Home Blog Page 14

Ghana vs Cape Verde: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for AFCON 2023 game

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Ghana vs Cape Verde: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for AFCON 2023 game

The Black Stars head into another competition with many having doubts about the team’s chances of lifting the trophy in Abidjan

Ghana coach Chris Hughton is under immense pressure to deliver as the Black Stars head into 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with many absentees and minor injuries.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Teye Partey, Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey and Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana have been ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover from the treatment room which has left Hughton to deal with those available.

West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus arrived late in camp and could only train with the team once as well as missing the only friendly game against Namibia at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

However, captain Andre Remi Morgan Dede Ayew is available and fully fit to start against Cape Verde on Sunday night. Ayew would be making history on Sunday as he mark his eight appearances at different Afcon competitions since making his debut in 2008, missing only the 2013 edition.

Ayew, with 34 games, will also be edging closer to another history as he is only three games away from becoming the most capped player at the competition together with Rigobert Song who is now in charge of Cameroon as the coach.

Although, Cape Verde aren’t a force in African football, their recent crop of players look set to make names for themselves.

Cape Verde don’t boast of household names kr superstars but their collective nature in games make them a formidable side. Even in the qualifiers prior to this tournament, the Blue Sharks had eight different goalscorers in their games. In a team where everyone could man up and become the hero at any point in time, Chris Hughton and his Black Stars should be weary of their opponents.

Having qualified to the round of 16 in the previous Afcon, where Ghana finished their group at the bottom, Cape Verde could prove a hard nut to crack especially since they don’t have any injury concerns in camp.

Ghana predicted XI vs Cape Verde:

Richard Ofori; Alidu Seidu, Nicholas Opoku, Daniel Amartey, Gideon Mensah; Abdul Samed, Baba, Mohamed Kudus; Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo

Cape Verde predicted XI vs Ghana:

Vozinha; Semedo, Borges, Pico, Stopira; Rocha, Costa, Monteiro; Mendes, Rodrigues, Bebe

Time: 20:00 GMT

Venue: Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan

Chris Hughton gives latest update on ‘important player’ Kudus Mohammed

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Chris Hughton gives latest update on ‘important player’ Kudus Mohammed

The Hammers forward is yet to touch base at the Black Stars camp but Chris Hughton is optimistic of his participation at the Africa Cup of Nations

Ghana coach Chris Hughton has refuted reports suggesting that West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus may not be part of the Black Stars squad for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off next week in Cote d’Ivore.

Ghana opened camp in Kumasi last week to fine tune ahead of the tournament but Kudus has since been absent.

Initial reports suggested that he was lacking commitment towards national duties and planning to miss the competition because of a minor injury he picked while playing against Arsenal in the Premier League.

However, Hughton who was speaking to the media after Ghana failed to defeat Namibia in an international friendly at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday evening denied the claims.

“Kudus is an important player for us better at the moment he’s nursing an injury but hopefully he will be joining the team tomorrow as we prepare for the AFCON ahead us in Ivory Coast,” Hughton said as quoted by AshesGyamera.com.

“As you can see, there was no Samed Salis today because he also picked up a knock during our last training before today’s game. Same as Bournemouth Star Antoine Semenyo who was also feeling ill this morning but hopefully they will all be okay by tomorrow to help our preparation,” he adde

The Black Stars will leave Ghana to Cote d’Ivore on Wednesday as they hope to end their trophy drought since they last lifted a major trophy by winning 1982 Afcon in Libya.

By: Benjamin Owusu

Namibia coach Benjamin sends strong warning to opponents ahead of 2023 Afcon

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Namibia coach Benjamin sends strong warning to opponents ahead of 2023 Afcon

The Brave Warriors gaffer has warned his group opponents to be weary of his side after they shared the spoils goalless with Ghana in a pre-tournament friendly

Namibia coach Collin Benjamin has issued a stern warning to teams that will be facing his side in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nation in Ivory Coast.

With the tournament expected to kick off on January 13, 2024, the Namibians, who are currently ranked 115th according to FIFA’s December ranking find themselves in Group E alongside The Catage Eagles of Tunisia, The Eagles of Mali and The Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

However, according to their coach he is confident his side will do well in the upcoming tournament.

Speaking after his side held the Black Stars of Ghana to a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Monday night, he expressed his joy at the performance of his team and promised a good showing at the upcoming tournament in Ivory Coast.

“We showed we are hungry and ready for anything and as you can see a hungry man is an angry man so we are ready for any opponents that come our way,” he said.

“Ghana is always a favorite when it comes to the African Cup of Nations so for us to be able to handle them like the way we did tells how prepared we are as a team and our main objective for this year is to do better than we did in the previous tournament,” he added.

