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Edmund Addo ruled out of Ghana-Nigeria World Cup play-off tie

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Edmund Addo ruled out of Ghana-Nigeria World Cup play-off tie

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Ghana midfielder Edmund Addo has been ruled out of Ghana’s game against Nigeria on Friday following a slight thigh injury.

The player will leave camp for Moldova after MRI result shows a tear in one of his thigh ligaments.

The medical team of the Black Stars have concluded that he can’t play in both the first and second leg games against Nigeria.

The midfielder picked up an injury in Sheriff’s game against Gheorghe last Saturday.

Fears are that the situation could worsen if the player plays with the injury and has been advised by the medical team of the Black Stars to be exempted from the games.

He was exempted from the team’s training on Wednesday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Addo’s injury swells the list of injured players who could not make it into the Ghana squad for the game to ten.

The Black Stars will take on the Super Eagles on Friday evening at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup playoff

FIFA bans KF Tirana for failing to pay Hearts of Oak for the transfer of Winful Cobbinah

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FIFA bans KF Tirana for failing to pay Hearts of Oak for the transfer of Winful Cobbinah

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, has with immediate effect placed a transfer ban on Albanian club, KF Tirana for failing to comply with their directives to pay Hearts of Oak their percentage of the onward transfer fee for midfielder, Winfrul Cobbinah when they transferred him to Egyptian club side, Ceramica Cleopatra.

Notwithstanding all efforts by Hearts to get KF Tirana to fulfill their side of the agreement, they declined hence the Ghanaian giants decided to report their conduct to the FIFA player status committee. KF Tirana were subsequently directed to pay Hearts of Oak what is due us within 45 days.

This period elapsed on Friday, 18th February 2022. For failing to comply with FIFA’s ruling on the case, the world’s football governing body has placed a ban on them from registering new foreign players.

Moreover, and in accordance with the afore mentiond decision, the Albanian football association is requested to strictly adhere to the directives.

The ban will remain in force until KF Tirana has settled their financial obligations to Hearts of Oak.

Dong Bortey makes honest revelation on two positions Hearts of Oak must improve

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Dong Bortey makes honest revelation on two positions Hearts of Oak must improve

Ex-Hearts of Oak forward, Bernard Dong Bortey has urged the club to get one good striker and a dependable right-back to help their course.

Hearts of Oak, who currently lie 6th on the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League table, have struggled to find the back of the net. They have managed to score 20 goals and conceded 14 times in 21 games this term which is considered unimpressive for last season’s treble winners.

The club’s current top scorer is 27-year-old burly striker, Kofi Kordzi who has seven goals in 16 appearances.

The club’s other striker, Kwadwo Obeng Junior has struggled to find his scoring boots with 2 goals in 14 outings since making an injury return to Samuel Boadu’s side.

That goal drought by the millennium champions has elicited the suggestion by Dong Bortey to the club to acquire a good striker and a reliable right back as Fatawu Mohammed has been off colour for sometime.

He tweeted after Hearts of Oak managed a 2-1 win over AshantiGold at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Hearts of Oak are away to Berekum Chelsea in week 22 at the Golden City Park.

Ex-Ghana Premier League coach reveals the only player capable of scoring for the Black Stars against Nigeria

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Ex-Ghana Premier League coach reveals the only player capable of scoring for the Black Stars against Nigeria

The 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter between Ghana and Nigeria is gradually gathering momentum with some days left to kick-off.

When the Nigerians released their squad, it was just obvious that it would scare every normal Ghanaian.

Ghanaians waited for the list of called-up players but it was not done according to their expectations.

When the list was released, it was nothing to write home about. Though the usual suspects were in the team, the thoughts of the populist are that Ghana can not stand toe-to-toe with the Nigerians.

Thomas Partey to captain Ghana in Algeria friendly - Football Made In Ghana
Thomas Partey

This has made Opeele Boateng add his view to what some supporters are saying. To him, the only potential scorer in the team is Partey.

“On Pound-for-Pound, Ghana cannot trade that punches with Nigeria.

“Hence, we pack the midfield and place the key goal component Thomas Partey (No.10) behind the main striker”

“Partey is the only dangerous player who can score at any given opportunity.”

Ghana are seeking for a fourth global showpiece appearance while the Super Eagles are also on a quest for the seventh appearance.

