GHANAIAN QUARTET WOES AS TP MAZEMBE FAILS TO WIN CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

TP MAZEMBE FAILED TO WIN CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

Five Ghanaian Players were involve when Congo's top flight TP Mazembe failed to win this years Caf Confederation Cup,as they were stripped of the trophy by Tunisian side CS Sfaxian in the finals .

Former Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Brekum Chelsea players Yaw Fimpong and Solomon Asante won a place in coach Felix Cateron's starting line up as they filled the right back and right wing positions respectively with the later being substituted after picking a knock.Gladson Awaku,Daniel Nii Agyei and Richard Kissi Boateng all watch the game from the bench.Former Great Olympics defender Seth Konadu also featured the entire duration for Sfaxian.

Mazembe who were coming into the game with a 2 goal deficit in the first league  got themselves on track as they were were able to get 2goals in the first half through Tanzania forward Samantha,but the Congolese received a last minute shock when Sfaxian pulled one back at the stroke of full time to deny the game from going to a penalty shoot outs as the game ended 2-1 in favor of Mazembe but lost 3-2 on aggregate.

200,000 CHILDREN TO BENEFIT FROM IAAF/NESTLE KIDS ATHLETICS

200, 000 children to benefit from IAAF/Nestle Kids Athletics

posted 26 Nov, 13 • Category: News • Comments: 0

The Ghana Athletics Association and Nestle Ghana have jointly launched the biggest grassroots sports development programme in the country which is expected to benefit over 200, 000 school children.

The Ghana Athletics Association and Nestle Ghana have jointly launched the biggest grassroots sports development programme in the country which is expected to benefit over 200, 000 school children.

The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Joseph Yammin launched the 4-year programme amidst pump and pageantry at the Tennis Court of the Accra Sports stadium on Friday 22nd November.

Hon. Yammin cut loose a couple of balloons amidst the sounding of the horn by a platoon of the Ghana Police Service to signify the official take off the country’s first ever National Athletics programme aimed at Elementary Schools.

Pupils from the University of Ghana Basic School gave a brief demonstration of the Kids Athletics programme, engaging in small-aside games involving throwing, hurdling, sprinting and jumping to cheers and admiration by an enthusiastic audience.

The 4-year development programme aims to encourage school children aged 7 – 12 years to develop positive physical, health and social skills by engaging in sporting activities while, at the same time, enhancing the development of future athletes.

An estimated 200,000 pupils are expected to benefit from it and over 500 instructors and coaches will be trained over the period.

The occasion was well attended by all the major stakeholders including the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Joseph Yammin, a Deputy Minister of Education (Pre Tertiary) Hon. Alex Kyeremeh, the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Madame Alice Attipoe and a Director of Physical Education at the Ghana Education Service, Mr. Bernard Annan.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Ghana Athletics Association, Prof. Francis Dodoo expressed his appreciation to many stakeholders particularly Nestle and two former national athletes, Ernest Obeng and Dr. Marc Dzradosi, for the roles they played in bringing the programme to fruition.

He also dwelled on the positives the programme will bring to athletics and sports in general in Ghana.

“Encouraging children to participate in sport is something that can only enhance the quality of their lives.”

“Not only will the next generation of national champions emerge from this program, but sports will enrich their lives by making them live both longer and more disciplined lives; the benefits of sports for work and life are widely documented.

“And, of course, athletics is the most fundamental of sports: running, throwing, jumping!”

Meanwhile, Nestle became the major sponsor of the world wide programme in 2005 as part of its commitment to Nutrition, Health and Wellness.

Ghana and Nigeria are so far the only countries in the Central and West Africa Region implementing the programme.

 

 

CREDIT:GHAATHLETICS.COM

FEATURE:THE SINKING NATURE OF GHANA ATHLETICS

GHANA ATHLETICS: DRAINING IN COOLED WATERS

A section of Ghanaian contingent at the 2012 London Olympics games.

The story of Ghana Athletics has been one of a kind.Athletics,way back was seen as one of the sports that sold Ghana to the outside world.Ghana could boast of great Athletes such as Rose Heart,Mike Ahey,Leonard Myles-Mills,Eric Nkansah,Emmanuel Tuffour,Vida Nsiah etc.But it seems Ghana Athletics has gone down the drain over the last decades.

I will like to begin this piece with the story of long jumper Ignisious Gaisah before tackling other issues.Gaisah,who was Ghana's all time best long jumper without any doubts is now seen in the colors of the Netherlands.One will strongly bare with me that Ghana had never won any medal in long jump till 2003 when Gaisah won Gold at the All African games in Nigeria in 2003.In 2005 he also won silver for Ghana at the World Championship in Helsinki.Went on to win Gold at the World Indoor Championship,Commonwealth games and African Championship respectively.After all these success Gaisah chopped for Ghana,we couldnt hold up to such a great  talent only to loose him to a western country(Netherlands).Oh!Ghana.We must all bow our heads in shame.I was very sad but happy when i saw the 30 year old from Tafo  in the Ashanti region win silver at the IAFF Championship in Moscow(Russia),but did that in the colors of the Netherlands.

Ghana's lone representative,Janet Amponsah must be the saddest in that same competition after the young Athlete finished bottom in her heat in the womens 200 meters event.We must be joking if we expected young Janet to be first and probably win a medal.Where was the motivation?How many of her compartriots were there to cheer her up?In that same competition, we saw the names of our fellow African nations on the medal table.Talk of Kenya and Ethiopia who dominated the long distance events through out the competition,as well as our own neighbouring countries Ivory Coast and Nigeria who were also seen on the medal table by vertue of the womens 100 and 200 meters events.South Africa on the other hand did a yoeman job in the field events.We are not yet really sure of what is happening to our top athletes such as Marget Simpson,Vida Anim,Aziz Zakari etc and others who in recent times made Ghana happy with their splendid performances at international level.

I keep on asking myself what is really going wrong.It has been the same old financial constriants.I quiet remember the current present of the  Ghana Athletics Association (GAA),proffessor Francis Dodoo prior to his election made mention of the fact that the Association was not only going to depend on the government for assistance but also try to do their best to involve corperate entities for to assist them..Mr Kwasi Nyantekyi who is the president of the Ghana football Association does not only depend on government for support but also try to get corperate entities like Guiness,Glo,GNPC etc to come to their aid.That is the business we are talking about.No wonder the black stars keep on performing.

Many people have however attributed the sinking nature Ghana athletics to the banned imposed on us by the International Olympic Commitee (IOC) who controls 252 federation .Well!that might be a factor though,but will not buy that as the major factor.Even with the banned imposed on us at that time,how many times did we organize athletics event in the country to spot more talents.Apart from the Accra Milo marathon organized annually,there is no other event.Even the recent widely advertised National Unity games/sports festival could not take place with so many excuses from officials.

The issue of motivation is also a major factor as just recently 16 student from deprived communities  got full Sports Scholarship to study in the USA through the Ghana Athletics Association ,of which each of them needs $2,500 to buy air tickets so they begin tuition and training.Government has been unable to give them the money.Lets not forget this young athletes will some day represent Ghana at international level,if possible the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.Just few weeks ago,the secretary  of the Association,Mr.Bawa Fusieni said on radio XYZ, a local radio station based in Accra that the GAA is very broke that they do not even have a dollar.Lack of support from the ministry has made them handicap to organize the annual athletics championships this year.He said the federation haven't had any major support for almost two years and this year is not an exception.

What is really happening?Many African countries that trailed us on any field are just wondering what is really ailing our Land,for one could not imaging this low level of standard we have sunk into.

Oh!Mother Ghana,lets all stand up and rise Ghana Athletics back to it's feet "A word to the wise they say is enough).

ASAMOAH GYAN STRIKES BANK BRACE TO HELP AL AIN IN MASSIVE WIN

ASAMOAH GYAN SCORED TWO GOALS IN AL AIN WIN

ASAMOAH GYAN BANKS IN BRACE IN AL AIN WIN

Black stars captain Asaomah Gyan yesturday scored a brace to help Al Ain to an emphatic 5-2 win over Emirates in the UAE pro league.

Gyan scored at the stroke of half time and got his 2nd in the 65th min to enable his side to yet another sweet victory which eventually push them back to the top of the league.

The two goals scored yesturday makes it Gyan's 10th of 8 appearances so far this season

PREVIEW:GHANA PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 13

GHANA PREMIER LEAGUE RETURNS THIS WEEKEND

THE GHANA PREMIER LEAGUE RETURNS AFTE

 After 2 weeks break for the World Cup qualifier and WAFU tournament,the Ghana premier league returns to full action.

