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Nigeria eliminated from 2021 Afcon by Tunisia; Eagles switch attention to Ghana in WC qualifiers

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Nigeria eliminated from 2021 Afcon by Tunisia; Eagles switch attention to Ghana in WC qualifiers

The Super Green Eagles were surprisingly eliminated from the tournament by Tunisia on Sunday

Ten-man Nigeria lost 1-0 to Tunisia in the round of 16 of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations ongoing in Cameroon on Sunday.

A second half goal by Youssef Msakni gave Tunisia the lead against the run of play since they were made to endure an intense pressure from Nigeria.

Although, Nigeria came close several times to equalise, their ambition was dealt another big blow after Everton striker Alex Iwobi was sent off.

The former Arsenal man saw straight red card after VAR checks confirmed that he had stepped on one of the Tunisia players with his stud.

Burkina Faso will now face Tunisia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Nigeria will now have to switch attention to 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers where they have been paired with Ghana in the last round of the qualifiers in March.

The winner after the two legs will pick one of the five slots allocated to Africa.

Watch how Kotoko supporters chanted Mfegue’s name & danced with ‘No Abodeɛ song’ after scoring winner against Medeama

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Watch how Kotoko supporters chanted Mfegue’s name & danced with ‘No Abodeɛ song’ after scoring winner against Medeama

The striker, who is gradually carving a niche for himself, scored one and missed a penalty as the Porcupine Warriors returned to winning ways against Medeama on Sunday

Cameroonian striker Georges Mfegue scored the only goal as Asante Kotoko defeated Medeama 1-0 on matchday fourteen of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

After failing to defeat Berekum Chelsea last week away, Kotoko came into this game with a winning mentality as coach Prosper Ogum Narteh set up an attacking line up.

Afoakwa almost snatched the lead for Kotoko by the 23rd minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box but it was saved by goalkeeper Mandjui, who joined Medeama last year in a three-year deal.

Mandjui saved another effort from Imoro Ibrahim by the 37th minute to the surprise of the Kotoko defender who was about to set off for a celebration.

After the break, Kotoko continued to press Medeama for the opener but Mandjui was always present to frustrate them.

However, Mfegue benefited from a mistake by Adom Frimpong and perfectly sent in his effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Mandjui.

The Cameroonian striker could’ve bagged a brace five minutes later after Kotoko were awarded a penalty but he couldn’t beat Mandjui this time around as his kick was saved.

Kotoko have widen the gap at the top of the log with 30 points, six points better than Aduana Stars and ten points above rivals Hearts of Oak.

Watch how Justice Blay was surprised by Asante Kotoko fans during his unveiling before Medeama clash

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Watch how Justice Blay was surprised by Asante Kotoko fans during his unveiling before Medeama clash

The midfielder was introduced to the teeming supporters on Sunday after rejoining the club from Medeama

Asante Kotoko new midfielder Justice Blay was unveiled to the supporters on Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium ahead of the clash with Medeama.

The 28-year-old rejoined Kotoko in a two-year deal as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Medeama

Although, he could not play a part of the game against his former side, he was cheered up and received a standing ovation from the supporters during his unveiling.

Also, sports journalist Patrick Osei Agyemang also known as Countryman Songo was unveiled as a new member of the club’s communication department.

Kotoko went on to defeat Medeama 1-0 thanks to Georges Mfegue Rodrigues’ late goal

Kotoko lead the Premier League pack with 30 points after 13 games, ten points better than arch rivals Hearts of Oak.

The club’s will meet on February 20 at the Accra Sports Stadium in the outstanding game since Hearts were participating in Caf Confederation Cup last year.

