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‘He’s good’; Konadu defends decision to hand Okrah Black Stars B call-up

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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‘He’s good’; Konadu defends decision to hand Okrah Black Stars B call-up

The gaffer insists it was never wrong to hand the Porcupine Warriors forward a place in his team ahead of the qualifiers

Ghana senior national team B coach Maxwell Konadu has reiterated that he took the right decision to hand Asante Kotoko forward Augustine Okrah a call up as the Black Stars B prepare to lock horns with Burkina Faso in 2020 Championship of African Nations qualifiers next month.

The 25-year-old’s inclusion has generated debates among soccer pundits and fans since he is yet to make a competitive appearance for Kotoko following his move from Indian Super League side North East United FC.

However, Okrah was on target and assisted another goal when Black Stars B trounced Bibiani Gold Stars 6-0 in a friendly at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday.

“After the Normalisation Committee cup, almost every player is inactive with the exception of Asante Kotoko and AshantiGold players and to some extent those at Hearts of Oak so if we want to solely base the call ups on the cup competition then we will be somehow bias towards those who are good and in town but couldn’t play a part,” Konadu said as quoted by AshesGyamera.com.

“If Okrah is a good player I don’t see the wrong in it to add him to the players and per the little things I saw from him since joining Kotoko, I think he deserved the chance and his performance wasn’t that bad against Gold Stars.”

He added: “Okrah scored a beautiful goal and won a penalty. Apart from that his ball handling and movement was okay so we will see what happens going forward because nobody is a starter here and anything can happen.”

Okrah is expected to join Kotoko on Friday as they prepare to face regional rivals Ashanti Gold in B. K Edusei memorial cup scheduled for Sunday, September 1.

Okrah, Arthur, Gyamfi & McCarthy on target as Black Stars B thrash Gold Stars in friendly

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Okrah, Arthur, Gyamfi & McCarthy on target as Black Stars B thrash Gold Stars in friendly

 

The midfielder, however, sent a signal to his critics why he deserves a place in the national team ahead of next month’s showdown

Asante Kotoko forward Augustine Okrah was on target when Black Stars B hammered second-tier side Bibiani Gold Stars 6-0 in a friendly game at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday.

The 25-year-old came under immense criticisms this week following his call up to the national team ahead of the 2020 Championship of African Nations qualifier against Burkina Faso next month.

According to a section of Ghanaians, Okrah is yet to make a competitive appearance since recovering from an interior cruciate ligament injury he suffered while in action with former club North East United a couple of months ago and should have been dropped.

However, he managed to hit the back of the net as a second-half substitute, adding to goals from teammates Richard Arthur and Emmanuel Gyamfi which was sandwiched by a stunner from Ashanti Gold midfielder Appiah McCarthy.

Prince Opoku also netted brace late in the game to cap a wonderful afternoon for Maxwell Konadu’s men.

Okrah, who couldn’t play a part in Kotoko’s triumph over Kano Pillars in the Caf Champions League due to paperwork, is expected to be cleared by Caf in order to feature against Etoile du Sahel in the second round of the competition.

Okrah excited by Black Stars B call up for CHAN qualifiers

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Okrah excited by Black Stars B call up for CHAN qualifiers

The diminutive midfielder believes this is the beginning of good things after he has been handed invitation to help his national team

Asante Kotoko forward Augustine Okrah is thrilled to join Ghana national team B setup for preparations ahead of the clash with Burkina Faso next month.

The 25-year-old, who signed for the Porcupine Warriors last month, is among six players including goalkeeper Felix Annan called by Maxwell Konadu to fine tune ahead of the 2020 Championship of African Nations qualifier.

He reported to camp on Monday and participated in the team’s two training sessions.

“It’s a great feeling to be back to the national team and I hope to make a great impact,” Okrah told AshesGyamera.com.

“I got injured and it took me some time to recover but everyone who knows the talent I have believes I deserve more so I’m still working hard to make a mark,” he added.

Okrah also urged Kotoko supporters to remain calm as they are billed to face Etoile du Sahel next month in the Caf Champions League.

“I believe we can do something phenomenon against Etoile just like in the game against Kano Pillars. Our team is gradually picking up and will be ready for the showdown,” he said.