In Kpando,Kpando Hearts of Lions will host Brekum Chelsea at the Kpando park.Chelsea has only managed 13 points lying on the 14th position on the log,with Hearts of Lions being in an impressive form also lying at the 5th position with 18 points.

Dansoman based Liberty professionals will also welcome Bechem United to the Accra Sports Stadium.

3rd placed Ashanti Gold who have been in fine form through out the first round will also welcome Secondi Hasaacas to the Obuasi Lane Clay Stadium.

In other games,bottom placed Inter Allies who seemed to be finding their rythm will travel to face Kumasi King Faisal at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.Faisal will be hoping to get back on track after loosing to city rivals Kotoko in their week 12 fixture.

Meanwhile,Tema based Amidaus professionals will also welcome league leaders Asante Kotoko to the Tema Sports Stadium.

4th placed Medeama SC after stuggling at the early stages of them league has bounced back to the good performance they showed last season and will be hosting New Edubiase at the Takwa T&A park.

Whiles the match of the week will see Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs welcoming 2nd placed Accra Hearts of Oak at the Robert Mensah Stadium.

The last game will see Wa All Stars traveling down to face Aduana stars at the Agyemang Badu park

MATCH REPORT:GHANA 3-1 SENEGAL

GHANA BEAT SENEGAL TO WIN WAFU TOURNAMENT

After picking up the pieces against Burkina Faso,Ghana continued their winning ways as they beat impressive Senegal in the finals of the GOtv WAFU tournament.For the first time in the tournament,the Kumasi Sports Stadium was almost half full as supporters troop into the stadium to watch two of the most impressive sides in the 1 week tournament.

Ghana head coach after a massive win against Burkina Faso in the last group game match  decided to maintain his winning team as he made no changes in his set up.Although there were questions about the central defensive pair between Kwabena Adusei and Nuru Sulley in the last game,Maxwell Konadu seemed to have been ok with the partnership as he paired them once again.Senegal on the other hand had to miss the services of their top striker and top scorer of the tournament Sala Ndiaye through injury.However,Senegal coach,Francois Koto remained very optimistic his side was going to carry the day prior to the game.

 The game began on a very bright note for Ghana as they were award a penalty  just 2min of play when Sulley Mohammed was brought down by Senegalese defender Shaik Wade in the box.Referee Jerry Yekeh did not hesitate as he whistled for a penalty kick.Asante Kotoko defender Kwabena Adusei expectly slotted the ball home to put Ghana in front.Senegal tried to respond to the early goal scored by the Stars as midfielder Sibi Sarr tried a long range shot in the 7min but his effort went off target.In the 16th min,Sulley Mohammed failed to connect an excerllent cross from Yahaya Mohmmed as the ball went to touch.Ghana came in very strong as Yahaya Mohammed took on Senegalese defender Shaik Wade to drive home a shot but couldn't trouble goalkeeper Lamin Made.In the 21st min,Senegal drew level after a lovely one two play between captain Roger Gomis and Lamin Mendy with the captain fairing a shot from outside of his boots which eventually saw goalkeeper Stephen Adams beaten to it.

In the 25min,Stephen Adams denied Senegal from going ahead when he put up a great save from Lamin Kaita's connection after Sibi Sarr sent in a low cross from the left side of attack.Ghana's head coach Maxwell Konadu was forced to make a change in the 27th min after Yahaya Mohammed failed to continue due to an early injury he sustained,as Micheal Akuffo came on for his team mate at club level.Things still didnt look good for Ghana as they were once again forced to make a 2nd substitution when goalkeeper Stephen Adams picked up an injury in the 35min.Medeama goalie Foli Adade came on to replace him.Ghana however had the opportunity to get themselves in front after Latif Mohammed who seemed to have had a very quiet first half sent a well cut in ball but all three Ghanaian players in the penalty box seemed to have hesitated as no one could connect the ball into the net.After 45min,the game had to cover 7min of additional time due to the injury of Stephen Adams.The first half however ended in a 1-1 draw.

The pace of the game seemed to have risen in the 2nd half but it was Ghana who still controlled affairs as they kept on piling on the pressure.The likes of Solo Mbaye and Richard Sagna had been kept silent by the Ghanaian midfield occupied by Micheal Akuffo,Jackson Owusu and Jordan Opoku,with Ghana dominating possession having 55% as against 45%. Ghana nearly got the 2nd goal in the 63rd min after Senegal goalkeeper Wade failed to grab the ball in his area following a free kick delivered by Godfred Saka from the right hand side of attack.Sulley Mohammed should have done better in the 63rd min but choose to fire the ball wide with his weaker foot after receiving a pass from Micheal Akuffo.In the 73rd min Senegal midfielder Sibi Sarr who had worked tiredly all day had his free kick blown over the bar.

After dictating the pace of the game,Ghana finally got the match needed goal in the 78th min through winger Latif Mohammed after a well sent in ball from Theophilous Anobbah which saw Latif connecting at his near post to send Ghana 2-1 ahead.Frustration began to set in as Senegal midfielder Soro Mbaye received a yellow card on a tackle on Godfred Saka.Ghana kept their composure as Sulley Mohammed came to the receiving end in the 82nd min when he was awarded a controversial penalty by Liberian referee Jerry Yekeh after a challange from Senegalese defender Shaike Wade.Kwabena Adusei once again took the mantle upon himself as he neatly converted to put Ghana 3-1 up.Senegal coach Francois Koto was sent off from the touch line after several complains and misconduct to the 4th referee.On the other hand coach Maxwell Konadu not taking any chances at all brought on defender Abieku Ainooson to maintain his lead.Frustration kept on setting in as Senegal defender Osseynry Thione added up to his side woes when he  received the matching orders after delibrately elbowing defender Abieku Ainooson at the later stages of the game.

After a dramatic and exciting showdown,referee Jerry Yekeh brought proceedings to an end.The win however meant that Ghana won the WAFU tournament for the first time since 2002.

JOHN BOYE RETURNS TO ACTION:BEGINES FULL TIME TRAINING

DEFENDER JOHN BOYE BEGINES TRAINING

According to reports Ghana topmost defender John Boye has began full time training with his French based club Stade Rennes.

The 26year old defender picked up an injury while playing for Ghana in a friendly against Japan and has been sideline for almost 3months now.But reports indicates that the player has now recovered and began full time training with Rennes.This definitly will serve as a boost for Black stars coach Kwasi Appiah ahead of the World cup since the absent of the defender have left the stars defends in shambles over the last few games.

Boye missed both leagues of the play off's between Ghana and Egypt

KWASI NYANTEKYI GOES UNOPPOSSED IN WAFU PRESIDENCY

KWASI  NYANTEKYI  WENT UNOPPOSSED IN WAFU ZONE B PRESIDENCY

The President of the Ghana Football Association Lawyer Kwasi Nyantekyi today went unopposed as he was elected as the west African Football Union(WAFU) president for the second time.After 2years in office,the GFA president was once again named as the president of the association.

Spokes person of the Ghana FA,Mr. Sannie Darra confirmed when he told PEACE FM,a local radio station.He said the President has set a target within the next 3years.He noted that the issue of women football in the West Africa sub region has been something that the president has occassionally told about and he aims to improve womens football in the sub region.He also said the commitee are aiming to push the Ivory Coast who are well reconed in Africa football to try it's possible best to host the 2019 and 2021 Africa cup of nations since the last time they hosted was way back 1984.

Kwasi Nyantekyi has been able to put in place measures that has revive the WAFU tournament which is currently being played in Ghana and is hoping to have it played every year.

MATCH REPORT FROM THE BABA YARA SPORTS STADIUM.GHANA 2-1 BURKINA FASO

GHANA 2-1 BURKINA FASO
The Kumasi sports stadium this afternoon was full of thrills as the local black stars team advanced to the finals of the ongoing GOtv WAFU tournament after defeating Burkina Faso 2-1 in the final group A match.Ghana needed nothing but a win to ensure they bring back the dream of host and win.As usual the Kumasi sports stadium did not have the best of turn outs as there were only few fans in the stands to withness the game.Non-the less the game went on smoothly as the few fans that troop into the stadium were entertained with good exhibition of soccer.

Ghana coach Maxwell Konadu who was very optimistic about Ghana's qualification made few changes in his team that won and lost to Sierra Leon and Benin respectively.King Faisal and top scorer of the Ghana premier League Sulley Mohammed had his first start as he come into the starting line up at the expense of Abdul Basit who partnered Yahaya Mohammed in the the previous games.Experienced midfielder Edmond Owusu Ansah also earned himself a start for the first time,with Joshua Tijani filling the left back position for Emmanuel Asante who received a red card in the game against Benin.Aduana Stars goalkeeper Stephen Adams also came in for first choice keeper Foli Adade.

