Augustine Okrah to play last game for Bechem in FA Cup final; check his next destination

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Augustine Okrah to play last game for Bechem in FA Cup final; check his next destination

The midfielder has been in the form of his life; turning heads and scoring for fun in Ghana but his comeback will surely end on Sunday

Bechem United legend Augustine Okrah will face Hearts of Oak in the final of the FA Cup on Sunday with a refined energy knowing that this could be his last game for the club after rejoining them ahead of the season from Asante Kotoko.

According to AshesGyamera’s sources which have been credible as ever, the 28-year-old has attracted a lot of interest from both local and foreign clubs following a blistering performance for Bechem this season and would likely leave the scene sooner rather than later.

What has been said?

According to Bechem United coach Kassim Mingle the club wouldn’t have any problems allowing Okrah to leave once their asking price is met.

“We can’t block any move for Augustine Okrah,” Bechem United coach Kassim Mingle said in an interview. “If we receive a good offer that matches our expectations, we will allow him to move.”

He added: “There are offers for him, if all goes well, he will leave definitely.”

How has Okrah performed for Bechem United?

Having already scored 18 goals in all competitions this season – 14 in league and four in FA Cup – Okrah is Bechem United’s topscorer in all competitions. He also leads the club’s assist chart in the league (six) and FA Cup (two) as well as winning five Man of the Match awards in Ghana Premier League.

Arguably, he is one of the top three performers in the local scene currently; alongside Ashanti Gold’s Yaw Annor and Kotoko’s Mbella Etouga.

Will Okrah leave Bechem United?

The nimble-footed midfielder’s contract at the Ahafo-based club expires at the end of the season and after Sunday’s game against Hearts in the FA Cup final, he will be a free agent.

Amid reports that Bechem owner, Kingsley Owusu Acheaw ‘Agama’ wanting to convince Okrah to stay for at least another season, his camp has explained to bankroller why it is necessary for him to leave now that he has two months left on his contract before he eventually becomes a free agent.

As a result, the two parties reached an agreement.

Locally, Okrah’s former club Asante Kotoko have been touted as one of the leading candidates to sign him back to Baba Yara Sports Stadium but we can authoritatively confirm that no official bid has been made.

The Porcupine Warriors are believed to be scanning around for quality players to bolster their squad ahead of their participation in Caf Champions League next season.

Again, the player is not even willing to return to Kotoko for the third time since the previous two stints did not go down well for him on and off the pitch.

Interestingly, Bibiani Gold Stars are said to be in the race as they hope to bring him to Dun’s Park to help them improve on their debut performance in Ghana Premier League.

The club’s top hierarchy officially made contacts with Okrah and his agent a couple of weeks ago and explained their project to him as well as offered to make him one of the highest paid players in Ghana.

However, our sources have revealed that the talks have fallen through. Okrah looks certain to ply his trade outside and nothing will change that decision.

Which club is leading the race for Okrah’s signature?

It is 99 per cent now that Okrah will be leaving but his next destination will not be in Europe. According to our sources, he has attracted interests from clubs in South Africa, Zambia and Ethiopia. However, it is in Tanzania where the demand for his signature is high and his signing is nigh.

Azam FC and Simba SC have both expressed their interest and are willing to fly down to Ghana to meet him and his counsel.

Although, the two clubs have promised to offer Okrah lucrative contracts, the former Ghana Premier League topscorer and Best Player is looking beyond the monetary aspect.

The former Al Hilal and Al Merriekh superstar is hoping to play in Caf Champions League and at least win one continental trophy before he retires in the coming years. This gives Simba the edge over their rivals Azam.

Simba are second in the Tanzanian league behind Young Africans and will participate in Champions League next season while Azam will have to play in Caf Confederation Cup as they are third on the log, 13 points behind Simba and with only a game to end the season.

A lot of Simba fans have already followed Okrah on all his social media accounts and are showering him with praise and promises.

Former Kotoko goalkeeper Antwi set to join Nsoatreman FC

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Former Kotoko goalkeeper Antwi set to join Nsoatreman FC

The shot-stopper is on the verge of parting ways with the Royals barely eight months after joining them

Legon Cities goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi ‘Alawa’ is looking to leave the club in search of more playing time ahead of 2022/23 Ghana Premier League season, your reliable transfer news source AshesGyamera.com can confirm.

