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Match Report: Mfegue bags brace as Asante Kotoko stun Kotoku Royals in Dawu

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In an important match of match week 31 in the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League (GPL), Asante Kotoko emerged victorious with a commanding 3-1 win over relegated Akyem Kotoku Royals on Monday afternoon.

This triumph comes as a much-needed boost for Asante Kotoko, as they had previously experienced a string of two draws and a defeat in their last three league games.

With this crucial victory, Asante Kotoko climbs up the league standings to secure the fourth position with a total of 47 points. However, they still trail the current league leaders, Medeama SC, by six points. Medeama SC currently sits comfortably at the top with 53 points.

Asante Kotoko wasted no time in asserting their dominance as their Cameroonian striker, George Rodrigue Mfegue, found the back of the net in the 10th minute to give his team an early lead. Mfegue continued his fine form and extended the lead in the 28th minute, securing a comfortable advantage for the Porcupine Warriors.

Despite their relegation, Kotoku Royals fought bravely and managed to reduce the deficit with a goal from Richard Dzikoe in the 35th minute, providing their loyal fans with a reason to celebrate.

However, Asante Kotoko quickly regained their two-goal cushion as the young talent Rocky Dwamena scored in the 51st minute, sealing a comprehensive victory for Coach Abdul Gazale’s side.

Looking ahead, Asante Kotoko’s next challenge awaits them in a showdown against Karela United on Sunday. On the same day, Kotoku Royals will also face off against GoldStars, aiming to end their season on a positive note despite their relegation.

Gazale names Asante Kotoko starting line up to face Kotoku Royals, Pouaty, Blay, others start

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Gazale names Asante Kotoko starting line up to face Kotoku Royals, Pouaty, Blay, others start

Asante Kotoko’s interim coach, Abdulai Gazale, has unveiled the starting lineup for their Premier League match-week 31 clash against Kotoku Royals this afternoon.

The Porcupine Warriors have traveled to the Eastern Region to face the already relegated side in the final game of the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League match-week 31 at the Theater of Dreams in Dawu.

Cameroonian goalkeeper Moise Poauty will be making his first start since joining the club last year, guarding the goalposts for Kotoko.

In defense, the central partnership will consist of Andrews Appau and Mubarik Yussif, while Augustine Agyapong and John Tedeku will occupy the full-back positions.

Taking charge of the midfield will be Justice Blay, Rocky Dwamena, and Richmond Lamptey, providing stability and creativity in the center of the pitch.

Upfront, the attacking trio of Dickson Afoakwa, Georges Mfegue Omgba, and Solomon Sarfo Taylor will spearhead Kotoko’s offensive efforts.

Here is the confirmed lineup for Asante Kotoko in their game against Kotoku Royals:

Goalkeeper:

  • Moise Poauty

Defenders:

  • Augustine Agyapong
  • John Tedeku
  • Andrews Appau
  • Mubarik Yussif

Midfielders:

  • Justice Blay
  • Rocky Dwamena
  • Richmond Lamptey

Forwards:

  • Dickson Afoakwa
  • Georges Mfegue Omgba
  • Solomon Sarfo Taylor

The match holds great significance for Asante Kotoko as they strive to secure a victory in their final game of the season.

Mohammed Kudus rejects new Ajax contract extension offer, informs club of plans to leave

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Mohammed Kudus rejects new Ajax contract extension offer, informs club of plans to leave

According to The Athletic, Ajax is set to demand a transfer fee of £40 million for Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old has garnered significant interest from various clubs, including Premier League powerhouses, due to his impressive performances throughout the season.

Kudus has been in sensational form, showcasing his abilities by scoring 22 goals and providing 6 assists in a total of 48 appearances for both club and country.

Despite having a contract with Ajax that runs until the end of the 2024/25 season, the player has reportedly turned down a one-year contract extension offered by the club.

During the January transfer window, Kudus was heavily linked with a potential move away from Ajax, with former Everton manager Frank Lampard reportedly engaging in discussions regarding a transfer to the Toffees.

Ajax is said to prefer selling Kudus this summer rather than risking entering the final two years of his contract. It is believed that a fee of £40 million would be enough to persuade the Eredivisie side to part ways with the talented forward.

Clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are closely monitoring Kudus, who was a graduate of the Right to Dream academy.

Medeama obliterate Hearts of Oak to take top spot

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Medeama SC climbed to first place on the Ghana Premier League table after walloping Hears of Oak 5-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Yellow and Mauves who lost narrowly in the reverse fixture were poised to claim the maximum points and fly up the table following Aduana’s slip on Saturday.

Derrick Fordjour fired the visitors into the lead in the 17th minute with a superb drive a few meters away from the vertex of the box which bounced before settling in the net but the Phobians quickly leveled through  Ibrahim Salifu’s spot-kick.

Medeama would however add two goals before halftime to secure a comfortable lead thanks to penalty expert Vincent Atingah who converted from six yards and Jonathan Sowah got his fourth goal in three matches.