It was Burkina Faso who showed early indications as midfielder Alhassan stike in the 5th min went wide.Ghana quickly responded with that call after Edmond Owusu Ansah also trying a long range shot from 25yards which went over the bar.However,Ghana goalkeeper Stephen Adams was tested for the first time in the 8th min when he tipped Basiru Omarou's shot to corner.Ghana captain Yahaya Mohammed blasted a powerful shot in the 16th min but was calmly saved by the Burkina keeper Kabore Mohammed.

The tempo of the game seemed to have been rising when right back Godfred Saka squeezed in a free kick into the bottom corner of the post from the right hand of the penalty box to register the first goal.Ghana kept on the momentum and nearly got the 2nd goal in the 23rd min when striker Sulley Mohammed volleyed home a nice flick on from Yahaya Mohammed to force the Burkina keeper to pull out a fine save.In the 34th min Edmond Owusu Ansah picked out Yahaya Mohammed in the penalty box who controlled very well but failed to lob the ball into the net as his strike went off target.Burkina however hard the chance to equalize in the 40th min after striker Sidiq Troare received a perfect pass from midfield only to blow it wide.A minute later,Traore took on defender Godfred Saka from the right hand side of defence just for the defender to bring him down in the 18 yard box.Referee Amoh Joshua did not hesitate as he blew his whitsil for a penalty kick.Burkina goalkeeper and skipper Kabore Mohammed calmly slotted the ball in to the net to draw his side level.

Winger Theophilous Annobah had the opportunity to put Ghana ahead on more time but his header from a Godfred Saka free kick went over the bar.The first half however ended in a 1-1 draw.

Ghana came back into the 2nd half with a more attacking mind game as they piled on the pressure,and it was Yahaya Mohammed who showed a leadership role when he put Ghana in front with a blistering header from a Theophilous Annobah's cross from the right hand side of attack.Burkina then lifted their game as the begin to take control of the game.Head coach Maxwell Konadu then brought on midfielder Micheal Akuffo for Edmond Owusu Ansah to boost up his midfield.Burkina Faso nearly got the equalizer in the 64th min but with a timely clearance on the line from defender Godfred Saka which kept the stars in the lead.

It seemed the Burkina-be had taking control of the game.Maxwell brought in another midfielder Jordan Opoku to help in midfield.20 min from time,Burkina striker Sidiq Traore who had been their danger man through out the game tested goalkeeper Stephen Adams with a fine shot but the Aduan Stars shot stopper stood his grounds.Burkina head coach threw in more men in seach of the equalizer as he brought on skillful man Eric Troare to help in attack.In the 73rd min Stephen Adams was once again tested as he punched the ball away to a corner kick following a well taking free kick from Eric Troare.

With just 7min to play Coach Maxwell Konadu saw the threat of the Burkina's and was forced to bring on defender Abeiku Ainooson to tighting his defence.Micheal Akuffo's first time shot in the 85th min was blocked by the Burkina defence to prevent Ghana from getting a 3rd goal.However Ghana midfielder Latif Mohammed should have sealed victory in the 90th min after a one-on-one encounter with goalkeeper Kabore Mohammed but failed to put the ball at the back of the net.With few minutes to end proceeding, the lights at the stadium however went off which eventually delayed the game for about 2min of which after the lights came on.Ghana kept their composure till the blast of the referee's whitsil to finish with a 2-1 victory.

The win means Ghana advance to the finals to face winners of group B after Benin and Sierra Leon shared spoils in the other group game.

Ghana goalkeeper Stephen Adams was arjudged the man of the match with Burkina goalkeeper Kabore Mohammed taking the fair play award.

MAXWELL KONADU OPTIMISTIC OF LOCAL BLACK STARS QUALIFICATION IN WAFU TOURNAMENT

MAXWELL KONADU OPTIMISTIC ABOUT STARS QUALIFICATION

LOCAL BLACK STARS COACH KONADU BELIEVES GHANA CAN QUALIFY

Head coach of the Local black stars Maxwell Konadu believes his side has still got better chances of qualifying from group A to play in the finals of the ongoing GOtv WAFU tournament.

Ghana was hoping to get a 2nd straight win which could eventually see them to play in the finals but received a jolt after a shocking defeat to Benin on Saturday everning.This means the stars will have to win their last game against Burkina today and also hope Benin does  not win against Sierra Leon.

In an interview the coach said “I don’t think it’s over. Anything can happen in the next game. We need to prepare very well and and try to beat Burkina [Faso],” Konadu said. “Apart from that we don’t have a chance of moving to the final.
“I don’t think it’s over. Anything can happen in the next game. We need to prepare very well and and try to beat Burkina [Faso],
“Apart from that we don’t have a chance of moving to the final.”
He added that: “We have to work on our boys, physically and mentally. We have to psyche them very well. Some have been in this situation for quite too long time and at this level you can’t just take the laws into your hands. We have psyche them and make sure it doesn’t happen again.
“This is a preparatory tournament for us. The bigger picture is the one [CHAN] in South Africa.”

Winners in both groups will eventually play in the finals.

GHANA FACE BURKINA FASO TODAY IN ONGOING WAFU TOURNAMENT

LOCAL BLACK STARS TO FACE BURKINA FASO TODAY

THE LOCAL BLACK STARS WILL FACE THEIR BURKINA BAY COUNTERPARTS TODAY IN THE ONGOING GOtv WAFU TOUNAMENT

Ghana will today face Burkina Faso at the Kumasi Baba Yara sports stadium in the ongoing GOtv WAFU tournament.Ghana who started their campaign on a bright note beating Sierra Leon 4-1 lost to Benin on Saturday by 1-0.This however leaves the black stars on the 3rd position in group A with 3 points.Both Burkina and Benin lie on the 1st and 2nd position with 4 points each.

Ghana will have to pray and hope Benin does not secure a win over Sierra Leon in the other group game.The chance of the stars are not slim that nothing less than a win will see them off the ultimate trophy.

Winners of both groups will eventually proceed to play in the finals while the 2nd place teams will settle for the 3rd and 4th positions.

POLITICS IN FOOTBALL.AFRICAN PLAYER MIGRATION

One of the biggest problems facing African soccer is the constant flow of African talents out of African Leagues and into the leagues of Europe.This one way of stream of player movement has been beneficial to the national teams as it allows their players to train regularly with the best in the World,but it prevent the nation from gaining any sort of financial benefit for the talents of their players.It is however common around the World for the best players to play in England,Italy and Spain.These three nations have well-established and incredible well founded leagues and even players from soccer rich nations such as Brazil and Argentina move to these leagues.

The problem for African soccer is that players players jump at their first chance to move to Europe regardless of the quality of the league they are joining.Of the top 5 African teams  heading into the 2014 Fifa World cup(Ivory Coast,Ghana,Nigeria,Algeria,Cameroon),only 5 of the 150 players play in domestic leagues.The remainder play in European leagues ranging from the English premier league to the 2nd division of the Turkish soccer.However countries with competitive well-established leagues,such Egypt and South Africa are better able to keep players from going overseas.In fact,both Egypt and South Africa have a majority of players that stay and play nationally.

In order to properly understand the effect of this player migration,one must know what causes it.One of the major causes of player movement from Africa to Europe is simply the globalization of soccer.Now,more than ever before,scouts from the top teams in Europe travel the world in search of talents.One of the World's best soccer analyst John Bale stated in one of his features that "In the early 1990's,there were less than twenty foreign players in the English premiership.By 2000 there were over 250". Globalization does not account however for the fact that many of the top national teams in Africa feature no players from their domestic leagues.The player movement from Africa to Europe cannot be attributed just to the globalization of soccer.

A more sinister explanation of the player movement from Africa to Europe is neo-colonialism or exploitation of Africa labor by Europeans.Bale also states that,"The systemization of recruitment,migration and work of African footballers can be read as a form of neocolonialism and exploitation in the well worn European traditions of scrambling for Africa".This view is supported by the manner in which many African players are recruited to Europe.The soccer acadamies and talents scouts that many european clubs have scattered all over Africa generally care more about the soccer ability than the general welfare of  a prospective player.By no means no means are all soccer acadamies agents guilty of exploiting young African soccer players,but it happens often enough to lead Bale to compare the movement of young Africans to europe to plantation system of colonial africa.He claims that major clubs,"seek to ding raw materials,i.e.talented players,refine them,and shop abroad the finished products.This comparison is not entirely fair but it correctly points out that for the most part young African players are not treated well by the system of recruitment.

