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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.

Transfer Gossips around the world: Manchester United close in on Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona to sign Andre Ayew’s Al Sadd teammate Bounedjah

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Transfer Gossips around the world: Manchester United close in on Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona to sign Andre Ayew’s Al Sadd teammate Bounedjah

Welcome to Sports Wednesday’s Edition of Football Transfer Gossips and latest team news of your favorite European football leagues and clubs

24/11/2021

Take a seat and read all the transfer rumours and gossips coming from all angles of the world within two minutes

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka would be open to returning to Borussia Monchengladbach.(Daily Mail)

Manchester United have opened talks with former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde as they look to appoint an interim manager until next summer.(The Guardian)

Real Madrid’s hopes of signing Kylian Mbappe in the summer could come to an end if Mauricio Pochettino leaves PSG and is replaced by Zinedine Zidane.(The Sun)

Real Madrid are keen on signing Manchester City left-back Pedro Porro, who has been sent out on loan ever since he joined the club in 2019 and is yet to make a first-team appearance.(The Sun)

Jesse Lingard is one of few Manchester United fringe players who still want to leave Old Trafford in the wake of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure as manager.(Daily Mail)

Leeds United expect to complete the signing of Espanyol’s teenage forward Mateo Joseph in the early stages of the January window and remain keen on Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.(Daily Express)

Barcelona’s new boss Xavi wants to bring striker Baghdad Bounedjah to the Nou Camp from his former club Al-Sadd.(Daily Star)

Manchester United are ready to abandon their search for an interim manager if they can get Mauricio Pochettino from Paris St-Germain now.(Guardian)

Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, another possible United target, wants to take over at PSG if Pochettino leaves for Old Trafford.(Telegraph – subscription required)

Former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who is a director on the club’s football board, will have no role in their search for a new manager.(ESPN)

Liverpool, Leicester and Newcastle are monitoring 20-year-old Guinea striker Aguibou Camara, who plays for Olympiakos.(Sun)

Barcelona are looking at Chelsea’s Morocco international Hakim Ziyech, 28, and Germany striker Timo Werner, 25, are alternative options to Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling, 26.(ESPN)

Borussia Dortmund are preparing a new deal for striker Erling Braut Haaland, 21, in a bid to convince the Norway international to stay.(Sky Deutschland, in German)

Newcastle are interested in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel, 32, and the Belgium international, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is open to a move.(Sport1, in German)

The Magpies also want to sign England full-back Kieran Trippier, 31, from Atletico Madrid.(Mirror)

Belgium’s 26-year-old forward Divock Origi, who is a target for Newcastle, will not be allowed to leave Liverpool in January.(Northern Echo)

New Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has sanctioned the January sale of Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore, 26.(Football Insider)

Gerrard wants to sign Spain centre-back Pau Torres, 24, from Villarreal.(Fichajes – in Spanish)

But Torres, who turned down a 60m euro (£50.4m) move to Tottenham in the summer, is happy to stay at his hometown club for now.(Guardian)

Liverpool and Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara, 30, has dismissed speculation linking him with a move back to first club Barcelona.(Liverpool Echo)

Arsenal and Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka, 29, would be interested in returning to Borussia Monchengladbach when his contract ends in 2024.(Mit Geredet, via Mail)

Burnley, Brighton, Norwich, West Brom, Sheffield United and Blackburn have all watched English striker Rhys Healey, 26, who plays for Ligue 2 club Toulouse.(Team Talk)

Asamoah Gyan insists the penalty awarded to Ghana against South Africa was ‘TOO EASY’

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Asamoah Gyan insists the penalty awarded to Ghana against South Africa was ‘TOO EASY’

The country’s all-time top scorer has insisted that Daniel Amartey went down too easily in the World Cup qualifiers against Bafana Bafana

Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan says the penalty awarded Black Stars to qualify over South Africa to the playoffs of 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers was quite an easy type.

According to the 36-year-old, Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey went down too easily after the challenge by the South African defender and because there was a high tempo in the game, it forced Senegalese referee Maguette Ndiaye to award Ghana a penalty.

Andre Ayew who was making his 100th cap for Ghana finished off the penalty beautifully as he sent the goalkeeper to the wrong side.

“I think the incident was a bit casual,” Gyan told Asempa FM in an interview.

“There weren’t many cameras on the day to give us different angles unlike what we see in other league matches elsewhere but from where I sat and how I saw it, the infringement was debatable. I think Daniel Amartey went down too easily.

“This is my thought based on where I sat and how I saw things. However, the referee was closer to the spot and probably had he a better view of the situation.

“Remember also that the tempo of the game was also high and that could have influenced the referee’s decision to award the spot-kick to Ghana

“We all Ghanaians and support the Black Stars to win games so I always follow them even though I’m not part of the squad. I’m always supporting them to qualify to the World Cup. If I compare the game against Ethiopia and South Africa, I would say the Black Stars were better against South

“In the game against Ethiopia, Black Stars were dominated throughout but they improved their performance against South Africa,”

Gyan further revealed that he is working tediously to lose weight since he wants to return to club football in January.

“Currently, I’m training and working so hard in order to lose some weight. Just like I’ve been saying all the time, I want to be back in January to play club football so I’m working hard on my fitness.

“I have to lose weight so that I can play competitive football next year because I believe there are a lot of things that I can do on the field before I hang my boots,” he added.

Gyan has scored 51 goals for Ghana since making his debut in 2003. He is the first ever player to score in nine consecutive tournaments including Africa Cup of Nations and Fifa World Cup.

Inside Adako Jachie: Mubarik returns as Kotoko train with 29 players ahead of Karela United clash [pictures+video]

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Inside Adako Jachie: Mubarik returns as Kotoko train with 29 players ahead of Karela United clash [pictures+video]

The Porcupine Warriors held a successful training session at the Adako Jachie complex on Tuesday with a full house ahead of their trip to Ainyinase

Ghana Premier League leaders Asante Kotoko continued their preparations at the Adako Jachie training ground on Tuesday ahead of matchday five fixture against Karela United at Ainyinase on Sunday

Defender Mubarik Yussif was present at training after missing the game against Techiman Eleven Wonders last weekend. However, the centre-back did not join the first team during the training session as he was seen having personal training on the sidelines.

Mubarik was diagnosed with malaria and failed to pass late fitness test last weekend and coach Prosper Ogum Narteh believes he must fully recover before he rejoins his teammates hopefully on Thursday.

Meanwhile, with Kotoko likely to miss midfielders Richmond Lamptey and Mudasiru Salifu due to injury and accumulated cards respectively, the technical team opted to alter their usual game plan which has seen them winning four games on a row.

Per the training session, midfielder Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’ will obviously be deployed as the defensive shield to the back four while Fabio Gama drops to back to take over the role of suspended Lamptey if he fails to pass late fitness test.

It is likely that either Stephen Amankonah, Dickson Afoakwa or Sherrif Mohammed will come in the starting line up against Karela as Kotoko are expected to change their set up in midfield.

During the training session, defender Imoro Ibrahim scored twice just like Dickson Afoakwa, Mfegue Rodrigues and Joseph Amoako.

Meanwhile, Mbella Frank Thierry Henry and Solomon Sarfo Taylor bagged a goal each.

There will be no morning or afternoon training session for the players on Wednesday. However, they are billed to face third-tier side Kenpong Academy in a friendly game at the Atonsu Astro Turf in order to be conversant with the tactics and formations that will be deployed against Karela since the game at Cosby Awuah Memorial Park in Ainyinase will be on a similar pitch.

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