The 27-year-old, who previously played for Kotoko, joined Legon in a two-year deal in 2021 after he was transferred from Medeama but things have not worked as expected.

Although, Legon had a wonderful finish to the Premier League season as they rallied to beat the relegation scare and also finish in top half, Ofori struggled to impress coach Maxwell Konadu.

At a point, he was dropped to the substitutes which confirmed reports that he is not in the good books of his coach.

However, there is plenty of interest in Antwi whose contract expires at the end of next season and our sources close to the player have confirmed that Nsoatreman are exploring the possibility of signing him for their maiden participation in Ghana Premier League next season

Nsoatreman booked their place in the top-flight this week after pipping Tamale City 2-1 in the Zone 1 playoff at Accra Sports Stadium after play off.

Ofori was born and raised in Sunyani, just a stone throw to Nsoatre and talks have already began for him to join them.

Nsoatreman joins Kotoku Royals and Samatex as the three debutants to participate in Ghana Premier League next season.

The 2022/23 season is scheduled to kick off in September but the transfer window will be opened in July

Breaking News: Asekem FC pip Pro Academy to qualify to Ghana Division One League

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Breaking News: Asekem FC pip Pro Academy to qualify to Ghana Division One League

The Beposo-based club have booked their place in the second-tier after they defeated their opponents from Atwima Koforidua on Thursday

Asekem FC have qualified to Division One League after defeating Pro Academy 4-3 on penalties in the final. They’ll play in Zone 2.

The two clubs shared the spoils 1-1 and proceeded to penalty shootouts in the final at Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday.

Douglas Owusu opened the scoring for Asekem by the 20th minute but Pro Academy pulled even against the run of play.

Asekem began the campaign in the Middle League by drawing 1-1 with First Klass on opening day before thrashing Ebony FC 3-0.

They later came from behind to pip Benab FC 2-1 to top Group A and qualify to the final.

Pro Academy, on the other hand, defeated Natcosta 2-0 on opening day before they defeated Jachie United 2-1 and Kumawuman 1-0 to top Group B with nine points.

Amankona scores to seal victory for RTU in Hearts of Oak thumping to escape relegation

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Amankona scores to seal victory for RTU in Hearts of Oak thumping to escape relegation

The final match day of the season saw many with much anticipation especially from the fans of the Pride of the North who needed a win to propel their safety in the Ghana Premier League, playing away from home.

The game got underway with both sides in a ding dong battle in the early minutes, with the home side Hearts of Oak taking advantage of a disorganized defense to take the lead in the 9th minute.

With RTU knowing what was at stake for them, picked themselves up and took the game to the Phobians and it paid off in the 16th minute when Roland Frimpong equalized for the away side with a beautiful headed goal.

Few minutes later, Hearts goalkeeper Richmond Ayi gave away a penalty by fouling a RTU player in the box, and captain Abagna Sandan made no mistake in converting the spot kick to make the score 1-2 in favor of RTU.

Just before the break, Roland Frimpong added his second of the day for a 1-3 lead.

The second half started with more intensity as Hearts of Oak pushed to at least salvage a point from the game but all attempts were futile. Head coach of RTU, Tanko Ibrahim l, introduced teenage forward Listowell Amankona for Roland Frimpong with only twenty minutes to go.

The defence of RTU intercepted a pass and the ball was laid to Abagna, who pushed forward and sent a beautiful through ball to Listowell Amankona. The youngster who was lurking at the left side of attack, got the ball and twisted and turned facing the goal before he sent in a curler which deflected on the head of Hearts of Oak captain Mohammed Alhassan and straight into the net.

The match ended 4-1 in favor of Real Tamale United. That meant RTU would finish in 14th place ahead of Eleven Wonders who will join already relegated clubs WAFA and Elmina Sharks to Division One next season.

Yaw Annor makes history as Ghana Premier League records 623 goals; check all the facts in 2021/22 season

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Yaw Annor makes history as Ghana Premier League records 623 goals; check all the facts in 2021/22 season

The top-flight’s curtains came down on Sunday as goals rained in many centres whiles tears flowed down the cheeks of many supporters since their beloved clubs bid farewell to the Premier League

At long last, the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League season has finally comes to a successful end. Asante Kotoko who were not tipped by many pundits to win the title due to change in technical team and players defied the odds to lift the trophy in a grand style.

The Porcupine Warriors amassed 67 points, 13 points better than Medeama who finished in second position while King Faisal beat the drop once again on final day thanks to a 2-1 home win over Legon Cities.

