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“It’s going to be purely ‘tactical battle’ with Kotoko in Kumasi,” Michael Osei warns Prosper Ogum

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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“It’s going to be purely ‘tactical battle’ with Kotoko in Kumasi,” Michael Osei warns Prosper Ogum

The Miners boss believes his charges could end up with good results in their first trip to Kumasi as he feels he has good players to win the tactical battle on Sunday

Bibiani Gold Stars coach Michael Osei has insisted their matchday 20 game in Ghana Premier League against Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday will be “purely tactical” battle as they search for their first away win in the top-flight.

The debutants lost the first leg at home three months ago but according to Osei, who previously led Kotoko as a player and coach, he has been able to build a formidable side who are peaking at the right time and will cause a major upset to his former side.

“Kotoko are at the top [of the Premier League log] at the moment and have good form but my team is also in a good shape and we’ve been consistent with our performance,” Osei said as quoted by AshesGyamera.com.

He continued: “Maybe the away performance hasn’t been good but all the same I’m happy with our play so I know definitely that it will be an interesting game.

“This is because both clubs are in good shape so it will be purely tactical game because they also have a very good coach. I think he is doing very well with the players and we’re also doing well so this is a game I believe to be more interesting to watch,” he added.

Osei is yet to face Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium with another club and has already been dreaming of a wonderful welcome.

“I’m very happy going back to Kumasi with Gold Stars. Kumasi is my hometown, where I grew up. Since I left Kotoko in 2016, I’ve played against Kotoko twice but none of them has been at their home ground [Baba Yara Sports Stadium],” he said.

“So I’m very excited to have the opportunity to face them for the first time in Kumasi.

“I have won once against Kotoko since leaving them with Liberty Professionals as well as losing one with Gold Stars in the first round in Bibiani. The defeat was a very painful one.

“I’m worried with our away matches because the results haven’t been better and per our preparations it should not be so. However, we’re still working hard that it will change and it must start from Kotoko,” he concluded.

Watch Michael Osei’s interview before the game

Unlike Kotoko who are leading the log with 41 points, Gold Stars after ten away games have scored only seven goals and conceded seventeen goals. They lie 17th on the away log with just two points from a possible 30 points.

They also have the third worse defence away from home behind Accra Lions and Techiman Eleven Wonders.

“Kotoko is at their peak but Gold Stars will shock them in Kumasi,” Michael Osei bullish ahead of clash

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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“Kotoko is at their peak but Gold Stars will shock them in Kumasi,” Michael Osei bullish ahead of clash

The Gye Nyame boss is optimistic of picking at least a point against his former side at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as he marks a return to the venue that brought him to limelight years ago

Bibiani Gold Stars coach Michael Osei says they are fully prepared to defeat Asante Kotoko in matchday 20 fixture of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The debutants lost the first leg at home three months ago but according to Osei, who previously led Kotoko as a player and coach, his charges are peaking at the right time and will cause a major upset to his former side.

“I’m very happy going back to Kumasi with Gold Stars. Since I left Kotoko in 2016, I’ve played against Kotoko twice but none of them has been at their home ground [Baba Yara Sports Stadium],” Osei told his club’s media, as quoted by AshesGyamera.com.

“So I’m very excited to have the opportunity to face them for the first time in Kumasi.

“I have won once against Kotoko since leaving them with Liberty Professionals as well as losing one with Gold Stars in the first round in Bibiani. The defeat was a very painful one.

“Kotoko are at the top [of the Premier League log] at the moment and have good form but my team is also in a good shape and we’ve been consistent with our performance. Maybe the away performance hasn’t been good but all the same I’m happy with our play so I know definitely that it will be an interesting game.

“This is because both clubs are in good shape so it will be purely tactical game because they also have a very good coach. I think he is doing very well with the players and we’re also doing well so this is a game I believe to be more interesting to watch.

“I’m worried with our away matches because the results haven’t been better and per our preparations it should not be so. However, we’re still working hard that it will change and it must start from Kotoko,” he added.

Watch Michael Osei’s interview ahead of Kotoko game

Gold Stars after ten away games have scored only seven goals and conceded seventeen goals. They lie 17th on the away log with just two points from a possible 30 points.

They also have the third worse defence away from home behind Accra Lions and Techiman Eleven Wonders.

Etouga & Owusu return to training; Taylor, Oppong & others miss as Kotoko prepare to face Gold Stars

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Etouga & Owusu return to training; Taylor, Oppong & others miss as Kotoko prepare to face Gold Stars

The Cameroonian striker sat out of Kotoko’s training on Thursday as the other players fine tuned but he made a return on Friday ahead of the game against the debutants on Sunday

Asante Kotoko players returned to full training on Friday afternoon after sharing the spoils goalless with Bechem United on matchday nineteen of Ghana Premier at Bechem on Tuesday.

