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13th African Games: Black Satellites placed in Group A alongside Congo; Nigeria in Group B with four others

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The Gambia, Benin, and Congo have been drawn with the Black Satellites of Ghana in Group A of the 2023 African Games, which will take place in Accra, Ghana, in March 2024.

On Thursday afternoon, the 2023 African Games draw took place at the Sofitel Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan.

The draw this afternoon determined which eight Africa U20 Cup of Nations quarterfinalists, including hosts Ghana, would advance to the competition in Egypt in 2023.

Nigeria, South Sudan, Senegal, Uganda, and Tunisia are the five nations that make up Group B of the 2023 African Games.

The capital of Ghana, Accra, will host the 13th edition of the African Games between March 8 and 24, 2024.

The male U20 team from Ghana has already started getting ready for the 2023 African Games at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

For the crucial competition, head coach Desmond Ofei and the technical staff are presently working with thirty invited players.

In an effort to assemble a respectable team to represent Ghana in the African Games in March 2024, the technical team has been working with several player groups at the Technical Center in Prampram.

Below is the full draw of the 2023 African Games (Male Category)


Group A
Ghana
Gambia
Benin
Congo


Group B 
Nigeria
South Sudan 
Senegal
Uganda 
Tunisia

Everton complete the signing of Ghanaian teen sensation Kingsford Boakye

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Everton have completed the the signing of Ghanaian-born attacker Kingsford Boakye Yiadom into their Under-21 team.

Subject to a work permit, the talented winger signs a two-and-a-half-year contract with the English Premiership team that runs until the end of June 2026.

Before joining AC Milan last year, the 19-year-old Ghanaian rose through the ranks of MSK Zilina Africa, where he excelled.

Boakye, who can play on both the left and right wing, was a productive attacker at his previous club Zilina before joining Everton as a free agent.

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

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Leading Ghanaian sports journalists and concerned football stakeholders have obtained a police permit for a demonstration against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports following Ghana’s calamitous performances in recent tournaments.


The much-anticipated demonstration is scheduled for February 14, 2024, in Accra after the group of journalists secured the permit on Wednesday, January 30, 2024.

Top media personalities like Saddick Adams, Patrick Osei Agyemang popularly known as Countryman Songo, Veronica Commey, Nana Yaw Kesse, Odiahenkan Kwame Yaw and others are expected to lead the demonstration. They are forming an alliance with the aim of calling for better management of football in Ghana.

Ghana bowed out at the group stage after failing to win any of their group games at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The West African powerhouse drew two games and suffered a defeat against Cape Verde, finishing in third place in Group B, behind Cape Verde and Egypt.


The four-time Africa Champions has now failed to progress to the knockout stage of the continental showpiece, having last exited the group stage during AFCON 2021 held in Cameroon.

In response to the Black Stars poor AFCON performance, the Ghana FA has relieved Chris Hughton and the entire Black Stars technical team, setting up a five-member committee to search for a new coach to take over the national team.

However, the astute sports journalists believe sacking the head coach does not solve the problems of the team, as the same decisions have been taken for some time now, but there hasn’t been any positive impact in the game.


They believe that the basic principles that facilitate improvements in the game should be considered first.

They are craving the establishment of modern football facilities in the country, proper management of the youth teams of Ghana, and prudent use of funds secured through participation in tournaments and sponsorships.

Click on the link below to watch the video;

https://x.com/addojunr/status/1752768851014459516?s=20

VIDEO: Ghana captain Andre Ayew apologises to Ghanaians in emotional video after shambolic performance at 2023 AFCON

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Ghana captain Andre Ayew has issued a heartfelt apology to the nation through an emotional video message posted on his Instagram account, addressing the team’s underwhelming performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ayew expressed deep regret for the team’s inability to progress beyond the group stage, acknowledging that they fell short of the nation’s expectations.

In his candid message, Ayew took full responsibility as the team’s captain, admitting that the players should have delivered better results.

He emphasised that the team’s subpar showing was not due to a lack of effort or dedication but rather a series of unfortunate events that can occur in the unpredictable world of football.

Despite the setback, Ayew maintained optimism about the team’s future, expressing confidence that they would bounce back stronger. He dispelled retirement rumours, reiterating his unwavering commitment to the national team.

