Tag: Stephen Amankonah

Asante Kotoko midfielder Amankona rewarded with plots of land & cash after winning Ghana Premier League

The winger was given a heroes welcome in his hometown over the weekend during a grand durbar

Asante Kotoko midfielder Stephen Amankona was given a heroes welcome in his hometown Jinijini near Berekum over the weekend after winning Ghana Premier League title.

Despite a difficult start to his stay in Kumasi, Amankona played some remarkable roles in Kotoko’s run to win the Premier League title.

As a result, the chief of Jinjini, Nana Baffuor Tutu, gave Amankona four plots of land and an unnamed cash since he is the only son from the town to have played Kotoko and also win Ghana Premier League.

Amankona joined Kotoko from Berekum Chelsea in a three-year deal running until 2025.

Mbella Etouga on target as Kotoko pip Future Stars in friendly game ahead of Ashanti derby

The Porcupine Warriors narrowly defeated the lower division side in a preparation match ahead of the last derby game this season

Asante Kotoko defeated lower division side Future Stars 1-0 at the Adako Jachie training ground on Saturday.

With Premier League matches on hold for FA Cup semis which Kotoko are not part, Prosper Ogum Narteh opted to use the opportunity to prepare his side ahead of the Ashanti derby against Ashanti Gold at the Len Clay Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

After an early exchanges with chances in the game at the premium, Kotoko took the lead through Cameroonian striker Mbella Etouga.

Stephen Amankona latched on to a ball in Future Stars’ penalty area and then sent in a pass to Etouga who calmly slotted in from close range.

Etouga could’ve doubled the lead few minutes later but his effort went wide despite being played through.

After the break, Prosper Ogum made seven changes to Kotoko’s squad with Kwame Baah, Maxwell Appiah, Sheriff Mohammed and others coming in.

Although, Future Stars staged a late attempt to draw level in the game, Kotoko were resolute at the back and held on to carry the day.

Ghanaian journalists are interested in sensationalism than tactics – Ogum fires after Aduana draw [VIDEO]

The Porcupine Warriors boss has insisted that a lot of journalists prefer sensationalism over other relevant angles of football

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has insisted that midfielder Stephen Amankona is a fine player but needs to double his efforts, something a lot of journalists have refused to say.

This comes after Kotoko’s 1-1 draw with Aduana Stars in Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Although, Amankona had a decent game and even won a penalty which was fluffed by Cameroonian striker Mbella Etouga, his boss believes he needs to up his game.

Ogum further insisted that journalists must be bold to tell players the truth especially when their performances are the exact opposite of what is expected from them.

Watch Prosper Ogum Narteh’s full post match interview

Kotoko despite the stalemate still lead the Premier League log with 56 points, nine points better than Bechem United and twelve points above defending Champions Hearts of Oak.

EXCLUSIVE: Boadu & Imoro return as Prosper Ogum makes two changes in Kotoko’s XI to face Aduana Stars

The Porcupines boss has opted to make two changes in the starting line up that pipped WAFA last weekend as they prepare to battle Aduana this afternoon

Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has concluded with the technical team members to make two changes in the starting line up to face Aduana Stars on matchday 28 of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Left back Imoro Ibrahim who missed the 1-0 victory over WAFA has returned to take over from Charles Owusu. There is still no Ganiyu Ismail in the squad since the captain is yet to fully recover from the knee injury he sustained several weeks ago.

Christopher Nettey, Yussif Mubarik and Andrews Appau complete the defensive setup for Kotoko.

In midfield, Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’ who was also suspended for accumulated yellow cards in the game against WAFA has returned.

As a result, he will fill the void left behind by Mudasiru Salifu while utility player Sheriff Mohammed adds bite to the midfield.

Cameroonian Mbella Etouga and Mfegue Rodrigues will lead the attack with Fabio Gama and Stephan Amankona taking charge of the wings.

Despite Patrick Asmah sending an apology letter to Kotoko during the week, he is still not part of the matchday squad.

Kotoko XI vs WAFA

Ibrahim Danlad, Christopher Nettey, Imoro Ibrahim, Yussif Mubarik, Andrews Appau, Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’, Sherrif Mohammed, Fabio Gama, Georges Mfegue, Frank Etouga, Stephen Amankona

EXCLUSIVE: Amankona & Owusu start as Ogum makes three changes in Kotoko’s XI to face WAFA

The Porcupines gaffer has ringed changes in the starting line up that lost at home last weekend as they prepare to face WAFA this afternoon

Asante Kotoko will have some new faces in their starting line up as they face West African Football Academy on matchday 27 of Ghana Premier League at the RedBull Arena in Sogakope on Saturday.