Although, in-form striker Etuoga Mbella Etouga failed to participate in the training session on Thursday due to fatigue, the 20-year-old made a return to training on Friday to join his teammates in preparation for the game on Sunday as Kotoko look forward for their first win in March.

Etouga suffered a terrible attack by Bechem defender Samuel Osei Kuffour as he was stamped on the shoulder.

Although, the incident happened on the blind side of the referees, it was captured on television. As a result, Osei Kuffour has been charged by Ghana Football Association for misconduct and could face at least a three-game ban.

Watch Kotoko’s training session

Etouga currently lead the Ghana Premier League topscorer’s chart with 13 goals, one goal better than Aduana Stars striker Bright Agyei.

Also, youngster Isaac Oppong could not make it to the training due to injury concerns. Although, he recently returned from injury layoff and played against Hearts of Oak in the league, he is yet to play another game.

Again, Solomon Sarfo Taylor missed the training as the striker is currently in Spain. According to reports in the local media, Taylor is finalising his paperwork for an possible transfer to a lower division side in Europe.

Once again, Clinton Opoku was excused from the training due to ill health as he is yet to recover from an injury he sustained a couple of weeks ago.

However, midfielder Stephen Amankonah who has been recently in the news for the bad reasons was spotted at the training ground. Reports suggest Amankonah is looking for a way out of the club and has failed to make Kotoko’s matchday squad for their last three games.

Should his services be needed, the former Berekum Chelsea forward could called upon on Sunday.

Young left back Charles Owusu who picked up a head injury against Dreams FC a fortnight ago, as well as striker Andy Kumi, made a return to training but it is most likely they will not be named in the matchday squad.

Asante Kotoko lead Ghana Premier League log with 41 points after 19 games.

Awako, Boateng travel with Hearts of Oak to Dormaa Ahenkro; Muntari, Kordzi, Asubonteng & others miss [check 22-man squad]

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Awako, Boateng travel with Hearts of Oak to Dormaa Ahenkro; Muntari, Kordzi, Asubonteng & others miss [check 22-man squad]

The Phobians make a long journey from the capital to the upper part of the Bono region as they face one of their nemesis this weekend

Hearts of Oak are hoping to make it two wins in a row when they face Aduana Stars on matchday 20 of Ghana Premier League at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro on Sunday.

After going four games without a win in the Premier League, the Phobians finally ended their winless streak on Wednesday when they pipped WAFA 2-1 thanks to a late penalty by Sulley Muntari.

However, they will have to grind another results this time around without him after failing to make the 22-man squad that left Accra on Friday.

Although, initial reports suggested that Muntari opted not to travel to Dormaa Ahenkro for the game due to lack of local flight from Accra to the venue, but the club has vehemently denied such suggestions and insists it was on medical grounds.

“The decision to exempt Sulley Ali Muntari from the game against Aduana Stars is based on medical advice after he picked up a knock in our previous game and not his personal decision as being speculated,” a club statement read on Friday.

Also, box-to-box midfielder Frederick Ansah Botchway and Enoch Asubonteng could not make the trip as the duo are also yet to recover from injuries they sustained.

The Phobians have now moved up to fourth in the log with 29 points, twelve points behind Asante Kotoko who lead the Premier League log.

Check Hearts matchday squad for Dormaa Ahenkro trip:

GOALKEEPERS

Richard Attah, Richmond Ayi, Ben Mensah

DEFENDERS

William Dankyi, Robert Addo Sowah, James Serwonu, Mohammed Alhassan, Denis Korsah, Larry Sumaila, Caleb Amankwah, Fatawu Mohammed

MIDFIELDERS

Abu Ushau, Gladson Awako, Abdul Aziz Nurudeen, Salim Adams, Patrick Razak,

FORWARDS

Isaac Mensah, Kwadwo Obeng Jnr, Daniel Afriyei Barnieh A, Agyenim Boateng, Benjamin Yorke, Seidu Suraj

Sulley Muntari talks about his chances to return to Black Stars after debut goal for Hearts

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Sulley Muntari talks about his chances to return to Black Stars after debut goal for Hearts

The experienced midfielder’s maiden goal won the day for the Phobians who ended their five league games without a win

Hearts of Oak midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari has refused to shed lights on his chances of returning to play for Ghana ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs against Nigeria on March 25.

