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“It wasn’t spiritual, I was suffering from running stomach,” Awako opens up

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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“It wasn’t spiritual, I was suffering from running stomach,” Awako opens up

The midfielder insists suggestions that he was having nightmares die to spiritual attack is fiction of someone’s imagination

Hearts of Oak midfielder Gladson Awako has rejected reports that he was having spiritual attacks which led to his sabbatical leave from football since September.

The 31-year-old joined Hearts from city rivals Great Olympics but soon fled the Phobians’ camp.

Reports were rife that he was suffering from spiritual attacks and nightmares and even wanted his contract mutually terminated at a point, however, he insists that none of them were accurate.

Awako has revealed that he was having running stomach which forced him to abort the club’s preparations towards the new season.

As a result he missed Hearts Caf Champions League games against Guinean side CI Kamsar and Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club as well as four games played in Ghana Premier League.

“I wasn’t well. Before God and man, I wasn’t well. My teammates, team manager and coaches well all aware I was suffering from a serious running stomach,” Awako told Accra 3 Sports.

“The club granted me permission to go and treat myself during the period.

“I never said anything during that period, and the talk of spiritual attacks should be disregarded.

“The reason why I’ve not yet played a game since I joined Hearts of Oak is because I was not physically fit. It’s not spiritual,” he added.


Awako returned to training on Monday, November 22 and could be part of Hearts squad that will face JS Souara in the playoffs of Caf Confederation Cup this weekend should he impress coach Samuel Boadu at training.

Football Transfer Gossips: Carrick & Ole Gunner Solskjaer were ‘fighting’ as Chiesa pops up on Chelsea radar

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Football Transfer Gossips: Carrick & Ole Gunner Solskjaer were ‘fighting’ as Chiesa pops up on Chelsea radar

Welcome to the Thursday’s Edition of Football Transfer Gossip around the world

25/11/2021

Chelsea are set to make a ‘monster’ £84m bid to sign Juventus forward Federico Chiesa according to reports.(Daily Mail)

Eddie Howe has not given up hope of leading Newcastle for the first time at Arsenal on Saturday.(Daily Mail)

Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich – one of five unvaccinated players at the club whose wages have been docked – has tested positive for Covid-19.(Daily Mail)

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Kylian Mbappe ‘could easily’ sign for Newcastle following their Saudi-led takeover last month.(Daily Mail)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was at loggerheads with his own coaches, including Michael Carrick, over the formation he insisted on using at Manchester United, according to reports.(Daily Mirror)

Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett has criticised the way Real Madrid fans have treated his client after more than eight years of service in the Spanish capital.(Daily Mirror)

Manchester United have had an approach for Mauricio Pochettino knocked back by PSG.(The Sun)

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel wants to see Steve Bruce as the interim manager of the club.(The Sun)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a whopping £26m during his trophyless reign as Manchester United manager.(The Sun)

Jack Grealish kindly offered free tickets to Manchester City fans ahead of the Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain.(The Sun)

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell is set to miss the rest of this year as he waits to find out whether or not he has suffered season-ending anterior cruciate ligament damage.(The Daily Telegraph)

Manchester United will appoint an interim manager as soon as possible from a five-man shortlist featuring Ralf Rangnick, Ernesto Valverde, Lucien Favre and Rudi Garcia as they bid to save their season.(The Daily Telegraph)

Paris Saint-Germain are adamant that Mauricio Pochettino will not be allowed to leave the club before the end of this season.(The Daily Telegraph)

Steven Gerrard is utilising the power of social media to build team spirit at Aston Villa by setting up an Instagram account for his players.(The Daily Telegraph)

Paris St-Germain and France forward Kylian Mbappe, 22, is tipped to leave when his contract expires in the summer, with Newcastle United among the clubs who could make a move for the World Cup winner. (Express)

Chelsea’s Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech, 28, and Germany forward Timo Werner, 25, have emerged as alternatives to Manchester City’s England winger Raheem Sterling, 26, for Barcelona in January. (ESPN)

