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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.

Akuapem Poloo’s jail term squashed; ordered to pay Ghç12,000

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An Appeals Court has quashed Akuapem Poloo’s 90-day jail term and has ordered her to pay a fine of GHc12,000 (1000 penalty).

This was after her lawyers filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging the dismissal of her appeal by the High Court.

Rosemond Alade Brown aka Akuapem Poloo was asked by the Accra High Court to continue her 90 day jail term.

She appeared in court after allegedly displaying her naked picture together with her son on social media.

Poloo was charged with publication of obscene material, two counts of engaging in domestic violence, pleaded guilty after pleading not guilty from the onset.

Poloo was, however, granted bail in the sum of GHS 100,000 with four sureties, two to be justified with landed property worth GHS100, 000 after serving few days out of the 90-day jail term.

Read Also: Akuapem Poloo’s appeal dismissed; continues her 90- day jail term

Lawyers for Poloo appealed against her sentence arguing that it was harsh considering that fact that she was a first time offender and she had pleaded guilty.

Poloo in her application for bail, contended that her days of incarceration was so short and if not admitted to bail immediately, by the time the appeal was heard, she would have finished serving her sentence.

In her substantive appeal, she prayed the High Court to convict her to a fine instead of serving a custodial sentence.

But the High Court in Accra dismissed the appeal filed by Akuapem Poloo which sought to challenge the 90-day jail term handed to her by the Accra Circuit Court.
She was then sent back to jail on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

But on Wednesday, December 15th, 2021, the court reversed the 90-day jail sentence and imposed the GHC12,000 fine on her.

Poloo will therefore be released after paying the said amount.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori

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.

Dasoberi’s post on Facebook

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.

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’s wonderkid Afena-Gyan sees Red Card in Roma’s victory over Spezia

The youngster lasted only 28 minutes on the pitch after coming on as a substitute in the second half as Roma returned to winning ways

Ghana’s young striker Felix Afena-Gyan was shown a red card in AS Roma’s 2-0 home win over Spezia Calcio in Serie A on Monday.

The youngster started the game from the bench and was only thrown into action by Jose Mourinho by the 66th minute.

Afena-Gyan replaced Borjan Mayoral when Roma took a 2-0 lead through Chris Smalling and Jordan Veretout but he failed to grab the headlines in a positive way.

He was booked by the 70th minute after a poor tackle on a Spezia player before taking an early shower deep in additional time.

The 18-year-old latched on a pass from his teammate and perfectly sent his effort on target. Although, he ran to celebrate the goal with the supporters, it was later revealed that he handled the ball with his hand in the process and then received his second caution.

He will know miss the away trip to Atalanta over the weekend.

Afena-Gyan’s countryman Emmanuel Gyasi lasted the entire duration for Spezia. He was booked by the 90th minute after a hot argument with the referee.