Meanwhile, Ashanti Gold newly found superstar Yaw Annor broke the heart of Asante Kotoko striker Mbella Etouga on final day as he scored two goals against Gold Stars in Bibiani to emerge as the topscorer of the season.

Annor, who trailed Etouga throughout the season, did the most on the last day of the season as his two goals brought his tally to 22, one more better than his competitor, who also shot blank against Accra Lions.

Interestingly, Annor scored only six goals in the first round of the season but doubled his efforts to net 16 goals in the second round while Etouga who was leading after the first round with 11 goals could only score 10 goals in the second round.

Annor equalled Ishmael Addo’s 22 goals scored in 2001 and the duo have become the only two players to score most goals in a single season since the inception of professional league in the country.

He also became the only player to score a brace and haul (four goals) in separate games this season.

Again, Etouga has become the first Kotoko player to score 20+ goals in the professional era despite failing to win the goal king.

Elsewhere in Bechem, Augustine Okrah became Bechem United’s all-time topscorer after scoring 14 goals this season. He now boasts of 30 goals in 58 games for the Giants of Ahafo.

In total, 623 goals were scored in 306 matches played this season and there was an average goals of 2.04 per game.

Kotoko finished the campaign as the top scoring side after scoring 48 goals while Dreams FC closely followed with 47.

Meanwhile, Elmina Sharks conceded the most goals as the Botweako Mba shipped in an incredible 57 goals.

Out of the 306 games played, 149 games were recorded as home wins while 64 away wins were also recorded with 93 games ending in a draw.

Only Bechem United and Karela United maintained their unbeaten home record this season as they two teams went 17 games without a loss. Interestingly, the two clubs shared the spoils 1-1 when they met at each other’s home.

Hearts of Oak became one of the worst defending champions as they lost their last four games and finished sixth on the log in the process.

Bechem is the club with highest number of draws (15) while Sharks had the highest number of defeats, 23.

Also, Kotoko had the highest number of wins (19) and Sharks got the lowest number of wins (5).

Kotoko have now won their 24th Premier League title and first one since 2013/14 season.

shockingly, all the three clubs – RTU, Gold Stars and Accra Lions – that gained promotion to the Premier League last season maintained their status. Gold Stars and Lions were debutants and they will be playing their second season next term.

However, Eleven Wonders, Elmina Sharks and West African Football Academy have been relegated after several years in the top-flight and will be playing Division One League next season.

In spite of this, Wonders could survive relegation should Ghana Football Association throws away Ashanti Gold’s appeal against their demotion to Division Two for their involvement in match fixing scandal with Inter Allies.

More to be added soon…

Hearts of Oak 1-4 RTU: Phobians fall again as RTU survive relegation

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Hearts of Oak 1-4 RTU: Phobians fall again as RTU survive relegation

The Phobians lost their fourth game on the row in a bizarre manner as their visitors beat the drop

Real Tamale United shocked Hearts of Oak after hammering them 4-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium on final day of Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

Ahead of the game, only a win was the result that could help the visitors survive relegation without any permutations and they took their destiny in their own hands.

Suraj Seidu gave Hearts the lead after only ten minutes with a wonderful finish before Ronald Frimpong got the equaliser eight minutes later.

David Abagna Sandan gave RTU the lead on the half hour mark through a penalty.

Ronald Frimpong added another goal to make it 3-1 for RTU by the 37th minute with a typical striker’s finish.

After the break, Mohammed Alhassan bundled the ball into his own net to make 4-1 for the visitors.

RTU held on to pick a priceless victory over Hearts which marked their first ever win over the Phobians in Accra since 2001.

Elmina Sharks, WAFA and Techiman Eleven Wonders have been relegated after the season.

‘What particular thing does Barcelona coach Xavi always tell you?’ Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum asks Memphis Depay

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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‘What particular thing does Barcelona coach Xavi always tell you?’ Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum asks Memphis Depay

The Porcupine Warriors boss took the opportunity to fraternise with the Barcelona star and asked him about his preparations towards games

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh asked Barcelona star Memphis Depay on how he prepares towards games in La Liga and other competitions.

The coach of Ghana Premier League champions met Memphis together with his players on Saturday evening in Accra after sharing the spoils 1-1 with Accra Lions in their last game of the season.

