Fabio Gama dos Santos, the Brazilian midfielder, has expressed his firm stance on not returning to the Ghana Premier League.
The 30-year-old former Asante Kotoko playmaker, who played a vital role in Kotoko’s triumph in the Ghana Premier League last season, made the decision to join Al-Muharraq in Bahrain.
In an interview with Ghanasportspage.com, Gama was asked about the possibility of a return to the Ghanaian league. He responded unequivocally, stating, “I don’t think about returning to Ghana. I am now in Bahrain, and my focus is on continuing my career and achieving my goals.”
Furthermore, Gama emphasized his allegiance to Asante Kotoko, stating that if he were to play in Ghana again, it would only be for his former club. He made it clear, saying, “For now, I have no plans to return to Ghana, but if I do, it will only be for Kotoko.”
Gama’s comments reflect his dedication to his current club and indicate that he has no immediate intentions of representing any other Ghanaian team apart from Asante Kotoko.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced that the final round of matches in the Ghana Premier League will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at different League Centres. This eagerly anticipated news sets the stage for a thrilling climax to the season.
The top teams in the league standings, Medeama SC, Aduana FC, and defending champions Asante Kotoko, will all have home advantage for their last games of the season. Medeama SC will face Tamale City, Aduana FC will take on Bechem United, and Asante Kotoko will go head-to-head with Dreams FC. In another significant encounter, former champions Hearts of Oak will travel to Berekum to face Chelsea at Golden City Park.
One of the intriguing matches will be held at Sogakope, where Accra Great Olympics will host Nsoatreman FC at the WAFA Park. At the other end of the table, bottom-placed Kotoku Royals will face Karela United, and Real Tamale United will go up against King Faisal at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale.
Medeama SC, based in Tarkwa, currently sits at the top of the league table with 56 points, closely followed by Aduana FC with 52 points and Bechem United with 51 points in third place. A victory for Medeama SC against Samartex in their upcoming match will secure them the league title.
As for the relegation battle, Karela United, King Faisal, and Kotoku Royals occupy the bottom three positions, sitting at 16th, 17th, and 18th place respectively.
The matches will be played simultaneously, adding to the excitement and tension of the final round. Broadcast partners StarTimes will provide live updates from the various league centres on their Adepa channel 247 and Max TV, ensuring that fans around the world can stay informed and engaged with the thrilling conclusion of the Ghana Premier League season.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council has announced that the 29th Ordinary Session of Congress will take place on Thursday, July 6, 2023. This decision was made during a Council meeting held at the GFA Headquarters in Accra.
According to Article 31(2) of the GFA Statutes 2019, it is the responsibility of the Executive Council to determine the date and venue for Congress meetings. The Members of the GFA will be formally notified in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled date.
The GFA Statutes stipulate that Congress should convene in an Ordinary Session once per football season, typically before the start of the season. In accordance with Article 31(3) of the GFA Statutes 2019, a written Convocation of Congress will be circulated to GFA Members at least seven (7) days before the meeting. The convocation will include the Agenda, the Activity Report, the Financial Statements, the Auditors’ Report, and any other relevant documents.
The 29th ordinary session of congress is scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m. at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
Ernest Nuamah, the talented young footballer from FC Nordsjaelland, has received a significant honor as he was named the Player of the Spring by Danish coaches. This recognition solidifies his position as one of the emerging stars in Danish football.
Throughout the season, the 19-year-old has showcased exceptional skills and delivered captivating performances that have impressed both fans and experts. This prestigious accolade serves as a testament to his remarkable talent and unwavering dedication on the field.
The award was presented to Nuamah on Thursday, with Tipsbladet and the 12 head coaches of the 3F Superliga unanimously selecting him as the standout player of the season. He follows in the footsteps of Andreas Schjelderup, who won the award in 2022 and now represents Benfica.
Nuamah’s journey began at the Right to Dream Academy before joining FC Nordsjælland in January 2022. Since then, he has made a significant impact, making his debut on April 10, 2022, and scoring a crucial goal in a 2-2 draw against Aarhus GF. His outstanding performance earned him the title of the team’s man of the match.
In the current season, the talented winger has made 29 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists, highlighting his consistent contributions to the team.
Furthermore, Nuamah’s impressive form has earned him his first call-up to the senior national team of Ghana. He has been included in the 24-man squad scheduled to face Madagascar on June 18th, marking a significant milestone in his rapid progression in the sport.
Alhaji Braimah Akambi, a board member of Hearts of Oak, has placed blame on the Ghanaian media for the current state of the club.