The question then is why do so many young Africans put themselves in the hands of corrupt agents and impersonal soccer acadamies.The answer to this lies in the living conditions of most African countries.A feature article on the Ivorian men national soccer team in Spiegel Online illustrates the conditions that many african soccer players are dealing with."Etoile Sportive,have their backs to the wall on a pitch of rutted,mustard-brown earth.It's a schoolyard,but deep gullies have been carved out by the rains.The ball bounces erratically,like a rugby ball,and the rotting goalpost threaten to collapse with every goal scored.When compared with pitches that even young european have at their disposal,the condition in the Ivory Coast ,and in most Africa are far inferior.It is no surprise therefore that African soccer players are willing to gamble on a career in Europe.

The mass exodus of top footballing talent that cripples most of the domestic soccer leagues in Africa is not cause by any one source.Globalization of soccer accounts for much of the player migration and neo-colonialism may also play a role,but without a doubt the major reason for Africa soccer players moving to europe is the harsh reality that even as a reserve player in a lesser european league they will have a better life than they stayed in Africa.

BLACK MAIDENS REACH FIFA UNDER 17 WOMENS WORLD CUP

Ghana's Black Maidens reach 2014 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup finals after Malabo win

Posted On Saturday, 23rd November 2013

The national under 17 team black maidens qualified to the Fifa Womens under 17 world cup after beating Equatorial Guinea 3-2 in Malabo

Maidens went into the game with a 2-0 first league win went in all out to win in Malabo and managed to beat their counterparts to make it to yet another world cup appearance

GHANAIAN PLAYERS ABROAD

Various leagues across the World returned to action after the international break,so as Ghanaian players were in action for their various clubs in europe.

In England,Micheal Essien had his first taste of the premier league this season when he came on in the 83rd min to help Chelsea to a 3-0 away win over West Ham united.The midfielder came on to substitute winger Edin Hazard.In other games,Derrick Boateng earn himself a surprise start for Fulham as Martin Jol's men lost 2-1 at home to Swansea.The 30 year old however was substituted in the 60th min.In the Championship,Albert Adomah as usual was in the starting team for Middlesbrough and played the whole game when Boro lost 2-1 to Leeds united.Still in the Championship,Jeffery Schulpp could only make the bench for Leicester City as the lost 2-1 at Ipswitch Town.

In France,Jordan Ayew came on the 79th min and helped Marsille to a 2-1 win over Ajaccio.Senior brother Andre missed the game due to injury.Jonathan Mensah enjoyed the entire duration of the game when Evion beat Lorient 2-0.In the Liga 2,former under 17 forward Kwame Nsor scored in Metz 2-0 win.

In the German Bundesliga,KP Boateng was very instrumental as he helped Schalke grab a point at Frankfurt when the game ended 3-3.The Ghanaian international played 89min of the game.

In Italy,Sulley Muntari could not last the entire game for Milan as he picked up an injury and was substituted in the 45min by Valter Birsa.Midfield dynamo, Kwadwo Asamoah  was also substituted in 88th min by Fedrico Peluso when Juventus beat Liverno 2-0.Alfred Duncan was not in the Livorno team.Still in the Seria A,youngstar Rahman Chibsah only could only managed to get a place on the bench as Sassoulo beat Atalanta 2-0.Emmanuel Agyemang Badu watched from the bench when Udinese won 1-0 oever Fiorentina.

In the Eredivision,good old Kwame Quansah played 90min for Heracles when they lost 2-0 to Ajax.Fellow Ghanaian team mates Mattew Amoah and Edwin Gyasi watch from the bench.On loan Chelsea winger Christian Astu also saw 75min of action when Vitessi managed to win 3-0 away at Go Ahead Eagles.Shadrach Eghan also played 65min for Twente Enshede when the whipped NAC Breda 5-2.Ghanaian born and former Nertherlands youth international  Jeffery Sarpong was in action for NAC.

In Russia,both Mubarak Wakasu and Magid Waris were missen from the squad of Robin Kazan and Spartak Mosva respectively.

Youngstar Frank Achampong could not make Anderletch squad that lost 2-1 to Charleroi.

In South Africa,Goalkeeper Daniel Agyei was in post for Free State Stars when they drew 1-1 with Amazulu.Striker Abdul Basit Adams made way for Moeketsi Sekola in the 78th min.Both Awal Mohammed and Frank Sarfo Gyemfi were in action for Meritzburg united but the later came off for Orlando Smeekes.Former Ash Gold forward Yakubu Mohammed was missen in the Mertzburg squad.

Elsewhere in the Africa Confederation cup finals first league.Gladson Awaku was in action for TP Marzembe when they lost 2-0 to Tunisian side CS Sfaxien.Fellow team mate,Solomon Asante came on the 2nd half for Mazembe with Yaw Frimpong and Richard Kissi Boateng making the bench for the Congolese side.

In the Spanish la liga,Richmond Boakye Yiadom got a start and help Elche beat Valencia 2-1 but was substituted in the 65th min.

In Cyprus Goalkeeper Richard Kingson was redcarded in the 94th  and was sent off as his side Doxa Kotokapias drew 1-1.

GYAN CELEBRATES 28TH BIRTHDAY

Three days after leading Ghana to her third successive world cup qualification, Black stars captain Asamoah Gyan celebrates his 28th birthday today.

Gyan made his international debut at the age of 17 under German Ralf Zumdick on his return from Abuja where he helped the Black Meteors win Bronze at the 2003 All Africa Games. Gyan scored on his senior International debut for Ghana against Somalia on 19 November 2003 in the 90th minute after coming on for Isaac Boakye in the 62nd minute in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier, three days before he turned 18 years; helping Ghana to win that game, and making him the youngest ever player to score for Ghana.
 He scored four times in seven matches during that successful World Cup qualifying campaign. He was part of the 2004 Ghana Olympic squad, who exited in the first round, having finished in third place in Group B. He has so far made 76 appearances for the Black Stars scoring 39 goals.
Nicknamed the Baby jet, Gyan was born on the 22nd of November 1985 to Mr Gyan and the late Mrs Love Amoako Gyan. He is the last born of a family of four. Gyan was inspired into becoming a footballer by his senior brother Baffour Gyan who was also a national star. Ghanasportsonline.com wishes Gyan a happy birthday.

CREDIT:GHANASPORTSONLINE

GHANA LIKELY TO FACE GROUP OF DEATH

The Black Stars of Ghana are likely to face a 'Group of Death’ at the World Cup thanks to their failure to secure a seeding for next month’s draw in Brazil.

After Tuesday night’s European and African play-off second legs, 31 of the 32 teams at next summer’s finals have now been confirmed, with expected to Uruguay to seal qualification Wednesday.
The 32 qualified teams will be divided into four pots or section of 8 teams each.
The seeded pot (Pot 1) will contain the hosts Brazil and the seven best-ranked qualified teams according to the October 2013 FIFA World Rankings, including Spain, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Belgium, Uruguay and Switzerland.
Uruguay is currently ranked 6th in the world and confident to qualify today in another World Cup play-off qualifying game. The other pots will be based on geographic and sports criteria.
Ghana is guaranteed to face one of Brazil, Spain, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Belgium, Switzerland or Uruguay next summer.
Ghana is likely to be placed in a pot containing four African teams, two South American teams and One European team.
The fourth pot appears certain to contain the four qualifiers from Australasia and the four from Concacaf and England would certainly not welcome a game against the United States or Mexico.
Ghana likely Group of Death 1: Brazil, Portugal, Ghana, Mexico.
Ghana likely Group of Death 2: Spain, England, Ghana, Japan.
Ghana Group of Life 1: Switzerland, Bosnia, Ghana, Honduras.
Ghana Group of Life 2: Belgium, Greece, Ghana, Iran
Who will be in Brazil?
Seeds: Brazil, Spain, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Belgium, Switzerland, Uruguay*.
Europe: Holland, Italy, England, Portugal, Greece, Bosnia, Croatia, Russia, France.
South America: Chile, Ecuador.
Africa: Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Ghana.
Asia: Japan, Australia, Iran, S Korea.
Concacaf: Costa Rica, United States, Mexico, Honduras.
Likely pots:
1 Brazil, Spain, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Belgium, Switzerland, Uruguay*.
2 Holland, Italy, England, Portugal, Greece, Bosnia, Croatia, Russia.
3 France, Chile, Ecuador, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Ghana.
4 Japan, Australia, Iran, S Korea, Costa Rica, United States, Mexico, Honduras.
*Uruguay lead Jordan 5-0 going into second leg on Wednesday night.

