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Black Galaxies arrive in Constantine for 2022 CHAN Tournament

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The Black Galaxies have arrived in Constantine where they will be based for the Group stage of the 2022 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algiers.

The team departed the City of Algiers on Thursday morning and touched down in the capital of the Eastern Province at 7:30am.

A delegation made up of management members, technical staff and players were met on arrival by the CHAN 2022 Local Organising Committee (LOC).

Ghana is making a return to the CHAN competition after missing out of the competition since 2014.

Ghana’s home based national team were in the grand final of the competition in 2009 and 2014. Ghana however failed to win on both occasions.

The Black Galaxies are face Madagascar, Sudan and Morocco in the Group stage matches respectively in Constantine.

CHAN 2022: Ghana’s group opponent Morocco pull out of tournament

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The home-based national team of Morocco, the Atlas Lions has withdrawn from the 2022 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament which kicks off on Friday, a statement has confirmed.

The decision comes in after the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s (FRMF) demand to travel on a direct flight on Morocco’s flag carrier Royal Air Maroc from the capital Rabat to Constantine, Algeria for their games was turned down due to diplomatic issues with the host nation.

Relations between the two Northern African countries have been strained and the FRMF had written to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) demanding authorization to travel on a direct flight to Constantine from Rabat. However, that hasn’t materialized, forcing the federation to pull out of the competition with just 24 to kick off.

Morocco who have won the last two editions of the competition were due to play Sudan, Madagascar and Ghana in the groups stages of the competition which is scheduled to be played from Friday, January 13 to Saturday, February 4, 2023.

The full statement from the Moroccan FA read:

The Moroccan Football Selection is unable to travel to Constantine (Algeria) to play the 7th edition of the African Nations Football Championship which will be organized in Algeria from January 13 to February 4, 2023 ( CHAN 2022) and defend his title insofar as the final authorization of his Royal Air Maroc (RAM) flight, official carrier of the Moroccan Football Selections, from Rabat to Constantine has not been confirmed.

As a reminder, the Management Committee of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), meeting on December 27, 2022, had taken a decision relating to Morocco’s participation in CHAN 2022, aimed at ensuring the transfer of the Moroccan Selection from Rabat to Constantine aboard a RAM flight.

Following its request for authorization of a RAM flight from Rabat to Constantine, the FRMF was informed on December 22, 2022 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as the body in charge of organizing the CHAN 2022, that an authorization in principle had been obtained.

On the basis of this authorization in principle, the FRMF has (i) communicated the details of the Moroccan Selection’s flight plan and coordinates in order to obtain the final authorization for the RAM flight from Rabat to Constantine and (ii) continued the preparation of the trip and the participation of the Moroccan Selection in CHAN 2022, in particular the preparation camp at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé from January 6 to 10, 2023 during which two friendly matches against Ethiopia were played.

While the trip of the Moroccan Selection from Rabat to Constantine is organized by the FRMF and the kick-off of CHAN 2022 is scheduled for January 13, 2023, i.e. in 24 hours, the FRMF notes with regret that obtaining of the final authorization of the RAM flight from Rabat to Constantine has unfortunately still not been confirmed by CAF.

GPL Week 12: Alhaji Grusah confident King Faisal will defeat Hearts of Oak on Thursday

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The owner and bankroller of King Faisal, Alhaji Karim Grusah has stressed that he is very confident the team will beat Hearts of Oak on Thursday in the Ghana Premier League.

According to him, the Kumasi-based club has prepared very well and will see off the Phobians.

“I was extremely worried about the false allegations that people made against us when King Faisal won over Hearts of Oak last season.

“That game wasn’t the first time we defeated Hearts, I was looking for evidence to sue those people who were making those allegations.

“On tomorrow’s game, we are preparing hard for it and I’m confident King Faisal will win if God permits,” Alhaji Grusah said in an interview with Akoma FM.

The King Faisal owner further disclosed, “There isn’t going to be any special bonus for the players if they win against Hearts. But I know my players are well-prepared and motivated to win.

“Insha Allah, King Faisal will beat Hearts.”

The match between King Faisal and Hearts of Oak will be played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium tomorrow.

The game will kick off at 18:00GMT.

Kotoko legend urges club to sign ex-Hearts of Oak defender Mohammed Alhassan

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Asante Kotoko legend Samuel Opoku Nti has backed the club to sign Mohammed Alhassan to augment the defensive setup of the team.

The Porcupine Warriors are yet to live up to expectation in the ongoing Ghana Premier League campaign despite being third on the league log.