Manchester United have had an initial approach for Paris St-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino rejected by the French club. (Manchester Evening News)

Former Tottenham boss Pochettino, 49, will have to wait six months at least before he can become United manager. (Star)

Former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre and ex-Lyon boss Rudi Garcia have been interviewed by United about becoming their interim manager. (Telegraph)

Ralf Rangnick, the former RB Leipzig manager, and former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca are also on the shortlist. (Mail)

A mural at Old Trafford of sacked United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been taken down. (Sun)

Liverpool and Barcelona are interested in Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, 23, but the Blues will not sell to a Premier League rival and the Spanish club cannot afford the 50m euro fee required to sign the United States winger. (El Nacional, in Catalan)

Chelsea have held talks with Fenerbahce and Hungary defender Attila Szalai, 23. (Football Insider)

Wolves will listen to offers for Spain winger Adama Traore, 25, in January. (Football Insider)

Real Madrid fans have been “disgusting” to Wales forward Gareth Bale, according to the player’s agent Jonathan Barnett. Bale, 32, has a contract with Real until next summer. (Marca)

Arsenal’s France forward Alexandre Lacazette, 30, is being tracked by Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Newcastle and AC Milan. His contract expires in the summer.(Calciomercato)

The Gunners are keen to sign Lille’s Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches, 24, in the January transfer window. (Football London)

Manchester United’s England forward Jesse Lingard, 28, still wants to leave Old Trafford despite Solskjaer’s exit. (Star)

Newcastle are set to rival Manchester United for the signature of Atletico Madrid’s England defender Kieran Trippier, 31. (Sun)

Aston Villa’s former England Under-20 forward Keinan Davis, 23, is wanted by Norwich City, who are managed by ex-Villa boss Dean Smith. (Football Insider)

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, 43, could take charge of his new club’s game at Arsenal on Saturday despite testing positive for Covid-19 last week. (Mail)

Video: Former World champion Azumah Nelson shows dancing skills at daughter’s wedding

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Video: Former World champion Azumah Nelson shows dancing skills at daughter’s wedding

The former Featherweight champion could not hold it as he finally handed over her daughter’s hand in marriage

Former World Featherweight and Super Featherweight champion Professor Azumah Nelson was in a joyful mood last weekend when his daughter Dorinda Azumah was getting married.

Dorinda and her long time boyfriend tied the knot in a fashionable style but it was the dancing skills of Azumah Nelson that got much of the attention.

After being calm throughout the event, Azumah who was dressed all white, was finally seen tapping his feet to the sweet melodies being played by DJ and he finally stood up to exhibit his dancing skills.

Other family members later joined him and the newly married couple were overly excited to see the famous former boxer very elated because of them.

Azumah Nelson Profile

Azumah Nelson was born on 19 July 1958 in Bukom, Accra, Ghana. As a boy, boxing was like a hobby to him and he always wanted to fight.

He tried on several occasions in the streets and was what led him into the gym for the first time where faced the best boxer at the time. This was the genesis of his boxing career.

In July 2018, Azumah Nelson organized a fight night to celebrate his 60th birthday at the Bukom Boxing Arena. This event brought together fighters from highly rated gyms in the country to fight contenders in their divisions.

Some dignitaries including Nii Lante Vanderpuiye and Nii Amarkai Amarteifio who are two former sports ministers, Ian Walker the British High Commissioner to Ghana at the time, and Peter Zwennes the president of Ghana Boxing Authority, graced the occasion.

