Home Blog Page 47

Angry Asante Kotoko fans storm Adako Jachie to stop the team from training, call for the sacking of coach Prosper Ogum

Tensions flared at Asante Kotoko’s training ground in Adako Jachie as disgruntled supporters blocked head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum and his players from training on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident comes amidst the team’s dismal performance in the ongoing Ghana Premier League season, where they have suffered seven defeats in their last nine games since the commencement of the second round.

With Asante Kotoko currently languishing in the 11th position, the worst-ever run in the club’s history, frustration among the supporters has reached boiling point.

Expressing their discontent, the fans expressed their intention to oust Coach Ogum and his technical staff from the club, citing the team’s poor performances as justification for their demand.

Despite attempts by the head of the IMC, Nana Appiah Apinkra, to pacify the agitated fans, they remained resolute in their stance, insisting that the coaching staff must depart before further deterioration occurs.

As a result of the standoff, the players were unable to proceed with their scheduled training session, leaving the club in a state of uncertainty.

As the situation unfolds, the club is yet to release an official statement addressing the incident, leaving fans and stakeholders awaiting further developments.

Credit: SWG

Kotoko winless in 6 games after home defeat against Nsoatreman

Asante Kotoko SC endured yet another setback in their quest for success, as they suffered their third consecutive home defeat in the Ghana Premier League.

The Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi witnessed their disappointment on Thursday night, as Nsoatreman FC pulled off a surprising 2-1 victory in the match week 25 fixture.

Under the guidance of coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, Kotoko, made strategic adjustments to their lineup following a draw with Berchem United.

Notable changes included the return of Uganda international Steven Dese Mukwala to the starting lineup, replacing Kalo Ouattara, while Rocky Dwamena found himself relegated to the bench.

Despite their efforts, Kotoko found themselves trailing after midfielder Abdul Manaf Umar netted the opening goal for Nsoatreman in the 23rd minute.

However, they managed to claw their way back into the game just before halftime, courtesy of a strike from midfielder Shadrack Addo, assisted by Enock Morrison.

Hope was fleeting for Kotoko, as Nsoatreman sealed their victory in stoppage time with a decisive goal from Mohammed Abdul Rahaman.

This defeat extended Kotoko’s winless streak in the league to six matches, marking their longest drought in the past decade and deepening their woes.

As a result, Kotoko languish in the 10th position on the league standings with 33 points from 25 matches, while Nsoatreman ascended to fifth place, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs.

Source: GSN

Hearts of Oak suffer third straight defeat as Samartex, Nations drop points

In a crucial encounter on Wednesday, Medeama showcased their resilience as they stunned Hearts of Oak in matchday 25 of the Ghana Premier League, continuing the latter’s poor form in the competition.

The Yellow and Mauves, determined to reclaim their dominance in the league after recent struggles, put on a stellar performance at the Akoon Community Park.

Despite a scoreless first half, Medeama managed to break the deadlock after the break, with goals from Kobina Amoah and midfielder Godfred Abban sealing the victory.

Amoah’s powerful free-kick in the 65th minute set the tone for Medeama’s resurgence, followed by Abban’s goal eight minutes before the end of regulation time, leaving Hearts of Oak’s efforts to bounce back futile.

Hearts of Oak, on the other hand, faced their third consecutive defeat, further sinking on the league table and raising concerns among fans about the team’s performance and leadership. The Phobians’ recent losses include a 2-1 defeat against league leaders Samartex and a 1-0 loss at home to Bibiani Gold Stars.

With this defeat, Hearts of Oak now find themselves in a difficult position, slipping to 11th on the table and facing challenges in their quest for the Premier League crown.

Meanwhile, Medeama’s victory has propelled them to fifth position on the league table, with 36 points from 25 matches, reigniting hopes of defending their title and marking a significant turnaround in their season after recent setbacks against Accra Lions and Samartex.

