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Mohammed Kudus scores hat-trick as Ajax defeat Ludogorets in Europa League

Amid ongoing transfer speculation, Ghanaian sensation Mohammed Kudus showcased his unwavering focus and delivered a remarkable performance that guided Ajax to a resounding 4-1 triumph against Ludogorets in the first leg of the play-off tie of the Europa League on Thursday.

Kudus, who has been the subject of transfer talks with West Ham, illustrated his composure on the field as he etched his name in the spotlight. The Premier League outfit is reportedly on the brink of finalizing a deal with Ajax for the dynamic attacking midfielder’s transfer.

In an electrifying showdown on Bulgarian soil, Kudus demonstrated his prowess by securing a stunning hat-trick within 50 minutes of play. The former Nordsjaelland man initiated the scoring in the 16th minute, swiftly adding a second goal just two minutes later.

Following the halftime break, Kudus capitalised on his momentum, securing his third goal only five minutes into the second half. These impeccable finishes have elevated his tally to an impressive four goals and one assist in the nascent season.

West Ham’s pursuit of Kudus has culminated in a formal offer of €41 million, supplemented by an additional €3 million contingent on potential performance-based add-ons. The proposed deal encompasses a 10% sell-on clause, further solidifying the terms of this anticipated transfer.

The negotiation is poised for a positive resolution, indicating a significant stride for the talented 23-year-old. Personal terms have already been ironed out, paving the way for Kudus to sign a comprehensive five-year contract with an optional sixth year.

Reports had previously indicated that West Ham’s initial bid for Kudus had met rejection from Ajax. While under contract with the Dutch club until 2025, Kudus declined a one-year extension offered in April, further underlining the shifting landscape of his football journey.

Credit: GSN

AshantiGold secure injunction to halt start of 2023/24 Ghana Premier League

Ghanaian club, AshantiGold SC have secured court injunction against the commencement of the 2023/24 league season.

The Obuasi-based club are in court after being suspended by the Ghana Football Association at its Congress earlier this month.

AshantiGold want court to put the forthcoming league season on hold until the final determination of the case.

Background

AshantiGold were suspended for dealing with banned officials Kwaku Frimpong and Emmanuel Frimpong, which constitutes a serious violation of both GFA Statutes and the FIFA Statutes.

The Executive Council of the GFA unanimously decided to suspend AshantiGold Sporting Club with under Article 17(1) of the GFA Statutes.

Kwaku Frimpong and his son Emmanuel Frimpong were banned by the GFA Disciplinary Committee for 10 years and 8 years respectively for engaging in Match manipulations.

The decisions were subsequently upheld by the GFA Appeals Committee.

The two banned officials did not appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) as required by both the GFA Statutes and the FIFA Statutes and the time for filing such an appeal had long expired.

However, the GFA in a statement said AshantiGold SC continues to deal with and engage with the two banned officials in violation of Articles 9, 13 and 16 of the GFA Statutes and the relevant provisions of the FIFA Statutes hence the suspension.

The suspension of AshantiGold SC means the club shall lose all membership rights and that the club cannot play in any football competition, including but not limited to the Ashanti Regional Football Association Division Two League.

In accordance with of both the GFA Statutes and FIFA Statutes, the GFA, members of the GFA, clubs, players, referees and all participants in football shall not deal and engage in any football related activities (administrative, sporting, etc) with the suspended AshantiGold SC and/or the banned officials.

Meanwhile, the 2023/24 season of the Ghana Premier League commence on September 15, 2023.

Check writ below

Credit: Getsportsgh

“My coach and grandmother aborted my twins for Black Queens call up” – Former goalkeeper Memunatu Suleman reveals

Former Black Queens goalkeeper Memunatu Suleman has unveiled a shocking revelation about her past, disclosing that her grandmother and the Head Coach at the time collaborated to terminate her twin pregnancy in 1999, all in a bid to secure her position in the Black Queens squad.

During an interview with Gideon Okyere Anim on Accra-based Original FM 91.9, the former goalkeeper shared her extraordinary experience when asked about her maternal status.

Detailing her account, the now homeless former national athlete explained that she became pregnant just as she was gearing up for a significant tournament. Under the influence of her grandmother and the Head Coach, she was persuaded to terminate her pregnancy, sacrificing her twin babies to ensure her place within Ghana’s team.

Overcome with emotion, she expressed, “My grandmother and my Head Coach then took me to a man who removed the twin babies, and I was naive.”

Before her recent unfortunate circumstances, Memunatu Suleman had been serving as the goalkeeper’s trainer for the Black Maidens of Ghana.

Memunatu Suleman is undoubtedly one of Ghana’s finest female goalkeepers. She primarily plied her trade with Fabulous Ladies and had a remarkable tenure with the Black Queens.

