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Asante Kotoko 1-1 Liwa FC: Prosper Ogum winless after two games in Dubai

The Porcupine Warriors are yet to record a win after two games following their trip to the Gulf region

Asante Kotoko shared the spoils 1-1 with Dubai’s lower division side Liwa FC in a pre-season friendly at Shababal Ahli Stadium on Sunday.

Following a defeat to Al Hilal United last week, Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh ringed changes in his squad for the clash against Liwa.

Goalkeeper Razak Abalora maintained his place in post once again ahead of Kwame Baah while Maxwell Agyemang came in for Moro Ibrahim at left back. However, Christopher Nettey kept his place as Agyemang Maxwell partnered Ismail Abdul Ganiyu in central defence.

Midfielder Patrick Asmah wa deployed in a makeshift central midfield role to partner Mudasiru Salifu and Richmond Lamptey while Dickson Afoakwa and Joseph Amoako took charge of the flanks.

New signing Stephen Amankonah Amankonah led the attack and Brazilian Fabio Gama was put behind him.

After an end-to-end action in the opening half hour mark, Kotoko began to exert pressure on Liwa in search of the opening goal.

Amankonah finally broke the deadlock with a fine finish by the 41st minute.

Afoakwa was offered an opportunity to double Kotoko’s lead minutes later but he fluffed the chance.

After the break, Kotoko missed several chances and their profligacy later came to hunt them.

Liwa snatched the equaliser against the run of the play following a defensive error.

Although, Kotoko pressed their opponents to find an opening and score the winner, Liwa’s defensive setup was very resolute and they held on to pick a priceless draw against the African giants.

Kotoko are expected to play at least one more game before they depart Dubai next weekend to continue preparations for the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League season.

They will play their first game of the season against Dreams FC in Dawu on October 31 before they host Bechem United at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium a week later.

CAF CL: Hearts 1-0 Wydad AC: Isaac Mensah’s goal gives Phobians slight advantage

The Phobians laboured to defeat their North African counterparts but they will have to double their efforts in order to stand a chance of making it to the group stage

Hearts of Oak defeated Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club 1-0 in the first leg of the Caf Champions League second round fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Phobians boss, Samuel Boadu, made two changes in the line up that defeated Guinean club CI Kamsar in the preliminary round as he deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation in order to attack his opponents from all angles.

Hearts began the game with the same defensive setup used against Kamsar but Caleb Amankwah’s place in midfield was taken over by Frederick Ansah Botchway as the former failed to pass late fitness test.

Kofi Kordzi also came in to partner Isaac Mensah with Ibrahim Salifu and Afriyie Barnieh attacking from the wings.

Hearts came close to breaking the deadlock by the seven minute after Kordzi connected a pass from Salifu but his last ditch effort went wide.

On the other end, Wydad AC midfielder Muaid Elfer tested goalkeeper Richard Attah with a long range shot.

Hearts finally got the opener by the 42nd minute through Mensah. Ibrahim Salifu sent in a wonderful cross and Mensah calmly slotted in beyond the reach of Wydad AC goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti.

After the break, Hearts pushed men forward in search of second goal but the strikers fluffed all the chances that came their way.

Hearts appealed for a penalty by the 68th minute after Salifu appeared to have been brought down but the referee wasn’t ready for their calls.

Hearts were left off the hook on the verge of full time after Wydad AC scored what they thought was the equaliser but the referee ruled it as offside.

Hearts will travel to Rabat next week for tue return fixture. The winner after the two legs will qualify to play in the group stage of the Caf Champions League while the loser drops to participate in the Caf Confederation Cup.

LIVE STREAMING: Asante Kotoko vs Liwa FC

The Porcupine Warriors continue with their fine tuning this evening far away in Dubai as they play their second friendly game

Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko will play their second friendly game against Liwa FC in Dubai as they continue with their preparations for the upcoming season

Coach prosper Ogum is hoping his charges will double their efforts this time around after they lost their first game against Al Hilal United

Kotoko Starting XI

  • Razak Abalora
  • Christopher Nettey
  • Mubarik Yussif
  • Ismail Abdul Ganiyu (C)
  • Patrick Asmah
  • Mudasiru Salifu
  • Richmond Lamptey
  • Fabio Gama
  • Dickson Afoakwa
  • Amankona Stephen
  • Joseph Amoako
https://www.facebook.com/AsanteKotokoSportingClub/videos/865592847490778/
  • Substitutes
  • Kwame Baah
  • Richard Boadu
  • Sherif Mohammed
  • Andrews Kwadwo Appau
  • Yusif Mubarik
  • Samuel Appiah
  • Emmanuel Keyekeh
  • Andy Kumi
  • Clinton Opoku
  • Isaac Oppong

Head Coach: Dr. Prosper Nartey Ogum

Video: Isaac Mensah scores first-ever Caf Champions League goal against Wydad AC

The striker perfectly met a wonderful cross from his teammate to power the Phobians in front

Hearts of Oak striker Isaac Mensah scored his debut goal in the Caf Champions League as they Phobians battled Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The 22-year-old was handed a starting berth by coach Samuel Boadu despite failing to hugely impress in the Phobians preliminary round fixture against CI Kamsar from Guinea.

