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2022/23 GPL: Aduana Stars stretch lead with Medeama win as Kotoku Royals defeat Bechem United in Dawu

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Aduana Stars continued their impressive run of form in the Ghana Premier League as they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Medeama on Sunday afternoon.

The win saw them open up a five-point lead at the top of the table, further cementing their position as title contenders this season.

The match was a closely contested affair, with both sides looking to take control early on. However, it was Aduana Stars who struck first, with Kelvin Obeng scoring the only goal of the game in the 35th minute. Despite Medeama’s efforts to find an equaliser, Aduana’s defence held firm to secure the victory.

The result was a welcome return to winning ways for Aduana Stars, who had dropped points in their previous game against Samartex. The win also ended Medeama’s unbeaten run, as they had come into the game on a six-game unbeaten streak.

Elsewhere in the league, Berekum Chelsea recorded a similar score line, beating Legon Cities by a lone goal in a closely fought encounter. The win saw them edge closer to the top four, while Legon Cities dropped into the relegation zone.

In Accra, Great Olympics and Samartex played out a goalless draw, while Karela United secured a 1-0 win over Nsoatreman, thanks to Abdul-Raman Yaya’s first-half strike. The Tamale derby between Real Tamale United and Tamale City ended in a goalless draw, while bottom-placed side, Kotoku Royals shocked Bechem United, with a 3-1 victory in Dawu.

©3news

Hearts of Oak in talks with Prosper Narteh Ogum to become the club’s new head coach

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Hearts of Oak are reportedly in talks with former Asante Kotoko head coach, Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum to become their new head coach. This comes as the club prepares to officially terminate the employment of Serbian coach Slavko Matic, with whom they are currently in a dispute over access to training sessions for their upcoming matches.

Matic’s performance has come under scrutiny due to the team’s poor results in the Ghana Premier League, despite a recent 3-1 win over Berekum Chelsea. After losing to city rival Great Olympics in a midweek match, Hearts of Oak has been planning to fire Matic, and discussions to this effect have already taken place.

According to a report from Kumasi-based radio station Oyerepa FM, Hearts of Oak is now ready to officially dismiss Matic and replace him with Dr. Narteh Ogum. The University of Cape Coast lecturer, who has been largely absent from academia since leaving Asante Kotoko at the end of last season, has since focused on the industrial field. He was recently appointed assistant coach of Ghana’s Black Galaxies and helped guide them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 CHAN tournament in Algeria.

Despite his success, Ogum may still need more on-the-job experience before being considered for the role of Black Stars boss. Several clubs, including Berekum Chelsea, his former side WAFA, and Great Olympics, have expressed interest in appointing him next season, and both Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak are also considering him for the position of head coach.

Asante Kotoko is reportedly considering sacking Seydou Zerbo and re-hiring Ogum or former Black Stars head coach Akwesi Appiah, while Hearts of Oak has already decided to terminate Matic’s employment and appoint Ogum.

However, there is reportedly some disagreement among the board members at Hearts of Oak regarding Ogum’s appointment, which may be related to issues that arose after his departure from Asante Kotoko. These issues could potentially affect his position as assistant coach of the Black Galaxies.

GFA General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo hits back at Sowah-Odotei over ‘Ghana League is dead’ comments

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GFA General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo hits back at Sowah-Odotei over ‘Ghana League is dead’ comments

The recent remarks made by Vincent Sowah-Odotei, a board member of Hearts of Oak, that the betPawa Premier League is a dead product has prompted a response from the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo. Both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have had low attendance in their recent games, leading to discussions in Ghanaian football circles.

Sowah-Odotei had emphasized that the league must be entertaining, and it is the responsibility of the regulator of the game to ensure that the game is competitive. He further explained that low attendance has been a concern for the past 15 years and that the situation could negatively impact the game if not addressed.

In response, Harrison Addo argued that the health of football in a country is not determined solely by attendance at a match or low patronage of games. He noted that FIFA looks at several factors when evaluating the health of football, including referee training, coach education, youth development, and the number of national teams available and their games.

Harrison Addo acknowledged complaints about pitches but explained that games are played wherever there is a team, and they cannot be limited to selected venues. He also pointed out that Ghana is not at the level of the English Premier League but is gradually training its players to reach that level.

The GFA is currently in consultation with other stakeholders to improve the situation and ensure that low attendance becomes a thing of the past.

Andre Ayew misses penalty in Nottingham Forest defeat to Tottenham Hotspur

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On Saturday afternoon at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Andre Ayew missed a penalty in Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Despite Forest’s effort to bounce back, Spurs had already established a 3-0 lead by the 62nd minute, with Harry Kane scoring twice in the first half and Heung-Min Son adding a goal in the second half.

In the 20th minute, Richarlison made an impressive run into the box and crossed the ball to Son Heung-min, who found Pedro Porro. Porro then delivered a chipped cross to the 6-yard box for Kane to outjump two Forest players and head the ball brilliantly into the right corner, beyond the reach of Navas. Kane later scored a penalty with a strike down the middle in the 35th minute.

