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Jose Mourinho excited by Afena-Gyan’s performance against Nigeria; tells him what to do in Abuja

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Jose Mourinho excited by Afena-Gyan’s performance against Nigeria; tells him what to do in Abuja

The renowned manager was excited with how the teenager played in his debut game for Ghana and has shed light on weaknesses he needs to improve

A.S Roma coach Jose Mourinho has lauded the performance of young striker Felix Afena-Gyan following his debut performance for Ghana last Friday.

The 19-year-old was surprisingly given a starting role on his debut as Ghana battles Nigeria in the first leg of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Although, Afena-Gyan lasted 82 minutes and could not hit the back of the net on his debut, his general performance was quite impressive.

He had 25 touches in the game, completed nine passes of which 82 per cent were successful and also made one key pass.

Moreover, he won four ground duels out of eight but lost the only aerial duel he went in for and was fouled four times.

“Jose Mourinho watched the game and he was excited with Afena-Gyan’s performance,” a source close to the player told AshesGyamera.com in an interview.

Black Stars last training in Abuja

“This because his rise and growth have been quick and Gyan seems to be on the right track. He spoke with him and highlighted what he did right in the game in Kumasi. Everyone at Roma was excited because such games will help Gyan to mature into a player they want for the future.”

Black Stars players sing Birthday song in plane for Yaw Yeboah

However, Mourinho was not happy Afena-Gyan failed to make a single shot (off and on target) throughout the game and also lost possession ten times to the Nigerians.

“He also spoke to him about creating spaces and chances as a striker. Obviously, he wasn’t happy that Gyan played 82 minutes without having a single shot on target but advised him on what to do.

“Sometimes, your team’s tactics and formations determine your output but we believe he will listen and work on his coach’s observations as well as everyone around the Black Stars in Abuja on Tuesday,” the source added.

Ghana only need to avoid defeat against Nigeria to stand a realistic chance of qualifying for the World Cup to be staged in Qatar.

Black Stars players celebrate birthday of Yeboah in a plane to face Nigeria

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Black Stars players celebrate birthday of Yeboah in a plane to face Nigeria

The midfielder had a wonderful treat in the flight from Ghana to Nigeria as the Black Stars head into the second leg of Fifa World Cup playoffs

Ghana midfielder Yaw Yeboah who plies his trade with Columbus Crew in the MLS celebrated his birthday while in a flight with his national team mates for the World Cup playoffs second leg against Nigeria in Abuja.He turned 25 years and his teammates sang for him while the Ghana’s plane from Kumasi to Abuja landed.

Yaw Yeboah celebrates birthday in flight ✈️

Ghana head into the game to will face Nigeria at the MKO Stadium with a goalless draw advantage from the first leg played last week in Kumasi.

Nana Yaw Amponsah explains why Kotoko & Hearts want Black Stars to beat Nigeria to qualify to World Cup

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Nana Yaw Amponsah explains why Kotoko & Hearts want Black Stars to beat Nigeria to qualify to World Cup

The Porcupine Warriors boss believes it will be in the best interest of the clubs in Ghana should Black Stars make it to the global competition

Asante Kotoko chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah has reiterated that Ghanaians should rally behind Black Stars since qualification to Fifa World Cup will have a positive impact on Ghanaian clubs.

According to the one-time Ghana FA presidential candidate, whenever Ghana qualify to play at the Fifa World Cup, it even improves the prices of Ghanaian players and open doors of many opportunities to people involved in the football industry.

The Black Stars go into the second leg with a slim advantage after sharing the spoils goalless with Nigeria at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday.

As a result, the Black Stars must avoid defeat to stand a realistic chance to make it to Qatar.

“When Ghana qualify and do well at the world cup, it affects the price of Ghanaian players. It affects the value of Ghanaian players of which Kotoko [and Hearts] players are part,” Amponsah said in an interview with the club’s media.

“And so I know how you feel but I can say to you that I also know that you’re patriotic Ghanaians and so in our small ways we should pray for the team and support the team.

“This is because it is Ghana we are supporting and we can’t support any other country. Unfortunately, it is not our choice to be born here but we are lucky to be born here and to be part of this peaceful loving country.

Listen To Nana Yaw Amponsah

The Black Stars contingent left Kumasi on Monday with a chartered flight to Abuja, Nigeria for the game scheduled for Tuesday.

Kotoko brush aside Rainbow SC to send strong warning to Karela United

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Kotoko brush aside Rainbow SC to send strong warning to Karela United

The Porcupine Warriors brushed aside the lower division side in a friendly on Sunday as prepare to host Karela on Thursday

Asante Kotoko thumped lower division side Rainbow SC 3-0 in a friendly at the Adako Jachie training ground on Sunday morning.