CREDIT:GHANASPORTSONLINE.COM

FEATURE:WHAT IMPACT WILL THE 5 AFRICAN COUNTRIES MAKE AT THE WORLD CUP

Africa now knows its faith at the World cup as they now know the 5 African countries that are going to raise the flag of Africa high at the World cup come next year.5 of Africa's best nations namely Ghana,Ivory Coast,Nigeria,Cameroon and Algeria have all booked their places in Brazil.It seem as a repeat of the 2010 World cup in South Africa as these 5 nations were the same teams that represented Africa 4 years ago at the World stage with exception of South Africa who were the host.

However,the question still remain unabated as most football loving fans ask which African country will make an impact at the World cup this time around.With Africa failing to ever make a semi final appearance,the farthest Africa has gone is to get to the quarter finals with only three nations claiming this glory,thus Cameroon,Senegal( who did not make it this time around) and Ghana.No African nation have made it past the quarters.

IVORY COAST:Ranked number one in Africa and 17th in the World,the Elephants can boast of some of the finest players on the African continent with the like of Didier Drogba,Yaya Toure,Yao Gervinho etc.Apart from Egypt,Ivory coast was one of the unbeaten side during the group stages of the qualifiers.An incredible 5 wins and a draw earning them 16 points in all.They will be trying to make an impact this time around as most of their experienced players are nearing their retiring ages.The Ivorians however will be making their 3rd successive appearance at the World Cup.

NIGERIA:Current African Champions.It seems the blending of young and the experience players is woring for Stephen Keshi.Less did one expect the green eagles to win the African cup of nations for the 3rd time.However, they took the whole of Africa by storm when they won the 2013 African cup of nations in South Africa.But it seemed the inexperience of their young squad was exposed at the 2013 Confederation cup in Brazil with  the poor performance they put up.Nigeria has never qualified from the group stages and will be hoping to do so in their 5th Appearance at the Mundial.

CAMEROON: The Indomitable Lions took the World by storm when they became the first African country to make it to the quarter finals at the World cup in 1990.The World will never forget the excellent display of legend Roger Mila,with his famous goal and dance against Argentina at the round of 16,which eventually ensured they got the quarter finals.Although things have not gone too well for them in recent time,they still remain one of the best on the African continent as they have won the AFCON 4 times.They were also runners up at  the 2003 Confederations cup.They however hold the most African team  appearance at the World Cup with 7 appearances.Under the leadership and inspiration of captain Samuel Eto'o,the indomitable lions will be hoping to take the world by storm once again.

GHANA:Nick named the black stars.Ranked number 2 in Africa and 23rd in the World.Was the highest scoring team in the qualifiers with 25 goals,Ghana remain the second best team in Africa after the Ivory Coast.The black stars have really made an impact the World cup their previous two appearances.First in 2006 when they were the only African country to have made it to the round of 16 only to loss to Almighty Brazil.Then in 2010 when it took the hands of Uruguay's Luis Suarez to deny them of being the first African country to reach the semis.Ghana over the years have been bounded with great young talents.The black stars with a third successive world cup will once again see to it that they exhibit another magic at the mundial.

ALGERIA:Being the last African team to book their place at the world cup at the expense of Burkina Faso,the Algerians remain the only North African side to have made it to the world cup in Brazil.They also have failed to make it past the group stages and will be hoping they do that for the first time.Was not that impressive four years ago in South Africa but well groomed North African side are very poised to excel at the World stage this time.

Lets all hope and pray our African countries make Africa proud once again.Even if it takes an African nation to win the trophy for the first time.

DAN ADDO HAILS EGYPTIAN FOOTBALL

Former black stars defender Dan Addo has hailed Egyptian football.Dan who was a member of  the black stars in the year 1994-1998 say  Egypt is well reconed when it comes to football in Africa

Addo spoke with a local based radio station in Accra (Happy FM) .Speaking in a local dilect he said and i translate "I really want to salute Egyptian football authorities,especially their supportors for the professionalism they showed. After all the contoverses about security consends and a whole lot,the game really went well and peacefully.Egypt are people who really really understand the game of football.What they want is fairness.If you play good football and the see you better than them they will applaud you. The only thing they want is fairness. Most of the old players who have played in Egypt will testify that.No wonder you hear reports from Egypt they are always wishing Ghanaians well.I will once again congratulate them for their professionalism".The former star said.

Ghana qualified ahead of Egypt on a7-3 aggregate scoreline.

REVIEW:WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS.AFRICAN ZONE

All is said and done as the 2014 World cup plays offs in the African Zone came to an end yesturday with Algeria ensuring that the West African party could not come on as they eliminated Burkina Faso.Four of the West African team s were able to book their place at the mundial next year with Algeria being the only North African country to make it.

On Saturday,Nigeria ensured they sealed qualification when they beat Ethiopia by 2-0.A penalty kick from Victor Moses and a spectacular free kick from Obinna Nsorfor saw Nigeria make it to their 5th World cup appearance on a 4-1 aggregate score.

In Morocco,Senegal who were playing away from home did everything possible to overcome a 3-1 deficit toil very hard but could only share spoils with the Ivory Cost when the game ended 1-1.A spot kick from Moussa Sow was concelled by a late Solomon Kalou's goal.Ivory coast make it to a third successive world cup.

Elsewhere in Cameroon,Samuel Etoo lead the Indomitable Lions to another world cup appearance as they beat Tunisia by 4-1 in Luando.They first league had ended 0-0.Two goals from Jean Makoun and a goal each from Achille Webo and Mokandjo ensured Cameroon to yet another World cup appearance.

Egypt could only do little as they could not overcome the 6-1 lost to Ghana in the first league.The Pharoes however managed a 2-1 win over the black stars but was not enough to enable them make it to their first world cup apperance since 1990.Goals from Amr Zaki and Mohammed Nagy Gedo with KP bOATENG GETING A CONSOLATION for Ghana was Ghana qualifying on a 7-3 AGGREGATE.

Algeria ensured they did not allow the west african party as they beat Burkina 1-0 to qualify on the away goal rule.

OFFICIAL :BLACK STARS LINE UP

STARTING LINE UP FOR GHANA AGAINST EGYPT

 

BLACK STARS LINE UP AGAINST EGYPT

Head coach Kwasi Appiah has named a strong starting IX to face Egypt this afternoon

LINE UP:

1.Fatawu Dawda

2.Daniel Opare

3.Harrison Afful

4.Jerry Akaminko

5.Rashid Sumaila

6.Micheal Essien

7.Andre Ayew

8.Sulley Muntari

9.Majid Waris

10.Asamoah Gyan

11.Kwadwo Asamoah

The game will kick of at exactly 4:00pm Ghana time at the Air Defence Stadium in Cairo

GHANA ARRIVE IN CAIRO

BLACK STARS ARRIVE IN EGYPT EARLY HOURS TODAY

THE BLACK STARS ARRIVE AT THE CAIRO AIRPORT EARLY THIS MORNING

The black stars of Ghana arrived at the Cairo international airport on Monday morning to take on their Egyptian counterparts tomorrow at the Air defence stadium on tuesday.

The team which was made up of a 24 man squad plus technical heads arrived as early as 6am in the morning and was straight away taking to their hotel by the Egyptian delegation who came to meet them.The stars later on had their training section at the Air defence stadium where the game will come on.

Ghana will be hoping to make it to a third successive world cup after winning the first league by 6-1.

REVIEW:MTN FA CUP MATCHES

The first five efforts in a every penalty shoot-out usually decides the tie but on Sunday in Ghana's MTN FA Cup, it had to travel four-times that number. A total of 40 kicks were needed to decide the preliminary round fixture between Bubiashie Charity Stars vs Dreams FC. After drawing 1-1 in regulation time, Charity Stars edged Dreams FC in a marathon penalty shootout 20-19 to advance to the Round of 64 of the competition. Dreams saw their 20th kick saved before Abubakar Yahaya claimed hero status when he scored the decisive kick to hand his team victory. Elsewhere, the hopes of Techiman City were crashed during penalties. After holding Bazooka to a goalless draw at the Wa Stadium, they were undone when Bazooka claimed a 3-2 win during the shoot-out. Former Cup holders, Nania FC are through to the next round after defeating Tema Youth 1-0 while Okwawu United edged D'International by a similar scoreline. At the Accra Stadium, there were no wonders for Great Olympics, who have been sent packing from the competition following their 1-0 loss to Mighty Jets. A second half goal by Benjamin Tetteh helped the Tudu side to victory. Istanbul were 1-0 winners over Zaytuna in Koforidua while Pure Joy won 1-0 against King Solomon. At the Aquinas Park, Sporting Mirren lost 1-2 against Danbort.