After Memphis had had interactions with Kotoko players, Ogum wanted to know from the Barcelona star one particular thing his coaches, especially Xavi, has been telling him everyday ahead of games.

Memphis took time to explain to Ogum and the players who were present.

“You have to know your job,” Memphis answered as quoted by AshesGyamera.com.

“Everybody have to know his job on the pitch. Tactics is the most important thing. For example Xavi, when I play on the left wing for Barcelona, he wants me to run behind a lot.

“Even though if I don’t get the ball behind the defender, the backline of the defenders will go back so that create space for other players to pick the pockets created. Especially now because the game gets real hard,” he added.

Watch full interview below:
https://youtu.be/dmCpUV8mmx8

“Keep practicing penalties and free-kicks,” Memphis Depay advises Kotoko striker Etouga

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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“Keep practicing penalties and free-kicks,” Memphis Depay advises Kotoko striker Etouga

The Barcelona star was elated to have met the young striker who light up Ghana Premier League this season and offered him some tips to stay competitive

Netherlands and Barcelona forward Memphis Depay was full of praise when he finally met Asante Kotoko striker Mbella Etouga over the weekend in Accra.

Memphis, who is in the country to monitor his foundation set up to help deaf and blind children in Cape Coast, took time of his busy schedules to interact with Kotoko players and officials.

The Barcelona star after sometime asked “who takes penalties for Kotoko” and Etouga was brought out by his teammates with smiles and excitements.

Memphis then offered him some tips on how to be the best in ‘dead ball’ situations and also stay competitive and relevant.

“Keep practicing on penalties. I missed a coupled of penalties but don’t give up,” Memphis told Etouga as quoted by AshesGyamera.com.

“You have to keep practicing. You have to shoot free-kicks. Everyday ten or twenty balls after the training. That is how you become competitive,” he added.

Watch full interview below:

Watch Memphis Depay with Asante Kotoko players

Accra Lions 1-1 Kotoko: Boateng saves Kotoko’s blushes as Etouga fails to equal Ishmael Addo’s record

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Accra Lions 1-1 Kotoko: Boateng saves Kotoko’s blushes as Etouga fails to equal Ishmael Addo’s record

The Porcupine Warriors picked yet another point away from home in their last game of the season against the debutants

Ghana Premier League champions Asante Kotoko shared the spoils 1-1 with debutants Accra Ghana at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.

Ahead of the game, Kotoko were given a guard of honour by their hosts as they had already been crowned champions of the season in Kumasi last weekend.

Apart from the three points at stake, Kotoko’s Cameroonian striker Mbella Etouga, who was on 21 goals, was hoping to score at least a goal to equal Ishmael Addo’s record of 22 – the most goals in a single season since the Premier League era.

However, things did not go as planned Etouga as he could only as assists his side’s only goal of the day.

Abass Salifu gave Accra Lions the lead after only 14 minutes into the game with a fine finish.

Although, the hosts were close on numerous occasions to double the lead, their efforts were always thwarted by Kotoko’s defence.

After the break, Kotoko improved their performance and began to knock on the doors of Accra Lions.

Despite failing to capitalise on the half chances that came their way, Kotoko finally found a breach in their hosts’ defence and drew level through Samuel Boateng.

Etouga connected to a pass and perfectly set up Boateng who calmly got the equaliser for Kotoko.

With Ashanti Gold expected to face Gold Stars in Bibiani on Sunday, Yaw Annor who is only a goal behind Etouga is expected to at least score a goal to share the goal king award with the Cameroonian or better still score two to win it and equal Ishmael Addo’s record of 22 goals.

Kotoko players to receive $1,000 after each win in Caf Champions League

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Kotoko players to receive $1,000 after each win in Caf Champions League

The Porcupine Warriors players will receive and share among themselves $1,000 after every win in the 2022/23 Caf Champions League campaign

Emmanuel Bortey Borketey, Chief Executive Officer of Charger Limited, a brewery and logistics conglomerate has promised to pay Asante Kotoko players $1,000 for every single win in 2022/23 Caf Champions League season.

The pronouncement was made when Kotoko top hierarchy, players and technical team paid a visit to the company’s production site in Accra on Friday to present to them the Ghana Premier League title which they won last weekend.

Charger Limited is one of the numerous companies that are sponsoring Kotoko after they two parties sealed a deal barely six months ago.

Kotoko will play Accra Lions in the final game of the season at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.

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