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“Ghana government ready to do everything possible to help Black Stars defeat Nigeria,” NSA board chairman Panwum reveals

The Black Stars will face Nigeria in a double header later this month for a place in the upcoming World Cup

Ghana government is ready to provide everything needed by the Black Stars to defeat and qualify to 2022 Fifa World Cup ahead of Nigeria, according to National Sports Authority board chairman Seth Panwum.

The Black Stars are billed to host Nigeria on March 25 at either Cape Coast Sports Stadium or Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi before the return fixture takes place four days later in Abuja.

“NPP government is one government that follows sporting events with keen interest. Preparations and measures that are supposed to be put in place [for the game against Nigeria] are in place,” Seth Panwum told Kumasi-based Akoma FM in an interview.

“Fortunately, I’m a football person and have undertaken some roles in football before, so all the advices that we have to give for a successful [qualification] have been done.

“You can be rest assured that government is serious about this game. So anything we have to do to in order to get a win with the help of God, we’re doing them.

“We’re not resting on our oars. We’re really moving and praying hard to get the desired results for mother Ghana,” he added.

With less than ten days to the game, Ghana’s interim coach Otto Addo is yet to release the squad for the game but Orlando Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi has revealed that goalkeeper Richard Ofori has been given a call up.

Reports also suggest that Ghana coach Otto Addo has named Dutch-born of Ghanaian descent Leeroy Owusu in the Black Stars squad to face Nigeria.

The 25-year-old defender is believed to have been called as a replacement to former Dreams FC right-back Philimon Baffour, who is reportedly dropped from the squad after failing to make a single appearance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations held in Cameroon.

Owusu, who was born to Ghanaian parents in Netherlands, has previously represented Netherlands at the youth level. However, he has made 23 league appearances for Willem II in Dutch Eredivisie this season and Ghana FA has reportedly succeeded in his national switch with FIFA.

Also, Elisha Owusu and Antoine Semenyo are also believed been called for the game.

During last week, reports emerged that Otto Addo has dropped seven players who were part of the Black Stars squad that participated in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of the game.

Notable among the names dropped include Andre Ayew and box-to-box midfielder Wakaso Mubarak who could not kick a ball at the Afcon due to injury concerns.

Ayew, in particular, has been dropped because of suspension as he picked a red card against Comoros in the final game of the group stage at the Afcon.

Also, former Dreams FC player Philimon Baffour who has constantly been chastised by Ghanaians for his inclusion in the Black Stars has finally been dropped alongside RTU midfielder David Abagna Sandan.

Also, Yeni Malatyspor striker Benjamin Tetteh has been dropped following his ban by CAF after he was captured on camera for hitting a Gabonese player at the Afcon.

The others include Great Olympics forward Maxwell Abbey Quaye and St. Gallen goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi for poor run of performance. The shot-stopper, in particular, has been constantly conceding goals (44) in 23 games in the Swiss Premier League.

Meanwhile, Reading defender Baba Abdul Rahman has picked up an injury and reports suggest he may miss the game.

With love to Mbella and Mfegue; Kotoko’s Cameroonian weapons for GPL title chase

Some fans haven’t liked the ‘Kumasi striker’ tag that has hanged around the neck of Asante Kotoko forward, Frank Etouga Mbella although the number of goals scored by the Cameroonian import suggests he’s been potent at the Baba Yara Stadium than anywhere in the Ghana Premier League.

The tag is derogatory, they say, as it demeans the efforts of the young man who’s settled well at the club, scoring 14 goals in 16 matches with 11 of them at home in his first season.

He’s made three assists and started 14 of 16 games. While I see nothing wrong with the ‘Kumasi striker’ tag, I agree with anyone who insists that, Mbella deserves respect.

Mbella was on target last Sunday night when the Porcupines completely outclassed Gold Stars in a thrilling 5-0 show under floodlights; marking the third time Kotoko have scored five goals in a home league game in more than 10 years.

On May 12, 2010; we whipped Great Olympics 5-1 but three years earlier, on the night of December 19, 2007 (at the opening of the then renovated stadium for AFCON 2008), Great Olympics were again the unfortunate victims, when Kotoko won 5-0 with would-be goal king, Eric Bekoe bagging a hat trick.Mbella hasn’t been crowned goal king yet.

He’s however in good stead to become Kotoko’s third attacker to be decorated with that honour in 15 years after Eric Bekoe and Alex Asamoah. Mbella is already in the class of Kotoko league scorers who’s hit double figures in 32 years; starting with Thomas Boakye, Prince Adu Poku, Eric Bekoe, Alex Asamoah, Amed Toure and Nathaniel Asamoah.

