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“Magical left”; Kotoko’s Mudasiru Salifu heaps praise on Augustine Okrah

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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“Magical left”; Kotoko’s Mudasiru Salifu heaps praise on Augustine Okrah

The Porcupine Warriors midfielder has lauded the qualities of his former teammate ahead of this weekend’s league games

Asante Kotoko midfielder Mudasiru Salifu has heaped praise on former teammate Augustine Okrah ahead of the weekend’s Ghana Premier League games.

Okrah, 28, left Kotoko before the start of the season to rejoin Bechem following the expiration of his contract and he has been an instant hit.

Mudasiru wrote under a Facebook post by Okrah.

Mudasiru Salifu on Facebook

Okrah has scored five goals for Bechem after nine games and provided three assists to help Bechem move to fourth position with 14 points, six points behind leaders Aduana Stars.

He has also won two Man of the Match awards.

Okrah was at his usual best when he scored one goal and assisted another as Bechem United eliminated Ashanti Gold from FA Cup at the Len Clay Sports Stadium on Thursday.

Okrah is expected to up his performance this weekend as Bechem United host King Faisal at the Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem.

Ashanti Gold 1-2 Bechem United: Okrah’s goal & assist steer Hunters to Round 32 of FA Cup; CHECK OTHER RESULTS

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ashanti Gold 1-2 Bechem United: Okrah’s goal & assist steer Hunters to Round 32 of FA Cup; CHECK OTHER RESULTS

The midfielder continued his stupendous performance this season as he scored one and assisted another to see Bechem through to next stage of the competition

Bechem United defeated Ashanti Gold 2-1 to book their place in the Round of 32 of the FA Cup at the Len Clay Sports Stadium on Thursday.

Richard Emry broke the deadlock by the 37th minute as he shot Ashanti Gold ahead with a calm finish.

The hosts nearly added another goal two minutes later but Mark Agyekum’s effort was parried away to corner kick.

After the break, Bechem came grew stronger into the game and had some decent chances but failed to make them count.

However, Augustine Okrah found an opening in Ashanti Gold’s defence and equalised for Bechem. The forward latched on to a pass from Obuoba Yaw Dasi and beautifully sent his effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Dennis Votere.

With five minutes to end proceedings, Okrah turned from a scorer to provide an assist to Dasi, as the youngster kept his composure to score the winner.

Okrah has now taken his tally to six goals and two assists in all competitions this season.

SCORES AT GLANCE:

THURSDAY – #MTNFACup2022 – Round of 64!

  1. Tema Youth 1-1 Legon Cities (Legon Cities won 4-2 on PKs)
  2. Unity Stars 1-2 Berekum Chelsea
  3. AshantiGold 1-2 Bechem United
  4. Elmina Sharks 3-2 Achiken FC
  5. Tamale City 3-1 Steadfast FC
  6. Accra Lions 0-1 Hearts
  7. Aduana 4-1 XI Wonders
  8. Real Athletico 1-1 Great Olympics (PK: 3-1)
  9. Dreams Tamale 1-1 RTU (PK: 2-4)
  10. Hasaacas 0-1 GoldStars
  11. Koforidua Suhyen 1-2 First Klass

Match fixing alert: Fifa/GFA issues strong warning to Berekum Chelsea & Unity FC ahead of FA Cup clash

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Match fixing alert: Fifa/GFA issues strong warning to Berekum Chelsea & Unity FC ahead of FA Cup clash

The country’s football governing body has teamed up with Fifa to monitor a possible match fixing scandal which could hit the cup game

Ghana Football Association has issued a strong warning to Premier League side Berekum Chelsea and Division One League outfit Unity FC ahead of FA Cup Round of 64 fixture scheduled for December 23 at the Golden City Park in Berekum.

Reports were rife late Wednesday evening and Thursday morning of a possible scandal as results were believed to have already been determined even before kick off.

As a result, Ghana FA has warned both clubs and other clubs that will be playing on Thursday.

“The Compliance and Integrity Unit of the Ghana Football Association in collaboration with FIFA Integrity through Sport Radars Fraud Detection System (FDS), will be monitoring some selected matches in the MTN FA Cup and League matches this week starting from today’s game between Unity FC and Berekum Chelsea FC at the Golden City Park,” a GFA statement read.

“This follows series of intelligence picked up by the GFA Compliance and Integrity Unit.

“In as much as the GFA believes in the sporting integrity of the clubs, the Association wishes to send a strong warning to all clubs that a Monitoring Team have been deployed to the match and should there be an establishment of a possible match fixing, the GFA trigger its disciplinary and ethics mechanism.

“The Monitoring Mechanism have been deployed for other selected matches in the Round of 64 of the MTN FA Cup competition and the weekend League matches.