By Frank Appiah/3news.com

Nations FC move to top of the GPL with victory against Great Olympics

Nations FC made a huge statement on the title race with a hard-fought win over Great Olympics at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex on Friday, April 5 2024.

The premier league debutants are in dreamland as they moved to the summit of the league standings thanks to Razak Simpson’s stoppage time superb free-kick for the hosts.

Nations were awarded a free-kick right at the edge of the penalty box in the 93rd minute and up stepped Simpson to drive the ball into the far-right side of the net to beat Benjamin Asare in post.

Olympics had been resilient and compact throughout the game as they managed to keep the Nations attacking force in check.

It looked like the spoils were going to be shared but Simpson showed brilliance to net that last-gasp winner for the hosts.

Mingle’s side take a one-point lead atop the league standings and will stay there at the end of matchday 24 if Samartex fail to win against defending champions, Medeama on Sunday.

Nations have now won four games on the spin. Olympics failed to make it two consecutive wins and would be disappointed they failed to hold on to leave Abrankese with at least a point.

John Paintsil drags Songo, Saddick Adams, two other journalists & three media companies to court

0

New Ghana assistant coach, John Paintsil, has launched a legal battle against three media houses and four prominent sports journalists, including Saddick Adams, Christopher Nimley, Patrick Osei Agyemang (Countryman Songo), and Veronica Commey.

The move comes in response to what Paintsil perceives as libellous attacks against him following his appointment as the assistant coach for the Black Stars, working alongside Otto Addo.

Paintsil had criticized the Save Ghana Football demonstration, which was led by the aforementioned journalists before he was appointed assistant coach.

READ MORE: Saddick Adams, other top sports journalists secure police permit to demonstrate against Ghana FA and Sports Ministry [+video]

The journalists felt Paintsil attacked their demonstration because he had been promised the position.

Paintsil’s remarks seemingly opposed the demonstration’s objectives, leading to a backlash from organizers and supporters alike.

Many felt that Paintsil’s comments undermined their cause, sparking a wave of intense criticism directed at him after he was appointed.

Countryman Songo, in particular, allegedly made several unfounded allegations against Paintsil, while other journalists questioned his qualifications for the coaching role with the Ghanaian national team.

In response to these attacks, Paintsil has taken legal action and mobilized his legal team to initiate court proceedings.

The defendants, which include the Multimedia Group, Angel Broadcasting Network, Omni Media Limited, and the four aforementioned journalists, have been served with a writ. They are given eight days to respond and enter an appearance in court.

Paintsil’s decision to pursue legal action underscores his determination to defend his reputation and address what he perceives as unjust attacks.

The outcome of this legal battle will likely be closely monitored by the Ghanaian football community.

Credit: GSN

CAF Confederations Cup QF: Dreams FC stun Stade Malien in first-leg in Bamako

0

John Antwi’s second half brace was enough to hand Dreams FC an important 1-2 away win over Malian giants Stade Malien de Bamako at the Stade du 26 Mars in the first leg of the CAF Confederations Cup quarter-final.

Coach Karim Zito announced a strong line up for the game having put in-form Solomon Agbasi in goal. Youngster Abdul Aziz Issah returned and made the cut alongside Godfred Atuahene, Agyenim Boateng, experience John Antwi and others.

Whiles Stade Malien started on a blistering note in search of an early lead, the ‘Still Believe’ lads looked very resolute and cautious with their approach in the early stages.

The home side continued to make some goal incursions but were struggling to unlock the backline of Dreams FC- who were also on top in terms of possession.

Back from recess, Stade Malien returned on a higher note and jumped into the lead in just eight minutes from the break from Yoro Diaby. Just what the home fans were waiting for.

On the 67th minute, highly-determined Dreams FC mounted so much pressure and made series of incursions which eventually got them the leveller through John Antwi.

Few moments later, there was a penalty incident which occured in the homesters territory and was subsequently confirmed by VAR.

John Antwi once again elected himself for the kick and scored nicely to put the ‘Still Believe’ side in front of the first time in the game.