Source: Ghanafa.org

 

GHANA SHOULD AVOID COMPLECENCY

THE BLACK STARS MUST NOT BE TOO COMPLECENT
Tomorrow,the 19th day of November 2013 will be another great moment for Ghanaian football loving fans as the black stars  will try to keep their edge on to qualify for a 3rd successive world cup.Ghana Black Stars will be taking on the Pharoes of Egypt in their 2nd league qualifier for the 2014 Fifa would cup in Brazil.With only two slots remaining for Africa,as the likes of Nigeria,Ivory Coast and Cameroon all booking their place at the Mundial.Ghana however will be hoping to sweep away one of the remaining two slots available.But will only do that at the espence of Egypt.

Yes,Ghana stands as favorite going into this game after walloping the Egyptians 6-1 in the first league,which eventually makes the 2nd league a mere formality.This means Egypt will have to score 5 unanswered goals to enable them to knock out the black stars.It might seem is impossible.But nothing is impossible in football.

To Egypt,it will take a Miracle to beat the Stars by 5-0 or more,but the still remain very optimistic they can pull a surprise especially after Egyptian giants Al Ahly won the CAF Champions league a forth night ago.This will surely boost their confidence.Their head coach Bob Bradley has also being in a very positive mood ahead of this game.Again the fact that FIFA has granted them permission to habour supportors at the stadium come tomorrow will also serve as a big motivation to them.Egypt for sometime now have played matches being close doors.It shows the threat this North Africans can course.I was very happy when I head Ghana coach Kwasi Appiah say that they are going to approach this game as this is only first league.I also head a couple of black stars players expressed their consents over complecency.

Once Kwasi Appiah is Psychologiacal sound and gets his tactics right,there is no doubts the black stars will be at the world cup for the 3rd consercutive time.

This the moment every Ghanaian is waiting for.

PREVIEW:WORLD CUP PLAY OFFS.AFRICAN ZONE

With just 11 slots remaining for Brazil 2014,Africa has got 5 out of the 11.However Ghana,Ivory Coast,Senegal,Tunisia,Egypt,Cameroon,Burkina Faso,Nigeria,Algeria and Ethiopia will be fighting for the 5 slots.But only 5 of this 10 can make it.

On Saturday,Nigeria will take on Ethiopia in Calaba,Nigeria.However is Nigeria who will go into this game fully confident as they won the first league 2-1 in Ethiopia.However Ethiopia coach Sewnet Bishew is very optimistic that his side can course an upset on Saturday.

In other games,Senegal will be playing away from home as they face Ivory Coast.The game is however slated to be played in Morocco since the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has imposed a banned on Senegal.The Talanga Lions who lost the first league 3-1 will be hoping to overcome their Ivorian counterparts to make it to their 2nd appearance at the World cup.

Elsewhere in Luanda,Cameroon will be taking on Tunisia.The Indomitable Lions who were able to get a 0-0 drawn game in Rades will be hoping to make it for the first time since 2002.

Burkina Faso who also managed a 3-2 win the first league will travel to face Algeria in Algers.They will be hoping to make it to their face world cup appearance.

The last game will see Egypt welcoming Ghana at the Cairo Military stadium on tuesday.The Egyptians will have to overcome a 6-1 deficit.

GYAN AND ASAMOAH MAKE SHORT LIST FOR AFRICAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Ghana duo Asamoah Gyan and Kwadwo Asamoah has been shortlisted in CAF 25 man list vying for this year's African footballer of the year.

Gyan who is the captain for the black stars has been in an impressive form as he has won the top scorer award on two occasions in the UAE league.He has also remained Ghana's all time top scorer for the black stars with 39 goals.Gyan however place  3rd in 2011.

Asamoah on the other hand have been in an impressive form  for Italian side Juventus helping them to win the Scudetto last season and has been one of their key members in the team.

The two will be competing with raining champion Yaya Toure as well as two time champion Didier Drobga,Mikel Obi etc.

The full list is as follows:

Armed Musah
Asamoah Gyan
Dame N’Doye
Didier Drogba
Emmanuel Emenike
Islam Slimani
John Mikel Obi
Jonathan Pitroipa
Kévin Constant
Kwadwo Asamoah
Luís Carlos Almada Soares – (Platini)
Mehdi Benattia
Mohamed Aboutrika
Mohamed Salah
Nicolas Nkoulou
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Ryan Isaac Mendes da Graça
Saladin Said
Seydou Keita

KELVIN READY FOR GHANA

Kevin-Prince Boateng is primed to play a part in Ghana's World Cup play-off against Egypt after arriving at the team's camp in Turkey, Tuesday evening. The Black Stars are preparing for next week's qualifier against Egypt in the Turkish capital, Istanbul. The Schalke player missed Tuesday afternoon's training session but joined his colleagues at their hotel a few minutes before 18:00 GMT (21:00 GMT in Turkey). Kevin-Prince missed the first league in Kumasi due to injury but has given coach Kwesi Appiah a boost as he prepares his team for the November 19 return leg in Cairo. Hours before Boateng arrived, goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey had settled in camp after also missing the first training session. The arrival of Michael Essien and Awal Mohammed will hand coach Appiah a full-house as he now has 22 members of his squad available in Turkey. Ghana lead the tie 6-1 from the first leg in Kumasi on 15 October. The aggregate winner qualifies for next year's finals in Brazil.

Source: Ghanafa.org

REVIEW:GHANA PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 12 MATCHES

The Ghana premier league entered its 12th week,few day ahead of the international break.

It was the Kumasi derby in Kumasi when League leaders Asante Kotoko beat arch rival King faisal by 3-0 at the Babayara Sports Stadium.Two goals from Saidu Bancey and an own goal by Faisal defender Pius Baffoe saw Kotoko win all 3 points in front of their home crowed.Kotoko however now have 27 point and are still on top of the log.

Accra Hearts of Oak who had their home match played at the Robert Mensah Staduim following a banned imposed on them by the FA lost to Medeama by 1-0.A Kibiru Moro goal in the 66th min saw the Phobia lads loosing all 3 points.Despite the lost,Hearts still lie 2nd on the table with 23 points.

In Bechem,Bechem United hammered Kpando Hearts of Lions by 3-2.Two goals from Tawfiq Sannie and a goal from Emmanuel Asante for Bechem united,while Samuel Yeboah also got two goals for  Lions.

Liberty proffesionals failed to amass any point at Secondi when the lost by 3-1 to secondi Hasaacas.Goals from Roger Lamptey and Samuel Afful for Hasaacas and an own goal by Hasaacas defender Albert Gaisah.

Godfred Saka, Richard Ahin and Emmanuel Akwarko goals saw Dwarfs maintain their woes as the were defeated 3-0 by Aduana Stars.

In Bekwai,two goals from Fusani Nuhu,a goal from Nartey Polo plus an own goal from Idrissu Armed saw Edubiase wallop Amidaus 4-0.

Elsewhere in Tema,Dennis Adjei and Prosper Kasim saw Inter Allias to their 3rd victory as they shockingly beat Ash Gold by 2-0.

Whiles Wa All Stars and Brekum Chelsea shared spoils in Wa with the game ending in 0-0.

MATCH REPORT FROM THE KUMASI SPORTS STADIUM:KOTOKO 3-0 KING FAISAL

Week 12 of the Ghana Premier League saw a local derby at the Kumasi Sports Stadium between League leaders Asante Kotoko and rivals King Faisal.

Kotoko who had gone into this game with a defeat to Ashanti Gold last weekend was very poised to continue their home record this season as the only team who have managed to win all home matches this season so far in the league.King Faisal on the other hand also went in very strong following their 3-0 home win against Edubiase on sunday.

Asante Kotoko head coach Mas-Ud-Didi Dramani made 5 changes in the team that lost on sunday against  Ash Gold.Captain Micheal Akuffo and Yahaya Mohammed  came back into the starting line up,with goalkeeper Joseph  Addo making his first Appearance ever since joining the Porcupine worriors this season from Hearts of Lions.Richard Mpong also came back to boost the Kotoko midfield with Eric Donkoh also coming in for Ugandan Import Joseph Otchaya who is on international duty.

However it was King Faisal who showed early indications when striker Sulley Mohammed failed to connect a cross from his captain Tetteh Nortey in the 2nd min.Kotoko quickly responded 2min later when Saidu Bancey was timely intervened by Faisal defender Ransford Kwarkye after a perfect through ball from Jordan Opoku.Sulley Mohammed once again came close in the 7th min when he took on the Kotoko defenders a strack the ball home with his left foot but Joseph Addo came out with a wonderful save.Faisal attacker Price Boateng however failed to connect the rebound.Kotoko once again came close to score in the 11th min when Yahaya Mohammed headed a ball from a corner kick with Faisal goalkeeper Ibrahim Iddrissu putting up a great save.