Azumah Nelson Professional Career

Despite all his early achievements as an amateur boxer and being undefeated in 13 fights, Nelson was virtually unknown outside Ghana. Because of this, he was a decisive underdog when, on short notice, he challenged WBC featherweight champion, Salvador Sánchez, on 21 July 1982 at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

All Boxers Azumah Nelson Contended in His Career

Jeff Fenech

Jesse James Leija

Genaro Hernández

Jesse James Leija

Gabriel Ruelas

Jesse James Leija

Jesse James Leija

Gabriel Ruelas

Calvin Grove

Jeff Fenech

Daniel Mustapha

Juan Laporte

Pernell Whitaker

Jim McDonnell

Mario Martínez

Sidnei Dal Rovere

Lupe Suarez

Mario Martínez

Marcos Villasana

Mauro Gutierrez

Aaron Duribe

Marcos Villasana

Pat Cowdell

Juvenal Ordenes

Wilfredo Gómez

Alvin Fowler

Ricky Wallace

Irving Mitchell

Danilo Cabrera

Kabiru Akindele

Brian Roberts

Miguel Ruiz

Hector Cortez

Kabiru Akindele

Alberto Collazo

Salvador Sánchez

Mukaila Bukare

Charm Chiteule

Joe Skipper

Don George

Aziza Bossou

CAF approves 10,000 spectators to watch Hearts of Oak vs JS Souara in Confederation Cup playoffs

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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CAF approves 10,000 spectators to watch Hearts of Oak vs JS Souara in Confederation Cup playoffs

The continent’s football governing body has approved that 10,000 fans can be admitted to the Accra Sports Stadium when Phobians host their Algerian counterparts in the Caf Confederation playoffs

Caf has given Hearts of Oak a major boost ahead of their Caf Confederation Cup playoffs fixture against JS Souara on Sunday.

the Phobians initially played behind closed closed doors against Guinean side CI Kamsar in the preliminary round of the Champions League due to Covid-19 protocols but they were allowed to have 2,000 spectators in the game against Wydad Athletic Club last month.

However, they now have the liberty to play in front of 10,000 spectators as they hope to qualify to the group stage of the Confederation Cup.

“The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the request of the Ghana Football Association to admit fans for Sunday’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup play-off 1st leg clash between Ghanaian Champions Accra Hearts of Oak and Algerian side JS Saoura at the Accra Sports stadium,” a Ghana FA statement read.

“Ten Thousand (10,000) spectators will be granted entry into the Accra Sports stadium for the crucial 1st leg tie.

“The Ghana Football Association wishes to inform stakeholders that it will team up with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the match is played under the approved CAF/FIFA COVID-19 protocols.

The GFA advises Ghanaians to obey all the Protocols strictly to first and foremost have a successful match and also to avoid any sanctions from CAF.

“Accra Hearts of Oak dropped to the Champions League after losing to Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco in the final qualifier.

“The Phobians who have not had a good start to life in the Ghanaian top flight expects to record a convincing win in Accra to put themselves in a good position to make it to the Group stage of the 2021/22 TotalEnegies CAF Confederation Cup.

“The match is scheduled for Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 15:00Hrs at the Accra Sports stadium,” the statement added.

Asante Kotoko thrash Kenpong Academy 5-0 in friendly ahead of Karela trip

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Asante Kotoko thrash Kenpong Academy 5-0 in friendly ahead of Karela trip

The Porcupine Warriors stepped up their preparations towards the make or break encounter next weekend as they put five goals past the lower division side in a friendly game

Asante Kotoko thrashed Division Two side Kenpong Academy 5-0 in a friendly game at the Atonsu Astro Turf on Wednesday ahead of their Ghana Premier League game against Karela United.

With Richmond Lamptey and Mudasiru Salifu expected to miss the weekend’s game, Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh selected goalkeeper Kwame Baah in post ahead of Razak Abalora and youngster Danlad Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, Samuel Appiah, Augustine Agyapong, Maxwell Agyemang and Charles Owusu completed the defence line.

Sheriff Mohammed, Clinton Opoku, and Emmanuel Keyekeh started as the three midfielders while Solomon Sarfo Taylor, Evans Adomako and Stephen Amankonah began upfront in a 4-3-3 formation.

After an end to end action in the opening fifteen minutes, Kotoko nearly took the lead through Adomako but the his effort was saved.

Three minutes later, the striker was fortunate as his last ditch effort went past the goalkeeper.