Whether Mbella can break Hearts of Oak’s Ishmael Addo’s 22-goal GPL record which has stood for over 20 years remains to be seen. With 14 matches left, Mbella may either equal or surpass Ishmael Addo and even if he’s unable to do that, at Kotoko, he would be elevated to the realms forwards whose performance and goals ignited so much joy.

Aside Mbella is Mfegue, who’s scored six goals in 16 matches out of which he started 15. Mfegue has had five assists. Mbella and Mfegue have largely held Kotoko’s account this season.

They ought not look back but continue to keep their scoring form. We must as well laud Coach Prosper Ogum and the technical team for their inputs. The league hasn’t ended but Management ought to be applauded for steering the team quite well. Again, the title is at a considerable distance away from us and every hint of complacency must be done away with.

Let the team keep their focus and for Mbella and Mfegue, please, don’t stop scoring.

By: Jerome Otchere

Ghana Deaf Rugby Union to Present Team Official Jersey to H.E Nana Addo, Dr Bawumia, Sports Minister & Dr Oteng

The Ghana Deaf Rugby Union is poised to outdoor it’s official Jersay ahead of an International friendlies with Wales Rugby Team in April which is part of the National Teams preparations towards the Deaf Rugby World Cup in Argentina in 2023 .

In an interview with the PRO of the Union Mr Akakpo Agodji , he has revealed that the first copies of the net to be outdoor will be presented to the following Personalities of the Country , H.E The President , H.E The vice president , The Hon Sports Minister and as well The CEO of Adonko Dr Oteng .

He explain that the presentation of the jersay to the personalities is to honor them for their great support for para sports in Ghana and this is a sign of their appreciation to them , he added that Dr Oteng the CEO of Adonko and his company have been of a great support to the Team and currently the company is the headline sponsor for the Team .

Mr Akakpo is calling on all Ghanaians to come on board in supporting the Team in what ever ways within their means and assured Ghanaians that the Team will do it’s best in winning the game against Wales and as well will put up a good performance during the world cup and bring honour to the Country.

He as well concluded by calling for unity and peace among all para sports decispline in the Country as he believe that is the best way to promote the Sports in the country.

“Ghana coach has invited goalkeeper Richard Ofori for Nigeria clash,” Orlando Pirates coach confirms

The Buccaneers boss has confirmed that the shot-stopper will play for Ghana in the next international break

Orlando Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi has revealed that goalkeeper Richard Ofori has been called for the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs against Nigeria in a fortnight.

The 27-year-old, who made a return onto the field for first time since November last year, when Pirates humiliated Royal Leopards 3-0 in the Caf Confederation Cup last weekend.

Although, the Black Stars list hasn’t been made official by Ghana FA, Ofori’s inclusion has been confirmed by his coach at the club level.

“Ofori is a top professional, Ghana selected him without playing a game. I was surprised.” Ncikazi told the South African media in an interview.

“You could just see the confidence he brings and breathes around the defence and I’m sure he is going to lessen the leaking of goals at Pirates because more than the fact that we are not scoring we are also letting in goals and I’m sure it’s going to improve,” he added.

Reports also suggest that Ghana coach Otto Addo has named Dutch-born of Ghanaian descent Leeroy Owusu in the Black Stars squad to face Nigeria.

The 25-year-old defender is believed to have been called as a replacement to former Dreams FC right-back Philimon Baffour, who is reportedly dropped from the squad after failing to make a single appearance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations held in Cameroon.

Owusu, who was born to Ghanaian parents in Netherlands, has previously represented Netherlands at the youth level. However, he has made 23 league appearances for Willem II in Dutch Eredivisie this season and Ghana FA has reportedly succeeded in his national switch with FIFA.

Also, Elisha Owusu and Antoine Semenyo are also believed been called for the game.

During last week, reports emerged that Otto Addo has dropped seven players who were part of the Black Stars squad that participated in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of the game.

Notable among the names dropped include Andre Ayew and box-to-box midfielder Wakaso Mubarak who could not kick a ball at the Afcon due to injury concerns.

Ayew, in particular, has been dropped because of suspension as he picked a red card against Comoros in the final game of the group stage at the Afcon.

Also, former Dreams FC player Philimon Baffour who has constantly been chastised by Ghanaians for his inclusion in the Black Stars has finally been dropped alongside RTU midfielder David Abagna Sandan.

Also, Yeni Malatyspor striker Benjamin Tetteh has been dropped following his ban by CAF after he was captured on camera for hitting a Gabonese player at the Afcon.

