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‘I don’t care; I’m not under any pressure to win 2021 Afcon,’ Akonnor insists

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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<strong>‘I don’t care; I’m not under any pressure to win 2021 Afcon,’ Akonnor insists</strong>

The gaffer insists that he is not perturbed by public agitations for him to win the ultimate ahead of the upcoming competition

Ghana coach C K Akonnor has insisted that he is not under any pressure to win 2021 Africa Cup of Nation holding next year in Cameroon.

The Black Stars, who are yet to win a major trophy since 1982, were paired with Morocco, Gabon and Comoros in Group C on Tuesday during a draw in Yaoundé.

Akonnor was appointed to replace Kwesi Appiah after he failed to achieve the targets set for him.

“I think the draw is okay. I didn’t come here [to Cameroon] with expectations of which group I want to be in or not” Akonnor told TV3.

“Nowadays football is evolving and so you cannot expect weaker things.

“We are preparing feverishly for the tournament and the world cup qualifiers and I’m sure we will be ready,” he said.

“I am not under any pressure [to win the tournament]. You guys [the media] give me pressure back home but for me, I don’t care,” he added.

Ghana were booted out of the 2019 edition in round of 16 by Tunisia after penalties shootout having shared the spoils in regulation time.

‘Black Stars haven’t won Afcon due to Politicians,’ says Asamoah Gyan

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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<strong>‘Black Stars haven’t won Afcon due to Politicians,’ says Asamoah Gyan</strong>

The former Black Stars skipper insists that the country hasn’t won any major trophy for several years due to the conducts of politicians

Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has revealed that the Black Stars have failed to win any major trophy for several years due to the posture of politicians and Ghanaians.

The 34-year-old, who was part of the legends invited for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations draw held on Tuesday in Yaoundé, Cameroon, argues that how politicians have handled the Black Stars budget ahead of competitions has played a role in unstablizing the team’s camp.

The Black Stars are yet to lift a trophy since winning 1982 Africa Cup of Nations.

“I have been with the national team for years and it is the desire of every player to win the Afcon but the politics among government in power and the citizens has hampered the team’s chances of winning the trophy,” Gyan told Asempa FM.

“Why should the winning bonuses of the team be made public before any major tournament? These kinds of things make the players unstable mentally.

“If we handle these things well, I think the country can win a trophy sooner rather than later. We have a chance in the the upcoming one to be played in Cameroon,” he added.

Ghana have been paired with Morocco, Gabon and Comoros in Group C. The Black Stars will begin their campaign with a duel against Morocco on January 10, before they face Gabon and Morocco on January 14 and 18 respectively.

Laryea joins Ethiopian giants Defence Force in a short term deal

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Laryea joins Ethiopian giants Defence Force in a short term deal

The Phobians former star has agreed to a deal in Zambia following the expiration of his contract in Japan

Hearts of Oak former player Emmanuel Saban Laryea has signed a one-year contract with Ethiopian giants Defence Force SC, the club has confirmed.

The 31-year-old saw his contractvwith Japanese club Ococias Kyoto expired in February 2021 and was linked with a lot of Ghanaian clubs.

Laryea previously played for moved Ethiopian side Dire Dawa City after leaving Hearts of Oak in November 2017.

In the 2019/2020 season, Laryea played 24 games for Ococias in all competitions during the 2019/2020 season and scored two goals as well as assisting two goals.

Reports in the local media earlier suggested that Laryea wanted to rejoin Hearts of Oak as the club prepares to play in the Caf Champions League.

Hearts will face CI Kamsar from Guinea in the preliminary round on September 12 in Guinea before they host them on September 19 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah reveals how match-fixing allegations destroyed his move to a foreign club

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah reveals how match-fixing allegations destroyed his move to a foreign club

The shot-stopper says he was inches away from joining an unnamed club outside the country but the deal fell through due to match fixing allegations

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Attah has revealed that he could not leave the Ghana to play for one of the top clubs on the continent because of match fixing allegations which eclipsed 2020/21 Ghana Premier League season

The well-built goalkeeper claims he was on the verge of securing a bumper deal with a top African club but the deal was cancelled after the infamous 7-0 victory by Ashanti Gold over Inter Allies.

In that game, one of Allies’ players deliberately scored two own goals and later revealed that he did that destroy a correct scoreline pre-determined by the two clubs.

“Getting to the end of last season, I had an offer from a top African club. We started talking but they later called off the deal,” Attah told Angel FM Accra in an interview.

“Initially, I didn’t understand but later the club explained that because of the betting and match fixing issues that happened in the Ghana League.

“They didn’t trust the league. That issue was the reason why the deal was called off,” he added.

Attah has been named as one of four goalkeepers for Ghana’s upcoming 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa next month.

He is also expected to play an integral role as the Phobians participate in the Caf Champions League for the first time in seven years. They will play CI Kamsar in the preliminary round.