In a quest to getting the leveller, the home team were reduced to ten men after Fady Coulibaly was shown a straight red card with three minutes to play.

It ended 1-2 for Dreams FC who return to Ghana with a huge advantage heading into the second leg.

The return encounter is slated for April 7, at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

Source: Kickgh.com

Hearts of Oak announce 9-member Board of Directors; Checkout the FULL LIST and their PROFILES

0

Ahead of the club’s Annual General Meeting, Accra Hearts of Oak have announced a nine-member board of directors to steer affairs of the club.

His Royal Majesty Togbe Afedi XIV remains the executive board chairman of the club. Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, Vincent Odotei Sowah and Ivy Heward-Mills have been retained on the newly constituted Hearts of Oak board after being part of the immediate past leadership of the club.

However, the Managing Director of Accra Hearts of Oak, Delali Anku-Adiamah has also been named as a member of the club’s new board.

Former Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey has earned a slot as Hearts of Oak board member with Samuel Wilfred Yaw Inkoom, Akwasi Agyeman and Prof. Agyemang Badu Akosa.

Below are the Profiles of Hearts of Oak new board members

Togbe Afede XIV, Chairman (Appointed February 28, 2024)

Togbe Afede XIV (Executive Board Chairman) – Togbe Afede XIV is the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State. He is the immediate past President of the National House of Chiefs.

Togbe is a business executive and the CEO of SAS Finance Group Ltd and Strategic Initiatives Ltd. He is an investment banker with experience spanning over thirty (30) years.

He holds a BSc degree in Administration from the University of Ghana Business School, where he was a Lecturer for four (4) years, teaching Financial Accounting (BSc Programme) and Accounting Theory (MBA Programme). He also holds an MBA from Yale University School of Management, New Haven, USA.

He has founded many companies, and currently serves on the boards of Africa World Airlines Ltd, Ensign Global College, SAS Finance Group Ltd, Strategic Initiative Ltd, Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Ltd, and World Trade Centers Association, New York, among others.

Delali Anku-Adiamah, PhD (Appointed February 28, 2024)

Mr. Delali Anku-Adiamah, a highly qualified professional, holds a PhD in Computational Systems Biology from the University of Manchester, UK, and a BSc in Computer Science with Business Management from the University of Birmingham, UK, among other credentials.

With an impressive background, Mr. Anku-Adiamah has previously worked at prominent organisations such as Manchester United as a Financial Analyst, Accenture as the Technology Consultant Manager, Markit as VP, Professional Services CodedRed RMS, FactSet as Senior Implementation Specialist, and Autonomy, an HP Company, as the Technical Specialist (Pre-Sales).

Prof. Agyemang Badu Akosa (Appointed March 25, 2024)

Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa is a Medical Doctor by training and a Consultant Pathologist. He is a Retired Professor and Head of Department of Pathology, University of Ghana Medical School and former Director General of the Ghana Health Service.

He has chaired several boards including: African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Ghana Skin Foundation and Phytica Ghana. He is currently Chairman of the Board of New Crystal Health Services, Order of St

John in Ghana and Vice Chair, Ensign Global College and a Lead Consultant with Ghana Standards Authority Cellular Pathology Laboratory.

Prof. Akosa is a seasoned researcher. He is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, Ghana Medical Association, Royal College of Pathologists, West African College of Physicians and the Ghana College of Physicians.

He continues to be a student of Governance and Leadership. He is an Nkrumaist and a life-long supporter of Accra Hearts of Oak. 

Mr. Akwasi Agyeman (Appointed March 25, 2024)

Mr. Akwasi Agyeman is a professional with extensive background in media, banking and tourism. He is the current CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority having been appointed in 2017.

Prior to that, Mr Akwasi Agyeman was the Managing Director of Global Media Broadcasting Company where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of e.TV Ghana, Happy FM, and YFM (Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi).