“Club management members, coaches and players are kindly reminded of their responsibilities in upholding the hard earned sporting integrity of the sport and are entreated to resist any attempt by fake betting syndicates and to report any form of approach or whatsoever immediately to the GFA.

“The GFA wishes to also assure all sporting public and stakeholders that it wouldn’t relent on it’s effort to uphold the very sporting integrity that binds the beautiful game in the country,” the statement added.

“The membership of the GFA, Match Officials, the public and all stakeholders are hereby encouraged to channel any information or concerns in this respect, if any, in relation to any match to the Compliance and Integrity Unit on hotline: +233 59 337 1735 and send all emails to [email protected],” the statement concluded.

Last season, Ashanti Gold and Inter Allies were alleged to have played a match of convenient and the case is still under investigation.

Dreams FC defender Philimon Baffour leaves Ghana to sign for a club in Portugal

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Dreams FC defender Philimon Baffour leaves Ghana to sign for a club in Portugal

The defender has jetted out of Ghana enroute to sign for a Portuguese club in the January transfer window

Dreams FC defender Philimon Baffour has left the shores of the country to sign for Portuguese side Rio Ave, AshesGyamera.com understands.

The 20-year-old, who has come under intense criticisms from a section of Ghanaians after he was named in Black Stars’ provisional squad for 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, left on Thursday together with another Dreams FC player Sulemana Mohammed.

Baffour is expected to sign a five-year deal worth around €250,000.

Dreams FC coach heaped praise on Baffour and insists that he would excel at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when given the opportunity.

“Baffour is a good player and I wish him well. He is very respectful and works hard at training and during games,” told AshesGyamera.

“I don’t know why he has not been able to play for Ghana despite having several call ups. However, per th little I know about him, I feel he will be a great addition to Ghana.

“I believe that when the coaches hand him the opportunity to play for Ghana, everyone will be interested in his quality and understand why he has always been around the national team,” he added.

Afriyie Acquah terminates contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Batin; could join Asante Kotoko

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Afriyie Acquah terminates contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Batin; could join Asante Kotoko

The box-to-box midfielder has mutually terminated his contract with the Gulf region club after just five months and could sign for Asante Kotoko

Ghana midfielder Afriyie Acquah has mutually terminated his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Batin barely five months after joining them.

The 29-year-old signed a two-year contract with Batin in July after Turkish Super Lig side Yeni Malatyaspor and went on to make eight appearances in the league.

However, the club requested that his contract must be terminated and the player together with her s counsel agreed to it after he was compensated.

”One thing for sure is that Afriyie Acquah did not request for a termination because of football reasons and that’s all I can say, ” a source close to the 2014 FIFA World Cup star exclusively told GHANASoccernet.

”Both parties are happy so we move on and start the search for a new club in the January transfer window,” the source added.

Acquah, who has been a supporter of Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko could a surprise move and join the Kumasi-based giants as he is now a free agent.

Although, information about a possible move to Kotoko are scanty at the moment, Acquah admitted in 2020 that he would love to play for Kotoko before he hangs his boots.

“I was born into a family that support B.A United but if I’m ready to return to play in Ghana and they are not in the top-flight, I will rather join Asante Kotoko since they are the club I also long and dream to feature for before retiring,” Acquah told SportsWorldGhana.
 

“When I heard that Gyan has joined the Ghana Premier League again I was so happy for him because I think this is going to help make the league more interesting. When you look at the career of Gyan he has done amazing things and he comes to the league with a huge personality.”

“This is also my dream. One day, when I feel that I have had enough of European football I want to come and play in Ghana Premier League and have a feel of it before I call time on my football career.

“As you know I never played in the Ghana Premier League or even the Division One and so it is my dream to also do what Gyan has done in the future. This is  my dream and I congratulate Gyan and wish him all the best at his new club,” he added.

Acquah, who has previously had stints with Parma, Palermo, Empoli and German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim could not make Ghana’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations provisional squad.

He was part of the 2019 edition where Ghana was booted out in the round of 16 by Tunisia under the auspices of Kwesi Appiah.

Hasaacas goalkeeper Issah becomes YOUNGEST player to feature in FA Cup at age 14

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Hasaacas goalkeeper Issah becomes YOUNGEST player to feature in FA Cup at age 14

The Hasmal shot-stopper made history on Wednesday when he was selected to be in between the sticks in the Fa Cup Round of 64

Sekondi Hasaacas goalkeeper Shaibu Rafique Issah stole the headlines on Wednesday despite losing 1-0 to Gold Stars in the Round of 64 of Ghana FA Cup.

The 14-year-old JHS graduate became the youngster player ever to feature for Hasaacas in an official game ever since the club was set up.