In an interview with Onua 95.1 FM, Akambi accused the media of spreading false information and unfounded stories about the Rainbow Club.
He expressed his frustration, stating, “The media are responsible for the bad state of Accra Hearts of Oak. They allow anybody to spew rubbish, lies, and unsubstantiated stories about the club on the airwaves.”
Akambi further mentioned that the club intends to take legal action against individuals who disseminate false news with the aim of tarnishing Hearts of Oak’s image.
“We will start taking action against anybody who sits on air to spew lies about the Accra Hearts of Oak,” he emphasized.
The poor performance of Hearts of Oak this season has led to increased calls for changes within the club’s management, including calls for Alhaji Braimah Akambi to resign. Currently, the team occupies the 8th position on the Ghana Premier League table with two games remaining.
The Ghana U20 Girls National Team has advanced to the finals of the 2023 WAFU Zone B U20 Girls Cup of Nations tournament, hosted by Ghana in Kumasi.
In the semi-finals, the Ghana U20 team clashed with Burkina Faso’s team at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Burkina Faso took an early lead, scoring just four minutes into the first half.
However, this setback motivated the Ghanaian side to raise their game and mount a comeback. In an impressive display of skill and determination, the Black Princesses secured a 3-1 victory by the end of the 90 minutes.
Stella Nyamekye, Success Ameyaa, and Faiza Seidu all contributed goals to secure the comeback win for Ghana, propelling them to the finals of the WAFU Zone B U20 Girls Cup of Nations tournament.
In the finals, the Black Princesses will face the winner of the semi-final match between Nigeria and Benin, as they aim to claim the championship title.
Ghana Premier League leading goal scorer, Abednego Tetteh has expressed his willingness to join their rival club, Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC.
As an outstanding attacker in top form, Tetteh has made it clear that he is open to the possibility of playing for the Porcupine Warriors if they show interest in him.
In an interview with Original FM, Tetteh stated that he is prepared to wear the renowned Red jersey if Kotoko presents an enticing offer to him.
“I am ready to play for Kotoko if they come with a good offer’, he said.
Tetteh has been in remarkable form this season in the ongoing 2022-23 Ghana Premier League, scoring 16 goals in 28 matches and currently holding the top scorer title.
Although Tetteh has previously played for Accra Hearts of Oak SC, a team he has supported since childhood and is known as Kotoko’s arch rival, he is now prepared to join the ranks of the Kumasi lads.
The U.S. Men’s National Team will host four-time World champions Germany and Ghana in two high-profile friendly matches in October 2023 in preparation for its quarterfinal matches in the Concacaf Nations League the following month.
The U.S.A first face Germany on Saturday, October 14 in Hartford, Conn. Kickoff from Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium is set for 3 p.m. ET and the match will be broadcast live on TNT and Telemundo and streamed on Max and Peacock. The Yanks will play the Black Stars of Ghana three days later, in its first visit to GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tenn. TNT and Universo will televise the match with Max and Peacock streaming at 8 p.m. ET, followed by kickoff at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Ghana has twice knocked the United States out of World Cups (2006, 2010) and will be seeking their first win on U.S. soil in the all-time series.
“We have always been looking for these kinds of opportunities to continue our team building exercise so playing against the United States of America has come in handy” President Simeon-Okraku told ghanafa.
‘’We have two more matches to end the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and would need matches of this nature to prepare for future assignments i.e. the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast’’
‘The game presents to us a very good platform to test our strength against one of the best teams in the World’’ President Simeon-Okraku added
Read on for information on Ticket Sales and other events:
TICKETS
Presales for the match will begin Wednesday, July 5, 2023, with the public sale beginning on Thurs., July 13, 2023.
Coaches Circle and Presidents Circle members supporting the U.S. Soccer Development Fund can receive individual customer support and concierge services for their ticketing needs. Click here or contact [email protected] for more information.
EXCLUSIVE PRESALES FOR U.S. SOCCER INSIDERS
For the opportunity to buy tickets before the general public, fans should consider becoming U.S. Soccer Insiders. Membership is free for Standard Insiders. Learn more.