“The supporters shouldn’t lose hope because we won’t let them down. Kotoko is a huge club and if you’ve played or been to the northern part of Africa before, you will know how they respect us,” he added.

After winning Ghana Premier League topscorer and best player in 2014, Okrah had stints with Al Merriekh and Al Hilal of Sudan as well as Smouha in Egypt.

Exclusive: Amiens launch £5 million bid for Nicholas Opoku

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Exclusive: Amiens launch £5 million bid for Nicholas Opoku

The Unicorns are after the services of the Ghana international in a move to strengthen their defensive setup

French Ligue 1 side Amiens have tabled a £5 million offer for Ghana and Udinese defender Nicholas Opoku, AshesGyamera.com can confirm.

According to sources close to the player, the French club have opened discussions with Udinese and put their first offer on the table this week, although no agreement has yet been reached.

The 21-year-old had a breakthrough season two years ago with Tunisian side Club Africain which paved way for his move to Udinese last season. He went on to make 12 league appearances and played a crucial role in the club’s relegation survival.

Amiens, who have identified the defender as their top summer target, are set to battle it out with other interested clubs from France.

However, Opoku is likely to join head coach Luka Elsner at Amiens since he has been a long time admirer and has reportedly promised him enough playing time to improve his talent.

Opoku, who missed Udinese’s victory on Serie A opening day against AC Milan, made his debut appearance for Ghana in 2017 against United States of America and now boasts of fpur caps.

He was part of the Black Stars squad that qualifed Ghana to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt.

Jordan Ayew makes history against Manchester United in famous away victory

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Jordan Ayew makes history against Manchester United in famous away victory

The striker equalled a record set four decades ago as the Eagles stunned the Reds in a fashionable style

Ghana striker Jordan Ayew scored his first goal of the season as Crystal Palace shocked Manchester United 2-1 at the Old Trafford in Premier League on Sunday.

Following their opening day goalless stalemate with Everton at home and the 1-0 away defeat to Norwich last weekend, Roy Hodgson side were in dire need of three points as they travelled to Old Trafford.

After an end-to-end action in the opening 30 minutes, Jeffrey Schlupp set up Ayew two minutes later as the former Olympique Marseille striker slotted in his effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper David de Gea for the opener.

Although, Marcus Rashford missed a penalty to bring Manchester on level pegging, substitute James equalised later.

However, Patrick van Aanholt shot and a howler by De Gea were enough to sink United to their first defeat of the campaign and further put them on level points with Chelsea who many think are struggling.

While Van Aanholt has become the first player ever to score a 90th minute winner vs Man Utd at Old Trafford, Ayew has become the first player to score first goal for Crystal Palace against Manchester United in a league game at Old Trafford since November 1979.

Initially, it was David Swindlehurst who held that record when Palace shared the spoils 1-1 40 years ago.

Ayew has also equalled the number of goals he scored last season which possibly proves that a lot are expected in the offing.

‘Ayew’ for the future?

 

Afriyie Acquah joins Yeni Matalyaspor in Turkey

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Afriyie Acquah joins Yeni Matalyaspor in Turkey

The defensive midfielder has finalised his much-talked about move with the Blood and Gold on Friday

Ghana midfielder Afriyie Acquah has completed his move from Torino to Turkish Super Lig outfit Yeni Matalyaspor on a two-year deal as a free agent, AshesGyamera.com can confirm.

The 27-year-old was initially linked with several Premier League clubs following his splendid performance for Ghana during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations amid the Black Stars’ inability to clinch the trophy.

However, the discussions fell through following disagreements on wages and signing on fees, according to reports. He is expected to earn €1 million per a season in Turkey.

Acquah, who has is making a move outside Italy for second time in his career after TSG Hoffenheim, had stints with Palermo, Sampdoria, Torino and Parma.

He has represented Ghana on international games on 36 occasions since making his bow in 2012 and boasts of one goal.