After initially breaking into the first team earlier this month, where he was named as the substitute goalkeeper in the 1-0 win over Samatex in Division One League, Issah was handed the opportunity to man the post by head coach Joseph Agyemang and he pulled up some incredible saves.

“Goalkeeper Shaibu Rafique Issah was among the 2021 Basic Education Certificate Examination graduates and remains the youngest player to feature for Sekondi Hasaacas FC,” a club statement read.

“At age 14 years and 159 days old, the young shot-stopper who graduated from S. D. A PREP. SCHOOL ASSIN ANDOE will make his debut against the now Ghana Premier League outfit, Bibiani Gold Stars,” the statement added.

Issah, who completed Seventh Day Adventist Preparatory School at Assin Andoe as he sat for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), made the history at the age of 14 year and 159 days.

Spezia shock Napoli: Emmanuel Gyasi replies Milovan Rajevac’s Afcon snub with stupendous performance

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Spezia shock Napoli: Emmanuel Gyasi replies Milovan Rajevac’s Afcon snub with stupendous performance

The midfielder’s name was conspicuously missing once again as Milovan Rajevac announced Ghana’s provisional squad for 2021 Afcon despite playing almost every minute this season in Serie A

Spezia Calcio midfielder Emmanuel Gyasi showed how focused and undisturbed he is despite being ignored for Ghana’s national team provisional squad ahead of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as his side shocked Napoli 1-0 in Serie A on Wednesday.

Gyasi, who was handed his maiden call up middle of this year by C.K Akonnor, had his fortunes changed immediately after Milovan Rajevac replaced the former Asante Kotoko coach in September.

Although, he was initially part of the Black Stars’ squad named to face Zimbabwe in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, he received a message of his drop on the eleventh hour while preparing to leave to the airport enroute to Ghana and has since being ghosted.

In spite of this, he was ever present when Spezia pulled one of the biggest shocks in Serie A this season by narrowly beating Napoli in front of the vociferous home fans at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples.

After a pulsating opening quarter hour full of actions, Spezia kept their composure and survived all the attacks from Napoli with Gyasi blocking a powerful shot by Hirving Lozano.

Spezia took the lead against the run of play by the 33rd minute through a Juan Jesus own goal.

Gyasi teamed up with Kelvin Amian four minutes later to send into Napoli’s box a teasing cross but the threat was dealt with by Mario Rui.

After the break, Gyasi and his teammates were resolute and defended very deep to keep Napoli at bay. He was constantly tracking back to help the defenders as they held on to achieve a monumental feat before Christmas.

Spezia have now moved up to the 17th position with 16 points, five points above the relegation zone.

GHANA’S PROVISIONAL SQUAD FOR 2021 AFCON

Goalkeepers:

Joseph Wollacott (Swindon Town), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St.Gallen), Manaf Nurudeen (Eupen), Richard Attah (Hearts of Oak)

Defenders:

Andy Yiadom (Reading FC), Philemon Baffour (Dreams FC), Baba Abdul Rahman (Reading FC), Gideon Mensah (Girondins Bordeaux), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City), Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg), Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew), Abdul Mumin (Victoria Guimares)

Midfielders:

Baba Idrissu (Real Mallorca), Thomas Partey (Arsenal FC), Mubarak Wakaso (Shenzhen F.C), Edmund Addo (Sheriff Tiraspol), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax Amsterdam), Daniel Kofi Kyere (FC St. Pauli), David Abagna (RTU), Abdul Samed Salis (Clermont Foot)

Wingers:

Andre Ayew (Al Sadd), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Dreams FC), Kamal Deen Sulemana (Rennes), Samuel Owusu (Al Fayha)

Strikers:

Richmond Boakye-Yiadom (Beitar Jerusalem), Benjamin Tetteh (Yeni Malatyaspor), Felix Afena Gyan (AS Roma), Maxwell Abbey Quaye (Great Olympics), Joseph Painstil (Genk)

Breaking News: Hearts of Oak terminate Nuru Sulley’s contract

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Breaking News: Hearts of Oak terminate Nuru Sulley’s contract

The 29-year-old has been shown the way out from the Accra Sports Stadium having criticised the coach’s selections in recent games

Ghana Premier League champions Hearts of Oak have announced the termination of Nuru Sulley’s contract for making statements about his la k of playing time.

The 29-year-old was axed from the team following his comment in the wake of the Phobians’ 4-0 defeat against Algerian side JS Saoura in the Caf Confederation Cup playoffs earlier this month.


Reports before the game emerged that Sulley was unhappy with the lack of game time under coach Samuel Boadu and even criticised the coach’s game plan and tactics.