And the striker did not waste enough time to repay the faith entrusted in him by his boss.

Mensah, after going close to breaking the deadlock in the game, met a cross from Salifu Ibrahim by the 42nd minute and calmly slotted in the first goal of the game.

Although, Wydad AC tried to equalise, the Phobians held on their lead before the referee whistled for half time.

LIVE STREAMING: Hearts of Oak vs Wydad AC

The Phobians boss has made two changes in the squad parade to face the North African giants as they aim at a win on Sunday

Hearts of Oak coach Samuel Boadu has made two changes in the line up that defeated Guinean club CI Kamsar in the preliminary round of the Caf Champions League as they take on Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

https://www.facebook.com/mygtvsportss/videos/908352640108591/

The return fixture has been scheduled for Rabat next week.

Hearts CONFIRMED XI vs Wydad AC:

Richard Attah, Fatawu Mohammed, Raddy Ovouka, Alhassan Mohammed, Robert Addo Sowah, Emmanuel Nettey, Frederick Ansah Botchway, Ibrahim Salifu, Afriyie Barnieh, Isaac Mensah, Kofi Kordzi

BREAKING NEWS: Samuel Boadu names Hearts of Oak XI vs Wydad AC

The Phobians boss has made two changes in the squad parade to face the North African giants as they aim at a win on Sunday

Hearts of Oak coach Samuel Boadu has made two changes in the line up that defeated Guinean club CI Kamsar in the preliminary round of the Caf Champions League as they take on Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Midfielder Caleb Amankwah could not pass late fitness test and he has been dropped to the bench. In his absence, Frederick Ansah Botchway starts ahead of youngster Salim Adams who was tipped to begin the game after he scored the match-winner against Kamsar last month.

Goalkeeper Richard Attah has returned from international duties with Ghana and will start ahead of Richard Baidoo and Richmond Ayi.

Boadu, as earlier reported by AshesGyamera.com, maintained the back of Fatawu Mohammed, Raddy Ovouka, Mohammed Alhassan and Robert Addo Sowah.

Hearts will deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation with striker Kofi Kordzi leading the pack. Young forward Afriyie Barnieh and Isaac Mensah are expected to attack from the flanks while Ibrahim Salifu plays behind Kordzi in a free role.

Wydad AC will he without goalkeeper Tahad Mouri and Soufiane Karkach, Reda Jaadi, Walid El Karti as well as Guy Carel Mbenza.

The game will be beamed live on GTV Sports + while we also stream it live on AshesGyamera.com.

The return fixture has been scheduled for Rabat next week.

Hearts CONFIRMED XI vs Wydad AC:

Richard Attah, Fatawu Mohammed, Raddy Ovouka, Alhassan Mohammed, Robert Addo Sowah, Emmanuel Nettey, Frederick Ansah Botchway, Ibrahim Salifu, Afriyie Barnieh, Isaac Mensah, Kofi Kordzi

Check Hearts of Oak XI to start against Wydad AC in Caf Champions League

The Phobians boss is expected to parade a much attacking squad against the North African giants as they aim at a win on Sunday

Hearts of Oak coach Samuel Boadu is expected to ring changes in the line up that eliminated Guinean club CI Kamsar in the preliminary round of the Caf Champions League as they take on Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Phobians need a favourable scoreline in the first in order to have a realistic chance of progressing ahead of the return fixture next week in Rabat, Morocco.

Following reports from Hearts training sessions throughout this week, at least Boadu is expected to make two changes in the squad especially in midfield.

Goalkeeper Richard Attah has returned from international duties with Ghana and will start ahead of Richard Baidoo and Richmond Ayi. It is certain that Boadu will maintain the back of Fatawu Mohammed, Raddy Ovouka, Mohammed Alhassan and Robert Addo Sowah.

However, youngster Salim Adams will likely start ahead of Caleb Amankwah since the latter has been battling with injury concerns, while Emmanuel Nettey’s place may be taking by Frederick Ansah Botchway in order to make room for striker Kofi Kordzi who started the game against Kamsar from the bench.

With Hearts likely to start the game with a 4-4-2 formation, Afriyie Barnieh and Salifu Ibrahim are expected to attack from the flanks while Isaac Mensah partners Kordzi upfront.

Wydad AC are expected to also miss the services of seven top players due to various reasons.

Wydad’s young goalkeeper Taha Mourid did not travel with the team to Accra due to an injury relay.

