONER: MOHAMMED ALHASSAN
    VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: PRECIOUS SEMEVOH
    GFA CAMERAMAN: PAUL EGBENYA

8.DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021 – 10AM
MATCH: GREAT OLYMPICS VS GOLD STARS
VENUE: SOGAKOPE PARK
REFEREE: ABDULAI IBRAHIM
ASSISTANTS:ISAAC NYAMEKYE & MIKAAL IL FAUZAN
4TH REFEREE: MAALE IMGERDE IREME
MATCH COMMISSIONER: ANDREWS DERY
VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: TILDA ACORLOR
GFA CAMERAMAN: ISHMAEL ODARTEY MILLS

9.DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
MATCH: ASANTE KOTOKO VS REAL TAMALE UNITED
VENUE: BABA YARA STADIUM
REFEREE: ACLEMENT KWAME NKUAH
ASSISTANTS: STEPHEN BALANGUENA & THEOPHILUS AKUGRE
4TH REFEREE: JOSEPH KENNY PADI
MATCH COMMISSIONER: JOSEPH YEBOAH ACHEAMPONG
VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: NATHANIEL GYASI ADJEI
LIVE ON STARTIMES

Ghana FA top officials to visit Otumfuo at Manhyia

The top hierarchy of the country’s football governing body has revealed that they will pay a courtesy call on the paramount chief of the Asante kingdom

Ghana Football Association will visit the Manhyia Palace on Tuesday, November 14 to meet Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The football association are expected to hold a press conference later and explain recent events concerning football in the country.

“President Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku will lead the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association to pay a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II – King of the Ashanti Kingdom at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, December 15, 2021,” a GFA statement read.

“The visit is to afford the Executive Council the opportunity to take counsel from the occupant of the Golden Stool and to seek his blessing and wisdom for a successful mandate.

“The Council was sworn into office on October 25, 2019 after keenly contested Elections to replace the Dr. Kofi Amoah led Normalization Committee.

“Members of the Council include Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku (President), Mark Addo (Vice President), Habiba Atta Forson (Women Football representative), Dr. Tony Aubynn, Nana Sarfo Oduro, Kingsley Osei Bonsu, Frederick Acheampong and George Amoako (Premier League representatives). Others are Dr. Ransford Abbey, Samuel Anim Addo (Division One League representatives), Linford Asamoah, Alhaji Salifu Zida (Regional Football Associations representatives).

“The meeting is scheduled for 12-midday at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. There shall be a press briefing after the meeting,” the statement added.

Ghanaians descend on NSA after forcing Hearts of Oak, Olympics & others out of Accra Sports Stadium only to rent it to Stonebwoy & Davido

The supervisors of the national stadium advised Premier League clubs to look elsewhere to host their games since there is going to be renovations only to rent the venue to musicians for concert

A large section of Ghanaians have heavily descended on National Sports Authority after they asked Premier League champions Hearts of Oak, Great Olympics as well as Legon Cities to move out of the Accra Sports Stadium since there are going to be renovation works at the facility.

However, it has emerged that was not the case as a video circulating on social media has revealed that there is going to be a concert dubbed GT Music Concert at the stadium on Friday, December 17.

Headlined by Ghana’s dancehall artist Stonebwoy and Nigerian superstar Davido, the show is expected to have more than 30,000 people as it is relatively free.

https://twitter.com/alooameenu/status/1470421171841773573?t=tMN2xcfliWpSwZuJvnCyYQ&s=19

Other artists expected to perform on the night include Highlife sensation Kofi Kinaata, Kuame Eugene, Adina, R2Bees, Zlatan (Nigeria), Wande Coal, Gyakie and Tems.

Hearts of Oak are expected to play their next two home games at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium while Legon Cities head to El Wak Sports Stadium.

Legon’s first home game at El Wak looks likely to be against Asante Kotoko on Sunday.

Asante Kotoko fans raise RED FLAGS on poor state of El Wak stadium ahead of Legon Cities clash

A section of the Porcupine Warriors supporters have raised concerns about the poor state of the El Wak facility ahead of the weekend gane against Legon Cities

Following National Sports Authority’s decision to close down Accra Sports Stadium, clubs who play their Ghana Premier League home games there have been asked to use their alternative home ground.

As a result, Hearts of Oak, Great Olympics and Legon Cities have been forced to relocate ahead of the weekend’s games.

Legon will host Kotoko at the El Wak Sports Stadium on Sunday in a matchday nine fixture but the facility looks not in good shape especially the stands that will accommodate the supporters.

The wood used in making the benches look rotten with some of them even broken.

As a result, concerns have been raised about the safety of those who will throng to the venue.

Arsenal star Frimpong explains why he chose to play for Ghana over England

The former midfielder turned down an invitation to represent the Three Lions at a point and chose to represent the country of his parents which he has explained why he took that decision after several deliberations

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has insisted that it was a dream come through after representing Ghana at the international stage.

The box-to-box midfielder rose through the ranks of England’s youth national teams and even captained the U-17 side at a point.

However, he switched nationality to represent the country of his parents and although he played just a game for the Black Stars, Frimpong believes it was the best of decisions since he always dreamt of wearing the Black Stars jersey.

“I follow my passion. I don’t follow the money too much,” Frimpong told GTV Sports+ in an interview.

“Obviously, playing for England, you get more money and more exposure but for me, as I said, I have always had a dream. I remember when I was young, I used to watch Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah when I was very young.

“So, I have always had a passion for playing for Ghana. And, you know sometimes in life people make decisions that you from the outside you might not understand but for me, its one of the best feelings.

“Playing in Kumasi, playing for my family, and putting the Ghana shirt on are some of the best feelings that I’ve ever had in my career. Maybe, if I had played for England, who knows maybe things would have turned for the better but then again you know you always have to follow what you want to do,” he added.

Frimpong, whose career was cut short due to injury concerns, has relocated to Ghana after hanging his boots.

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu extols Fabio Gama & others at Akwasidae festival

The Brazilian had the opportunity to experience the rich Asante culture and drew praise from the paramount chief in the process

Asante Kotoko midfielder Fabio Gama was part of a host of dignitaries who participated in 2021 edition of Akwasidae which took place at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Sunday.

The Brazilian joined Kotoko last season as a free agent and has since become an instant hit despite the club failing to win any major trophy.

With Kotoko’s matchday seven fixture in Ghana Premier League against Hearts of Oak suspended due to the latter’s participation in Caf Confederation Cup, Gama was selected as part of the club’s delegates to participate in the festival.

Others included head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh, midfielder Isaac Oppong and captain Abdul Ganiu Ismail as well as director of communications David Obeng Nyarko.

Gama, just like his teammates present, were mobbed by some supporters after the event as they wanted autographs while others only wanted to snap pictures with them.

According to sources close to the club, Otumfuo was impressed with Kotoko’s performance this season and particularly heaped praise on Gama.

He further urged the coach and players to double their efforts in order to achieve their set goals at the end of the season.

Kotoko currently sit third on the Ghana Premier League log with 13 points, three points behind city rivals King Faisal. They will welcome Real Tamale United to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Wednesday.