The record Ghana Premier League holders were held to a 1-1 draw at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.

They currently sit third on the league log with 19 points after 11 matches into the campaign.

Reports in the local media suggest Kotoko are in talks to sign Mohammed Alhassan who was shown the exit at Hearts of Oak recently.

Speaking to Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM, the former Kotoko CEO asserted the addition of Mohammed Alhassan benefit the club.

“If Kotoko are able to sign Mohammed Alhassan, he will help the team. He has a rich experience and he will augment the back line if he joins”

”Kotoko need a tough and experience defender to guide and control the back seat.” He said.

GPL Week 12 Results & Standings: Tamale City hold ‘lackluster’ Kotoko, Medeama beat Nsoatreman, Chelsea pip Karela

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Asante Kotoko recorded a 3rd consecutive draw as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Tamale City at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale.

The Porcupine Warriors scored the opening goal of the game in the 84th minute, Issah Nyaabila unfortunately directed a crossing from Steven Mukwala into his own net.

The lead didn’t last long as the home side pulled parity two minutes later, substitute Babamu Ibrabim scored to steal a late point for Tamale City, 1-1.

At the Akoon Park in Tarkwa, Medeama dumped their 4-0 defeat to Dreams FC to beat Nsoatreman 2-0. Kwasi Donsu and Joshua Agyemang scored the goals in either half.

Mezack Afriyie’s late goal earned Berekum Chelsea a 1-0 win against Karela United at the Berekum Golden City Park.

In Accra, Legon Cities and Dreams FC played out a pulsating scoreless draw. Both goalkeepers were kept busy throughout the game.

A 83rd minute Seidu Abubakar goal earned Samartex a 1-0 home win against Bechem United.

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☑️ Tamale City FC 1-1 Asante Kotoko SC

☑️ Medeama SC 2-0 Nsoatreman FC

☑️ Berekum Chelsea 1-0 Karela United

☑️ FC Samartex FC 1-0 Bechem United

☑️ Legon Cities 0-0 Dreams FC

The games will continue on Thursday, Great Olympics will host Bibiani GoldStars in Accra, Aduana play Kotoku Royals, Real Tamale United face Accra Lions and King Faisal play Hearts of Oak in Kumasi.

STANDINGS

Edmund Addo signs for Serbia’s Spartak Subotica

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Ghana international Edmund Addo has completed a transfer to FK Spartak Subotica, the Serbian SuperLiga club announced Tuesday.

Arriving from Moldovan champions FC Sheriff Tiraspol, the 22-year-old defensive midfielder signed a two-and-a-half-year contract – thus keeping him at the club until the summer of 2025.

Slowed down by injury and a botched move to Red Star Belgrade last summer, Addo has not played a game in the last 6 months.

Commenting on the deal, Spartak Subotica club president Nikola Simović said: “Addo is a huge reinforcement for our club and I believe that during the preparations he will fully fit into the team and show all his quality.

“Even though he hasn’t played for the last 6 months, I’m sure he’ll get fit soon and provide good games. Very pleased that we have managed to bring a player who has a 12 Champions League game win against Real in Madrid and is a Ghanaian A team, very young and has huge potential.

“Bringing such a player is also confirmation of what I said at the beginning of the preparation – Spartak is a very financially stable club, first of all thanks to our new vice president and co-financier Gaga Antonijevic. The goal of Spartak in the rest of the season is to fight for a place leading to the playoffs, with the commitment to secure survival in the league as early as possible, and I believe that Addo will help us achieve our goals.”

Addo also expressed satisfication with the reception to the club:
“I have been made a very welcome from everyone at the club and I’m glad to be here.”

“I haven’t had a chance to train with the boys yet, but I’ve checked online the details from the last few games. I think Spartak has quality footballers, so I came to help them.

“I know what the ambitions of the club are and I hope we can create a good atmosphere and together achieve the goals set,” he added.

FK Spartak Subotica are currently 11th in the 2022/23 Serbian SuperLiga standings with 18 points from 19 games. They host Újpest in their first home game of the year on Friday, January 13.

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Francis Amuzu switch nationality from Belgium to Ghana

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Francis Amuzu of RSC Anderlecht has been granted approval by Fifa to represent Ghana internationally instead of Belgium.

The 23-year-old winger was born to Ghanaian parents in Accra before moving to hone his skills in the European country at an early age.

His father is ex-Hearts of Oak midfielder Theophilus Amuzu who was a member of the famous 1999 ‘Aben Waha’ Ghana U-20 team.