The 37-year-old was on target when the Phobians defeated WAFA Academy 2-1 on matchday nineteen of Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

After a barren first half, Kwame Obeng Junior shot Hearts in front by the 46th minute after a scramble in the WAFA box.

WAFA pulled even through Henry Owari by the 55th minute through a free-kick. The youngster beat goalkeeper Richard Attah with a wonderful strike after sending his efforts past the human wall.

However, Sulley Muntari restored Hearts’ lead by the 75th minute through a penalty. After Patrick Razak was brought down on the edge of WAFA’s box, the former AC Milan and Inter Milan midfielder stepped up to send his resulting kick beyond the goalkeeper.

WATCH MUNTARI’S COMMENTS ON BLACK STARS CHANCES

Hearts have now moved up to fifth on the log with 29 points, 12 points behind leaders Asante Kotoko with 15 matches left to end the season.

“I need to work hard to catch up with Etouga Mbella,” Augustine Okrah speaks about goalking race

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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“I need to work hard to catch up with Etouga Mbella,” Augustine Okrah speaks about goalking race

The midfielder led Bechem United to salvage a point against Asante Kotoko and believes Ghanaians were happy but he needs to double his efforts to win the

Bechem United midfielder Augustine Okrah has insisted that it still possible to catch up in the Ghana Premier League goal king race after shooting blank against Asante Kotoko at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old has scored eight goals this season but he has gone four games without a goal and now currently trail Kotoko striker Etouga Mbella five goals in the goal king race.

However, he is optimistic that he can catch up with the Cameroonian if he doubles his efforts in the second round of the season.

“I’m a player and if I can catch up [with Etouga Mbella], it depends on my hardwork,” Okrah told AshesGyamera.com.

“I have to double my efforts and involve myself in games more than before. I need to work hard utilise opportunities that will come my way in the games left,” he added.

Okrah won the award eight seasons ago during his first stints with Bechem United, after bagging 16 goals to beat former Kotoko striker Seidu Bancey in a heated race.

He then moved to Sweden to join BK Hacken before making his name in Sudan with Al Merriekh and Al Hilal.

After Sudan, the ambidextrous forward joined Smouha and North East United in Egypt and India respectively before returning to Ghana to rejoin Kotoko in 2019.

Hearts of Oak 2-1 WAFA: Sulley Muntari’s debut goal helps Phobians to end winless streak in GPL

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Hearts of Oak 2-1 WAFA: Sulley Muntari’s debut goal helps Phobians to end winless streak in GPL

The experienced midfielder made sure his maiden goal won the day for the Phobians who ended their five league games without a win against the Academy Boys

Hearts of Oak defeated WAFA Academy 2-1 on matchday nineteen of Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday thanks to two second half goals.

The Phobians struggled to create decent chances in the opening half despite Obeng Junior and Afriyie Barnieh came close.

After a barren first half, Kwame Obeng Junior shot Hearts in front by the 46th minute after a scramble in the WAFA box.

WAFA pulled even through Henry Owari by the 55th minute through a free-kick. The youngster beat goalkeeper Richard Attah with a wonderful strike after sending his efforts past the human wall.

However, Sulley Muntari restored Hearts’ lead by the 75th minute through a penalty. After Patrick Razak was brought down on the edge of WAFA’s box, the former AC Milan and Inter Milan midfielder stepped up to send his resulting kick beyond the goalkeeper.

Sulley Muntari’s performance has further intensified calls by a section of Ghanaians to be called as Black Stars squad ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria.

Watch all the goals including Sulley Muntari’s FIRST-EVER GOAL for Hearts

Hearts have now moved up to fifth on the log with 29 points, 12 points behind leaders Asante Kotoko with 15 matches left to end the season.

Ghanaian politician “Wontumi” Boasiako submits bid to buy Chelsea FC

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ghanaian politician “Wontumi” Boasiako submits bid to buy Chelsea FC

The Ghanaian businessman cum politician is ready to takeover the Blues after Roman Abramovich declared his readiness to sell the club

Ghanaian politician, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has officially submitted a bid to but my club Chelsea FC after Roman Abramovich put it on sale a couple of days ago.

Boasiako believes he can change the face of English football with the money made from small scale mining in Africa.

Roman Abramovich will ask two things from those who eventually purchase Chelsea Football Club from him.According to Sky Sports, the Russian wants to ensure he sells the Blues to someone, or a group, that will continue his investment in the current Chelsea squad, as well as the development of Stamford Bridge, or indeed building a new stadium.

Abramovich confirmed last week in a statement that he would be selling Chelsea after owning the club for almost two decades, with the “best interest” of the west Londoners the main reason behind his decision.The Russian businessman is looking for £3billion for the sale to be completed, with several interested parties already making contact with him.