After several attempts to minimise the deficit, Hearts failed to find the back of the net as Sowah added another goal in the 85th to shatter the hopes of the Phobians.

Kwasi Donsu cemented the victory with a fine finish to ensure the Tarkwa-based side recorded their biggest win of the season.

The result means Medeama will now occupy the top spot for the first time this season with 53 points while Aduana now drop to second with a point less. Bechem United stay in third place with 51 points with three matches to end the season.

Elsewhere Bibiani Gold Stars secured a 2-0 victory over Tamale City while Dreams FC emerged victors against Berekum Chelsea with the same scoreline.

Karela were held to a goalless draw at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park with King Faisal falling to Samartex at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex to worsen their troubles.

The round of 31 matches will be climaxed with a fixture between Asante Kotoko and Kotoku Royals on Monday afternoon.

Source: 3news

Danlad, Mfegue return as Abdulai Gazale names Asante Kotoko’s 20-man squad for Kotoku Royals clash

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Interim coach Abdulai Gazale has finalized his 20-man squad for Asante Kotoko’s upcoming match against Kotoku Royals at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu.

The match is scheduled for Monday afternoon as part of betPawa Premier League matchday 31.

Unfortunately, Asante Kotoko will be without several key players for the match due to injuries. Steven Mukwala, Isaac Oppong, Frederick Asare, Sherrif Mohammed, Eric Zeze, and Charles Owusu will not be available to participate.

In addition, defender Mohammed Sherrif will be absent from the squad as he serves a suspension for accumulating yellow cards.

Coach Abdul Gazale and the team are currently en route to Dawa in the Eastern Region of Ghana, where the match will be held.

The following is the full list of the 20-man squad representing Asante Kotoko:

  1. Danlad Ibrahim (GK)
  2. Moise Poauty (GK)
  3. Maxwell Agyemang
  4. Andrews Appau
  5. Augustine Agyapong
  6. John Tedeku
  7. Sheriff Mohammed
  8. Rocky Dwamena
  9. Mohammed Alhassan
  10. Mubarik Yussif
  11. Richard Boadu (C)
  12. Patrick Asmah
  13. Shadrack Addo
  14. Clinton Opoku
  15. Justice Blay
  16. Solomon Sarfo Taylor
  17. Georges Mfegue
  18. Richmond Nii Lamptey
  19. Enock Morrison
  20. Dickson Afoakwa

WATCH LIVE: Manchester City vs Chelsea

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Click on the link below to watch the game. Kickoff is 3pm.

https://cutt.ly/56BC29L

Aduana Stars’ title hopes in danger after heavy defeat to Accra Lions

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Accra Lions produced an outstanding performance to annihilate league leaders Aduana Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium and return to winning ways.

A first half freekick from Baba Apiiga and second half strikes from Evans Botchway and Seidu Bassit ensured Lions record an emphatic win.

Accra Lions wasted no time in establishing their intentions after winger Daniel Awuni was left with only Joseph Addo to beat, but the veteran goalkeeper denied the forward.

Three minutes later, Seidu Bassit also came close and again Addo was there to stop Accra Lions from breaking the deadlock before Baba Apiiga shot from long range to test the goalkeeper.

Aduana’s best chance in the first quarter came when Kelvin Obeng fired from outside the box.

Halfway through the half, Lions were awarded a freekick after a dangerous tackle on Evans Botchwa. Baba Apiiga curled in from outside the box to give the host the lead.

Just before half time, Isaac Mintah had a golden chance to level for the visitors after Andrews Owusu missed a cross from the right but his effort went wide.

After the break, Aduana Stars improved their play pressing the host.

However, Accra Lions were effective on the counter attack causing problems for Aduana any time they break from defence.

With 15 minutes remaining, Solomon Oppong who replaced Awuni in the second half, threaded though a lovely pass which found Botchway and the youngster made no mistake as he doubled the lead for Accra Lions.

Six minutes, Bassit broke on the right, finding Oppong from a cross field pass, who found Apiiga before the defender sent in a cross met by the striker.

The hosts held on to secure all three points at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Medeama SC who are third on the league log with 50 points will play against Hearts of Oak on Sunday in Accra. A win for the Yellow and Mauves will place them one point ahead of current leaders Aduana Stars.

©GSN

Ghana secure impressive 3-0 win over Benin in WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup opener

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The Black Princesses were off to a superb start to  their campaign in the WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup as they recorded a resounding 3-0 win against Benin Saturday.

Maafia Nyame, Captain Stella Nyamekye and Mary Amponsah scored to hand coach Yussif Basigi and his team all maximum points.

The Princesses began the game creating goal scoring chances but failed to utilize any as they were wasteful in the first ten minutes.

Maafia Nyame could have handed Ghana an early lead but her shot from inside the box following a beautiful team play was saved by the Benin goalkeeper.

The Princesses pushed for the opener but their efforts were duly curtailed by the opposition.  Faiza Seidu pounced on a loose ball inside the box but her effort flew disappointingly wide.