The others include Great Olympics forward Maxwell Abbey Quaye and St. Gallen goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi for poor run of performance. The shot-stopper, in particular, has been constantly conceding goals (44) in 23 games in the Swiss Premier League

BEHIND THE SCENES: Mfegue & ball boys join supporters after 5-0 win over Gold Stars; fans go ‘crazy’ [WTACH ALL THE GOALS]

The Cameroonian striker was very impressive as he scored a first half brace for the Porcupine Warriors against the debutants in the last game of matchday 20

Asante Kotoko striker George Mfegue ended his goal drought with a first half brace against Bibiani Gold Stars on matchday 20 of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Ahead of the game, head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh made two changes in his starting line up to face Bibiani Gold Stars. Outcast Stephen Amankonah was surprisingly given the nod to start the game against Bibiani Gold Stars in Ghana Premier League for the first time in two months.

Mudasiru Salifu, who began the game against Bechem United on Tuesday, was dropped to the bench for Richmond Lamptey to start while Amankonah start in place of Samuel Boateng.

Cameroonian strikers Etuoga Mbella and George Mfegue started in attack for the Porcupine Warriors.

After a pulsating opening minutes, Mfegue benefited from a howler by Hold Stars goalkeeper Ernest Adu to slot home the opening goal by the 23rd minute.

The goalkeeper failed to deal with a feeble cross from Imoro Ibrahim and Mfegue shot in the goal.

Few minutes later, Etouga set up Mfegue to score his second of the day with a wonderful finish.

WATCH THE BEHIND THE SCENES HERE

After the break, Augustine Agyapong added another goal from a long range. The youngster’s shot took a deflection from a Gold Stars player and went past goalkeeper Adu.

Etouga benefitted from a penalty to score his 14th goal of the season after Gold Stars defender handled the ball in the box.

Substitute Samuel Boateng wrapped up the game with a nice finish very late few minutes after coming on.

Mfegue, who was substituted in the course of the game due to injury concerns, joined his teammates to celebrate the win.

WATCH MFEGUE’S BRACE VS GOLD STARS

Asante Kotoko XI vs Gold Stars:

Danlad Ibrahim, Augustine Agyapong, Imoro Ibrahim, Ganiu Ismail, Yussif Mubarik, Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’, Sherrif Mohammed, Stephen Amankonah, Richmond Lamptey, George Mfegue, Mbella Etouga

George Mfegue hits first half brace against Bibiani Gold Stars [Watch all the goals]

The Cameroonian striker was very impressive as he scored a first half brace for the Porcupine Warriors against the debutants in the last game of matchday 20

Asante Kotoko striker George Mfegue ended his goal drought with a first half brace against Bibiani Gold Stars on matchday 20 of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Ahead of the game, head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh made two changes in his starting line up to face Bibiani Gold Stars. Outcast Stephen Amankonah was surprisingly given the nod to start the game against Bibiani Gold Stars in Ghana Premier League for the first time in two months.

Mudasiru Salifu, who began the game against Bechem United on Tuesday, was dropped to the bench for Richmond Lamptey to start while Amankonah start in place of Samuel Boateng.

Cameroonian strikers Etuoga Mbella and George Mfegue started in attack for the Porcupine Warriors.

After a pulsating opening minutes, Mfegue benefited from a howler by Hold Stars goalkeeper Ernest Adu to slot home the opening goal by the 23rd minute.

The goalkeeper failed to deal with a feeble cross from Imoro Ibrahim and Mfegue shot in the goal.

Few minutes later, Etouga set up Mfegue to score his second of the day with a wonderful finish.

Mfegue’s brace for Asante Kotoko

After the break, Augustine Agyapong added another goal from a long range. The youngster’s shot took a deflection from a Gold Stars player and went past goalkeeper Adu.

Asante Kotoko XI vs Gold Stars:

Danlad Ibrahim, Augustine Agyapong, Imoro Ibrahim, Ganiu Ismail, Yussif Mubarik, Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’, Sherrif Mohammed, Stephen Amankonah, Richmond Lamptey, George Mfegue, Mbella Etouga

Aduana Stars 1-0 Hearts: Former Kotoko midfielder Sam Adams punishes Phobians in Dormaa Ahenkro

The Ogya Boys continued their fine form as they picked their third win on the row against the Phobians in Dormaa Ahenkro

Aduana Stars defeated Hearts of Oak 1-0 on matchday 20 of Ghana Premier League at Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro on Sunday.

Ahead of the game, the Phobians boss has made a single change in the starting line up that defeated WAFA in mid-week.

Following the absence of Sulley Ali Muntari, Gladson Awako who missed the game against WAFA in mid-week due to injury concerns, has been given the nod to start in midfield.

He joined Salim Adams, Nurudeen Abdul Aziz, Afriyie Barnieh and Caleb Amankwah whiles Fatawu Mohammed led the defence line and Kwadwo Obeng Junior led the attack.