“These past days have been very difficult for every Ghanaian, every Ghanaian football fan, and myself. I’d like to apologise for the results in the AFCON that we just exited. We know that we should have done better, that we should have got better results too.”

“To the nation, as the captain of the squad, I take full responsibility for what happened on the pitch. For the playing body, we should have done better, we should have made sure that we bring results to our nation. In football, these are things that happen, these are things that make you stronger, and what doesn’t kill you makes you become a stronger person individually and collectively.”

“We are Ghana, and everybody who knows me knows that I’m never going to give up, meaning we are never going to give up. We are going to rise and shine again. We are going to do that as a family,” Ayew affirmed.

Ayew made two appearances at the AFCON, equalling the tournament’s appearance record.

Credit: ghanasoccernet

2023 AFCON: South Africa stun Morocco to book quarter-final ticket 

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South Africa produced one of the major upsets in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 after knocking Morocco out with a 2-0 win in the round of 16. 

The first half saw few goalscoring opportunities being created. 

The Atlas Lions of Morocco got the best chance of the first half but saw their goal being disallowed by the VAR. 

The second half was opposite to what the first half provided in-terms of drama and goals. 

South Africa took the lead in the 57th minute when striker Evidence Makgopa connected to a pass inside the 18-yard box to hit the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. 

After going down, Morocco had just one mission, to equalize. This led to the introduction more forwards. 

Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute when a ball hit the hands of Teboho Mokoena in the South African 18-yard box and a penalty was awarded after VAR review. 

Achraf Hakimi stepped up to convert but he ended up hitting the ball against the crossbar and his effort went off the pitch. 

Huge relief it was for South Africa after the miss but the pressure was still on them. 

Sofyan Amrabat was shown the exit after a challenge on a Mokoena as last man and was shown a second yellow, which was upgraded to a straight red after VAR review by referee Mahmood Ismail

South Africa took advantage of the numerical disadvantage and added the second goal to seal the game thanks to a wonderful free kick by Teboho Mokoena. 

South Africa will play Cape Verde on Saturday, February 3 at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro at the quarter-finals.

•CAF

Ghana FA issue statement on Black Stars calamitous performance at 2023 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire

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The Ghana Football Association have finally issued a statement expressing displeasure about the Black Stars calamitous performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana bowed out at group stage after failing to win any of their group games. The West Africa powerhouse drew two games and suffered a defeat against Cape Verde, finishing in third place in Group B, behind Cape Verde and Egypt.

The West Africa powerhouse has now failed to progress to the knockout stage of the continental showpiece having last exited at group stage during AFCON 2021 held in Cameroon.

In a statement released on Monday, January 30, 2024, through the FA’s website, the football governing body apologized to Ghanaians and assured them their commitment to finding lasting solutions to the recent poor performance of the senior national team.

“The Ghana Football Association extends our sincerest apologies to the good people of Ghana and all stakeholders for the recent disappointing performance of the senior national team, the Black Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations Cote D’Ivoire 2023.


“We understand the disappointment and frustration that such results can bring to our passionate football-loving nation. Our team’s performance fell short of the high expectations we all share, and we take full responsibility for the disappointment.


“Following a meeting of the Executive Council of the Association and Chairmen of the RFAs on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, the GFA wishes to assure all stakeholders that the requisite steps are being taken to address the issues at hand, and a thorough review of the team’s strategies, training, compensation, and overall structure is underway.


“We value the unwavering support of our stakeholders, and we commit to working tirelessly with you to ensure a stronger and more competitive team. Your loyalty and passion are the driving forces behind our efforts to rebuild and elevate the standard of Ghanaian football.


“We appreciate your understanding during this challenging time and remain dedicated to restoring the pride and success we all desire for the Ghana Black Stars. Together, we will emerge stronger and more resilient.


“Thank you for your continued support.”

2023 AFCON: Mali edge Burkina Faso in thrilling round of 16 clash

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Mali are through to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’ivoire 2023 quarter finals after a nail-biting 2-1 win over Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Korhogo.

An unfortunate own goal by Edmond Tabsoba along with a second half strike by Lassine Sinayoko were enough for the Eagles to soar over the Stallions at a packed Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.