Her illustrious career includes appearances in several FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, including 1999, 2003, and 2007, as well as participation in the African Women’s Championship in 2003, 2005, and 2007.

Watch the interview in the video below:

https://youtu.be/OZZoo-4xCzI?si=ho8jMn9I5lSIhtou
https://m.youtube.com/watch

Credit:Sportsworldgh

OFFICIAL: Jeremy Doku completes move to Man City

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Manchester City has concluded the signing of Jeremy Baffour Doku, a Belgian winger of Ghanaian heritage, from Rennes in a deal worth £55.4 million.

The 21-year-old forward has committed to a five-year contract with the current holders of the Treble, having previously scored 10 goals in 75 appearances in Ligue 1 over three seasons.

Doku, who boasts 16 caps for the Belgian national team, has chosen to don the number 11 shirt at Manchester City.

In his words, “This is a great day for me, both personally and professionally. City are the best team in world football, so joining them is special,” Doku said.

With this acquisition, Doku becomes the third summer signing under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola. Earlier in the transfer window, the club secured the services of midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for £25 million and defender Josko Gvardiol from former club RB Leipzig for a fee of £77 million.

Despite competition from West Ham, Tottenham, and Chelsea, Manchester City succeeded in acquiring Doku, who notched seven goals in 35 appearances during the previous season.

Doku still had two years remaining on the five-year deal he inked when he transferred from Anderlecht to Rennes in October 2020. This move followed shortly after his international debut for Belgium as a teenager.

Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Doku is of Ghanaian descent. He is the second child of David and Belinda, with one older brother and two younger sisters. His father, David, has a background in athletics, and his brother, Jefferson, was part of Anderlecht’s youth academy.

Asante Kotoko complete Yussif Nurudeen’s signing on a free transfer

Asante Kotoko has successfully secured the services of the highly-regarded defender, Yussif Nurudeen Mohammed.

The skilled central defender has formalized a three-year agreement with Asante Kotoko following the completion of a mandatory medical examination in Kumasi on Monday, August 21, 2023.

Nurudeen Mohammed’s association with the former champions of the Ghana Premier League comes by way of a free transfer, subsequent to his departure from Real Tamale United.

His name now joins the growing list of Real Tamale United players who have opted to explore new horizons during the current transfer window, a group that includes Sadat Mohammed.

These departures, including Nurudeen Mohammed and Sadat Mohammed, contribute to the tally of nine players who have embarked on new journeys to advance their careers outside of the club.

The remaining members of this group comprise Yaw Osei, Kwame Boakye, Manaf Umar, Issah Kuka, Roland Frimpong, Stephen Badu Dankwah, and Mathew Abayase.

The official unveiling of Nurudeen Mohammed as Asante Kotoko’s latest signing is anticipated to take place in the forthcoming days.

Ghanaian prodigy Fatawu Issahaku a step away joining Leicester City on loan

As reported by Topskills Sports UK, Ghana’s emerging talent, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, appears to be on the verge of a move to English club Leicester City in pursuit of increased playing time for the upcoming season.

The 19-year-old winger finds himself out of favor at Sporting Lisbon, with his absence from Ruben Amorim’s plans for the season becoming apparent.

The highly-regarded attacking player is on the brink of joining the ranks of the Foxes through an initial loan agreement. This arrangement would include an option for a permanent transfer valued at €14 million, which could be exercised at the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.

Having made his European debut in April 2022 after transitioning from Ghanaian lower-tier side Steadfast FC for approximately €1.2 million, secured on a five-year contract to deter potential suitors, Issahaku’s playing time has been limited.

Despite featuring in just 12 matches across various competitions for Sporting’s first team, the young talent has been granted the opportunity to explore other options outside Portugal.

Additionally, Issahaku participated in 14 appearances for Sporting’s B team, showcasing his prowess by netting five goals, including a remarkable hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League.

Notably, Sporting recently declined a substantial offer of about €8 million from Crystal Palace, a Premier League side, for the services of the Ghanaian teenager, as reported by Adeptos last week.

Moreover, Issahaku was a part of the Ghana squad that participated in the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar last year. In the tournament’s final group stage match, he made a cameo appearance during Ghana’s encounter against Uruguay.

“I considered retirement after match-fixing ban” – Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey reveals

Asante Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey has revealed that he was on the brink of retiring from football at just 25 years old due to the emotional toll of a match-fixing ban imposed on him.

Lamptey, who faced a 30-month ban for his alleged involvement in a match-fixing incident, expressed how the ban had a profound impact on his mental and emotional well-being.

Lamptey was banned by the Ghana Football Association for AshantiGold’s 7-0 win over Inter Allies in July 2021, which an investigation revealed was a fixed match.