Watch Georges Mfegue’s winning goal for Kotoko & penalty miss against Medeama

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Watch Georges Mfegue’s winning goal for Kotoko & penalty miss against Medeama

The striker, who gradually carving a niche for himself, scored one and missed a penalty as the Porcupine Warriors returned to winning ways against Medeama on Sunday

Cameroonian striker Georges Mfegue scored the only goal as Asante Kotoko defeated Medeama 1-0 on matchday fourteen of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

After failing to defeat Berekum Chelsea last week away, Kotoko came into this game with a winning mentality as coach Prosper Ogum Narteh set up an attacking line up.

Afoakwa almost snatched the lead for Kotoko by the 23rd minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box but it was saved by goalkeeper Mandjui, who joined Medeama last year in a three-year deal.

Mandjui dispatched another effort from Imoro Ibrahim by the 37th minute to the surprise of the Kotoko defender who was about to set off for a celebration.

After the break, Kotoko continued to press Medeama for the opener but Mandjui was always present to frustrate them.

However, Mfegue benefited from a mistake by Adom Frimpong and perfectly sent in his effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Mandjui.

The Cameroonian striker could’ve bagged a brace five minutes later after Kotoko were awarded a penalty but he couldn’t beat Mandjui this time around as his kick was saved.

Kotoko now have 30 points after 13 games, ten points above Hearts of Oak whom they will meet in an outstanding match at the Accra Sports Stadium on February 20.

Asante Kotoko 1-0 Medeama: Mfegue scores late to open ten-point gap between Kotoko & Hearts

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Asante Kotoko 1-0 Medeama: Mfegue scores late to open ten-point gap between Kotoko & Hearts

The Cameroonian scored one and missed a penalty as the Porcupine Warriors returned to winning ways against Medeama on Sunday

Asante Kotoko defeated Medeama 1-0 on matchday fourteen of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Porcupine Warriors headed into the game on the back of a stalemate against Berekum Chelsea last week and coach Prosper Ogum Narteh made some few changes in the squad with Dickson Afoakwa coming in for injured Stephen Amankonah while Kwame Baah made the matchday squad for the first time in two months since Razak Abalora has now joined Moldovan giants Sherif Tiraspol in a three-year deal.

Kotoko unveiled midfielder Justice Blay who has rejoined the club from Medeama in a two-year deal to the supporters before kick off.

Amed Toure tormented Kotoko defence in the early minutes of the game but failed to make the half chances count.

Afoakwa almost snatched the lead for Kotoko by the 23rd minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box but it was saved by goalkeeper Mandjui, who joined Medeama last year in a three-year deal.

Mandjui dispatched another effort from Imoro Ibrahim by the 37th minute to the surprise of the Kotoko defender who was about to set off for a celebration.

After the break, Kotoko continued to press Medeama for the opener but Mandjui was always present to frustrate them.

However, Mfegue benefited from a mistake by Adom Frimpong and perfectly sent in his effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Mandjui.

The Cameroonian striker could’ve bagged a brace five minutes later after Kotoko were awarded a penalty but he couldn’t beat Mandjui this time around as his kick was saved.

Kotoko have currently widen the gap on the log with 30 points, six points above Aduana Stars who sit in second place, while they are ten points better than rivals Hearts of Oak.

Jordan Ayew tastes defeat in Premier League return against Liverpool

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Jordan Ayew tastes defeat in Premier League return against Liverpool

The striker returned to club duties this weekend but he could not help the Eagles to avoid defeat against Liverpool

Ghana forward Jordan Ayew was a second half substitute when Crystal Palace suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League at the Selhurst Park in Bibiani on Sunday.

The 30-year-old was part of the Black Stars squad that represented Ghana at 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. However, he failed to register a single shot on target or score a goal for Ghana as the Black Stars bowed out of the tournament with defeats to Morocco and minnows Comoros.

Ayew availed himself to Palace technical team for selection was quickly drafted into the matchday squad but could only start from the bench.

Liverpool scored the first goal of the game through Virgil van Dijk by the eighth minute after he connected a pass from Andrew Robertson.

Liverpool doubled their lead by the 32nd minute through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain when he combined with Andrew Robertson.