In the 23rd min Sulley Mohammed who had been tourmenting the Kotoko defence tried a long range shot but too fible to beat Joseph Addo.In the 31st min Faisal defender Pius Addo nearly connected the ball in his own net but goalkeeper Ibrahim Iddrisu come to the rescue.With Kotoko piling on the pressure Saidu Bancey once again came close following a header in the 34th min but goalkeeper Ibrahim once again came on board when he tipped the ball from the line.Yahaya Mohammed failed to connect the rebound,keeping Kotoko at bay.It almost seemed Kotoko had the first goal in the 37th min when Jordan Opoku headed home into the back of the net just for referee Ladbridge to whistle for an offside.The however ended goalless at the end of the first half.

In the 2nd half Kotoko poured more men forward and was rewarded just 2min into the 2nd half.Along range shot from Prince Boateng was saved by Goalkeeper Iddrisu but a rebound from Yahaya Mohammed saw Faisal defender Pius Baffoe connecting into his own net.Kotoko still kept the game on piling on pressure and was once again rewarded in the 52rd min when Yahaya Mohammed was brought down by Faisal experienced defender Ransford Kwarkye in the penalty box.Saidu Bancey calmly slotted the ball home with an expect spot kick which eventually increased his goal tally from 2 to 3 so far in the league.

Faisal Coach Carlos Roberto Paulleta quickly made a change bring on Owusu Bempeh for Eugen Akoto.However that change could not change the pace of the game when Kotoko had their 3rd goal.Thanks to a header from striker Saidu Bancey following a set piece from Micheal Akuffo in the 62nd min.Faisal again made a substitution bring on Sadat Wahab for midfielder Franklin Osei.Kotoko however maintained their composure and Yahaya Moahammed who had been a torn in flesh for  the Faisal defence was once again fouled in the penalty box but referee taking non of it.

In the 71st min Didi Dramani inserted his first change bringing on Issah Yakubu for Prince Baffoe to strengthen his midfield.Sadat Wahab howver had the opportunity to get a consolation for King Faisal in the 77min but failed.

Kotoko defended their 3goal advantage well to see them stretch the point to 4 following Hearts of defeat to Medeama.Kotoko still lie on top with 27 points.

ASAMOAH GYAN LINKED WITH TURKISH TOP FLIGHT

Trabzonspor to table €20m on Asamoah Gyan - Report ^Featured

Former Turkish champions Trabzonspor are preparing a €20 million bid for Ghana international Asamoah Gyan come the January winter transfer, Haber 7 has reported. 
Gyan’s name has come up as a potential winter signing at the request of the club’s technical committee who have monitored his exploits and seems convinced about his pedigree.
Fenerbahce and Galatasaray at various times have also made their intentions of signing him known, but it seems the bid from Trabzonspor who also have Florent Malouda will be too difficult to resist.
Meanwhile, an unnamed French club has also expressed interest in signing Ghana’s key goal poacher who has won the goal king in UAE for the past two seasons.
Talks between Al Ain and Trabzonspor are expected to start soon.


CREDIT:GHANASPORTSONLINE

25 PLAYERS INVITED FOR LOCAL BLACK STARS CAMP

TWENTY FIVE PLAYERS INVITED FOR LOCAL BLACK STARS CAMP AHEAD OF WAFU TOURNAMENT

Head coach of the local black stars team Maxwell Konadu has invited 25 players to start camping ahead of their WAFU tournament to be held in Ghana.

Local champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko has it's players dorminating with 7.Whiles Hearts of Lions experienced midfielder Edmond  Owusu Ansah has also been invited to boost the squad.

The full complement of the squad are as follows:

Goakeepers:Stephen Adams (Aduana) Foli Adade (Medeama) and Isaac Amoako (Kotoko)

Defenders: Godfred Saka (Aduana) Francis Morton (Dwarfs) Tijani Joshua (AshantiGold) Kwabena Adusei and Abeiku Ainooson (Asante Kotoko) Emmanuel Asante (Bechem) Nuru Sulley (Hearts of Oak) Alfred Nelson (Liberty)

Midfielders: Moro Abubakar (Hearts of Oak) Asiedu Attobrah (Edubiase) Latif Mohammed and Francis Adjei (AshantiGold) Jordan Opoku, Michael Akuffu and Richard Mpong (Asante Kotoko) Edmund Owusu Ansah (Heart of Lions) Abdul Basit and Jackson Owusu (Berekum Chelsea)

Attackers: Yahaya Mohammed (Asante Kotoko) Richard Gadze (Dwarfs) Sulley Mohammed (King Faisal) Theophilus Annorbaah (Medeama) and Samuel Yeboah (Heart of Lions)

Ghana are however drawn in group A with Sierra Leon,Burkina Faso and Benin

REVEALED: 2013 BBC AFRICAN FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST

11 November 2013 Last updated at 05:32 GMT

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BBC African Footballer of the Year shortlist revealed

The five candidates for the 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year award have been revealed on the BBC's Newsday programme.

Ivory Coast's Yaya Toure has made the shortlist for the fifth consecutive year and is joined by Nigerians Victor Moses and John Mikel Obi, Burkina Faso's Jonathan Pitroipa and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon.
Continue reading the main story

The winner will be decided by African football fans, who have until 18:00 GMT on 25 November to vote for their choice.

You can either vote via this page or by sending an SMS from your phone to +44 7786 20 20 08:

• Text 1 for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
• Text 2 for Victor Moses
• Text 3 for John Mikel Obi
• Text 4 for Jonathan Pitroipa
• Or Text 5 for Yaya Toure

Standard international text rates apply, please check with your service provider. Texts are limited to one text per mobile phone number.
The winner will be announced on Monday, 2 December at 17:35 GMT on the BBC's Focus on Africa radio and television programmes.
No player on this year's shortlist, drawn up from votes by 44 journalists across Africa, has won the BBC award before and two - Pitroipa and Aubameyang - are the first nominees from their respective countries.
Aubameyang, 24, has been in prolific form over the past year - ending the 2012-13 season with 19 goals for St-Etienne, which put him second in the list of top scorers in the French Ligue 1, while he also helped them win the French Cup to claim his first trophy as a professional.
Those performances earned him a summer transfer to Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund, and he has already scored seven goals in 11 games for the German side.
Pitroipa's biggest highlights came on the international stage as the 27-year-old winger was named player of the tournament at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, helping Burkina Faso surprise everyone by reaching the final.

2013 AWARD NOMINEES

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang profile
• Victor Moses profile
• John Mikel Obi profile
• Jonathan Pitroipa profile
• Yaya Toure profile

The Rennes man has continued to shine for his country, hitting three goals in World Cup qualification as the Burkinabe aim to reach Brazil by completing a play-off victory over Algeria, having won the first leg 3-2.

Two players on the list fared even better in this year's Nations Cup; Mikel and Moses both heavily involved as Nigeria lifted the trophy for the first time in 19 years.
Mikel, 26, also won the Europa League with Chelsea, while 2013 was the year he finally scored a goal for the Blues, that coming in his 185th game.
Goals have flowed more readily for 22-year-old Moses, the winger hit six for Chelsea in 2013 before he moved on a season-long loan to Liverpool, where he scored on his debut in September.
Yet the most potent of the three English Premier League players on the list is midfielder Toure. The Ivorian, 30, has bagged 12 goals so far in 2013 - including some exquisite free-kicks.
Although he and his Manchester City team-mates were unable to retain their league title last season, Toure was still a force to be reckoned with in the centre of the park - commanding, creative and increasingly clinical in front of goal.

CREDIT:BBC SPORTS

ONLY 10,000 SPECTATORS TO BE ALLOWED TO WATCH EGYPT-GHANA MATCH

Only 10,000 will be permitted to watch Egypt-Ghana playoff

Posted On Monday, 11th November 2013

Egypt

Only 10,000 fans will be allowed into the Air Defense Stadium for next Tuesday’s Brazil 2014 World Cup playoff return leg between Egypt and Ghana in Cairo.
The rest of the 20,000 capacity will be filled by the security personnel on duty.
This directive has been clearly spelt out in the detailed security plan for the decisive 19 November clash.
Authorities do not want to take chances at all after skirmishes between fans and police outside a stadium in Cairo on Sunday before Egypt’s Al Ahly beat South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in the final of the African Champions League.
No injuries were reported, although police fired tear gas at hundreds of rioting Al Ahly fans ahead of kickoff outside the Arab Contractors Stadium.
FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke wrote in a letter to the Ghana FA that permanent police escorts for players and officials, and ”sufficient” security at team hotels and at training sessions.
”The security plan has been designed in order to ensure total protection for all the delegations (Ghana, Egypt and Fifa) from arrival up to departure,” Valcke wrote in his letter, according to the GFA.
Ghana won the first leg 6-1 on aggregate and are likely to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil.