Namibia has only been at the Africa Cup of Nations on three occasions (1998, 2008 and 2019) but have always exited at the group stage.

By: Benjamin Owusu

Highlights: Ghana 0-0 Namibia: Chris Hughton struggles with tactics as Sluggish Black Stars fail to win

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Highlights: Ghana 0-0 Namibia: Chris Hughton struggles with tactics as Sluggish Black Stars fail to win

The Black Stars failed to impress Ghanaians as they continue to fine tune in Kumasi ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations

Ghana struggled to beat Namibia in an international friendly as they shared the spoils goalless at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday evening.

With Mohammed Kudus still yet to arrive at the team’s camp while Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury, Ghanaians have began to raise doubts on the Black Stars’ chances of winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Cote d’Ivore.

Chris Hughton had the chance to change the narrative when he faced Namibia on Monday but side’s performance even worsened the situation.

Ghana failed to exert themselves on the visitors as Inaki William, Baba Iddrissu, Joseph Painstil and others could not find breaches in Namibia’s defence.

Click to watch the highlights

Inaki sent a feeble shot wide in the first half before Jordan Ayew displaced a pass after being played through.

After the break, Ghana made several chances with Lawrence Ati-zigi, Andre Ayew, Jonathan Sowah, Osman Bukari and others coming in for Richard Ofori, Jordan Ayew.

However, the substitutions could not yield any positive results as Namibia remained resolute at the back to keep a clean sheet.

The visitors could have snatched a late winner when Alexander Djiku made a mistake at the back but the Namibia forward could not beat Ati-zigi.

The Black Stars will depart Ghana to Ivory Coast on Wednesday but Mohammed Kudus is expected to join them on Tuesday.

Watch live: Ghana vs Namibia

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Watch live: Ghana vs Namibia

The Black Stars are fine tuning ahead of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off next week

Ghana are facing Namibia in an international friendly game at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday ahead of the start of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Cote d’Ivore

Watch the game live via this link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/EWFAk2GE7NSKGjAb/?mibextid=MC4RXT

Chelsea FC hand Accra Lions youngster trial in London

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Chelsea FC hand Accra Lions youngster trial in London

The youngster has joined the Premier League giants in a two-week trial as the Blues youth team coaches assess his qualities for a possible signing

Premier League giants Chelsea FC have handed a rare opportunity to Ghana Premier League youngster David Oduro, Ashes

The 17-year-old Ghanaian defender has been invited in by Chelsea for a two-week trial at the Cobham training center in London following his splendid performance for Accra Lions in Ghana Premier League.

Oduro’s qualities caught the eye of Chelsea scouts following videos of his performance in Ghana and thebclub has made arrangements to further assess him closely in London.

He has joined the tall list of Ghanaian players who have had brief or long stints at Chelsea including legendary Michael Essien.

However, he has become the second player from Ghana to directly move from the local scene to have a trial at Chelsea after Gideon Baah who would later join Asante Kotoko.

Baba Rahman was the last Ghanaian defender to play for Chelsea under Jose Mourinho after he joined the club from the then German Bundesliga side Augsburg.

Asante Kotoko to sign new striker from Gold Stars

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Asante Kotoko to sign new striker from Gold Stars

The Porcupine Warriors are on the verge of securing the services of the in-form striker ahead of the start of the Premier League second round

Asante Kotoko have reportedly agreed terms with Bibiani Gold Stars striker Prince Kwabena Owusu ahead of the second round of the campaign following his inspiring performance this season.

The 26-year-old has been on fire for the struggling Bibiani-based outfit, scoring six goals so far, as the club hopes to turn their fortunes around to avoid relegation.

Kotoko coach Prosper Netteh Ogum is believed to have been a long time admirer of the striker and reportedly made attempts to bring him to Kumasi during the summer transfer window but the deal eventually fell through.

However, after Kotoko pipped Gold Stars 1-0 at the Dun’s Park on Sunday to make it to round 32 of the FA Cup thanks to Peter Amidu’s volley, Owusu confirmed to reporters that negotiations are now far advanced to join the Porcupine Warriors in the coming days.

“I can tell you that all is set and I’ll be playing for Kotoko in the next round of the league” Owusu said.

“I have had talks with Kotoko and any moment from now I would be their latest signing. Kotoko is a big club and any player will be happy to join them,” he added.

Interestingly, Gold Stars chief executive officer Kwasi Adu has vehemently denied Owusu’s claims and insist the player would not leave the club until the end of the season.

“It was very wrong on his part to have uttered such words. He is still our player and would only leave the club at the end of the season. He has served us very well and we would want to bless him before he may leave,” he said.

