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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

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?

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?

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

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.

Karela United 1-0 Hearts of Oak: Dafie’s late goal breaks Phobians’ hearts in Ainyinase

The Phobians’ ambitions to defend the Premier League trophy was dealt another big blow in Ainyinase

Karela United defeated Hearts of Oak 1-0 on matchday fourteen of Ghana Premier League at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park in Ainyinase on Saturday.

The Phobians headed in to the game on the back of two wins in all competitions and were hoping to make it three wins in a row.

Karela had the first shot on target by the sixth minute after Mohammed Dafie’s shot was blocked.

Few minutes later, Mohammed Alhassan came to the rescue of Hearts after a quick break by Karela.

After the break, Karela goalkeeper Kyei was forced to make a wonderful save from a trademark long range effort from Salim Adams.

Although, both clubs were very cautious going forward in the dying embers of the game, Karela were fortunate to have an opening and score the only goal with barely the last kick of the game through Mohammed Dafie.

Breaking News: Ghana to face Nigeria in 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers

The Black Stars must overcome the Super Green Eagles in the last stage of the World Cup qualifiers

Ghana has been paired with Nigeria in the final stage of 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers following a draw held in Cameroon on Saturday.

The Black Stars, who endured a poor campaign at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, must not defeat Nigeria in a home and away tie in March before they can qualify to the World Cup.

Ghana are currently without a coach after reports suggested that Milovan Rajevac has been sacked after the Black Stars’ poor showing at the Africa Cup of Nations.

In the other games, Egypt will lock homes with Senegal while Cameroon face Algeria.

Also, Morocco have been paired with Congo DR. and Mali have to surmount the bulwark defence of Tunisia to make it to the World Cup.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Draw:

Egypt vs Senegal
Cameron vs Algeria
Ghana vs Nigeria
Dr.Congo vs Morocco
Mali vs Tunisia

No Partey, Ayew or Ghanaian player as Caf unveils Best players of 2021 Afcon Group Stage

The players who excelled at the group stage of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations have been unveiled by Caf ahead of the knockout phase which kicks off on Sunday

Following the conclusion of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations group stage holding in Cameroon, the Technical Study Group (TSG) has released their Best of the Group Stage and unsurprisingly, no Ghanaian player made the grade.

Despite Andre scoring a wonderful goal against Gabon and Thomas Partey assisting two of Ghana’s goals at the competition, they were overlooked.

The Black Stars were booted out of the tournament after defeats to Morocco and minnows Comoros. They could only salvage a point against Gabon in the second game of the group stage.

FULL OBSERVATIONS:

Surprise Team: Comoros

Revelation Team: Equatorial Guinea, Gambia

Best Player: Vincent Abubakar (Cameroon)

Best Scorer: Vincent Abubakar (Cameroon)

Best Young Player: Ilaix Moriba (Guinea)

Best Goalkeeper: Mohamed Elshennawy (Egypt)

Best Coach: Augustine Eguavoen (Nigeria)

Best XI:

Goalkeeper: Mohamed Elshennawy (Egypt)

Right Back: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Central Back (R): William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria)

Central Back (L): Ahmed Hegazy (Egypt)

Left Back: Ghislain Konan (Cote d’Ivoire)

Defensive Midfielder: Yves Bissouma (Mali)

Offensive Midfielder (R): Naby Keita (Guinea)

Offensive Midfielder (L): Musa Barrow (Gambia)

Right Forward: Sofiane Boufal (Morocco)

Left Forward: Simon Moses (Nigeria)

Striker: Vincent Abubakar (Cameroon)

Substitutes:

Andre Onana (Cameroon)

Iban Salvador (Equatorial Guinea)

Ali Maaloul (Tunisia)

Abdou Diallo (Senegal)

Wilfried Ndidi (Nigeria)

Massadio Haidara (Mali)

Karl Toko Ekambi (Cameroon)

Nouhou Tolo (Cameroon)

Guelor Kanga (Gabon)

Amadou Diawara (Guinea)

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Just in: Ghana FA sacks Milovan Rajevac after five months [check his compensation]

The football association has relieved the Serbian off his duties as the Black Stars coach barely five months after he was appointed the country’s coach

Ghana Football Association has sacked Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac following an advise by Ghana government through the ministry of Youth and Sports after only five months in charge.

The 68-year-old took over from Charles Kwabena Akonnor in September last year with the task of qualifying Ghana to 2022 Fifa World Cup and winning the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as Ghana hoped to end their 40-year run without a major trophy.

However, things did not gone as planned with the Black Stars been kicked out of the group stage of the Afcon. Interestingly, Ghana who were rated as one of the huge favorites to win the title lost to Morocco and minnows Comoros and could only draw with Gabon as they bowed out of the tournament with just a point – their worst ever performance in the competition.

Due to the shambolic performance, an emergency meeting was held on Friday, January 21 in Accra between the top hierarchy of Ghana FA led by FA president Kurt Okraku and representatives of government led by Ussif Mustapha, Minister of Youth and Sports.

The ministry made it categorically clear to the FA that Ghanaians have lost faith in the Serbian coach, therefore, his appointment must be reviewed and revoked if possible.

Also, the ministry advised Ghana FA to dissolve the Black Stars management committee and reconstitute it.

The football association has subsequently communicated the decision to Milovan and he is expected to leave the country latest by Monday.

Although, initial reports suggested that the Serbian will be paid $400,000 as severance package, it has emerged that both parties have agreed on a fix amount around $200,000 including his signing on fee, based on a clause in his contract, and will he duly paid.

Ghana will return to action in March in the final qualifying round of the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

BREAKING NEWS: Ghana government tells GFA to sack Milovan Rajevac after crunch meeting

The football association has been advised to sack the Serbian coach less than five months after he was appointed the country’s coach

Ghana Football Association has been advised by Ghana government through the ministry of Youth and Sports to sack Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac after only five months in charge.

The 68-year-old took over from Charles Kwabena Akonnor in September last year with the task of qualifying Ghana to 2022 Fifa World Cup and winning the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, things have not gone as planned with the Black Stars kicked out of the group stage of the Afcon. Surprisingly, Ghana who were rated as one of the favorites to win the title lost to Morocco and minnows Comoros and could only draw with Gabon as they bowed out of the tournament with just a point – their worst ever performance in the competition.

As a result, an emergency meeting was held on Friday, January 21 in Accra between the top hierarchy of Ghana FA and representatives of government led by Ussif Mustapha, Minister of Youth and Sports.

The ministry made it categorically clear to the FA that Ghanaians have lost faith in the Serbian coach, therefore, his appointment must be reviewed.

Also, the ministry advised Ghana FA to dissolve the Black Stars management committee and reconstitute it.

Ghana will return to action in March in the final qualifying round of the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

According to AshesGyamera’s sources, Ghana FA would have to pay Milovan Rajevac $270,000 as compensation if sacked plus $130,000 as signing fee, making it $400,000.