After the break, Palace pulled one back after Odsonne Edouard latched on to Jesse Philipe-Mateta’s pass by the 55th minute.

Ayew was then thrown into the game by 77th minute by head coach Patrick Veirra to replace Will Hughes in their search for the equaliser.

However, Liverpool broke their hearts with a late goal through penalty by Fabinho on the 89th minute. A foul on Diogo Jota was initially ruled out by the referee only for VAR to overrule the decision.

Palace now sit 13th on the stand with 24 points, seven points clear of relegation zone.

Prosper Ogum rings changes in Kotoko’s line up against Medeama; Yaw ‘Dick’ starts in midfield

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Prosper Ogum rings changes in Kotoko’s line up against Medeama; Yaw ‘Dick’ starts in midfield

The Porcupine Warriors boss has made some few changes in his squad to face Medeama at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has named a strong starting line up that will face Medeama in matchday fourteen of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

With Razak Abalora now joining Moldovan giants Sherif Tiraspol in a three-year deal, youngster Danlad Ibrahim maintains his place in post while Kwame Baah has been named on the bench as a substitute goalkeeper.

Cameroonian strikers Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry and Georges Mfegue Rodrigues will lead the attack while Dickson Afoakwa and Sheriff Mohammed take up the role of the wings.

Kotoko will unveil box-to-box midfielder Justice Blay who has rejoined the club from Medeama in a two-year deal before kick off to the supporters.

Kotoko currently lead the log with 27 points, three points above Aduana Stars who sit in second place, while they are seven points better than rivals Hearts of Oak.

KOTOKO XI vs Medeama:

Ibrahim Danlad
Abdul Ganiu
Augustine Agyapong
Salifu Mudasiru
Imoro Ibrahim
Muharik Yussif
Georges Mfegue
Franck Etouga
Richmond Lamptey
Dickson Afoakwa
Sherrif Mohammed

SUBS;

Kwame Baah
Evans Adomako
Samuel Boateng
Patrick Asmah
Christopher Nettey
Maxwell Agyemang
Solomon Sarfo Taylor
Richard Boadu

Why Black Stars lost to Morocco & minnows Comoros but not Gabon at 2021 Afcon?

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Why Black Stars lost to Morocco & minnows Comoros but not Gabon at 2021 Afcon?

The Black Stars experienced their worst ever performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon as they were bundled out of the group but which record still stood?

Ghana could not progress from their group in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations ongoing in Cameroon. With Group C having debutants Comoros and less fancied side Gabon, it was only Morocco a lot of people were worried about for Ghana, however, things moved from bad to worse.

The Black Stars were pipped 1-0 on opening day of the group by Morocco before they shared the spoils 1-1 with Gabon in the second game and when everyone was waiting for the four-time champions to grind results against Comoros and qualify, they flattered to deceive.

Comoros scored three, battered and outplayed Ghana, and eventually won the game 3-2 with their coach even wanting more goals before full time as the minnows matched on to the round of 16 as one of the best third place countries.

Now, the Black Stars’ came back home empty handed and with a lot of shame but there was one thing that they could be proud of, regardless.

The Black Stars maintained their history as the best opponents in second group games of Africa Cup of Nations. Ghana hardly lose their second group games at the Afcon and it was the reason why Morocco and Comoros defeated them but Gabon failed.

Exactly seven years ago today (January 23, 2015), Ghana defeated Algeria 1-0 in the second group game of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, thanks to captain Asamoah Gyan who had returned from the sick bed.

Gyan’s late goal revived Black Stars’ campaign after losing 2-1 to Senegal in the opening game.

This goes a long way to confirm that the Black Stars are always favorite to win their second game of every group at the Afcon and worse will be a stalemate.

Ghana XI vs Algeria in 2017:

Razak Brimah-GK, Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah, Daniel Amartey, Afriyie Acquah, Agyemang Badu, Christian Atsu, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Asamoah Gyan(c)

The last time Ghana lost a second group game was in 1998 and they have since grown better.