“To be honest, in terms of negotiations, Hearts of Oak are even ahead of Kotoko so I don’t understand why Owusu said those things in the interview. Even if he will leave Gold Stars, it will be at the end of the season,” he concluded.

By: Benjamin Owusu

Breaking News: Chris Hughton announces Ghana’s final squad for 2023 Afcon; Kotoko’s Lamptey makes squad as Fatawu, Tekpetey out

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Breaking News: Chris Hughton announces Ghana’s final squad for 2023 Afcon; Kotoko’s Lamptey makes squad as Fatawu, Tekpetey out

The Black Stars gaffer has finally mentioned his squad to be used for the upcoming tournament to the public on Monday

Ghana coach Chris Hughton has named his final 27-man squad ahead of the start of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Cote d’Ivore, AshesGyamera can confirm.

Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu Isahaku could not make the squad as well as in-form Bernard Tekpetey.

Asante Kotoko captain Richmond Lamptey and Medeama striker Jonathan Sowah and defender Abdul Fatawu Hamidu made the cut as the three locally-based players for the tournament while Medeama goalkeeper Felix Kyei was snubbed.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Teye Partey and left back Abdul Baba Rahman were left out of the squad due to injury concerns.

Meanwhile, skipper Andre Ayew would be going to the Afcon together with his younger brother Jordan Ayew. Andre is will be equaling a record of making it to eight different Afcon competitions since making his debut in 2008. He has missed only one tournament in 2013.

OFFICIAL: Chris Hughton names Ghana squad for AFCON 2023

Goalkeepers

Lawrence Ati Zigi
Richard Ofori
Jojo Wollacott

Defenders

Alidu Seidu
Dennis Odoi
Kingsley Schindler
Gideon Mensah
Issahaku Fatawu
Daniel Amartey
Nich Opoku
Alexander Djiku
Mohammed Salisu

Midfielders

Samed Salis
Baba Iddrisu
Majeed Ashimeru
Elisha Owusu
Richmond Lamptey
Mohammed Kudus
Andre Ayew
Ransford Konigsdorffer
Osman Bukari
Joseph Paintsil
Jordan Ayew
Ernest Nuamah

Strikers

IΓ±aki Williams
Antoine Semenyo
Jonathan Sowah

U-turn: Black Stars changes training camp from South Africa to Kumasi after backlash

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
U-turn: Black Stars changes training camp from South Africa to Kumasi after backlash

The Black Stars will now pitch their training camp at the regional capital of Ashanti instead of Johannesburg after outbursts from Ghanaians

The Ghana Football Association wishes to announce that following a review meeting between the Management & Technical Team, it has changed plans to camp the Black Stars in South Africa ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana was originally scheduled to open a training camp in South Africa from Sunday, December 31, 2023, for a ten-day period ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament in Cote D’Ivoire. Following the decision, the team will now camp in Kumasi beginning Tuesday, January 2, 2023.

The International friendly against Botswana scheduled on Monday, January 8, 2023 in Johannesburg is called off and the FA is working on finding a new opponent for the team as part of the build up to the tournament in Abidjan.

The Association is mindful of the request of the Black Stars Technical Team for a quiet and serene camping atmosphere, and thus, the hotel will be strictly inaccessible to the public and the media.

Again, the training sessions will be behind closed doors and not available to the public and media.

The team will, however, organise a session with the media. The friendly match will also be open to the public, after which they will be a post-match press conference with the media.

The Association calls for public understanding and support to ensure that the objectives of the Technical Team of the Black Stars during the camping period in Kumasi are achieved.

Ghana is paired in Group B alongside giants Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.

The Black Stars will open their campaign against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, before taking on record holders Egypt on January 18 and play Mozambique on January 22 in the other Group B game.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

Video: Mohammed Kudus scores as West Ham United defeat Manchester United

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Video: Mohammed Kudus scores as West Ham United defeat Manchester United

The midfielder continued his impressive run as the Hammers piled more pressure on beleaguered Erik Ten Hag

Ghana midfielder Kudus Mohammed was on target when West Ham United defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League at the London Stadium on Saturday.

After losing 5-1 to Liverpool in midweek, West Ham made amends to return to winning ways as their ambition to make a Top Four finish continues unabated.

After a goalless scoreline in the first half, Jarod Bowen opened the scoring for West Ham by the 70th minute. Paqueta set up Bowen who perfectly netted his eleventh goal of the season.

Kudus capitalised on a mistake from Mainoo to make it 2-0 four minutes later after another assist from Paqueta.

Kudus Mohammed’s goal vs Manchester United

West Ham have now moved up to sixth position just four points behind Manchester City who are fourth on the log

1...131415...272Page 14 of 272
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv