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Ghanaian duo named in Manchester United squad for pre-season

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Manchester United coach Ten Hag has made an exciting move by handpicking two talented Ghanaian youngsters to join the squad for their highly anticipated pre-season trip to Norway, showcasing the club’s commitment to nurturing promising talent.

One of the selected players is Omari Forson, who is an England U16 international and has previously trained with West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur before joining Manchester United’s academy. Forson signed his first professional contract with the club on August 7, 2021.

Man Utd Under 21s Omari Forson nominated for Premier League 2 Player of the Month February 2023 | Manchester United
Omari Forson

The other player is Kobbie Mainoo, who signed his first professional contract with Manchester United in May 2022. His impressive performances, including a strong midfield display against Carlisle United in the EFL Trophy, earned him a call-up to the senior squad for training in October 2022.

Mainoo was even named on the bench for the first time on October 16, 2022, ahead of a Premier League match against Newcastle United.

Under the leadership of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United will take a squad of 26 players to Norway for their first pre-season friendly against Leeds United. The game in Oslo provides an opportunity for the players to gain valuable playing time before the start of the new season.

Leeds United, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, are preparing for a return to the Championship.

Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Man Utd teenager handed debut against Charlton in Carabao Cup | Goal.com US
Kobbie Mainoo

The full squad for the pre-season trip includes goalkeepers Tom Heaton, Nathan Bishop, and Matej Kovar; defenders Alvaro Fernandez, Rhys Bennett, Will Fish, Marc Jurado, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Brandon Williams; midfielders Toby Collyer, Fred, Dan Gore, Hannibal, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Maxi Oyedele, and Charlie Savage; and forwards Amad, Noam Emeran, Omari Forson, Joe Hugill, Jadon Sancho, and Shola Shoretire.

Nana Yaw Amponsah reportedly submits tenure report to Asante Kotoko hierarchy

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Nana Yaw Amponsah reportedly submits tenure report to Asante Kotoko hierarchy


With the conclusion of Nana Yaw Amponsah’s tenure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asante Kotoko, there is growing speculation regarding his future plans.

Reports suggest that on Tuesday, Amponsah presented a comprehensive report on his leadership to the Board of Directors, marking the end of his term.

Since assuming the role in 2020, Amponsah has played a pivotal role in driving Asante Kotoko’s operations and setting strategic objectives for the club.

However, as his three-year contract approaches its conclusion, uncertainties arise regarding his next steps and whether his contract will be renewed or if a new CEO will be appointed to lead the club.

Upon his arrival at Kumasi Airport, Nana Yaw Amponsah proceeded directly to an important meeting with the 12-member Board of Directors, further fueling speculation surrounding his future with the club.

Recent discussions have focused on the selection of a new board and the subsequent planning for the upcoming season, as the club’s lifepatron, Otumfuor, has reportedly dissolved the existing board and management team whose tenure has come to an end.

Amidst these deliberations, the path forward for Asante Kotoko remains a topic of intense interest and scrutiny, as fans and stakeholders eagerly await the decisions that will shape the club’s future direction.

FIFA confirms receipt of petition against GFA President, may take action

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The World Football governing body, FIFA, has acknowledged receiving a petition filed against Kurt E.S. Okraku, president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), alleging that he violated the organization’s statutes.

According to FIFA, the petition filed by a Whistle-blower, Akwasi Ossei Nkrumah was received
on Friday, July 7, 2023, revealing that the outfit may initiate preliminary investigations into the breach of Statutes as claimed in the petition.

“Following an evaluation of the documents and information submitted, the Secretariat may initiate preliminary investigations into a potential breach of the FCE following instructions from the Chairperson of the Investigatory Chamber in accordance with Article 61 FCE,” portion of the confirmation email to Joy FM’s Muftawu Nabila Abdulai said.

“We are not in a position to provide you any further information regarding the state of the proceedings (if any),” it stated.