The former Inter Allies captain appealed the decision, and with the help of Kotoko, the ban was successfully overturned at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Reflecting on the trying period, Lamptey opened up about the challenges he faced and the thoughts that crossed his mind. “It was very painful. Since the issue came up, I haven’t really spoken about it. It was a really difficult time for me,” Lamptey shared in an interview with Asante Kotoko media.

“The way my parents were lamenting, it was painful to see. It really affected my game, going out became a problem for me and even when I go on social media and see some comments, I get discouraged. There was a point I was contemplating retirement.”

Lamptey expressed gratitude towards the club’s management for their unwavering support throughout the ordeal. “I want to thank management for taking the issue to CAS and I feel vindicated now,” he stated, relieved that the ban had been lifted and his name cleared.

West Ham United midfielder Keenan Appiah-Forson ready to play for Ghana

West Ham United highly-talented midfielder Keenan Appiah-Forson has confirmed that he is forever ready to play for Ghana.

According to the wonderkid born to Ghanaian parents, he yearns for reconnecting with his roots to play for the four-time African Champions.

Appiah-Forson born October 16, 2001, to Ghanaian descents, at Greenwich in the United Kingdom joined the London club at the age of 14, following a successful trial.

In an interview with Saddick Adams TV, the 21-year-old talented midfielder open up playing for Ghana, adding that he desired to represent his country by birth.

“We have held talks about me playing for Ghana together with my parents. I have actually thought about this, and I have always said if I get the call up from Ghana, I will always take it,” he said.

Keenan Appiah-Forson emphasisied saying “Because this is where my parents are from. I want to give back to them and show them what I’m capable of.”

He has two senior team appearance with West Ham United and has since been tagged by many as the next N’golo Kante, former Chelsea player due to his attributes.

On December 9, 2021, Forson made his debut for West Ham in a 1–0 loss against Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Europa League, coming on as an 87th minute substitute for Sonny Perkins.

In February 2022 Appiah-Forson signed a new contract which would see him at the club until the summer of 2023. The deal included the option to extend his contract for a further year.

West Ham United on the verge of reaching agreement with Ajax to sign Ghana star Mohammed Kudus

West Ham United, an English Premier League team, is nearing an agreement with Dutch Eredivisie powerhouse Ajax to secure the services of Kudus Mohammed before the summer transfer window concludes, as reported by The Athletic, an English tabloid.

The Premier League club has officially submitted an offer of €41 million, with an additional €3 million in add-ons, including a 10% sell-on clause.

It is expected that this proposal will be accepted by their counterparts in the Eredivisie. Personal terms have been agreed upon, paving the way for the 23-year-old to ink a five-year deal with the possibility of a sixth year.

The Athletic had previously reported that West Ham had an offer rebuffed by Ajax for Kudus, who remains under contract with Ajax until 2025 but turned down a one-year extension in April.

Earlier in the summer transfer window, Chelsea and other clubs expressed interest in Kudus. Brighton & Hove Albion also reached a preliminary agreement to secure Kudus’s services earlier this month.

Kudus Mohammed is expected to make his final appearance for Ajax in the UEFA Europa League against PFC Ludogorets Razgrad on Thursday. He was part of the Ajax squad that traveled to Bulgaria earlier today.

The Ghanaian international has spent three seasons in Amsterdam, amassing 16 goals in 63 Eredivisie matches. He has also netted seven goals in 24 outings for Ghana, including two in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

While West Ham has already strengthened their midfield with the signings of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, they are actively seeking additional attacking reinforcements ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Congolese striker Kashala Ramos scores another hat-trick as Hearts thrash Lazio Spot in a friendly

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Hearts Of Oak continued to intensify their preparations ahead of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League with a convincing win over lower tier side Lazio Spot in a pre-season friendly match.

The game which was played on Wednesday afternoon saw the Phobians hammered their opponent 4-1 at the Pobiman Sports Complex to continue their pre-season.

In-form Congolese striker Wanet Kashala Ramos once again proved his worth by scoring a hat-trick, adding up to Martin Karikari’s goal to complete the victory for the Ghana Premier League side.

Lazio Spot however managed to pull one back, thanks to an own goal to reduce the deficit making the fulltime score 4-1 in Hearts favour.

Kashala Ramos hat-trick increases his goal tally to six, having achieve same feat in their game against Miracle Land FC last week.

This means a resurgence Hearts of Oak under Dutch duo in Rene Hiddink – technical director and manger Martin Koopman have seen the club scored 15 goals in two matches.

It comes after they had beaten Miracle Land FC 11-1 last week in an entertaining friendly.

The rainbow boys will continue its pre-season for a blend of cohesion with the latest new signees such Michael Ampadu and Kofi Agbesimah ahead of the new season in September.

Hearts of Oak will travel to Tamale in the matchday one fixtures of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League where they face RTU at the Aliu Mahama Stadium.

Source:Getsportsgh