After both sides failed to create decent chances, Sam Adams who rejoined Aduana from Kotoko last two years broke free and scored the opening goal by the 33rd minute.

The winger connected a pass from Paul Acquah and perfectly slotted in his last ditch effort beyond the reach of onrushing goalkeeper Richmond Ayi.

Watch Sam Adams’ goal against Hearts of Oak

After the break, Hearts pressed forward for the equalizer but despite Obeng Junior and Afriyie Barnieh coming close, they could not make their half chances count.

Yahaya Mohammed also tried a long ball with an intention to beat goalkeeper Ayi on his line after he came forward but the striker’s effort went wide.

Aduana now sit second with 34 points, five points behind Asante Kotoko who have a game in hand, while Hearts have dropped to sixth on the log with 29 points.

Stephen Amankonah starts for Kotoko vs. Gold Stars as Mudasiru, Blay & others benched

The winger has surprisingly been included in Kotoko’s starting line up to face the debutants in the last game of matchday 20

Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has made two changes in his starting line up to face Bibiani Gold Stars in Ghana Premier League matchday 20 at Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Outcast Stephen Amankonah has surprisingly been given the nod to start the game against Bibiani Gold Stars in Ghana Premier League for the first time in two months.

Mudasiru Salifu who began the game against Bechem United on Tuesday has been dropped to the bench for Richmond Lamptey to start while Amankonah start in place of Samuel Boateng.

Cameroonian strikers Etuoga Mbella and George Mfegue start in attack for the Porcupine Warriors as the duo hope to end their goal drought having gone 180 minutes in all competitions without a goal.

Asante Kotoko XI vs Gold Stars:

Danlad Ibrahim, Augustine Agyapong, Imoro Ibrahim, Ganiu Ismail, Yussif Mubarik, Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’, Sherrif Mohammed, Stephen Amankonah, Richmond Lamptey, George Mfegue, Mbella Etouga

Awako starts as Samuel Boadu rings changes in Hearts starting XI vs. Aduana Stars

The Phobians boss has made a single change in the starting line up that defeated WAFA in mid-week

Hearts of Oak boss Samuel Boadu has made one change in Hearts of Oak starting line up against Aduana Stars on matchday 20 of Ghana Premier League at Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro on Sunday.

Following the absence of Sulley Ali Muntari, Gladson Awako who missed the game against WAFA in mid-week due to injury concerns, has been given the nod to start in midfield.

He will partner Salim Adams, Nurudeen Abdul Aziz, Afriyie Barnieh and Caleb Amankwah whiles Fatawu Mohammed leads the defence line.

Kwadwo Obeng Junior will be leading the attack and hope to score once again after netting the opener against WAFA.

Hearts are currently sitting fourth on the log with 29 points, twelve points behind rivals Asante Kotoko.

Prosper Ogum makes two changes in Asante Kotoko’s matchday squad for Bibiani Gold Stars on Sunday

The Porcupine Warriors boss has made two additions to the squad that faced Bechem United last week

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has named a strong 22-man squad for Ghana Premier League matchday 20 fixture against Bibiani Gold Stars at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

After picking a point against Bechem United last week Tuesday, defender Patrick Asmah and midfielder Stephen Amankonah are back in the squad and could make a cameo appearance.

Amankonah, in particular, was with the players in Bechem but was dropped from the official teamsheet which the club used with no official reasons.

Meanwhile, Cameroonian striker Mbella Etouga who missed training on Thursday and returned on Friday has been named in the squad and will certainly start upfront together with his countryman George Mfegue.

Obviously, the central defensive pair will be Abdul Ganiu Ismail and Yussif Mubarik while Augustine Agyapong and Imoro Ibrahim take over the right and left full back positions respectively after keeping a clean sheet in Bechem.

In midfield, it is likely Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’ will maintain his place after that stupendous performance against Bechem and form a formidable partnership with Mudasiru Salifu and Sheriff Mohammed while Richmond Lamptey comes in for Samuel Boateng.

Etouga and Mfegue are likely to lead the attack in search of goals.

Kotoko’s training session on Friday

Kotoko squad vs Bibiani Gold Stars:

Goalkeepers:
Danlad Ibrahim, Kwame Baah

Defenders:

Abdul Ganiyu Ismail, Maxwell Agyemang, Andrews Appau, Yussif Mubarik, Samuel Appiah, Augustine Agyapong, Patrick Asmah, Imoro Ibrahim
 

Midfielders:

Richard Boadu, Richmond Lamptey, Justice Blay, Sheriff Mohammed, Mudasiru Salifu, Fabio Gama Dos Santos, Dickson Afoakwa, Stephen Amankonah
 

Forwards:

Mbella Etouga, Georges Mfegue, Evans Adomako, Samuel Boateng