On Friday, July 7, 2023, media reports suggested that one Akwasi Ossei Nkrumah filed a petition at the FIFA Ethics Committee, enumerating the following:

(a) Breach of Article 25 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2023 (Forgery and Falsification)

(b) Breach of Article 20 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2023 (Conflict of Interest)

(c) Breach of Article 26 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2023 (Abuse of Position)

(d) Breach of Article l6 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2023 (Duty of loyalty)

(e) Breach of Article 30 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2023 (Manipulation of Football Matches or Competitions)

He alleged that the GFA President, Mr Okraku, is the director of Dreams Football Club, a Ghana Premier League Club, and acts same for Proton Sports Services, a player and match agency contrary to the FIFA Statutes.

Ossei Nkrumah also listed a plethora of things he claims the GFA President is engaged in the detriment of football development in Ghana.

During the GFA 29th Ordinary Congress in Kumasi on July 10, Kurt sought to suggest he was been witch-hunted by members of the football ecosystem, stating that, “…by virtue of where I sit, I hold files that can defame and malign people in Ghana football ecosystem. But I would not do that.”

Kurt Okraku was voted president of GFA in October 2019, and he’s seeking re-election for a second tenure in office.

“I feel at home whenever I am in Ghana” – Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger

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Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger expressed his unwavering sense of belonging whenever he finds himself in Ghana.

The German international, who has Sierra Leonean roots, revealed that Ghana holds a special place in his heart, evoking a feeling of being at home.

“First of all, it’s not my first time being in Ghana and for me, I feel at home. Though, I am a Sierra Leonean but I think Africa is for us all so I am grateful to be here,” Rudiger said in an interview with Kickgh.com.

Whether it’s for personal visits or football-related activities, Rudiger’s affinity for Ghana remains constant and deeply ingrained.

Before joining his Real Madrid teammates for the pre-season, the German international will participate in various activities in Accra.

Real Madrid, the 14-time European champions, will depart for the United States on July 19 to continue their preparations for the new season.

Among their pre-season friendlies in America, they are set to face the renowned English club Manchester United, as reported by realmadrid.com.

2024 Olympic Games Qualifiers: Twenty-three Black Queens depart Accra for Guinea clash

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Twenty-three Black Queens will depart Accra Tuesday morning for Conakry where they will play Guinea in the 1st leg of the 1st round qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Dreamz Ladies midfield sensation, Stella Nyamekye and Ampem Darkoa Ladies attacker, Mary Amponsah get to travel with the team as the only two players selected from the recent WAFU B winning U-20 side.

FC Nordsiaelland’s Jennifer Cudjoe also gets the nod after a long absence while long serving Janet Egyir and Linda Eshun also make the squad.

The team is scheduled to depart Accra 9am at on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 via Air Cote D’Ivoire.

Former Asante Kotoko star Joe Hendricks explains how Hearts of Oak played influential role in his ‘great’ career

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Joseph Hendricks, a former defender for Asante Kotoko, attributed his significant achievements in the Ghana Premier League to the influential role played by Accra Hearts of Oak throughout his journey.

Hendricks highlighted the exceptional forwards of Hearts of Oak who brought out the best in him during the intense Kotoko-Hearts matches.

During an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah, he acknowledged the impact of players like Charles Taylor, Bernard Don Boatey, Ishmael Addo, and Emmanuel Osei Kuffour in shaping him into a formidable defender.

“Hearts made me great. Charles Taylor, Don Boartey, Osei Kuffour, and Ismael (Addo), made me great. All the time, a good striker reveals a good defender. A good striker will defend how good a defender is. because they always aim at the goal but I won’t let you score.

“I played to the extent that Kwabena Yeboah did not know the nickname to give me he finally called me Joe ‘gemichek’ Hendricks, the rock of Gibraltar. 2004, I won the best defender in Ghana,” he said.

Joe Hendricks is widely recognized as one of the top center-backs in the Ghana Premier League in the 21st century.