The 18-year-old underwent a surgery weeks ago after going through a long period of pain in his right hand and will be missed. It highly unlikely for him to recover on time for the return fixture next week.

Also, Soufiane Karkach, Reda Jaadi, Walid El Karti and Guy Carel Mbenza are all expected not to play a part in the game which will hugely affect them.

The winner after the two games will qualify to the group stage of the competition while the loser drops to participate in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Hearts last reached the group stage of the competition in 2000 and they went on to win the trophy. That season, they also won the Caf Super Cup.

Hearts probable XI vs Wydad AC:

Richard Attah, Fatawu Mohammed, Raddy Ovouka, Alhassan Mohammed, Robert Addo Sowah, Salim Adams, Frederick Ansah Botchway, Ibrahim Salifu, Afriyie Barnieh, Isaac Mensah, Kofi Kordzi

Former Asante Kotoko defender Owusu leaves new club after only SEVEN days

The left-back has reportedly parted ways with the top-flight’s debutants ahead of the new season

Former Asante Kotoko defender Evans Owusu has mutually terminated his contract with Ghana Premier League new entrants Bibiani Gold Stars barely seven days after joining them.

The 24-year-old signed a one-year deal with with Western North giants on transfer deadline and has even joined them in Accra for pre-season.

However, reports indicate that Owusu has met the club’s top hierarchy and both parties have agreed to mutually terminate the contract which was signed only last week.

Owusu was part of the Liberty Professionals team that suffered relegation on the last day of 2020/21 season as they failed to defeat King Faisal at home to beat the drop.

Despite Owusu leaving Gold Stars, they have been able to secure the services of defender Samuel Amofa, Abubakar Aziz and midfielder Lateef Abubakar from Liberty Professionals.

Meanwhile, midfielder Frank Agyei Jnr, Michael Ainoo, Mohammed Polo and Kamara have been signed by the cub.

Gold Stars will play their first ever Premier League game against Berekum Chelsea on opening day at the Dun’s Park before they travel to Tarkwa to face Medeama.

On match day three, Gold Stars will host Asante Kotoko at home.

Daniel Amartey ‘pockets’ Cristiano Ronaldo as Leicester defeat Manchester United

The Ghanaian was very impressive for the Foxes as they stunned Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s Red Devils at the King Power Stadium

Ghana defender Daniel Amartey played the full throttle as Leicester City defeated Manchester United 4-2 in the Premier League at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Amartey who only returned to England after playing two World Cup qualifiers with Ghana against Zimbabwe, was started by

Mason Greenwood gave United the lead by the 19th minute with a wonderful finish from outside the Leicester penalty box. The youngster latched on to a pass from Bruno Fernandes and curled his effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Peter schemid

Leicester pulled even on the 31st minute through Youri Tielemans who combined with Kelechi Iheanacho.

Caglar Soyuncu powered Leicester infront for the first time in the game on the 78th minute but Marcus Rashford restored parity for United four minutes later.

Leicester didn’t waste time as Jamie Vardy quickly gave Leicester another lead seconds later after they passed the ball.

Zambia international Patson Daka who came on for Iheanacho added another goal to shut down any ambitions by United to stage a later comeback.

Amartey was all over the place as he dealt with Ronaldo and Jadon Sanchos perfectly to deny the donany realistic chance on goal.

Amartey has now played three games in within the last seven days in all competitions and has won all of them with Ghana and Leicester.

Versatile Emmanuel Gyasi stars at left back as Spezia defeat Salernitana in Serie A

The Black Stars forward was deployed in an unfavourable position as the came from behind to win at home

Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Gyasi was very impressive when Spezia Calcio defeated Salernitana 2-1 in Serie A at the Stadio Alberto Picco on Saturday.

The 27-year-old, was surprisingly dropped from Ghana’s squad that defeated Zimbabwe in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, was deployed in defence, mainly at the left back position by coach Thiago Motta due to injury concerns at the club. He performed up to the expectations to help his side pick their first victory in almost two months.

Simeon Nwankwo ‘Simi’ gave Salernitana the lead by the 39th minute. The Nigerian connected a pass from his countryman Joel Obi Chukwuma to break the deadlock and shut the home fans.

However, Spezia after several unsuccessful attempts, finally responded by the 51st minute through David Strelec. Ukrainian Viktor Kovalenko meandered his way through the visitors’ defence and set up Strelec for the equaliser.

On the 62nd minute, Gyasi was booked for rushed tackle but that didn’t deter the Ghanaian from exercising his duties.

With fourteen minutes left to full time, Spezia turned the game on its head. Kovalenko latched on to a pass from Suf Podgoreanu and fired in a long range shot to win the day for Spezia.

The victory means that Spezia have picked their first victory after three successive defeats. They have moved up to the fifteenth position and now away from the relegation zone.