VIDEO: ‘Egg is cheap, I’ll let him suffer stroke – Assaulted Ghanaian female referee threatens to curse fan who slapped her
Asamoah Gyan apologises for his ‘nonsense’ comment on Majeed Ashimeru’s Black Stars snub
Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has apologized after describing Majeed Ashimeru Black Stars snub for Nigeria World Cup play-off as nonsense.
The in-form Anderlecht midfielder was shockingly excluded from Otto Addo’s 27-man squad for the much-anticipated encounter.
However, the all-time top scorer who believes Ashimeru is currently the best midfielder in Ghana after Thomas Partey expressed his displeasure forcing him to use an unprintable word on social media for the first time.
“This guy Majeed Ashimeru is the best midfielder in Ghana, after Thomas Partey, period. I have kept quiet on this but this nonsense must stop. Smh,” Gyan tweeted.
But in a post sighted by Footballghana.com, the former Sunderland star has apologized to his nonsense comment but insisted Ashimeru deserve call up.
“I still insist that Ashimeru deserves to be in this current Black Stars but am sorry for using the word ‘Nonsense’ in my statement so I unreservedly withdraw that word, I was carried by my emotions. Go Ghana” he tweeted.
The Black Stars began preparations on Monday. Seven players reported for first training at the Accra Sports Stadium.
They will travel to Kumasi on Tuesday to continue their preparations.
The team will train on three occasions in Kumasi. Their first training is on Tuesday evening, another session on Wednesday before their final training on Thursday.
After the final training, coach Otto Addo and some players will interact with the media at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium media centre ahead of the first leg clash on Friday, March 25, 2022.
The return leg will be played four days later in Abuja at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
“This nonsense must stop,” Asamoah Gyan fires Otto Addo & GFA for ignoring Majeed Ashimeru ahead of Nigeria clash
The midfielder has been in a scintillating form recently for his club but he was surprisingly dropped ahead of the World Cup playoffs
Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has launched a scathing attack on Ghana Football Association and coaches of the Black Stars following their decision to exclude Anderlecht midfielder Majeed Ashimeru from the squad that will face Nigeria in the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs.
With the first leg of the tie scheduled for Friday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Ghana FA released a 27-man squad on Tuesday but Ashimeru was conspicuously missing.
The former WAFA star has scored three goals and provided three assists so far this season for Anderlecht and has become the fans’ favorite.
That decision irked Gyan who took to his social media to blast the technical handlers and Football Association for always calling players not on merit ahead of those that can help the country.
“This guy @MajeedAshimeru is the best midfielder in Ghana, after @Thomaspartey22 PERIOD,” Gyan Tweeted on Tuesday.
” I have kept quiet on this but this nonsense must stop. Smh,” he added.
Interestingly, despite the awesome performances by many local players in this season’s Ghana Premier League, Otto Addo and Ghana Football Association decided to overlook them and call only one player (Dennis Korsah) from Hearts of Oak.
However, Denis Odoi, Montari Kamaheni, Christopher Antwi-Adjei, Elisha Owusu and Felix Afena-Gyan have been given the chance to play their first game for Ghana if selected on Friday.
Out of the four goalkeepers called, none of them is playing in Ghana Premier League especially Bechem United goalkeeper Abdulai Iddrisu who has had 13 clean sheets from 20 games and Danlad Ibrahim of Asante Kotoko who is currently in the form of his life.
A lot of folks in Kumasi and its environs, just like Gyan, are not happy with the decision of the technical team.
They believe that it is unfair to overlook the players in the local scene, especially Asante Kotoko after their splendid performance this season. Kotoko top the Premier League log with eight points advantage.
Source: Ashesgyamera
VIDEO: Watch highlights of Elisha Owusu who has been handed maiden Ghana call-up for Nigeria clash
Belgium-based midfielder, Elisha Owusu has been handed his maiden Black Stars call-up ahead of Ghana’s crucial World Cup playoffs against Nigeria.
Ghana will take on neighbors Nigeria in the World Cup in a two-legged playoff tie with the winner earning a place at this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Owusu, 24, joins up with the team following impressive performances in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League with club side KAA Gent.
READ MORE: OFFICIAL: Otto Addo names Ghana squad for Nigeria clash
The former Olympique Lyon player has so far made 27 appearances for Gent this season clocking over 1600 minutes of football.
The young midfielder’s inclusion in the team is expected to bolster the midfield of the Black Stars as they look to steer past neighbours Nigeria in the race for a place at this year’s World Cup.
The Black Stars will host the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Baba Yara Stadium in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup playoffs on Friday, 25th March 2022, and travel to Abuja for the second four days later.
Watch some highlights of Ghana new boy Elisha Owusu
-Footballmadeinghana
OFFICIAL: Otto Addo names Ghana squad for Nigeria clash
Coach 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.
Attached is the squad:
GPL Week 21: Full Scores, Goalscorers, League Table & Top Scorers Chart
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh scored a brace as Hearts of Oak of Oak beat AshantiGold SC 2-1 on Match Day 21 of the Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports stadium.