Although Joe Worrall’s header in the 81st minute gave Forest a glimmer of hope, it was not enough to turn the game around. Ayew missed a penalty in stoppage time, which Fraser Forster saved. This loss pushed Steve Cooper’s team three points above the relegation zone, despite having only secured one away Premier League victory all year.

Senegal defeat Gambia to win 2023 U-20 Afcon

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Senegal beat neighbours Gambia 2-0 on Saturday to win their first-ever U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Goals from forward Sulaymane Faye and midfielder Mamadou Camara in the Egyptian capital of Cairo were enough to secure the young Teranga Lions victory over their arch-rivals.

The West African side qualified for Saturday’s final with a hundred percent record winning all their matches without conceding a goal.

Senegal were playing their fourth U-20 Afcon final having finished runners-up in 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Malick Daf’s side have followed in the footsteps of the senior Teranga Lions, the Beach Soccer national team and the home-based national team in winning continental glory over the last year.

The Young Teranga Lions started better at the Cairo International Stadium with their direct approach causing the Young Scorpions problems at the back.

Senegal broke the deadlock after six minutes through Sulaymane Faye’s header from a cross down the right channel.

The Gambian defense failed to deal with Pape Diallo’s cross which allowed Faye to head into an unguarded goal.

The Young weathered the early setback to keep possession with Alieu Gibba and Mahmud Bajo

Lamine Camara fired a shot from distance which Pa Ebou Dampha parried towards the inrushing Sulaymane Faye who failed to score on 28 minutes.

Pa Ebou Dampha made himself big in front of the CF Talavera forward who couldn’t add to his tally.

The Young Scorpions came from the break seeking to get back into the match but were too strong in defense for the Young Scorpions.

Senegal doubled their lead ten minutes after the restart through RS Berkane midfielder Mamadou Camara. The towering Mamadou Camara guided home a corner to beat the helpless Pa Ebou Dampha.

The Young Teranga Lions dominated possession in the opening exchanges of the second period with Lamine Camara and Mamadou Camara pulling the strings for Malick Daf’s side.

The Gambia coach Abdoulie Bojang made a double substitution bringing in Mansour Mbye and Muhamed Sawaneh for Bailo Bah and Modou Marong.

The change added more firepower to the ineffective Young Scorpions attack. Mbye played in Kajally Drammeh on the left side of the Gambian to free Cape Town winger whose delivery into the area was cleared for a corner.

Senegal captain Samba Diallo twice came close to extending their lead against their neighbours. The Dinamo Kiev youngster saw his half-volley agonizingly miss the target before blocking Alagie Saine’s clearance toward the Gambian goal.

Substitute Mouhamed Gueye hit the Young Scorpions’ post with a ferocious effort in stoppage time. The US Goree midfielder was played in just outside the Gambian box to strike against the woodwork.

The Wafu-A champions held on to secure their first-ever U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

©Cafonline

Match Report: Hearts of Oak dig deep to secure draw against stubborn Gold Stars

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At Dun’s Park on Saturday, Hearts of Oak came from behind to salvage a point against Bibiani Gold Stars on match day 21. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time. Evans Owusu opened the scoring for Gold Stars in the 5th minute, but substitute Isaac Mensah equalized for Hearts of Oak with a header from a cross.

Despite the draw, Gold Stars maintained their impressive home record. In the early stages of the game, Evans Owusu’s shot deflected off a Hearts of Oak defender and hit the side post to give Gold Stars the lead. Benjamin Yorke had a chance to level the score just before half time, but his effort was blocked by Bibiani Gold Stars defender Amofah.

In the second half, Albert Diuedonne missed an opportunity to put Hearts of Oak ahead in the 58th minute. Appiah McCarthy, a former AshantiGold midfielder, took a powerful free kick that was saved by Hearts of Oak’s Eric Ofori Antwi to deny Gold Stars a second goal. Hearts of Oak brought on Salifu Ibrahim to help salvage a point, but Gold Stars’ midfield duo of Appiah McCarthy and Banahene proved too strong.

Eventually, Isaac Mensah’s header rescued a point for Hearts of Oak in the game.

2022/23 GPL: Preview – Bibiani Gold Stars face Hearts Of Oak on Saturday

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The betPawa Premier league has seen 180 matches played, resulting in 351 goals scored, with home teams accounting for 230 goals and away teams scoring 121.

On Matchday 21 of the league, Accra Hearts of Oak will travel to Bibiani to face Gold Stars. The Phobians come into the match on the back of a 1-0 win against archrivals Asante Kotoko. Hearts of Oak have won all three of their previous encounters against Gold Stars in the league, and are unbeaten at DUN’s Park.

Gold Stars lost their last league game to Bechem United but have won two of their last five matches, drawing one and losing two. The team sits in seventh place on the league table with 30 points, six points behind the league leaders Aduana FC.

Despite their win against Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak is currently in fifth place with 31 points. They have won two and lost three of their last five matches, leading to some tension between fans and Coach Slavco Matic.