Sulley is believed to have even refused to warm up during the game and has since not played a part of Hearts of Oak’s games thereafter.
 

“Hearts of oak mutually part ways with Nuru Sulley. The club will like to thank him for his service during his stint with us,” a club statement read on Wednesday.

 
Sulley rejoined Hearts from Lebanese club Naft Al-Junoob following a mutual termination of his contract.

 He has previously had stints with Al-Nasr Benghazi, Tala’ea El Gaish, Al-Ittihad, Alanyaspor and Al-Mina.

Alhaji Grunsah explains why Philimon Baffour deserves Black Stars call up than other several local players

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Alhaji Grunsah explains why Philimon Baffour deserves Black Stars call up than other several local players

The outspoken administrator has insisted that Milovan Rajevac made the right decision to select the right back as part of his squad for the 2021 Afcon

King Faisal Babies owner and bankroller Alhaji Karim Grunsah has defended the decision by Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac to add Dreams FC defender Philimon Baffour in his provisional squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon.

Baffour’s inclusion to the squad has been criticized by a section of Ghanaians who believe he is not the best on the local scene and has not even played for the country despite having several opportunities in the past.

However, Grunsah disagrees with such assertion.

“For Philemon Baffour, I have watched him several times. He’s a great player, and for Milo, nobody can influence him with selections,” Grunsah told Akoma FM.

“So I’m pretty sure he earned the call up based on merit and not because of the affiliation of Dreams FC to Kurt. For those complaining about him not getting selection during matchdays, is he the only player who sits on the bench?

“There are many players in similar situation, he will get his opportunity one day,” he added.

The Black Stars will depart Doha for Yaoundé on Friday, January 7, 2022 to take on the rest of Africa at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

GHANA SCHEDULE IN DOHA – QATAR

Team open camp on December 22, 2021

First Friendly match against a club side – December 28, 2021

Second friendly match against AFCON bound country – January 1, 2022

Third friendly against Algeria – January 5, 2022

Departure to Cameroon – January 7, 2022

Submission of final squad – December 30, 2021

Ghana last won the Afcon in 1982 but have been in final in 1992, 2010 and 2015.

“Kotoko supporters should ‘shut up’ over Ganiu’s Black Stars snub, Milo chose best players” says Grunsah

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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“Kotoko supporters should ‘shut up’ over Ganiu’s Black Stars snub, Milo chose best players” says Grunsah

The Inshallah Boys chief insists none of the Kotoko players missing the 2021 Afcon squad list is surprising

The owner and bankroller of King Faisal has rejected suggestions that Asante Kotoko captain Abdul Ganiu Ismail and goalkeeper Razak Abalora should have been named as part of Ghana’s 30-man provisional squad ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac announced his provisional squad on Tuesday and Ganiu who has been part of the Black Stars throughout the qualifiers was conspicuously missing together with Abalora despite five local players making the grade.

This has led to several discussions among the Kotoko family but Grunsah believes Milovan should be allowed to do his job as he knows the players that will help him achieve success.

Dreams FC duo of Philimon Baffour and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku made the squad together with Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Attah. The others included Maxwell Abbey Quaye of Great Olympics and Real Tamale United captain David Abagna Sandan.

“For Kotoko supporters who are furious with the call-up, they should keep quiet because they have no basis,” Grunsah told Akoma FM.

“They are not the only team performing well in Ghana Premier League this season whose players were not called or do they want Milovan to call their two in-form Cameroonian strikers?

“He is the coach and knows the kind of players that can help him win the trophy. Although, I suggested Frank Acheampong to the technical team ahead of the official announcement because he’s currently doing well in China, however the coach feels he’s not needed now. so I’m only hoping all goes well so we win the Afcon this time,” he concluded.

The team will be in Doha for a period of three weeks to prepare for the Tournament scheduled for Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, 2022.

The Black Stars will play three International friendly matches in Qatar to give Coach Milovan Rajevac the opportunity to assess his squad for the Tournament.

Ghana are expected to play a yet to named club side on Tuesday, December 28, before taking on one of the Africa Cup of Nations qualified teams on Friday, January 1, 2022 in another friendly.

The team will wrap up their test matches against African Champions Algeria on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

The Black Stars will depart Doha for Yaoundé on Friday, January 7, 2022 to take on the rest of Africa at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

GHANA SCHEDULE IN DOHA – QATAR

Team open camp on December 22, 2021

First Friendly match against a club side – December 28, 2021

Second friendly match against AFCON bound country – January 1, 2022

Third friendly against Algeria – January 5, 2022

Departure to Cameroon – January 7, 2022

Submission of final squad – December 30, 2021

Ghana last won the Afcon in 1982 but have been in final in 1992, 2010 and 2015.

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