BREAKING NEWS: Ghana handed easy-looking group after 2021 Afcon draw

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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BREAKING NEWS: Ghana handed easy-looking group after 2021 Afcon draw

The Black Stars learned their opponents for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, and Akonnor’s men look like been handed an easy-looking group

Ghana on Tuesday were made aware of their opponents in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Cameroon next year as they have been drawn to face Morocco, Comoros and Gabon in Group C. A total of 24 countries will be participating in the tournament as the Black Stars continue the search for their first major trophy since 1982.

The draw ceremony took place in Yoaunde and the event was was well attended by football legends and connoisseurs.

In attendance included former Ghana captain and all-time topscorer Asamoah Gyan, Ivorian Didier Zokora, Ghana coach C.K Akonnor and Cameroon legend Roger Milla.

Following a great fanfare in the West African country that showcased the culture of the people of Cameroon, it is expected that the five-time Champions will host a successful competition.

The crème de la crème of tthecontinent’s football present believe Ghana and Morocco are sure bet to make it from Group C, while hosts Cameroon qualify from Group A with Burkina Faso.

The Black Stars will begin their campaign with a game against Morocco on January 10 at the Stade Amaďou before the lock horns with Gabon four days later. They will wrap the group stages with a manageable fixture against Comoros on January 18 in Garoua.

In Group B which comprises of Senegal, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Guinea, a lot of people tip Senegal and Guinea as the favourites to make it out of the group.

Nigeria and Egypt are expected to also make it out of Group D while Algeria and Cote d’ivoire qualify from Group E.

In Group F, Mali and Tunisia are the favourites to qualify.

After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the four highest ranked third-placed teams will advance to the round of 16. The round of 16 winners will advance to the quarter-finals

FULL AFCON GROUP STAGE DRAW:

Group A:

Cameroon
Burkina Faso
Cape Verde
Ethiopia

Group B:

Zimbabwe
Senegal
Guinea
Malawi.

Group C:

Ghana
Morocco
Gabon
Comoros.


Group D:

Nigeria
Egypt
Sudan
Guinea Bissau

Group E

Algeria

Sierra Leone
Equitorial Guinea
Cote d’ivoire

Group F:

Mali
Tunisia
Mauritania

Gambia

“Afutu left Hearts of Oak not becuase of money but other reasons,” agent insists

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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“Afutu left Hearts of Oak not becuase of money but other reasons,” agent insists

The Phobians midfielder has left the club this week despite all efforts made to extend his stay and his agent says it did not bother on financial reasons

Agent of former Hearts of Oak midfielder Benjamin Afutu has insisted that his client did not leave the club because of financial disagreement.

Reports were rife on Tuesday that Afutu has rejected a new offer by Hearts and was not even registered for the upcoming Caf Champions League. One of the reasons given was that the player and his agent believed the new salary and bonuses presented by Hearts were not enough.

But his agent Daniel William Takyi has advised the club’s supporters not to buy such false statements flying around.

“No club has contacted Afutu both domestic or abroad. So at the moment, Benjamin Afutu is clubless,” Takyi told Accra-based Angel FM.

“I will like to state clearly that money was not a bone of contention in the contract extension. A lot of things went into taking this decision and we believe this is the best looking at the options available.

“Afutu has other ideas and ambitions and his new club will be known very soon. We strongly hope that things will be better for him and his career,” he added.

Hearts wanted Afutu to play the preliminary round of the Caf Champions League next month against Guinean club CI Kamsar.

In the absence of Afutu, Hearts were able to sign Agyenim Boateng from Medeama, New Edubiase youngster Salim Adams, WAFA youngster Asubonteng and Great Olympics captain Gladson Awako.

Spectators barred from Paralympic venues as Japan experiences fresh wave of COVID-19 infections

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Spectators barred from Paralympic venues as Japan experiences fresh wave of COVID-19 infections

By Ali Iveson
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics will for the most part be held without spectators, organisers have confirmed.

All events in Tokyo and other prefectures under a state of emergency will be closed to the public, as was the case with the Olympic Games.

Japan’s capital has been under a state of emergency since July 12, and with case numbers continuing to rise it is unlikely to be withdrawn in the short-term future.

On Friday (August 13) Tokyo reported a record 5,773 new infections, with yesterday’s figure 4,295.

More than 3,700 people in Tokyo have been hospitalised with coronavirus and 251 were experiencing severe symptoms, according to yesterday’s figures, the most recent to be published.

Events in neighbouring prefectures Saitama and Chiba will be spectator-free, and cycling competitions are also set to take place without fans present – unlike at the Olympics

Cycling competition will be in Izu in the Shizuoka prefecture, which has requested it be added to the state of emergency.

Spectators will therefore be banned in Izu, Games organisers have decided.

The Japanese public has also been asked not to gather on roadsides to watch road events.