Ghana’s all time second Group Matches in Afcon:

1963 Ghana 2-0 Ethiopia
1965 Ghana 4-1 Cote D’Iviore
1968 Ghana 2-1 DR Congo
1970 Ghana 1-1 Egypt
1978 Ghana 1-1 Nigeria
1982 Ghana 0-0 Cameroon
1984 Ghana 0-2 Algeria
1992 Ghana 1-0 Egypt
1994 Ghana 1-0 Senegal
1996 Ghana 2-1 Tunisia
1998 Ghana 1-2 Togo
2000 Ghana 2-0 Togo
2002 Ghana 0-0 South Africa
2006 Ghana 1-0 Senegal
2008 Ghana 1-0 Namibia
2010 Ghana 1-0 Burkina Faso
2012 Ghana 2-0 Mali
2013 Ghana 1-0 Mali
2015 Ghana 1-0 Algeria
2017 Ghana 1-0 Mali
2019 Ghana 0-0 Cameroon
2021 Ghana 1-1 Gabon

STATS AT A GLANCE:

-22 second group matches played
-Ghana have won 14 times
-Ghana won eight consecutive times between 2006 and 2017
-Ghana have lost twice (last time in 1998 against Togo)
-Ghana have drawn six times

Black Stars players receive $20,000 as Afcon appearance fees despite poor performance?

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Black Stars players receive $20,000 as Afcon appearance fees despite poor performance?

Despite the poor showing at the 2021 Afcon, rumours have it that each player took home $20,000 for appearing at the tournament

Amid Ghana’s shambolic performance at 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, reports in the local media have suggested that each player was paid $20,000 as an appearance fee by government.

Although, the Black Stars failed to win any of their three games in the group stage, losing to Morocco and minnows Comoros as well as sharing the spoils with Gabon, it has been rumored that each of the 27 players who were in camp bagged that amount before even kicking the ball.

If the Black Stars had defeated Comoros in the final group game and made it to the round of 16 of the Afcon, each player was going to get $30,000 and that would’ve made it $50,000 in total.

However, the four-time champions failed to make it out of the group for the first time since 2006 and also failed to win a game for the first time since the country participated in the Afcon in 1963.

These uninspiring records have led to a public outcry by majority of Ghanaians who believe that Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac should be sacked from his position.

As a result, Ghana government through the ministry of Youth and Sports held a crunch meeting with Ghana Football Association’s top hierarchy on Friday in Accra to deliberate about the way forward of the national team.

It was later revealed that government wants Milovan Rajevac sacked but the football association is adamant to that stance since they believe it will jeopardize the country’s chances of making it to the 2022 Fifa World Cup holding in Qatar.

Ghana have been paired with neighbouring country Nigeria in the final round of the qualifiers to be played in March. The winner after the two legs will automatically qualify to play in the World Cup.

Asante Kotoko unveil ‘chief’ Justice Blay in a two-year deal

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Asante Kotoko unveil ‘chief’ Justice Blay in a two-year deal

The box-to-box midfielder has sealed a two-year deal with the Porcupine Warriors and will be at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium until 2024

Former Medeama midfielder Justice Blay has officially been unveiled by Asante Kotoko in a two-year deal as a free agent, the club confirmed on Saturday.

The midfielder, 28, has returned to Kotoko after an impressive loan spell with the Kumasi-based club and opted to seal a permanent deal following the expiration of his contract with Medeama last month.

Blay, who plays holding midfield role, is expected to join forces with Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’, Richmond Lamptey, Fabio Gama, Sheriff Mohammed and Mudasiru Salifu.

Kotoko currently tops Ghana Premier League log with 27 points, three points above Aduana Stars who sit second place and seven points above rivals Hearts of Oak.

Blay is will be in the stands on Sunday when Kotoko welcome his former club Medeama to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in matchday fourteen of Ghana Premier League.

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