Abramovich, before selling, though, apparently wants reassurance that his philosophy in terms of investing heavily into the squad and the redevelopment of the stadium, will be continued.

On the pitch, meanwhile, Chelsea recorded a comfortable victory against Burnley at the weekend and manager Thomas Tuchel praised his team for managing to block out what is going on behind the scenes at the club.

Tuchel said this on Saturday: “It is possible [to block out what is happening] because we do it. We had a brilliant match at Wembley [against Liverpool]. Even to make things harder a disappointing result at the end.

Ghana FA charges Bechem United defender Osei Kuffour after stamping Etouga Mbella

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ghana FA charges Bechem United defender Osei Kuffour after stamping Etouga Mbella

The young defender has officially been charged by the country’s football governing body and could be given some games ban

Ghana Football Association has charged Bechem United defender Samuel Osei Kuffour following his unsporting conduct against Asante Kotoko striker Etouga Mbella in the goalless draw of Premier League at Bechem on Tuesday.

Kuffour after kicking the ball, deliberately stamped Etouga by the 22nd minute and went scot free since it happened at the blind side of referee Kennedy Padi and his assistants.

“The GFA Disciplinary Committee has charged Bechem United defender Samuel Osei Kuffour for a misconduct in the Ghana Premier League Matchday 19 game against Asante Kotoko,” a GFA statement read.

“Osei Kuffour is charged with a breach of Article 34(6)(d) of the GFA Premier League Regulations, 2019.

“According to the charge sheet, Samuel Osei Kuffour did intentionally kick player number 11 of Asante Kotoko SC (Frank Thierry Etouga Mbella) in an off-ball situation, an action which in the opinion of the association is an improper behavior and likely to bring the game into disrepute.

Watch what Osei Kuffour did to Etouga Mbella

“The player is expected to respond to the charge by 5:00pm on Thursday, March 10, 2022 failing which the GFA Disciplinary Committee will proceed to adjudicate the case without his Statement of Defence,” the statement added.

If Osei Kuffour is found guilty, he could be given a three-match ban and some amount to be paid as a fine.

Confirmed: Otto Addo names Semenyo, Bukari & Leeroy in Ghana’s squad to face Nigeria [Check full squad]

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Confirmed: Otto Addo names Semenyo, Bukari & Leeroy in Ghana’s squad to face Nigeria [Check full squad]

The Black Stars gaffer has named several young and promising footballers in his maiden squad as they prepare to face Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers playoffs

Ghana coach Otto Addo has named several youngsters in the Black Stars squad to face Nigeria in 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off game later this month.

Notable among these players include France-based midfielder Osman Bukari and Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo who has been on fire in the English Championship.

The 22-year-old who was born in London to Ghanaian parents was approached by Otto Addo and some Ghana FA officials which he finally accepted to switch nationality since he was eligible to also represent England.

Semenyo won the EFL Championship Player of the Month award for January 2022 after scoring three goals and providing three assists.

Click & watch all the players invited by Otto Addo||SUBSCRIBE

Again, Dutch-born defender of Ghanaian descent Leeroy Owusu, who was born to Ghanaian parents in England has been called.

Owusu moved to Netherlands at a younger age and has previously represented Netherlands at the youth level. However, after making 23 league appearances for Willem II in Dutch Eredivisie this season, Ghana FA has succeeded in his national switch with FIFA.

Also, Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori has been named as part of the three goalkeepers to face Nigeria. The shot-stopper recently recovered from an injury he sustained against South Africa last year which eventually led to his absence from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He will fight for the number spot with Jojo Wollacot and Hearts of Oak’s Richard Attah.

All these players have been called to play against Nigeria

Hearts of Oak defender Dennis Korsah, who recently joined the Phobians from Ebusua Dwarfs, has been put on standby.

Korsah been in fine form in the Ghana Premier League called and his performance has gone unnoticed.

He has won two Man of the Match awards after five games in the Premier League and he joins Dutch-born defender of Ghanaian descent Leeroy Owusu who has also been given a maiden call up.

Although, a lot of Ghanaians are hoping that Aduana Stars striker Bright Agyei who has scored 12 goals in Ghana Premier League get a call up but the coaches are not fully convinced.

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 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs against Nigeria later this year and Kamaldeen’s injury could become a major worry.

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.

Check out the names of those who made Ghana squad

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.

Thomas Teye Partey will be the new captain for Ghana against Nigeria but Andre Ayew is expected to join the players in camp during the international break even though he will not play part of the games.

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