Francis represented Belgium at the U-19 and U-21 levels. But he was yet to turn out for the seniors despite earning a call-up to the Red Devils squad for Uefa Nations League games against Wales and the Netherlands in September 2022.

Justifying his decision to switch to Ghana, Francis is quoted by 3Sports as writing in a letter to the world’s football governing body:

“The motivation behind this decision is that I deem it an obligation to play for my mother country since my parents are Ghanaian.”

Francis has had his wish granted bringing an end to a pursuit that started under ex-Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah. Although he was expected to make the Black Stars squad for Afcon 2019, that did not happen. As soon as C.K. Akonnor assumed the Black Stars mantle early in 2020, he met with the player in person.

Francis hogged the headlines in May 2022 when he was quoted in an interview as declaring his preference for Belgium over Ghana.

READ MORE: ‘I’m not going to play for Ghana because they won’t go far in the World Cup’ – Francis Amuzu

The player however retreated after receiving a massive backlash for the comments made.

Later in October, Francis declared he would not close doors for an opportunity to play for the Black Stars at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

“Ghana or the Devils? It’s still 50-50”

“Yes, I was in the Roberto Martinez pre-selection for the last international matches. Going with Ghana to the World Cup? It’s possible, but I don’t know.”

Ghana did not pursue their interest in the player for the Mundial, and neither did Belgium include him in their squad.

Francis Amuzu – who has three goals and two assists so far this season for Anderlecht – can now look forward to being considered for Ghana call-ups. The Black Stars are back on international duties with the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers later in March.

©FG

CHAN 2022: Massive boost for Ghana as captain Gladson Awako returns to Black Galaxies training

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Black Galaxies have been handed a major boost in their pursuit for the Championship of African Nation (CHAN) following the return of skipper Gladson Awako to training.

Gladson Awako was subbed off in the opening 20 minutes of the local national team’s scoreless draw against their Algeria counterparts on Saturday in Algiers.

The Hearts of Oak midfielder was missing in the team’s training session on Sunday but returned on Monday and was involved in a light training session.

Despite the return of the experience midfielder, he’s not expected to feature in the team’s final preparatory game for the 2022 CHAN against Mozambique on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

However, he’s expected to be fit in time for Ghana’s opening game for the CHAN against Madagascar on Sunday, January 15, 2023.

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The development is a huge boost to the Black Galaxies who are hoping to win the CHAN tournament for the first time in their history.

Ghana in their other group games will play Sudan on Thursday, January 19 and then Morocco on Monday, January 23.

The competition will be played from Friday, January 13 to Saturday, February 4, 2023.

GPL Matchweek 12 Preview: Kotoko trek to Tamale, King Faisal host Hearts of Oak as Aduana play Kotoku

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Champions Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak have tough tests in the betPawa Premier League in midweek as matches take place across the country on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12, 2023.

Five matches will be played on Wednesday whiles four others take place on Thursday. Champions Asante Kotoko who picked a point against Accra Great Olympics at home will travel up north to play Tamale City at the Aliu Mahama stadium on Wednesday.

Medeama SC will welcome Nsoatreman FC to the Akoon Park at Tarkwa as Berekum Chelsea host Karela United FC at the Golden City Park. Also on Wednesday, Samartex FC will play Bechem United at Nsenkyire Sports Complex at Samaeraboi.

League leaders Aduana FC who earned one point in their game against Bibiani Gold Stars to keep hold of the top spot will host bottom placed Kotoku Royals at the Nana Agyemang Badu I at Dormaa.

Real Tamale United will be at home against Accra Lions whiles King Faisal welcome Accra Hearts of Oak to the Baba Yara Sports stadium at 6pm on Thursday.

Aduana FC lead the table with 21 points – two points ahead of Accra Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko and Accra Lions who follow in 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions with 19 points each.

Black Galaxies to play Mozambique in last pre-CHAN friendly today

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The Black Galaxies trained at the Qadir Mohamed Rouiba Stadium on Monday afternoon ahead of their friendly game against Mozambique on Tuesday, January 10,2023.

Coach Annor Walker’s side will take on their Mozambican counterparts in their final preparatory match before the 2022 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship begins on January 13, 2023 in Algeria.

The home based national stars drew goalless with tournament hosts Algeria in a friendly match last Saturday in a game that was also to officially open the newly constructed Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.

Prior to their arrival in Algiers, the Black Galaxies beat Egypt’s U20 team(2-0) and Al Ahly FC(3-1) during the first phase of their pre-tournament tour in Cairo.

The friendly game against Mozambique will kick off at 3:30 at the 5 July 1962 Stadium.

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