Kotoko doubled their lead on the 29th minute through Amankonah before Dickson Afoakwa made it 3-0.

Massive supporters at Atonsu Astro Turf

On the stroke of halftime, Solomon Sarfo Taylor added another goal to make it 4-0 he after connected a carpet pass from Augustine Boakye and calmly slotted in his effort.

After the break, Kotoko changed entirely their players and brought on new set.

Supporters watching on as Kotoko play

Razak Abalora took over from Kwame Baah, while Christopher Nettey, Imoro Ibrahim, Abdul Ganiu and Andrew Kwadwo Appau made up tu defence.

Richard Boadu, Mudasiru Salifu and Fabio Gama were used as the diamond midfielders while George Mfegue, Mbella Thierry and Isaac Oppong led the attack.

Mfegue Rodrigues benefited from a poor defence from Kenpong and sent in a low drive to make it 5-0 against the run of play.

Although, Kotoko pushed more men in search of more goals, they could not utilize the few half chances that came their way.

Kotoko, who top the league log with twelve points from four games, will depart Kumasi to Ainyinase on Saturday to wrap up their preparations before they face Karela at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park on Sunday

FIRST HALF SQUAD:

Kotoko XI vs Kenpong Academy:

Kwame Baah, Samuel Appiah, Augustine Agyapong, Maxwell Agyemang, Charles Owusu, Sheriff Mohammed, Clinton Opoku, Emmanuel Keyekeh, Solomon Sarfo Taylor, Evans Adomako, Stephen Amankonah

SECOND HALF SQUAD

Kotoko XI Vs Kenpong Academy;

Razak Abalora, Christopher Nettey, Imoro Ibrahim, Abdul Ganiu, Andrew Kwadwo Appau, Richard Boadu, Mudasiru Salifu, Fabio Gama, George Mfegue, Mbella Thierry and Isaac Oppong.

Photos: Angry youth on rampage as fetish priest kills taxi driver at Ntoraku

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Photos: Angry youth on rampage as fetish priest kills taxi driver at Ntoraku

A fetish priest has incurred the wrath of some youth after he shot and killed a taxi driver on Monday (22 November).

A police report indicates that the unfortunate incident happened at about 7.30 am, in Ntoraku, near Adansi Fomena in the Ashanti Region.

The suspected murderer

A statement issued by the police in the region said the suspect, Collins Asamoah, 25, a native of Agogoso who was armed with a single barrel gun had gone to confront a man who resides at Ntroaku, for allegedly killing his mother’s goat but did not meet him.

The crime scene

The deceased, Kwadwo Antwi, 28, who had parked his taxi at the Nkroaku township to solicit for passengers sat about 37 feet from the suspect who was adjusting his folded gun at the time, according to a statement published by police investigators.

“That force was applied by the suspect in adjusting the gun which had ammunition and its muzzle facing the deceased accidentally discharged hitting the left side of the chest. Deceased was rushed to Benito Mani Hospital by witnesses together with the suspect but died whilst on admission”, the statement said.

The suspect’s vandalized house

Angry youth on rampage
Angry youth who became outraged with the conduct of the suspect went on rampage setting his three-bedroom house ablaze. A house owned by the suspect’s mother was also not spared.

But for the intervention of the police things would have been worse, witnesses told Asaase News.

The police have, however, been monitoring the situation on the ground pointing to a planned further attack by the youth.

The suspect has been detained with exhibits including the single barrel gun retrieved for evidential purposes, police say.

The body of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue for preservation.

Source: Asaase Radio

Ghana FA hands referee Eso Doh Morrison eight-match ban for awarding ‘FAKE’ penalty to Aduana against Hearts of Oak

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ghana FA hands referee Eso Doh Morrison eight-match ban for awarding ‘FAKE’ penalty to Aduana against Hearts of Oak

The referee who awarded a late penalty against the Phobians in their matchday three fixture has been slapped with eight-match ban and will return in February of 2022

Ghana Football Association’s match review panel has punished referee Eso Doh Morrison with eight-match ban following his poor decision in the game between Hearts of Oak and Aduana Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium a fortnight ago.