The Champions who lost 1-0 to Aduana FC last weekend, needed to win on Sunday to restore some pride as arch rivals Asante Kotoko continue to stretch their lead the top of the table.
Barnieh opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a well taken penalty to end his 7 games goal scoring drought.
The lead lasted for only 12 minutes as the Miners equalised through Aminu Adams inside 25 minutes.
Accra Hearts of Oak went into the match without goalkeeper Richard Attah due to injury as he was replaced by Richmond Ayi.
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh again popped up with his second of the day in the 61st minute to restore their lead. The Africa U-20 winner smashed home the winner with an absolute belter as Hearts of Oak held on to win 2-1.
The win takes the Phobians to the 5th spot – three points off fourth place and 12 points behind leaders Asante Kotoko who play against Eleven Wonders on Monday.
In other matches – Legon Cities returned to winning ways following a 2-1 win against WAFA at the El Wak stadium. Hans Kwofie gave the host a deserved lead inside 23 minutes before Abdul Nasiru added the second goal in the 33rd minute. WAFA reduced the deficit in the 85th minute through Moses Ayidem.
Godfred Kyei scored the only goal for Bibiani Gold Stars in their 1-0 win against Elmina Sharks at DUN’s Park.
In Bechem – Bechem United continued their impressive run with a slim win over Accra Lions to keep their title aspirations intact. Emmanuel Annor scored the only goal as the Hunters coasted to their 10th win of the season. The win moves Bechem United to the second spot – cutting Asante Kotoko’s lead to 7 points.
Eric Kwakwa climbed off the bench to snatch a point for Aduana FC in their 1-1 draw with Real Tamale United. Baba Kushibo netted for the host in the 33rd minute but the Northern giants couldn’t add to the tally as Aduana came from behind to pick a point at the Aliu Mahama stadium.
Dreams FC annihilated Great Olympics 5-2 at the theatre of Dreams – Dawu in a 7 goal thriller. The Still Believe lads scored two goals in the opening 4 minutes of the match through Sylvester Simba and Issah Ibrahim. Simba fired home the first goal after only 56 seconds of play before Issah added the second goal in the 4th minute. Great Olympics replied in the 25th minute through Daniel Adrian as he converted from the spot to keep them in the game.
Back from recess, Agyenim Boateng made no mistake by adding to the tally in the 54th minute for Dreams FC. The forward headed home a cross from Emmanuel Agyei to beat the Olympics goalkeeper. Clement Boahen added the 4th goal in the 75th minute before Collins Boah rounded it all up with a sublime free kick inside the 80th minute to make it 5-2 for the Dawu lads.
Earlier on Saturday – Karela United and Medeama SC battled to a 1-1 stalemate at the CAM Park at Aiyinase. Patrick Mensah shot his side into the lead in the 36th minute before Sule Musah equalized one minute into the second half.
In the last game of the round, Asante Kotoko and Eleven Wonders played a scoreless draw at the Ohene Ameyaw Park.
In the first half, Eleven Wonders were the better of the two sides. They created some good chances from set pieces and forced goalkeeper Kwame Baah into making some good saves.
Eleven Wonders as well had the ball at the back of the net but the goal was rightly ruled out for offside.
Asante Kotoko improved their performance in the second half but didn’t give the goalkeeper any problems. Eleven Wonders again had the best chances of the half, but they were denied by poor finishing and good goalkeeping by Kwame Baah as the game ended scoreless.
The scoreless draw leaves Asante Kotoko top of the table with 45 points from 21 games, 8 more points than second placed Bechem United.
For Eleven Wonders, they remain in the relegation zone with 21 points from 21 games.
STANDINGS:
TOP 15 SCORERS
Frank Mbella Etouga (A. Kotoko) – 14
Bright Adjei (A. Stars) – 12
Augustine Okrah (B. United) – 9
David Abagna (RTU) – 8
Umar Basiru (Karela) – 8
Agyenim Boateng (Dreams) – 8
Kofi Kordzi (Hearts) – 7
Maxwell Quaye (G. Olympics) – 7
Zubairu Ibrahim (K. Faisal) – 7
Ali Huzaf (Dreams) – 6
Fatawu Issahaku (Dreams) – 6
Georges Mfegue (A. Kotoko) – 6
Osman Ibrahim (K. Faisal) – 6
Justice Torsutey (WAFA) – 6
Yaw Annor (Ashgold) – 6
2022 World Cup playoff: Black Stars hold first training session with 7 players
The Black Stars held their first training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday afternoon with seven players ahead of their World Cup playoff against bitterest rivals Nigeria.
The Black Stars are scheduled to take on the Super Eagles on Friday, March 25 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja for a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be played in Qatar later this year.
Despite the Ghana FA not announcing the squad for the aforementioned games, seven players who are Thomas Partey (Arsenal), Abdul Manaf, Joojo Wallacot (Swindon Town), Andy Yiadom (Reading), Dennis Korsah (Hearts of Oak), Abdul Fatawu (Sporting Lisbon) and Edmund Addo (Sheriff Tiraspol) were the first to train today.