Having enjoyed a fulfilling career, he established himself as a renowned figure in Ghanaian football. He represented Eleven Wise, Asante Kotoko, Ashanti Gold, and Kessben FC (now Medeama

Referee allowance to be paid weekly – GFA boss Kurt Okraku reveals

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The Ghana Football Association has set aside an amount of GHC 300,000 to support payment of Referees as plans are also afoot to pay Premier League Referees weekly.

President Simeon-Okraku made the disclosure at the 29th ordinary session of congress at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Monday, July 10, 2023.

Currently, Referees receive their allowances after every four matchdays in the three top tier League competition but the Executive Council has made a decision to change that phenomenon.

President also disclosed that products of the famous Catch Them Young Referee Policy will soon be introduced to the Division One League.

He also touched on other interventions to improve Refereeing in Ghana.

OFFICIAL: Ghana defender Baba Rahman rejoins Greek side PAOK FC

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Greek side PAOK Salonika have announced the signing of Black Stars defender Abdul Rahman Baba, who rejoins the club on a free transfer after leaving Premier League club Chelsea.

The English giants announced they have parted ways with the Ghana international by mutual termination last week after a seven-year stint.

The fullback has returned to PAOK on a permanent contract, which runs through to June 2026, for a second spell at the club.

During his first spell at PAOK, on loan from Chelsea, Baba managed 17 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and assisting another.

The left-back played a significant role in helping the Thessaloniki-based side clinch the Greek Cup in the 2020-21 season.

Baba has spent the last two seasons on loan at English side Reading FC, where he played 49 games in the Championship and in the FA Cup and EFL Cup competitions.

Having signed for Chelsea in August 2015 from German Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, Baba has enjoyed loan spells at Schalke 04, Stade Reims, and RCD Mallorca.

The 29-year-old has 51 international caps for Ghana since making his debut in October 2014 and was a member of the squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

“Only the jobless will sit for this congress” – Angry Abdul Salam walks out of 2023 GFA congress

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President of New Edubiase Football Club, Abdul Salam Yakubu walked out during the GFA president Kurt Okraku’s speech at the 29th 29th Ordinary Congress of the Ghana Football Association.

Due to the seasoned football administrator’s combative behavior, the Congress held in the Great Hall at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) generated huge discussion.

Abdul Salam reacted to several “jabs” made by the GFA chief, who emphasized the accomplishments of his administration in his first term since taking office in 2019.

However, Abdul Salam Yakubu said that a large portion of the speech was purely political in nature and had nothing to do with Congress.

“He is doing politics. If people have stolen documents, are you supposed to reveal them at the Congress Ground?

“I have been in football for a long time and have attended several congresses; that is not how we conduct it. He was there, jabbing people. Is that how to show leadership qualities?

“If you are doing something, you allow people to speak for you. He was just repeating his speech.

“So, I will never waste my time and sit in on such a congress. Only the jobless will sit for this congress.”

Meanwhile, Kurt Okraku has confirmed will seek another term as president of the association when his current term expires in October.

A few names have declared their intention to contest the presidency including former vice president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) George Afriyie, former Regional Football Association (RFA) for Western Region Kojo Yankah as well as Bernard Amofah Jantuah of Berekum Chelsea.

Match Report: Ghana suffer painful defeat to Burkina Faso at 2023 WAFU U20 Cup of Nations

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In the face of a tough challenge against the Burkina Faso U20 national team on Monday afternoon, the Ghana U20 boys national team faltered at the 2023 WAFU Zone B U20 Cup of Nations tournament.

After the Group A match concluded, Burkina Faso emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, securing all three points.

The Ghana U20 national team, known as the Black Satellites, desperately needed a win today to improve their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. This urgency stemmed from their previous 1-1 draw against Niger, where they conceded a late goal.

Following today’s defeat, Ghana must now regroup and aim to defeat the host nation, Ivory Coast, in their final group game. The crucial match between Ghana and Ivory Coast is scheduled for Thursday, July 13.

Ghana’s path to the knockout stage of the WAFU Zone B U20 Cup of Nations tournament hinges on securing a victory in this upcoming match against Ivory Coast.

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