With Hearts leading 1-0, the referee insisted that Hearts defender Mohammed Alhassan was guilty of bringing down Aduana Stars forward Bright Agyei by the 78th minute and therefore awarded Aduana a penalty and subsequently sent of Mohammed.

Agyei stepped up and scored the resulting penalty which left Hearts players and officials fuming after the game. The club officially lodged a complaint with Ghana Football Association.

SUMMARY OF COMPLAINT

  1. In the 23rd minute of the 1st half, Adam Farouk of Aduana FC brought down Daniel Afriyie Barnieh in the eighteen-yard box which referee Morrison failed to award a penalty to
    Hearts of Oak.
  2. Again Adam Farouk broke down a goal scoring attack by bringing down Kofi Kordzi in the 73rd minute of the 2nd half.
  3. Mohammed Alhassan was sent off by referee Morrison without committing foul. Bright Adjei of Aduana FC missed his step and fell in the 78th minute.
  4. The Match Commissioner (Charles Darkwah) sat in the presidential box at the stadium disfranchising Hearts of Oak from channeling their concerns to him.

OBSERVATIONS, FINDINGS AND GROUNDS OF THE DECISION
Per the video watched, the 23rd minute complaint did not show any clear contact of the two players
involved in the tackle.
In the 63rd minute, there was a clear contact in the tackle between player of Heart No. 9 and Aduana player No. 24, but the referee rather judged it as a fair tackle instead of a foul. The referee
erred.

In the 78th minute incident, player No. 15 of Hearts of Oak and player number 10 of Aduana were involved in contesting for the ball in the penalty area of Hearts of Oak. The referee awarded a penalty and a red card against the Hearts player number 15. This in our view was a wrong decision taken by the referee.

REFEREE’S OFFICIAL RESPONSE/DEFENCE

In talking to the referee, he tried to defend every action and decision he took during the match even when all the actions were replayed to him in the video clips.

DECISION(S)
The referee (Eso Doh Morrison) is hereby suspended for eight (8) matchdays effective from the date of communication for the multiple errors committed during the match.

Ghana FA commends referee Maxwell Hanson for good performance in Gold Stars vs Asante Kotoko

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ghana FA commends referee Maxwell Hanson for good performance in Gold Stars vs Asante Kotoko

The controversial referee has been commended for his good understanding of th laws of the game despite a protest by Gold Stars

Ghana Premier League referee Maxwell Hanson has been praised by Ghana Football Association’s match review panel following his good performance in the game between debutants Gold Stars and Asante Kotoko on matchday three at the Dun’s Park in Bibiani.

In the first half, Gold Stars players vehemently protested for a penalty after the ball hit one of Kotoko defender’s hand. However, Hanson was adamant to their claims and it insisted that ball came off the player’s body before finally landing on his hand.

A goal from youngster Isaac Oppong later won the day for Kotoko as they extended their winning streak to three while Gold Stars suffered their first home defeat in the top-flight and first in all competitions after two years.

Although, Gold Stars’ top hierarchy felt cheated and lodged a complain to the match review panel, Hanson has rather been commended for perfectly applying the laws of the game.

“Per the video watched by the Panel, the game was well managed in all aspects.
In the first half the referee made a great decision when the ball hit the leg of the player and bounce off the player’s hand. The referee took the right decision in awarding a
corner kick. Per the Laws of the Game, it was not a penalty,” a GFA state read.

“The referee again exhibited a high level of football understanding which resulted in a good goal scored when everybody watching the match would have thought he should
have immediately call for a penalty.

“Referee Maxwell Hanson is commended for his football understanding to allow various
phase of the game to unfold which provided the opportunity to the attacking team to make use of the options opened to them,” the statement added.