After sharing the spoils goalless with Eleven Wonders in Techiman last week, Kotoko are hoping to return to winning ways since their lead at the top of Ghana Premier League log has been cut short to eight points.

A brace from striker Samuel Boateng set Kotoko up and unsettled their visitors. Former Berekum Chelsea skipper Stephen Amankona added another goal to complete the riot.

Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh was full of praise of his players and believes they are ready for the game on Thursday.

Kotoko annihilated debutants Bibiani Gold Stars 5-0 in their last home match played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Afena-Gyan competes Denis Odoi, Korsah & others for Best new dancer in Black Stars camp

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Afena-Gyan competes Denis Odoi, Korsah & others for Best new dancer in Black Stars camp

There were good vibes surrounding the Black Stars despite the goalless draw against Nigeria in Kumasi as newcomers showed to oldies their dancing skills

Despite Ghana sharing the spoils goalless with Nigeria in the first leg of 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday, there were still time for the new players to go through their initiation which is a custom in the camp.

New players who were called to the national team for the first time were made to show the others what they have in stock in terms of dancing skills.

As a result, Club Brugge defender Denis Odoi who switched his nationality from Belgium to Ghana just last week was the first to start the show.

The 33-year-old began the initiation on a slow note but quickly grew into it and proved that although he may be a quiet type, there are other side of his life.

After him came A.S Roma youngster Felix Afena-Gyan who led the attack against Nigeria on Friday. The 19-year-old indeed showed that he isn’t only called Gyan but dances like the country’s all-time topscorer Asamoah Gyan.

His moves, timing and antics all depicted the one-time captain, Asamoah Gyan, who always set the camp in high mood.

Other players like Dennis Korsah of Hearts of Oak, Antwi-Adjei and Elisha Owusu were all able to entertain the players through dancing.

Watch Felix Afena-Gyan, Odoi, Elisha & others dancing skills

The Black Stars are expected to travel to Abuja on Sunday to continue their fine tuning ahead of the return fixture against Nigeria on Tuesday.

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: how journalists ran commentary while sweating in packed media centre [VIDEOS]

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: how journalists ran commentary while sweating in packed media centre [VIDEOS]

The Black Stars failed in their attempt to defeat Nigeria in the first leg of the World Cup qualifiers but journalists went through a hell of a time to do their job

Ghana drew goalless with Nigeria in the first leg of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs in fully packed Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday.

Few hours to kick off, the stadium’s gates were choked as fans who had their printed E-tickets were finding it difficult to enter the facility to support their countries.

With long queues and time running out, sone of the fans opted to jump the stadium walls and watch the game before kick off.

Also, the media centre which is supposed to take about 200 journalists had four time the number leaving many journalists standing and sweating throughout the game.

Majority of the journalists had to ran their commentaries, especially on radio, stretching out their necks to catch a glimpse of the action.

Journalists were sweating in the unfriendly environment

It was an interesting sight as many were sweating profusely while others shouted for water because of the heat.

Ghana will travel to Abuja on Sunday for the return leg with a chartered flight and they will have to avoid conceding a goal to stand a realistic chance of qualify to the World Cup

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: Mad rush as enthusiastic fans break gate, while others jump over walls [VIDEOS]

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: Mad rush as enthusiastic fans break gate, while others jump over walls [VIDEOS]

The Black Stars failed in their r attempt to defeat Nigeria in the first leg of the World Cup qualifiers

Ghana shared the spoils goalless with Nigeria in the first leg of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday.

Few hours to kick off, the stadium’s gate was jammed as fans who had printed their E-tickets were finding it difficult to enter the facility to support their countries.

With long queues and time running out, sone of the fans opted to jump the stadium walls and watch the game before kick off.

WATCH HOW THE FANS JUMPED OVER THE WALLS

Ghana will travel to Abuja on Sunday for the return leg with a chartered flight and they will have to avoid conceding a goal to stand a realistic chance of qualify to the World Cup

Andre Ayew in ‘pains’ as a fan steals his £20,000 worth of watch & chain in Kumasi [Watch how it happened]

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Andre Ayew in ‘pains’ as a fan steals his £20,000 worth of watch & chain in Kumasi [Watch how it happened]

The Black Stars skipper could not believe his eyes as he left the Baba Yara Sports Stadium after Black Stars training without some valuables

Ghana captain Andre Ayew experienced one of the shocks of his life when he was mobbed by some fans in Kumasi on Thursday after Black Stars’ last training ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs first leg against Nigeria.

Ayew, 32, who has been ruled out of the game due to suspension, arrived at the stadium to support his teammates and welcome the debutants who were handed their maiden call to the national team.