CREDIT:GHANASOCCERNET

EGYPT NAME SQUAD AHEAD OF GHANA CLASH

EGYPT head coach Bob Bradley has named a cracking 25 man squad ahead of next weeks 2nd league world cup qualifier agaainst Ghana.The squad includes 7 forigne based players.

The full squad are as follows:


Goalkeepers: Sherif Ekrami (Ahly), Ahmed El-Shennawy (Masry) and Mohamed Sobhi (Ismaily)

Defenders:Wael Gomaa, Mohamed Naguib, Rami Rabia, Ahmed Fathi, Ahmed Shedid, Sayed Moawad, Sherif Abdel-Fadil (all Ahly), Hazem Emam, and Mohamed Abdel-Shafi (Zamalek)

Midfielders:Mohamed Abou-Treika, Hossam Ashour, Walid Soliman (Ahly), Hossam Ghaly (Lierse, Belgium), Ibrahim Salah (Al-Orouba, Saudi Arabia), Hosni Abd-Rabou (Ismaily) , Mohamed El-Neny (FC Basel, Suisse), Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim ‘Kahraba’ (Luzern, Switzerland).

Strikers:Ahmed Eid Abdel-Malek, Mahmoud Abdel-Razek ‘Shikabala’, (both Zamalek), Amr Zaki (Al-Siliya, Kuwait), Mohamed Nagy “Gedo” (Hull City, England), Mohamed Salah (FC Basel, Switzerland).

Egypt must over come a 6-1 deficit to enable them make it to next years mundial

GHANA TO START CAMPING TODAY

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Black Stars to start preparation Today

THE BLACKSTARS OF GHANA WILL START  CAMPING TODAY
According to reports the senior national team the black stars are to start preparation ahead of next week world cup qualifier against Egypt in Cairo.

The black stars who were earlier on reported to have their camp in Ethiopia capital Addis Ababa failed to camp there due to the lack of training facilities.The FA has however opted for them to camp in Turkey.Players who were invited are expected to touch down i the city of Istanbul starting from today.Ghana will however leave Turkey on the 18th of this month and play the game on the 19th.

Players expected to touch down are as follows:

Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Adam Kwarasey (Stromgodset, Norway), Daniel Agyei (Free State Stars, South Africa)

Defenders: Harrison Afful (Esperance, Tunisia), Samuel Inkoom (Dnipro, Ukraine), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege, Belgium), David Addy (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal), Jerry Akaminko (Eskisehirspor, Turkey), Rashid Sumaila (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Mohammed Awal (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Edwin Gyimah (SuperSport United, South Africa)

Midfielders: Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan, Italy), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus, Italy), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese, Italy), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough, England), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Christian Atsu (Vitesse Arnhem, Holland), Andre Ayew (Marseille, France)

Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain, UAE), Abdul Majeed Waris (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke, Germany) Jordan Ayew (Marseille, France), Dominic Adiyiah (Arsenal Kiev, Ukraine).

FIFA PROVIDES GHANA WITH EGYPT MATCH SECURITY PLANS

FIFA has informed Ghanaian authorities about the comprehensive security plans to ensure the safety of the Black Stars for next week’s World Cup qualifier in Egypt. The world governing body was responding to a request by Ghana’s Minister for Youth & Sports Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah to have the security plans for the match to be played on 19 November in Cairo. FIFA revealed that a Ghana security delegation sent to Cairo to peruse the plans laid out by the host nation was satisfied with the preparations done by the Egyptians. “We take this renewed opportunity to confirm FIFA’s captioned qualifying match will be held in Cairo on 19th November, 2013 as per the initial calendar,” FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke wrote in a letter to the GFA and Ministry of Youth & Sports. “The security plan has been designed in order to ensure total protection for all the delegations (Ghana, Egypt and FIFA) from arrival up to departure. “Police escorts will permanently cover each and every transfer of these delegations, as well as an ambulance, while the hotels will be totally secured by the deployment of sufficient security guards. “The training sessions will also be taken care of in the most thorough and comprehensive security approach and delivery. The different security perimeters will filter the ticket-holders who will be searched individually before accessing the inner perimeter. “The accredited media representatives will also be thoroughly screened as part of the security plan. The latter will be delivered in accordance with the provisions laid down by FIFA’s Stadium Safety and Security Regulations.” Despite insisting that the match will be played in Cairo, FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke will meet Mr. Afriyie-Ankrah, GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi and other officials from the Ghana Football Association in a meeting in the Togolese capital Lome on Monday morning to discuss the plans for the match. This comes after the GFA protested over hosting the second-leg match in the volatile Cairo before Mr. Afriyie-Ankrah demanded the comprehensive plans to ensure that the Black Stars will be safe when they play the match in the Egyptian capital. The Black Stars have a 6-1 advantage going into the second-leg of the match.

Source: Ghanafa.org

 

GHANAIAN PLAYER ABROAD

The week was once again packed with action in the European leagues across the globe with a week to go for the international break.Ghanaian players however were in action for their respective clubs with several of them getting on the score sheet.

In England,Micheal Essien was excused to attend his Dads burial and that was not part of Chelsea's team that drew 2-2 at home with Newcastle United.Derrick Boateng again could only manage the Fulham bench who were walloped by Liverpool in their 4-0 lost at Anfield.In the Championship,Ghana winger, Albert Adomah continued his fine form when he once again score for Middlesbrough in their 2-2 draw at home with Watford.The 25year old scored in the 25th min.Still in the championship,youngstar Jeffery Schlupp also played full 90min when Lieciester lost 2-0 at home to Nottingham forest.

In the Spanish La Liga,on loan Juventus stricker Richmond Boakye Yiadom started his first game of the season and scored in the 61st min as Elche took a point home when they drew1-1 with Getafe away.The 20 year old was however substituted by Coro in the 74th min.

Elsewhere in German,Ghana received a massive boost ahead of their World cup qualifier against Egypt as Kelvin Prince Boateng banked in two goals for Schalke in their 3-1 home win over Werder Bremen.The former AC Milan star scored in the 64th and 85th min respectively and played the whole game for Jens Keller's men.In the Bundesliga 2,Marcel Appiah played 90min for Arminia Belefield when they lost 0-1 at home to TSV 1860 Munich.

In the French Liga 1,Jonathan Mensah walked straight into the starting line up of Evion after recovering from injury as his side got a vital point away when they drew 1-1 with Monaco.Jorden Ayew once again stated for Olympic Marsille when they drew at home with Souhoux,with senior brother Andre missing out still serving suspension.In the French liga 2,former under 17 and 20 forward Kwame Nsor came on in the 71st min for Metz when they beat Dijon 2-0 at home.

In Italy,Emmanuel Agyemang Badu did not get any minute of play when Udinese lost 1-0 to Catania.AC Milan loanee Kingsley Boateng did not make the Catania match day squad.Alfred Duncan was booked in the 24th min and was replaced by Marco Benassi in the 45th min when Liverno lost away.Isaac Cofie was also booked in the 15th min but played the entire duration for Genoa who managed a 2-0 home win against Hellas Verona.In other games,Acosty Boadu Maxwell came on to substitute former AC Milan striker Alberto Paloschi in the 79th min,while stars midfielder Sulley Munatri also came off for Robinho in the 66th min as Chievo and Milan shared points.Afriyie Acquah could only watched from the bench when Parma drew 1-1 with Lazio.Whiles youngstar Rahman Chibsah also warmed the bench for Sassoulo who drew 1-1 at Roma.Kwadwo Asamoah played the entire duration for Juventus when they beat Napoli 3-0

In Russia,Wakasu Mubarak came on as a 2nd half substitute for Robin Kazan who lost 0-1 to Krasnador.While fellow Ghanaian Majid Waris once again warmed the bench for Sparktak Mosva who beat Zenith 4-2 at home.

In the Eredivision,Christain Atsu scored from a spot kick and played the entire game in Vetessi 3-1 home win.Shadrach  Eghan was substituted in the 36th min as Twete Enchede drew 1-1 at PEC Zwolle.

In the south african premier league,Daniel Agyei was in supurb form for Free state stars who beat Bay United 1-0.Defender Rashid Sumaila also played the whole game for Sundowns who won 3-1 at Pretoria University.Whiles Edwin Gyimah also enjoyed full action for Supersports united.

In Norway, goalkeeper Adam Kwarsey captained Stromgotset to win their first title since 1978.Former Hearts of Oak forward Mahatma Otoo helped his side Sagnol to escape relegation