Ghana FA slaps referee Gabriel Opoku Arhin with six-game ban after failing to show Kotoko captain Ganiu RED CARD

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ghana FA slaps referee Gabriel Opoku Arhin with six-game ban after failing to show Kotoko captain Ganiu RED CARD

The Knight of the whistle will not officiate any of the Premier League games until 2022 after he was handed a ban

Ghana Premier League referee Gabriel Opoku Arhin has been handed a six-game ban following his poor performance in the game between Asante Kotoko and Bechem United on matchday two at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Arhin was found guilty of failing to show Kotoko captain Abdul Ganiu Ismail a red card after a reckless tackle on Bechem United striker Emmanuel Avornyo while the game was still goalless.

Kotoko went on to win the game 2-0 thanks to two late goals from Ganiu and Samuel Boateng.

Although, Bechem opted not officially complain to the match review panel, a post by midfielder Augustine Okrah drew the attention of the body and has promptly reacted.

SUMMARY OF COMPLAINT

In the 59th minute, the referee failed to give a red card to Ismail Abdul-Ganiyu (player of Asante Kotoko) for a seriously bad tackle on Emmanuel Avornyo (player of Bechem
United).

OBSERVATIONS, FINDINGS AND GROUNDS OF THE DECISION

Per the video watched, we saw the player No. 30 of Asante Kotoko engaged in a serious foul play against player number 7 of Bechem. Per Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct), the
player used excessive force which endangers the safety of an opponent and therefore should be expelled.

MATCH OFFICIAL RESPONSES/DEFENCE

Gabriel Opoku Arhin, the center referee for that game admitted that during the game, he
could not see the offence clearly but after consultation with the fourth referee (Andrew Awurisa) they decided to give the minimal sanction of a yellow card.

However, after watching the video of the match they both admitted that they erred. The Assistant two (Alex Osam-Nyarko) also claimed that he could not see clearly due to the
distance between him and location of the incident.

DECISION(S)
The referee (Gabriel Opoku Arhin) erred in a major decision which was a carrier threatening tackle.

  1. He is suspended for six (6) matchdays effective from the date of
    communication.
  2. The fourth referee (Andrew Awurisa) is suspended for four (4) matchdays for his role played in the match effective from the date of communication.

Asante Kotoko are yet to play any tough game in Ghana Premier League,” Awako insists Hearts can win league title

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Asante Kotoko are yet to play any tough game in Ghana Premier League,” Awako insists Hearts can win league title

The midfielder claims the Phobians are still in pole position to successfully defend the league trophy despite a poor start to the season

Hearts of Oak midfielder Gladson Awako has rejected suggestions that Asante Kotoko will obviously win this season’s Ghana Premier League title.

The Porcupine Warriors have picked four wins out of four and currently sit top of the league log with 12 points while their arch rivals Hearts of Oak have amassed only three points.

However, Awako who recently rejoined the club after two months away due to personal problems, insists Kotoko’s performance will decline after matchday seven since they will play Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium.

“Kotoko are yet to play Hearts and other big clubs in the current league,” Awako told Hot FM.

“They will play hearts on matchday seven and I am hoping to play at least a match before that game. I expect to feature if permitted against Kotoko and I know Hearts will hit top gear so you can’t write us off just like that since the season is still young,” he added.


Hearts began the season with a local derby against Legon Cities before they travelled to Sogakope to face WAFA and later hosted Aduana Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium.

All the first three games ended in a stalemate but they tasted their first defeat of the season last weekend when they were stunned by Ashanti Gold 2-0 at the Len Clay Sports Stadium in Obuasi. Hearts will now switch their attention to Caf Confederation Cup this weekend as they host Algerian club JS Souara in the playoffs for a place in the group stage of the competition.

Kotoko, on the other hand, defeated Dreams FC on opening day at the Accra Sports Stadium before they beat  Bechem United, Gold Stars and Techiman Eleven Wonders. The Porcupine Warriors will travel to Ainyinase this weekend to battle Karela United at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park.

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