The Moldovan champions have confirmed that Razak Abalora has arrived in Moldova after sealing a mega deal with them
Moldovan champions Sherif Tiraspol have officially announced the signing of former Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalora.
The 25-year-old was initially reported by AshesGyamera a fortnight ago that he could heading to Europe after he caught the eye of Tiraspol’s scouts in Africa.
Although, both Kotoko and Tiraspol were quite on it, the two clubs have confirmed the deal on Friday.
According to our sources, Abalora left shores of the country on Wednesday and completed his medical on Thursday.
“We have a new keeper. This became clear after the Ghanaian goalkeeper underwent a medical examination, and the parties agreed on a transfer. Now, Razak Abalora will become part of the big family of FC Sheriff,” a club statement read on Friday.
“The 25-year-old football player was born on September 4, 1996 in the capital of Ghana, the city of Accra. He spent his entire professional career on the African continent. Started at the East African Football Academy. From there he moved to FC Azam (Tanzania). The player’s last club was Asante Kotoko FC.
“On October 12, 2020, he made his debut for the Ghana national team in a friendly match against Qatar (5: 1). In total, Razak wore the jersey of the national team of his country 4 times.
AshesGyamera understand that Abalora, who has become the third Ghanaian player at the club after Edmund Addo and Abdul Basit Khalid, could be registered for the Europa League group stage which kicks off in February since article 46, clause section 1-8 allows Abalora to be registered.
“If a club cannot count on the services of at least two goalkeepers registered on List A because of long-term injury or illness, the club concerned may temporarily replace the goalkeeper concerned and register a new goalkeeper at any time during the season and complete the official registration list A with a goalkeeper fit to be fielded,” article 46 reads.
“An injury or illness is considered long-term if it lasts at least 30 days as of the day the injury or illness occurred. In case the recovery of the goalkeeper occurs before this 30 day period, the player must remain out of the players List A until the end of such period. If the replaced goalkeeper was registered as a locally trained player, the new goalkeeper does not need to be a locally trained player.
“The club must provide UEFA with the necessary medical evidence in one of UEFA’s official languages. UEFA may require further medical examination of the goalkeeper by an expert appointed by UEFA at the cost of the club. Once the injured or ill goalkeeper is fit to be fielded again he can resume his position in place of his nominated substitute.
“Fresh from an adventurous debut in the UEFA Champions League group stage, Sheriff make their first appearance in springtime European competition as Portuguese Cup winners Braga visit Tiraspol in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-offs,” the article adds.
• Sheriff made a sensational start to UEFA Champions League Group D, winning their first two matches, the second of them a momentous 2-1 triumph at Real Madrid. However, they would not claim another victory, finishing third behind Madrid and Inter but five points above Shakhtar Donetsk. Braga, meanwhile, completed a hat-trick of UEFA Europa League group stage qualifications by picking up ten points in Group F and finishing as runners-up to Crvena zvezda.
Previous meetings
• This is Sheriff’s first UEFA encounter with Portuguese opposition and Braga’s first against a team from Moldova.