Reports: Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama agrees two-year deal with Asante Kotoko

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Reports: Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama agrees two-year deal with Asante Kotoko

Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama Dos Santos has signed a two-year contract extension with Asante Kotoko, according to Kotoko Focus TV.

Gama joined Kotoko in October 2020, penning a two-year deal that would have run out at the end of the 2021/2022 Ghana Premier League season.

The Brazilian import, despite criticisms surrounding his arrival, has worked his way to become the fans’ favourite and the fabulous family would not want to see the playmaker leave after two seasons in the famous red shirt.

However, Kotoko Focus TV reports that the 28-year-old has agreed a deal with the Porcupines until 2024. Though the club is yet to officially announce the new deal.

The Brazilian is one of the best attacking midfielders and great asset in the Asante Kotoko set up. He was involved in seven goals last season in the league, scoring five and assisting four times in all competitions in 28 appearances.

This season, he has featured in nine games for the Porcupines, involving in two goals, providing one assist.

Gama is expected to play a major role as the team aims to win the Ghana Premier League title.

Jordan Ayew tests negative for Covid-19 ahead of Black Stars vs Nigeria clash

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Jordan Ayew tests negative for Covid-19 ahead of Black Stars vs Nigeria clash

Ghana striker Jordan Ayew is now available for the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff tie against Nigeria.

The Crystal Palace forward sat out of their FA Cup 4-0 victory against Everton on Sunday after testing positive for Covid-19.

He has now tested negative and is expected to join the team in Kumasi.

“Jordan Ayew has tested negative for Covid and will join the team later this week in Kumasi ahead of the Nigeria game,” GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum revealed.

Ayew, who made his Black Stars debut in 2010, has 18 goals in 73 appearances for the team.

The Black Stars arrived in Kumasi on Tuesday afternoon to continue their preparations for the first leg.

Ghana will play Nigeria on Friday at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The second leg will be played on Tuesday, March 29 in Abuja.

The winner of the tie will qualify for the 2022 Fifa World Cup finals in Qatar later this year.

By Dennis Ivan Opoku

PHOTOS: Black Stars arrive in Kumasi for Nigeria showdown

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PHOTOS: Black Stars arrive in Kumasi for Nigeria showdown

The Black Stars of Ghana headed by Dortmund assistant manager Otto Addo have arrived in Kumasi this afternoon ahead of their blockbuster encounter against Nigeria in the 2022 Qatar World Cup play-off.

The four times Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners landed in Kumasi, the second capital of Ghana around 1:00 PM via Africa airlines to resume training for their Friday game against bitter rivals Nigeria.

Ghana is seeking for their fourth World Cup appearance and will look to counter their West African counterparts Nigeria to book ticket to next FIFA World Cup scheduled in Qatar later this year.

Only Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew was missing in the 27-man squad they touch down in Kumasi for the two-legged affair.

The team will hold their first training session ahead of game at the match venue, Baba Yara Sports Stadium in the evening.

Meanwhile, the team will lodge at the Noda Hotel till they depart to Abuja for the second leg.

Thursday, March 24, will be the final day of the Black Stars training and coach Otto Addo and the players will be allowed to engage the media afterwards.

The game is slated for 19:30GMT on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Baba Yara Stadium.

‘I am ready’ – Debutant Elisha Owusu embrace Black Stars call-up against Nigeria

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‘I am ready’ – Debutant Elisha Owusu embrace Black Stars call-up against Nigeria

Gent midfielder Elisha Owusu says he is ready to make his debut for the Black Stars in the 2022 World Cup playoff against Nigeria.

The 23-year-old is among three debutants to have been invited by Ghana coach Otto Addo for the crucial two-legged encounter against The Super Eagles.

The French-born Ghanaian footballer arrived in the country on Monday to join the Black Stars team.

Speaking on his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, Elisha Owusu was delighted to have made the squad and is confident the four-time Africa champions can beat Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup.

“Every player wants to play in the World Cup. It’s a big game and we know it will be hard but we are Ghana. But we are hopeful and will do everything to be at the World Cup“

Elisha added on making his debut in the game when selected by the coach said: “I am ready for the coach and if he calls me i will be ready”.