Sadio Mane to devour Arsenal – Mybet.africa Brand Ambassador

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Sadio Mane to devour Arsenal – Mybet.africa Brand Ambassador

 

Mybet.africa Brand Ambassador, Ponobiom, has predicted that Liverpool striker Sadio Mane will score against Unai Emery’s Arsenal with a 5GHs bonus placed on each goal he scores in their epic clash this weekend at Anfield.

Punters need to place a bet on Liverpool’s match with a minimum stake of 20GHs to be eligible for the offer.

Liverpool has started the season brightly, winning their first two matches and cruising to the top of the Premier League table with Sadio Mane in red hot form and looks like he could build on last season’s individual heroics to get significantly better for this season. Mane in 2017 was good, his 2018 was great and in 2019 so far has been pretty damn fantastic.

He has been clinical upfront scoring in each of the last four Premier League appearances and has 16 goals out of 18 matches. He has proven that he is undoubtedly a good goal poacher playing along with prolific striking partners, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

Mybet.africa has double the price on top goalscorer with best odd of 25.0 on Mane to take the golden boots again this season.
Matches played between these two sides have always been dramatic, full of thrills, and have produced more goals with Arsenal winning 17 times ahead of Liverpool’s 11 wins with 16 ending in a deadlock.

With the current form of Liverpool this season and having home advantage, Sadio Mane will certainly be the player to bank hopes on to lead Liverpool to victory.
ODDS: Liverpool 1.52 Arsenal 5.70
Draw 4.83
Outrights: Top Goalscorer Sadio Mane 25.0
Source: www.mybet.africa

Junior Agogo pronounced dead in London -reports

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Junior Agogo pronounced dead in London -reports

The former international has kicked the bucket after battling a long term sickness in London

Former Ghana striker Junior Manuel Agogo has been pronounced dead on Thursday in London, AshesGyamera.com has learned.

The 40-year-old who suffered stroke in 2015 and has been battling the illness since was rushed to the hospital several days ago but could not survive amid the interventions of the doctors.

Agogo, who had stints with Championship side Nottingham Forest and Egyptian giants Zamalek was best remembered for his role during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations where Ghana clinched bronze.

He was usually partnered in the Black Stars’ striking department with Asamoah Gyan and even assisted the latter in his first ever goal at the Afcon in a 2-1 victory over Guinea.

Details of his funeral arrangements will be announced later.

 

Rabiu Mohammed joins French side Paris FC

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Rabiu Mohammed joins French side Paris FC

 

The box-to-box midfielder has cpmpleted his switch to the French lower-tier side in an undisclosed fee

Ghana midfielder Rabiu Mohammed has finally sealed a one-year deal with French Ligue 2 side Paris FC from Russian Premier League outfit Krylya Sovetov as a free agent with an option to extend the contract.

The 29-year-old arrived in France on Tuesday and put pen to paper on Wednesday having passed the club’s mandatory medical test.

Rabiu, who will wear jersey #13 for the new season as the club hopes to qualify to the top-flight, has previously had stints with former Ligue 1 side Evian Thonan Gillard and Kuban Krasnodor.

On international level, Rabiu has made 31 appearances for Ghana since making his debut in 2009.

Kano Pillars ready to ‘shock’ Asante Kotoko in Kumasi, says Ali

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Kano Pillars ready to ‘shock’ Asante Kotoko in Kumasi, says Ali

 

The Pillars skipper is full of optimism they would eliminate the Porcupine Warriors from the continent’s biggest club competition

Kano Pillars captain Rabiu Ali has promised that they would definelty score goals at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to eliminate Asante Kotoko from the Caf Champions League.

Despite the 3-2 victory for Pillars in the first leg a fortnight ago in Nigeria, the contest, however, is still wide open for both teams. Kotoko only need to at least record a 1-0 victory to progress to the next stage.

“We never expected Asante Kotoko to score two goals in Kano during the first leg but they did,” Rabiu told Fox FM.

“They should also know that what happened in Kano will repeat itself in Kumasi. We will also score in Kumasi and eliminate them from the competition,” he added.

Kotoko will be without midfielders Augustine Okrah and Jordan Opoku following the club’s inability to complete their registration while Songne Yacouba is likely to be dropped since he is yet to join the first team at training.

The winner after the two legs will square it off with Etoile du Sahel next month for a place in the group stage.

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