A limited number of students from local schools will be allowed to attend some competitions, however, as part of a programme designed to foster a more inclusive society.

International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons arrived in Japan today, after which he took part in a four-party meeting where the ban on spectators was confirmed.

Tokyo 2020 chief executive Seiko Hashimoto, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and Japan’s Olympics Minister Tamayo Marukawa were all involved in the meeting.

Awako, Salim added & Abednego dropped as Hearts announce 30-man squad for Champions League

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Awako, Salim added & Abednego dropped as Hearts announce 30-man squad for Champions League

The Phobians’ players that will represent them in the Caf inter-club competition has been unveiled

Hearts of Oak have registered Great Olympics captain Gladson Awako as part of their 30-man squad that will play in the 2021/22 Caf Champions League, AshesGyamera.com can reveal.

The 30-year-old signed a two-year deal on time to be able to registered but surprisingly missing is midfielder Benjamin Afutu. Although, the box-to-box midfielder was in Kumasi over the weekend and gave his word to coach Samuel Boadu during the latter’s wedding, he opted not extend his stay at the eleventh hour.

Striker Abednego Tetteh was not also registered although the lanky forward yearned for another opportunity following a disappointing campaign last season.

Hearts will play CI Kamsar from Guinea next month in the preliminary round. The winner after the two legs will play WAC of Morocco for a place in the group stage.

FULL SQUAD:

GOALKEEPERS

Richard Attah

Richmond Ayi

Ben Mensah

Richard Baidoo

DEFENDERS

Fatawu Mohammed

Mohammed Alhassan 

Nuru Sulley

James Sewornu

Caleb Amankwah 

Sumaila Larry

Raddy Ovouka

Robert Addo Sowah

William Denkyi 

MIDFIELDERS

Emmanuel Nettey

Ansah Botchway 

Gladson Awako 

Patrick Razak

Ibrahim Salifu

Salim Adams

Michelle Sarpong

Enock Esubonteng

ATTACKERS

Victor Aidoo

Razak Ali

Isaac Mensah

Kwadwo Obeng Jnr.

Afriyie Barnieh 

Kofi Kordzi 

Suraj Seidu

Agyenim Boateng

Issah Kakuh

‘No nonsense’ Redouane appointed to officiate Ghana vs Ethiopia

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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‘No nonsense’ Redouane appointed to officiate Ghana vs Ethiopia

The Knight of the Whistle from North African country has been selected to officiate the opening game of the qualifiers

Moroccan Referee Jiyed Redouane has been named to be the centre referee when Ghana host Ethiopia in the opening game of round two of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Black Stars will begin their quest to return to the global showpiece when they host Ethiopia at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on September 3.

The 42-year-old, who began his journey as a referee in 2009, will be assisted by countrymen Azgaou Lahsen and Akarkad Mostafa on the lines. Also, Jayed Jalal will be the fourth referee while Togolese Lawson-Hogban Latre-Kayi Edzona plays the role of referee Assessor.

Meanwhile, Gambian Gomez Martin will be the Match Commissioner.

Redouane who began his career as referee in 2009 became an international official three years later. has been a CAF and FIFA referee since 2009. He was part of the referees that officiated at 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. He once gave a team three red cards in a game and he is someone who doesn’t hesitate to dish out cards.

Ghana are hoping to qualify to the tournament after missing the 2018 edition.

The Black Stars will travel to Johannesburg few hours after the game with a chartered flight to play South Africa three days later.

Journalist sweeps Hearts of Oak secretariat after insisting they can’t win Ghana Premier League title

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Journalist sweeps Hearts of Oak secretariat after insisting they can’t win Ghana Premier League title

A Kumasi-based sport journalist was spotted sweeping the premises of Hearts of Oak secretariat on Monday.

The young broadcaster argued on live radio before the start of the season that Hearts can’t win the league following their poor pre-season and the formation of then coach Odoom.

Although, the Phobians had a poor start and even appointed four different coaches within the season, they eventually won the title ahead of fierce rivals Asante Kotoko.

New coach Samuel Boadu brought the spark they had longed for several years and spurred them on to even add the FA Cup trophy to it.

These achievements left Gariba with no other option than to eat a humble pie in the full glaring of the club’s staff at the secretariat.

“I must admit that this is a humble pie that I am eating. I said it and I have started doing exactly as I said on live radio on Fox FM that if they win the league I will sweep their office for a week,” Gariba Raubil told SPORTSWorldGhana. com.

“Congratulations to them. As a matter of fact, Hearts of Oak are deserving winners of the league if one considers the sort of football they played under Samuel Boadu.” he added

Hearts are now preparing to play in Caf Champions League as Ghana’s only representative. The Phobians are staging a comeback after several years in the hiatus and will meet CI Kamsar from Guinea in the preliminary round.

If they they are able to qualify after the two legs, Hearts will lock horns with Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco for a slot in the group stage.

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