Having lost their last two games, pressure is mounting on Prosper Ogum Narteh to salvage the situation before things turn from bad to worse.

As a result, he has made some changes in defence and midfield with the hope of at least avoiding a defeat this time around.

Following the suspension of left-back Imoro Ibrahim through accumulated yellow cards and the club’s decision to suspend Patrick Asmah until the end of the season, Charles Owusu has been given the nod to start.

The youngster struggled in the Kumasi derby against Dreams FC and was even substituted at a point, however, Ogum believes he is in good condition to fill the void for Kotoko today.

Goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim will maintain his place in the post while Christopher Nettey, Yussif Mubarik and Andrews Appau complete the defensive setup.

In midfield, Stephen Amankona has been handed his first start in almost two months. The former Berekum Chelsea star will replace Dickson Afoakwa who some supporters describe as a mess in recent time.

Since box-to-box midfielder Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’ has also been suspended through accumulated yellow cards, Mudasiru Salifu has been selected to start as a result. Salifu will also be the captain of the day in the absence of Abdul Ganiu Ismail and Imoro.

Meanwhile, red hot Cameroonian strikers Etuoga Mbella and George Mfegue will lead the attack for Kotoko. The duo shot blank against Legon but they will hope to return to the score sheet this time around.

Kotoko lead the Premier League log with 52 points, seven points better than Bechem United who travel to Baba Yara Sports Stadium to battle relegation-threatened King Faisal on Sunday.

Kotoko XI vs WAFA

Ibrahim Danlad, Christopher Nettey, Charles Owusu, Yussif Mubarik, Andrews Appau, Mudasiru Salifu, Sherrif Mohammed, Fabio Gama, Georges Mfegue, Frank Etouga, Stephen Amankona

Kotoko to miss Imoro, Boadu and three other key players against WAFA

The Porcupine Warriors will have to do the job on Saturday without several key players in an unfavorable ground

Asante Kotoko will miss five key players when they travel to Sogakope to face WAFA on matchday 27 of Ghana Premier League on Saturday.

Defender and captain Abdul Ganiu Ismail will once again miss the game after failing to fully recover from the injury he sustained several weeks ago. In his absence, coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has been using Maxwell Agyemang, Andrew Appau and Mubarak Yussif and two of them are expected to start tomorrow.

Also, Richmond Lamptey will not make the matchday squad since he is yet to recover from the knee injury he is suffering. The nimble-footed midfielder hasn’t kicked a ball in almost a month and will once again be missed.

Kotoko will likely struggle in defence since Imoro Ibrahim has been suspended ahead of the game. The left-back is out of the game due to accumulated yellow cards.

Interestingly, his back up, Patrick Asmah who was expected to fill the void, has also been ruled out of the game due to the club’s decision to suspend him.

Asmah reportedly had a bust up with head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh during training earlier this week.

Asmah then left the pitch fuming and allegedly accused the coach of being bias in his selections as he picks players based on favouritism and not on merit.

Kotoko have officially banned the player until the end of the season, therefore, he will also miss the game in Sogakope over the weekend.

Lastly, Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’ will also miss the game due to accumulated yellow cards. The midfielder’s yellow card recieved in the 3-1 loss to Legon Cities last weekend means that he now has three cards.

He will have to miss one game and return to action next weekend when Kotoko host Aduana Stars at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Although, Kotoko have lost their last two games, they lead the log with 52 points, seven points better than Bechem United who will also travel to Kumasi to face King Faisal on Sunday.

“He is not at Kotoko’s level,” Prosper Ogum passionately narrates why Stephen Amankona isn’t playing for Kotoko

The Porcupine Warriors boss has shed light on why the forward is not getting playing time amid injuries to other players

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has insisted that forward Stephen Amankona will not play for the club until he improves his performance.

The 23-year-old joined Kotoko from Berekum Chelsea at the start of the season with a lot of expectations but he has surprisingly falling down in the pecking order.

Despite injuries to Dickson Afoakwa, Clinton Opoku and Isaac Oppong, Amankona is still struggling with game time as Ogum rather prefers to use makeshift players.

Kotoko pipped King Faisal 1-0 in the Kumasi derby thanks to Imoro Ibrahim’s free-kick to help them return to winning ways.

Asante Kotoko coach explains why Stephen Amankonah isn’t playing

Kotoko lead the log with 49 points, ten points above Aduana Stars who sit in second place. They will face bitter rivals Hearts of Oak next weekend at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Stephen Amankonah starts for Kotoko vs. Gold Stars as Mudasiru, Blay & others benched

The winger has surprisingly been included in Kotoko’s starting line up to face the debutants in the last game of matchday 20

Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has made two changes in his starting line up to face Bibiani Gold Stars in Ghana Premier League matchday 20 at Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Outcast Stephen Amankonah has surprisingly been given the nod to start the game against Bibiani Gold Stars in Ghana Premier League for the first time in two months.