After a successful training and media interaction, Ayew was mobbed by over hundred fans who were hailing him while others wanted to have a picture with him for future memories.

In the process, the former Swansea City captain, who now plies his trade in Qatar with giants Al Sadd, lost his watch and gold chain worth around £20,000 in the process.

Ayew arrived at the Kumasi airport with his chain

Although, the person who stole the items was not seen immediately as police escorted Ayew to the team bus, a video circulating on social media had one guy making a confession behind the scenes of having the valuables.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Watch & listen to commentary behind on how fans mobbed Ayew and stole his valuables

Ghana will travel to Abuja on Saturday for the return fixture against Nigeria and the winner after the two legs will automatically qualify for the World Cup to be staged in Qatar later this year.

Kumasi is ‘QUIET’ as Ghanaians are skeptical ahead of Nigeria clash [Video]

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Kumasi is ‘QUIET’ as Ghanaians are skeptical ahead of Nigeria clash [Video]

With barely 24 hours to the game against the Super Eagles, our reporters went to the various principal streets to see how things were going

There euphoria surrounding the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs between Ghana and Nigeria keep building up but not at a faster rate.

Ahead of the game, many Ghanaians are still not sure of what they will do to be at the stadium despite Ghana government issuing a short code (*711#) to be used to purchase tickets.

Moreover, the hype around the game is not intensed as compared to that of 2013, where the Black Stars hammered Egypt 6-1 at the same stage.

On Thursday, our reporters went to the principal streets in Kumasi, and most especially around the stadium to check the scenes but got a little disappointed.

No flags were seen being displayed to entice supporters and arouse their interest in the game ahead of the game.

Watch the situation in Kumasi on Thursday morning

Many are of the belief that the Black Stars may struggle to defeat Nigeria since the team is not in fine form. The Black Stars are yet to win any of their last four games as they exited the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations without a win after three games.

Also, Ghana’s preparations ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs against Nigeria seems to have been dealt a big blow following reports in the local media that FC Sheriff Tiraspol midfielder Edmund Addo has been ruled out of the game due to injury concerns.

The 21-year-old, who was expected to be named among the 18-man squad for the game on Friday as a backup to Real Mallorca midfielder Baba Iddrisu, underwent further assessment by the Black Stars medical team since he arrived in camp nursing an injury.

According to sources close to the team, Addo came from Moldovia with the injury in his club’s 3-0 win over Sfintul Gheorghe last weekend and although the medical team initially thought he would recover on time, the situation seems to be worsening.

Addo went through further checks in Kumasi as a MRI scan was needed and the report suggested that he is not fit for the double header.

Although, there are still 26 players currently available in camp, rumour suggest a local player maybe called to fill the void when technical advisor Chris Hughton and interim coach Otto Addo meet on Thursday morning.

Breaking News: Ghana lose one key midfielder through injury ahead of Nigeria clash

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Breaking News: Ghana lose one key midfielder through injury ahead of Nigeria clash

The youngster is believed to have failed fitness test after undergoing MRI scan in Kumasi on Wednesday

Ghana’s preparations ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs against Nigeria seems to have been dealt a big blow following reports in the local media that FC Sheriff Tiraspol midfielder Edmund Addo has been ruled out of the game due to injury concerns.

The 21-year-old, who was expected to be named among the 18-man squad for the game on Friday as a backup to Real Mallorca midfielder Baba Iddrisu, underwent further assessment by the Black Stars medical team since he arrived in camp nursing an injury.

According to sources close to the team, Addo came from Moldovia with the injury in his club’s 3-0 win over Sfintul Gheorghe last weekend and although the medical team initially thought he would recover on time, the situation seems to be worsening.

Addo went through further checks in Kumasi as a MRI scan was needed and the report suggested that he is not fit for the double header.

Although, there are still 26 players currently available in camp, rumour suggest a local player maybe called to fill the void when technical advisor Chris Hughton and interim coach Otto Addo meet on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s contingent will arrive in Accra, Ghana on Thursday morning. They will connect another flight from Accra to Kumasi and later train at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium which will host the game.

The Nigerians are expected to lodge at the Golden Tulip Hotel between Thursday and Saturday.

Nigeria squad to face Ghana:

Goalkeepers:

Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa);

Defenders:

Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Calvin Bassey (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)

Midfielders:

Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Innocent Bonke (FC Lorient, France); Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Akinkunmi Amoo (FC Copenhagen, Denmark)

Forwards:

Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Emmanuel Dennis (Watford FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Leicester City, England)New arrivals:John Noble(Enyimba FC, Nigeria), Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain)

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