After missing several chances in the opening stages of the match, Maafia Nyame eventually registered her name on the score sheet to give Ghana a 1-0 lead at the break.

Coach Yussif Basigi introduced Mary Amponsah for Faiza Seidu after the break to inject some pace and energy upfront.

In the 60th minute, Stella Nyamekye made her own attempt to get onto the scoresheet but her effort was deflected just over the bar for a corner.

Mary Amponsah doubled the lead for the Princesses when Helen Alormenu laid a beautiful pass to find her in the 61stminute.

Stella Nyamekye made her efforts count when she finally scored from a free kick  in the 68 minutes.

Benin pushed for a consolation but were denied by the resolute defense and shot stopper, Afi Amenyaku as the game ended 3:0 in favor of the Black Princesses.

Ghana will play Cote D’Ivoire in the second Group A game on Saturday, May 27, at the Baba Yara sports stadium.

GFA boss Kurt Okraku optimistic Chris Hughton will end Ghana’s trophy drought soon

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GFA President Kurt Okraku remains optimistic about Ghana’s chances of ending the country’s long trophy drought, despite the recent disappointing performances of the Black Stars at tournaments.

Acknowledging the team’s poor showing at the recent AFCON in Cameroon, Okraku attributed it to a lack of quality in the squad and the team’s mindset. However, he expressed confidence in the current team, emphasizing the significant improvement they have made. With time and patience, Okraku believes this team can lead Ghana to success.

Okraku emphasized the importance of focusing on the team’s progress and the underlying processes rather than just the results on the pitch. He highlighted the need to assess intangible assets such as squad dynamics, preparation timing, and the development of a winning team.

The GFA President recognized that the AFCON in Cameroon was a setback but saw it as the starting point for the process of building a strong team for Ghana. Following the criticism received, the rebuilding process began, with new personnel being brought in across all fronts.

Despite not advancing beyond the group stage at the World Cup, Okraku pointed out that building a winning team takes time. While he acknowledged the disappointment of Ghanaians and their desire for Ghana to excel at the highest level, he saw it as motivation for the Executive Council to continue with the rebuilding strategy and find the right players and personnel to shape a winning team.

“I think we are on track. Obviously, the AFCON in Cameroon was a big disaster. We didn’t have the kind of players, organization, and mindset one would need to become conquerors of Africa. But that was the beginning of the process of building a good team for Ghana,” he stated in an interview with SuperSport.

“We started the process of rebuilding the team, bringing on new personnel on all fronts. You can see clearly that the team that represented Ghana at the AFCON and the team of today look quite different.”

“The team didn’t go past the group stage, Ghanaians were unhappy and I appreciate that because we believe that we have to be at the apex at all times, but that served as motivation to continue with the rebuilding strategy.”

“We have an amazing group of players who are ready to give their all and work hard for Mother Ghana. The technical team currently led by Chris Hughton is highly competent, and with the support from the Football Association, the government, and the enthusiasm of Ghanaians, I believe the team is heading in the right direction.”

“I firmly believe that the prestigious trophies that sitting presidents have always desired, the trophies that Ghanaians have always longed for, will soon grace our shelves,” Okraku confidently proclaimed.

Ghana’s last major trophy victory came at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982. Okraku’s unwavering belief in the ongoing rebuilding process and the potential of the current team reflects his determination to bring success back to Ghanaian football.

‘Chris Hughton wasn’t imposed on us’ – Ghana FA capo Kurt Okraku

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Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku says, contrary to what has been making the rounds, the new coach of the Black Stars Chris Hughton wasn’t imposed on them.

The former Brighton Hove Albion manager was appointed as the new Black Stars head coach after Otto Addo exited the position following Ghana’s elimination from the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.

In an exclusive interview with Juliet Bawuah on SuperSport, Okraku said the appointment was based on Hughton’s competence and the belief they had in him.

“Chris Houghton is a coach contracted by the Football Association of Ghana. If we didn’t have the belief in Chris Houghton, he will never have been the head coach of the Black Stars.

“So long as he is the coach, he has the support of the Executive Committee, he has the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

“We have been very supportive of his works and we will forever continue to give him the all the support that he needs that will ensure that we win success. We trust in him and the rest of the backroom staff, if it is that we will win trophies, we have to stay with the team, we have to give them trust, we have to give them time.

“The Executive Committee had trust in him, we were sure about him we had a clear plan for him and we executed the plan.”

He further stated that Hughton, after being with the team for a while, now understands the set up better.

“Before we gave the job to Otto Addo, we knew he wouldn’t stay beyond December and we had a succession plan and his successor was Chris. It’s the reason we brought him closer to the team for him to get to know the team, the players’ culture and ins and outs of the team and to get him ready to take over from Otto Addo.

“It was a very clear strategic strategy that we deployed and today Chris is in a better position to take over the team than he would have been if we had handed him the responsibility earlier.”

Chris Hughton has played two games since his appointment, all against Angola in the 2023 Afcon Qualifiers; he won one and drew one.

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