A full house is expected by the close of the day. The team will depart Accra for Kumasi on Tuesday to begin preparations for the first leg of the playoff scheduled for Friday, March 25 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Meanwhile, the technical team is expected to announce the squad for the playoff tomorrow. AS Roma youngster Felix Afena Gyan has been included in the team and will honor the call-up.
French-born Gent midfielder Elisha Owusu is also expected to make the squad. Dutch-born and Willem II right back Leeroy Owusu is not expected to be in the squad after the Ghana FA failed to complete his nationality switch in time for the game.
Jeffrey Schlupp has reportedly not been included in the squad, while Osman Bukari and Majeed Waris are reportedly in the standby list.
Match Report: Asante Kotoko steal a vital point in Techiman
Asante kotoko at the Ohene Ameyaw Park managed to run away with a vital away point in match day 21 of the Ghana Premier League against Eleven Wonders.
The Porcupines displayed a good away performance against the Sure Wonders but their efforts were not enough to produce a goal.
However, Wonders were good on the day, creating many goal scoring opportunities but failed to make used of them.
In the second half, the two sides displayed a fantastic performance but they failed to make used of the chances with Kwame Baah producing outstanding saves to keep the home side at bay.
Wonders in the last minutes of the game troubled the Kotoko defense with Kwame Baah dealing with all their attacks.
Asante kotoko after the draw keep their place at the top with 45 points, 8 more against second-placed Bechem United.
Just In: Odoi gets Black Stars call up for Nigeria clash
Club Brugge versatile player Denis Frimpong Odoi has been handed a debut invitation to the senior national team of Ghana for the 2022 FIFA World Cup final play-off games against Nigeria this month.
The 33-year-old has received his first-ever call-up to represent the West African nation for the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against the Super Eagles following his exploits in the Belgian top-flight league.
Odoi described his invitation to represent Ghana as a surprise call-up because he had given up on international career after several attempts made by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) couldn’t materialized.
“I had already put away hope, but suddenly I got a phone call that the papers were in order.” Odoi told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad in an interview
“We’ve been working on this for years,” says Odoi. “The contact came when I was playing at Fulham. But the papers never got round, so I had already left that ambition behind me. But look: soon I will be international for the first time.”
“I was a bit surprised. These are two vital matches that we are going to play. I might even go to the World Cup. Do I feel like a real Ghanaian? We are not going to be stupid: I am of course more Belgian. But my father is from Ghana, so that’s part of me anyway. That is why I am proud to play for the national team.”
“I’ve heard that everything is very well organized. National teams in the African continent are often chaotic, but apparently that is not the case with Ghana.” the former Fulham star concluded.
Odoi was born to a Ghanaian father and a Belgian mother which makes him eligible to play for the four-time African champions despite playing for Belgium at the youth levels
He has scored one goal and provided an assist in his 9 appearances for Club Brugge KSV in the ongoing season.
He can operate as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder or a right-back.
Odoi previously had stints with Fulham FC, KSC Lokeren, Sint-Truidense VV, Oud-Heverlee Leuven and RSC Anderlecht.
Ghana will be battling out with their sworn-rivals Nigeria in a two-legged fixture of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final play-off round this month.
The Black Stars open camp on Monday to prepare for the March 25 and 29 home and away games with Nigeria to determine who qualifies for the Fifa World Cup in Qatar later this year.
-Kickgh
2022 World Cup play-off: Chris Houghton insists Ghana are battle ready for Nigeria
Black Stars technical advisor Chris Hughton has expressed Ghana’s readiness for the blockbuster World Cup play-off against Nigeria in the World Cup this week.
Black Stars will play the Super Eagles in a two-legged encounter on Friday and on Tuesday as the winner will claim of the Africa’s five slots at the Mundial in Qatar.
The first leg of the decisive qualifying tie will be played on March 25, 2022 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
The two West African heavyweights will meet again on March 29, 2022 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Speaking to the Ghana FA media, the former Newcastle United boss called on Ghanaians to remain calm ahead of the epic clash.
The former Premier League manager believes the team is ready to face the Super Eagles in the two-legged encounter.
“Remain calm and be positive about the team,” Hughton said.
“We strongly believe we have the quality, desire and hunger to achieve the results that we want, it is our aim to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar and we all have a duty to make that dream a reality.
“Ghana has done it before and we can guarantee you that every Ghanaian wants to see the team in Qatar and we are committed to that. We are Ghana and we are ready.”
Ghana missed out on the last edition of the World Cup in 2018 in Russia and are keen on making their 4th appearance after 2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa and 2014 in Brazil respectively.
In head-to-head meetings between the two West African rivals, Ghana enjoys the superiority having won 25, drew 19 and lost 12 in 56 clashes.
The last time the Black Stars played against the Super Eagles in Kumasi, Ghana won 1-0 with Saara Mensah scoring the match winner in 1990.
-Ghanasoccernet