He previously worked for Stanbic Bank, Merchant Bank Ghana Limited and Ecobank Ghana.

This illustrious career has seen him win reputable awards including CEO of the Year 2019 and worked in 17 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. Furthermore, he has been a Board Member, Vice-President or President of many organisations.

Mr. Akwasi Agyeman holds a BA (Hons) in Social Science and a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Ghana. In addition, he holds an MBA from Tulane University, New Orleans, USA.

Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey (Appointed March 25, 2024)

Kenneth Ashigbey is a strategic and creative thinker with extensive experience in leadership, advocacy, telecommunications policy and regulatory engagement and corporate governance.

Since 2017, he has been the CEO of Ghana Chamber of Telecommunication. Before then, Kenneth Ashigbey was the Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Ltd (Ghana), where he steered the company to aggressive growth and profitability.

Kenneth Ashigbey is the 1st Vice President of the Ghana Table Tennis Association; Convenor of Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining (Ghana) and a Board Member or Chairman of various organisations in Ghana.

Kenneth Ashigbey holds a BSc in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Science and Technology (Ghana) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Finance from Leicester University (UK). He also has a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) (Corporate Governance) from Swiss Management Centre, Zurich, Switzerland.

Mrs. Ivy Heward-Mills (Appointed March 25, 2024)

Mrs. Ivy Heward-Mills is a former Justice of the High Court. She is currently on attachment at the law offices of Heward-Mills and Co, Accra, Ghana, as a Lawyer.

She was also a member of the Council of Patrons of Accra Hearts of Oak SC and a representative of Hearts Ladies on the Board. She has always served the club very well with passion.

Mr. Samuel Wilfred Yaw Inkoom (Appointed March 25, 2024)

Mr. Samuel Wilfred Yaw Inkoom holds a BSc degree in Administration, majoring in Accounting, from the University of Ghana. He is also a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Practitioner.

Mr. Inkoom is currently the Managing Consultant of Asemaku Consult, an accounting firm.

He was the Audit and Technical Partner at Morrison and Associates from January 2006 to April 2020.

Mr. Inkoom was Executive Director (Finance & Administration) of the erstwhile Bank for Housing and Construction with supervisory responsibility for the following departments: Accounting, Treasury, Research/Corporate Planning, Human Resources, and General Services.

He also served as Chief Internal Auditor and Chief Accountant of the Bank at various times. He was also Executive Secretary of the Ghana Association of Consultants, and Deputy Managing Director of Ayiem Oil Mills.

Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe (Appointed March 25, 2024)

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe is a medical doctor and a former CEO of Hearts of Oak. He was also the Chairman of the Ghana Football Association from 2004-2005.

He was Ghana’s Ambassador to Serbia from 2006-2008 and represented the Council of Patrons of Hearts of Oak on the Board. He has extensive experience and understanding of the game of football in Ghana and beyond.

Mr. Vincent Sowah Odotei (Appointed March 25, 2024)

Hon. Sowah Odotei was Ghana’s Deputy Communications Minister and a member of parliament (MP) for La Dade Kotopon Constituency from 2016 to 2020.

He is a football administrator and has vast knowledge and experience in strategic management and finance. He is the founder and CEO of Vallex Leasing Company Limited, a leading equipment leasing company in Ghana. He was the CEO of the Club in 2008.

Source:Kickgh.com

Black Stars face Cranes of Uganda in Marrakech on Tuesday – Preview

Ghana will play Uganda in their second international friendly in Morocco as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.

The Black Stars lost to the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 in Marrakech on Friday, March 26 2024, despite an improved second half performance at Grande de Stade Marrakech where Nigeria scored in either half to take a commanding lead before Jordan Ayew pulled one back through a 95th minute penalty.