Presale Schedule for MNT vs. Germany and Ghana
Sales Schedule
Presale Date & Start Time
Circle Insiders Presale (Circle Insiders)
Wednesday, July 5 | 10 a.m. local time
VIP Insiders Presale (VIP Insiders)
Thursday, July 6 | 10 a.m. local time
Premium Insiders Presale (Premium & Premium Family Insiders)
Friday, July 7 | 10 a.m. local time
Standard Insiders Presale (Standard Insiders)
Tuesday, July 11 | 10 a.m. local time
Visa Presale (Visa cardholders only)
Wednesday, July 12 | 10 a.m. local time
Public Sale
Thursday, July 13 | 10 a.m. local time
VISA PRESALE
As the official payment technology sponsor of U.S. Soccer, Visa® has made special arrangements for Visa cardholders to participate in an advance sale of tickets. These advance sales will take place from Wednesday, Jul. 12 at 10 a.m. local time to Thursday, Jul. 13 at 8 a.m. local time through the purchase links at ussoccer.com. As the preferred card of U.S. Soccer, Visa will be the only payment method accepted during the Visa presale. Terms and conditions apply.
FACING THE GERMAN GIANTS
While the USMNT holds a 4-7-0 record against the four-time World Cup champs, the team has been successful in two of the last three matches. The USA defeated Die Mannschaft 4-3 in U.S. Soccer’s Centennial Celebration Match on June 2, 2013, in Washington, D.C. Two years later in Cologne, Germany, a late game-winner from Bobby Wood lifted the USA to a 2-1 win on June 10, 2015 — less than a year after they captured the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The teams have also met three times in World Cup competition, with the USA falling 2-1 in 1998 before the Germans ended the USA’s farthest run in a World Cup in 72 years by snatching a 1-0 win in the quarterfinal of the 2002 tournament. The U.S. also narrowly surrendered a 1-0 win in the last match of group play during Germany’s run to the 2014 World Cup title.
ALL EVEN AGAINST THE BLACK STARS
Having met four times in their history, the series is perfectly split with each side collecting two wins with matching 2-1 score lines. Remarkably, three of the four meetings have taken place in World Cups, with Ghana getting the edge in the 2006 and 2010 while the USA snatched the opening group game in 2014 in Brazil. Most recently, first-time goal scorers Kellyn Acosta and Dom Dwyer along with a penalty save by goalkeeper Brad Guzan lifted the USA to a 2-1 win on July 1, 2017, in Hartford – the same venue of the upcoming Germany game. Always one of the top contenders in African football, Ghana has qualified for four of the past five World Cups.
HOME SWEET HOME
While the U.S Men National Team will play at the sparkling new GEODIS Park for the first time, the team is no stranger to Hartford or Nashville.
Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium has played host to USMNT games seven times since 2005. The U.S. collected a 1-0 shutout win at the venue against Trinidad and Tobago during final round qualifying for the 2006 World Cup with Brian McBride notching the game winner. The stadium also hosted a World Cup Send-Off match (2006), a Gold Cup group stage game (2013) and Landon Donovan’s last match for the United States (2014). Overall, the USA is 4-1-2 at the stadium and 5-1-2 in Hartford overall.
Nashville has a similar history as the U.S Men National Team has compiled a 4-2-2 record in Music City across multiple competitions. In 2009, a 19-year-old Jozy Altidore became the youngest U.S. player to score a hat-trick in the 3-0 win against Trinidad & Tobago in World Cup Qualifying. In 2018, Tyler Adams netted his first career international goal in the 1-0 shutout against rivals Mexico, and a year later a Weston McKennie goal plus two from Christian Pulisic paced the U.S. to a 3-1 win against Jamaica in the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal.
Bofoakwa Tano FC secured a spot in the Ghana Premier League after a thrilling encounter against Eleven Wonders in the division one zone I playoff at the Ohene Gyan Stadium. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, and Bofoakwa Tano emerged victorious in an 8-7 penalty shootout.
Eleven Wonders fielded a strong lineup for the game, featuring players like Sulemana Rashid in goal, Simms Kwayie, Clement Boahen, Prince Baffoe, and Hamza Mohammad. Bofoakwa Tano, on the other hand, started with Emmanuel Kobi in goal, Francis Mawuli, Leslie Aryeetey, Enoch Abuu, and others.
Bofoakwa Tano started the game strongly and earned a penalty in the 7th minute when Enoch Abuu was fouled by the Eleven Wonders goalkeeper. Leslie Aryeetey confidently converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Eleven Wonders, despite a slow start, finished the first half strongly, finding their rhythm. In the second half, they quickly equalized in the 47th minute with a header from Zackaria Osman, assisted by Hamza Mohammad’s corner kick.
Both teams launched several attacks, with Bofoakwa Tano dominating the play, but they couldn’t find the winning goal in regulation time. The match went into extra time, but neither team managed to break the deadlock.
The fate of the match was then decided by a dramatic penalty shootout, where Bofoakwa Tano emerged victorious, winning 7-6 on penalties. With this victory, Bofoakwa Tano FC secured their return to the Ghana Premier League after a sixteen-year absence.