Mudasiru Salifu who began the game against Bechem United on Tuesday has been dropped to the bench for Richmond Lamptey to start while Amankonah start in place of Samuel Boateng.

Cameroonian strikers Etuoga Mbella and George Mfegue start in attack for the Porcupine Warriors as the duo hope to end their goal drought having gone 180 minutes in all competitions without a goal.

Asante Kotoko XI vs Gold Stars:

Danlad Ibrahim, Augustine Agyapong, Imoro Ibrahim, Ganiu Ismail, Yussif Mubarik, Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’, Sherrif Mohammed, Stephen Amankonah, Richmond Lamptey, George Mfegue, Mbella Etouga

Kotoko name 20-man squad for Karela clash; Lamptey, Amankonah dropped while Mudasiru returns after GFA rectifies mistake

The Porcupine Warriors are heading to an unfavourable ground this weekend but Prosper Ogum Narteh believes these 20 players will perfectly do the job for him

Asante Kotoko coach Dr. Prosper Ogum Narteh has announced a 20-man squad that he will be using to face Karela United in matchday five of Ghana Premier League at Crosby Awuah Memorial Park in Ainyinase on Sunday.

Interestingly, midfielder Richmond Lamptey who have been ever present since joining from Inter Allies, will miss this game. The nimble-footed player picked up an injury in the win over Techiman Eleven Wonders last weekend at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and could not recover on time.

Also, winger Stephen Amankonah has been dropped despite scoring some goals at training ground as he is yet to convince the technical team on matchdays. Meanwhile, defender Yussif Mubarik once again misses the squad due to ill-health.

However, Ogum has been given a big relief following the availability of midfielder Mudasiru Salifu for the game.

Initial communique from Ghana Football Association revealed that the Mudasiru cannot play part of the game due to accumulated yellow cards but further checks later proved that he has picked only two cautions this season.

Kotoko are hoping to pick their fifth win on a row after dispatching Dreams FC, Bechem United, Gold Stars and Eleven Wonders.

Meanwhile, Karela are seeking for a revenge this time around since they lost at home to Kotoko last season thanks to Imoro Ibrahim’s belter.

The Ainyinase-based side have picked five points -four at home- after four games and are hoping to continue their unbeaten record at home this season.

Kotoko Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Razak Abalora, Kwame Baah

Defenders: Ismail Abdul Ganiu, Andrews Kwadwo Appau, Maxwell Agyemang, Augustine Agyapong, Christopher Nakai Nettey, Samuel Appiah, Imoro Ibrahim.

Midfielders: Emmanuel Keyekeh, Mudasiru Salifu, Richard Boadu, Mohammed Sheriff, Fabio Gama, Joseph Amoako.

Strikers: Samuel Boateng, George Mfegue Rodrigues, Etouga Thierry Mbella, Dickson Afoakwah, Isaac Oppong.

Prosper Ogum names four debutants in Asante Kotoko’s starting XI vs Dreams FC

The Porcupine Warriors gaffer has announced four new faces in his starting eleven that will play his first official game for the club after taking over barely two months ago

Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has named a strong starting line up to face Dreams FC at the Accra Sports Stadium in the opening day fixture of 2021/22 Ghana Premier League season on Saturday.

Following their two-week pre-season tour to Dubai and additional one week spent in Kumasi, Ogum has settled to start four debutants in the game and hope his gble will pay off.

Goalkeeper Razak Abalora will be in post ahead of Kwame Baah and Ibrahim Danlad.

The former WAFA boss has opted to go into the game with a 4-3-3 formation as Christopher Nettey, Patrick Asmah, Abdul Ganiu and Mubarak Yussif as the back four.

Also, Mudasiru Salifu will start in midfield as the holding midfielder ahead of Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’who joined the club from Medeama.

He will partner Joseph Amoako and Richmond Lamptey while a front three of Fabio Gama, Samuel Boateng and Stephen Amankonah will lead the attack.

Meanwhile, former Asante Kotoko defender Habib Mohammed has been named in the matchday squad of Dreams FC but he will begin the game from the bench.

Also, Ghana youngster Abdul Fatawu Issahaku will also sit on the bench of Dreams FC following his loan deal from Steadfast FC.

Asante Kotoko XI:

Razak Abalora, Christopher Nettey, Patrick Asmah, Abdul Ganiu Ismail, Yussif Mubarik, Mudasiru Salifu, Samuel Boateng, Joseph Amoako, Richmond Lamptey, Fabio Gama, Stephen Amankonah