Assistant coach David Ocloo will lead Hearts of Oak in their upcoming game against Gold Stars, with Gold Stars forward Abednego Tetteh, who has scored eight goals in the league, available for selection against his former team.

The match will feature players such as Yahaya Adramani, Ibrahim Laar, Emmanuel Appau, Noah Martey, and Charles Gyamfi Kamara for Gold Stars and Benjamin York, Kwadwo Obeng Junior, Caleb Amankwah, Linda Mtange, and Samuel Inkoom for Hearts of Oak.

The game will be broadcast live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247 at 3 pm.

Barcelona charged with corruption for payments made to former referee

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Barcelona have been charged with corruption over payments they made to the vice-president of Spanish football’s refereeing committee.

Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, who held that role between 1994 and 2018, is also facing charges of corruption in a case brought by the Spanish public prosecutor’s office, as is Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barca president from 2014-2020, and Sandro Rosell, president from 2010-2014.

Enriquez Negreira has denied ever favouring Barcelona in terms of refereeing decisions. Barca have explained they hired an “external consultant” who provided reports “related to professional refereeing” and also deny any wrongdoing. All parties — Barca, Enriquez Negreira, Bartomeu and Rosell — have been approached for comment by The Athletic.

If Barca are found guilty, what might happen?

News emerged in mid-February that prosecutors were investigating payments made by Barca to DASNIL 95, a company owned by Enriquez Negreira, between 2001 and 2018.

They began their investigation in May 2022, when tax inspectors alerted them to alleged irregularities in DASNIL’s financial records. On Friday, prosecutors put a figure on the total value of these payments: over €7.3million (£6.4m; $7.8m) was paid by Barca to DASNIL, and a second company owned by Enriquez Negreira, NILSAT.

Barcelona, as a legal entity, have now been charged with the crime of ‘continued corruption in business’.

The Spanish law relating to this crime was established in 2010. Since 2015, it has included a specific section targeting corruption in sport when it is suspected an attempt has been made to “pre-determine or alter in a deliberate and fraudulent manner the result of a match or competition”.

‘Continued’ corruption means the crime is believed to have taken place over a sustained period rather than being a one-off. This means the potential punishments are bigger, and can include up to four years in prison for individuals, or professional disqualification and fines for groups or enterprises.

In documents presented to a Barcelona court on Friday, prosecutors said: “FC Barcelona reached and maintained a strictly confidential verbal agreement with Enriquez Negreira so that, in his capacity as vice-president of the CTA (Spanish football’s referee’s committee) and in exchange for money, he would carry out actions tending to favour Barcelona in the decision making of referees in the matches played by the club.”

Source: thealthletic.com

Dreams FC’s Administrative Manager Ameenu Shardow reportedly named new Black Stars team manager

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Mohamed Ameenu Shardow, the administrative manager of Dreams FC, has been appointed as the new team manager for the Black Stars, as reported by Nkrataasem.com.

Shardow will immediately assume his new role as Ghana prepares for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Angola later this month.

The Black Stars of Ghana will play a double-header against Palancras Negras this month, with the first match scheduled to take place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on March 23, 2023, followed by the rematch in Luanda on March 27, 2023.

Ghana currently shares the top spot of Group E with four points from two games, having won 3-0 over Madagascar and drawn 1-1 with Central African Republic in June 2022.

The newly appointed Black Stars coach, Chris Hughton, will be officially unveiled in Kumasi on Monday, March 20th, ahead of the game.

Check out Hearts of Oak’s 21-man travelling squad to face Bibiani Gold Stars on Saturday

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On Saturday, Hearts of Oak will play against Bibiani Gold Stars at Dun’s Park, with the hope of securing a win to climb back into the top four of the Premier League.

Hearts of Oak enters the game as favorites, following their recent 1-0 victory against fierce rivals Asante Kotoko, where Konadu Yiadom’s header secured the win.

Goalkeeper Richard Attah has returned to the squad as he replaces Richmond Ayi.

Although Bibiani Gold Stars is yet to lose in their last eight home games in the BetPawa Premier League, Coach David Ocloo will aim to guide his team to victory in what is expected to be a tough match for the President’s Cup winners.

Check Hearts of Oak’s travelling squad below:

GOALKEEPERS:
Richard Attah GK (30)
Eric Ofori Antwi GK (16)

DEFENDERS:
Samuel Inkoom (22)
Caleb Amankwah (20)
Konadu Yiadom (5)
Francis Adjetey (15)
Rashid Okine (12)
Zakari Zakubu (4)

MIDFIELDERS:
Yaw Amankwah Baafi (7)
Eric Esso (35)
Joerdan Otanga (8)
Don Linda Mtange (34)
Salifu Ibrahim (10)
Enock Asubonteng (23)

ATTACKERS:
Isaac Mensah (21)
Albert Diego Eonde (18)
Kwadwo Obeng Junior (13)
Benjamin Yorke (17)
Seidu Suraj (39)
Victor Aidoo (3)

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