It took just 3 minutes for Mali to take the lead after a powerful Amadou Haidara header came off the woodwork, but instead of it being cleared away, Edmond Tabsoba was unfortunate to see his clearance go into his own net.

Minutes later, Kamory Doumbia, who was a handful for the Burkinabe defense almost doubled his side’s lead after a great build up saw him through on goal, but his effort was denied by the advancing Kouakou Koffi.

A golden opportunity fell the way of the in-form Sinayoko to double the lead after doing well to turn his marker to unleash a powerful effort that was denied by the alert Koffi in the 35th minute.

Carried by the momentum, the Eagles continued surging forward but wasted numerous opportunities as they took the slender lead into the break. 

Returning from the recess, Sinayoko capitalized on a lapse of concentration after beating the offside trap to face the keeper and comfortably slot home with just minutes into the restart.

A lifeline was given to the Stallions after Mohamed Konate’s headed effort came off the arm of Boubacar Kouyate for VAR to award the penalty that was converted by skipper, Bertrand Traore in the 57th minute.

The Stallions eventually gained their rhythm and piled on the pressure, but a resolute Mali defense kept them at bay, as the Eagles soar into the quarter-finals to face tournament hosts, Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday, 3 February in Bouake. 

•CAF

Ghanaian forward Maxwell Baakoh joins Algeria Ligue 1 outfit MC Oran

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Ghanaian striker Maxwell Baakoh has accomplished a significant milestone in his career after joining Algeria Ligue 1 side MC Oran in a two-and-a-half season deal.

They reportedly paid 300,000 euros to secure his services, which has set a new record that has made headlines.

The former Asante Kotoko forward joins his new side from USM Khenchela.

Many people took notice of his exceptional abilities in the Algerian Ligue 1 during the 2022–2023 season. The 28-year-old scored four goals in just 11 games.

After moving to MC Oran, Baakoh will now be among the highest-paid players in Algeria.

Each month, he will receive 20,000 euros, according to reports. His versatility as a second striker, central offensive midfielder, and winger is what makes him important.

In the second half of the league, MC Oran hopes to he assists them escape the relegation zone.

MC Oran has only 9 points from 14 games as of right now. The addition of Baakoh to the team is perceived as a good development that instills hope and enhances their skill set and experience.

His football career has brought him to many different countries. After leaving Asante Kotoko, he played for Ceramica Cleopatra in the Egyptian Premier League and Sahab Club in Jordan.

“Concentrate on developing policies than discussing cheap football politics” – GFA ExCo member Oduro Sarfo jabs Okudzeto Ablakwa after AFCON budget leak

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Following the Member of Parliament’s disclosure of the 2023 AFCON budget, Nana Oduro Sarfo, an Executive Committee member of the Ghana Football Association, took aim at Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The FA and the Sports Ministry decided on a $8.5 million budget, which was posted by the North Tongu MP on Tuesday along with the financial plan for the competition in Cote d’Ivoire.

Social media users were outraged by the information, criticizing the nation’s sports authorities and the national team.

In response to the news, Nana Oduro Sarfo—who was kept on as the Black Maidens’ chairman—argued that the politician ought to stop engaging in “cheap football politics.”

“Okudzeto Ablakwa should concentrate on developing policies rather than discussing cheap football politics,” he said on Asempa FM.

He went on to defend the amount, insisting no country plays at the Nations Cup because of the prize money, which is now $7 million.

“No country participates in the Afcon for the prize money,” he added.

The Black Stars crashed out of the tournament at the group stage for a second successive time.

Mohammed Fuseini scores twice on Randers FC debut

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New signing Mohammed Fuseini hit the ground running on his Randers FC debut on Tuesday, 30 January 2024 by scoring a brace in the 4-0 win over lower side Vendsyssel FF.

The striker put in an impressive and the Randers FC website described him as the main architect behind most of the chances created.

Fuseini opened the scoring for the Danish side after expertly converting a spot-kick.

Before the break, he made it three-nil after finishing off a neat assist from Mustapha Ubandoma close to the box.

Fuseini was replaced after about 55 minutes in what was a memorable unofficial debut.

He is expected to travel with Randers FC to Spain for the final leg of pre-season.

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