Otto Addo named a blend of young and experienced squad for these friendlies with some of his key players missing. Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, Joseph Painstil, Mohammed Kudus, Alexander Djiku, Daniel Amartey and Inaki Williams were left out of the squad for injury concerns but youngsters like Forson Amankwah, Ebenezer Annan, Ibrahim Osman, Ernest Nuamah and Jerome Opoku put in an astonishing performance against Nigeria to give the coach a selection dilemma for the forthcoming games in June.

Ghana started the game with Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Alidu Seidu, Patrick Kpozo, Edmund Addo and Jerome Opoku in the five-man backline. In midfield, the coach opted for Baba Iddrisu, Abdul Samed Salis and Forson Amankwah as he named Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Ernest Nuamah in the front three.

The gaffer later switched to the three back system by moving Alidu Seidu to the left, and introduced Tariq Lamptey on the right wing position with Ebenezer Annan coming on for Baba Iddrisu later on. The switch gave Ghana more energy despite being reduced to 10-men in the 56th minute following a red card to Jerome Opoku.

On the other hand, Uganda were crashed 4-0 by Comoros in their first game and will come into this match as wounded lions hoping to have a go at the Stars to redeem themselves. Uganda have been a pain in the neck of Ghana in recent years with both nations having one win each in their last five games with the other three ending in a draw.

Ghana’s last win over Uganda was in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon where Andre Ayew scored a penalty to hand Ghana all the spoils in the group stage. Whiles Uganda’s last win dates back to 2015 when Savio Kabugo scored to give them the three points in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Kampala.

Ghana coach Otto Addo is expected to ring some changes to the squad by bringing in experienced players like Mohammed Salisu, Andre Ayew, Tariq Lamptey and Joseph Wollacott, whiles Ibrahim Osman, Ebenezer Annan, Francis Abu and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku wait for their chance.

The Black Stars are on a rebuilding exercise after crashing out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire following one defeat and two draws in the group phase.

The experience from these games will help Otto Addo to assess his team ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June. Ghana will travel to Bamako to take on Mali before hosting Central African Republic in Kumasi.

The game against Uganda is scheduled for 16:00Hrs Kick Off at Grande de Stade Marrakech on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

GPL: FC Samartex beat in-form Hearts Of Oak to extend lead at the top

League leaders Samartex emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Accra Hearts of Oak during Week 23 of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League at the Nsenkyire Sports Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The stakes were high as Samartex aimed to maintain its top position while Hearts of Oak sought to climb the table.

The match started with both teams displaying intense determination, but it was Evans Osei Wusu who broke the deadlock for Samartex in the 25th minute with a clinical finish.

Hearts of Oak fought back courageously, with Hamza Issah equalizing in the 80th minute, sparking hope among their traveling fans.

However, Samartex showed their resilience, with Osei Wusu netting his second goal in the dying moments of the game, sealing a crucial victory for his team.

Despite a late surge from Hearts of Oak, Samartex held on firmly to their lead, consolidating their position at the top of the league standings.

Samartex have now amassed 42 points, five more than second placed Nations FC, who take on Asante Kotoko on Sunday evening.

Samartex will play reigning champions Medeama in their next league game. Accra Hearts of Oak will take on Bibiani Gold Stars at home.

Black Satellites win Gold after beating Uganda in African Games final

Ghana have beaten Uganda by a lone goal to lift the 2023 African Games Men’s Football tournament

Jerry Afriyie was on target for the Black Satellites in the final match of the competition which was played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 22,2024.

Coach Desmond Offei’s team looked determined to clinch Gold in the competition and made their intentions clear from the blast of the whistle.

The first half ended goalless despite a very exciting display by both sides with Ghana coming close to getting the opener on a number of occasions.

Ghana returned from the break on fire and came close to scoring on the hour mark but Afriyie’s effort missed narrowly.

The Thoughts FC striker however broke the deadlock on the 90th minute mark with a brilliant strike to seal the win for the Black Satellites.

The Ghanaian team were awarded the Gold Medals after the game with Uganda earning the Silver Medals.

Senegal who beat Congo earlier on Friday were also awarded with the Bronze medals.