Ghana host Nigeria in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup playoff on March 25 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The second leg encounter comes off at the Moshood Abiola Sports Stadium in Abuja on March 29. The Black Stars team is expected to arrive in Kumasi on Tuesday March 22.

The winner will book a place in 2022 FIFA World Cup at Qatar which starts November.

Africa 2022 World Cup qualifiers: Five tickets up for grabs

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Africa 2022 World Cup qualifiers: Five tickets up for grabs

The Africa World Cup final qualifiers will take place this week with five mouth-watering clashes of the continents’ very best.

Only five tickets are available for the continent, with all the 10 teams set to compete having been at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations, except for DR Congo.

Here are the matches;

Egypt vs Senegal

We will see a replay of the Afirca Cup of Nations finale when Sadio Mane-led team faces Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah in the opposite camp.

The Lions of Teranga narrowly beat the Pharaohs on post-match penalties to lift the African crown, and will once again battle for the World Cup ticket, with only one winner.

Egypt have won six, Senegal four and there have been three draws in 13 past internationals between the two countries.

Senegal’s last visit to Cairo was in 2014 when they won 1-0 in Cup of Nations qualification.

Ghana vs Nigeria

Ghana had a dismal display at the Africa Cup of Nations, bowing out at the group stage, and will be looking to make things right.

The Black Stars play under a new coach Otto Addo, who will be supported by George Boateng, Didi Dramani and Chris Hughton, with enough experience in the English Premier League having coached Brighton and Hove Albion at some point.

Ghana have not won any of their past four matches since a controversial penalty gave them a 1-0 victory over South Africa in November.

Their record since the beginning of 2021 is five wins, four draws, and five defeats.

Cameroon vs Algeria

Just like Ghana, Cameroon will be under a new manager and one of their favourite sons; Rigobert Song.

The West African giants, who finished third in the Africa Cup tournament they hosted this year, will come against the immediate-former champions in Algeria.

The Riyad Mahrez-led team had a poor campaign as they failed to defend their crown, bowing out in the group stage with just a point.

They will however be keen on making amends as they seek to reach the Qatar tournament.

Democratic Republic of Congo vs Morocco

The Congolese were missing in action at the bi-annual AFCON event in Cameroon early this year – the only team on the list to have missed the showpiece.

They come up against a Moroccan side that lit the tournament, losing narrowly to Egypt in the quarterfinals.

The loss to Egypt was the first away defeat for Morocco since being beaten 1-0 by Portugal in Moscow in the 2018 World Cup finals.

The Atlas Lions had gone 20 games without a defeat before the 2-1 defeat by Egypt and will be favorites to punch their ticket.

Mali vs Tunisia

Mali will be vying to qualify for their first-ever World Cup but will come up against an experienced Tunisian side.

Ghana FA veep explains why Kotoko’s Danlad Ibrahim was not called for Nigeria clash

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Ghana FA veep explains why Kotoko’s Danlad Ibrahim was not called for Nigeria clash

Chairman of the Black Stars management committee and Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Mark Addo has explained what could have led to the exclusion of Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad from the Black Stars squad for Nigeria clash.

There’s been several backlash and agitation as many feel the young shot stopper deserves a place in the squad due to his recent form for the Porcupines.

Danlad has been the safest pair of hands for Kotoko ever since Abalora departed the club and his exclusion comes as a surprise to many.

He holds the second highest number of clean sheets in the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League after making 11 appearances and conceding only four goals with eight clean sheets.

Speaking on Kessben FM in Kumasi, Mark Addo said the Black Star coaches assessed all the goalkeepers called and he believes they made a decision as to which goalkeepers fit the bill for this assignment.

“The coaches have looked at his (Danlad) tapes, they know his strength and weaknesses and has compared him to all the goalkeepers called for Nigeria clash. This is only two games and I am sure they will continue to monitor and he will have his opportunity. I am not speaking for the coaches but every decision taken is based on information available to them. Lets just support the team”

Otto Addo has named a 27 man squad for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play offs against Nigeria.

The Back Stars will take on the Super Eagles in two matches scheduled for Kumasi and Abuja respectively as the search for a ticket to November’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar heats up.

Ghana will host the 1st leg at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on Friday, March 25 before travelling to Abuja for the 2nd leg on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

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