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I am ready to offer my wife and children for sacrifice any day for Hearts to beat Kotoko – W.O Tandoh

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I am ready to offer my wife and children for sacrifice any day for Hearts to beat Kotoko – W.O Tandoh

Hearts Of Oak Team Manager, W.O Tandoh has shockingly revealed that he is ready to offer his wife and children for sacrifice for the club to beat Asante Kotoko whenever they meet.

The experienced trainer returned to the club after leaving three years ago to join Aduana Stars, where he served as assistant to the late Yusif Abubakar and Kwesi Fabian.

Tandoh was part of the technical team of the Phobians when they pipped arch-rivals Asante Kotoko 1-0 in the Super Clash on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Daniel Afriyie Barnieh’s second-half goal secured all three points for the league leaders.

Tandoh, who was overly excited said in an interview with Oyerepa FM that he would offer his children and wife just to ensure Hearts beat Kotoko in any contest.

“I am ready to offer my wife and children any day to beat Asante Kotoko. My two daughters were at the stadium yesterday, ” Tandoh told Oyerepa FM in Kumasi.

Hearts currently lead the log with 59 points, three more than Kotoko who are second.

They play Ebusua Dwarfs in their next game before they take on Liberty and WAFA in the last fixture of the season.

The former Karela United defender joined the Porcupine Warriors on a three-year deal ahead of the CAF Champions League campaign.

FEATURE: Cometh the hour, cometh the man

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FEATURE: Cometh the hour, cometh the man

It is five days to Christmas, the year is 1948, the world is recovering from the devastation of the second world war. In the city of Durban in South Africa, in a very close cricket match between the hosts and England, bowler Cliff Gladwin comes on to bat. With the last ball of the match he gets the winning run via a leg-bye, meaning he swings for the ball with his bat but misses, it comes off his body, it counts and England win.

As he strolls of the field in jubilation heading towards the dressing room, in a thick Derbyshire accent he says; “Cometh the hour cometh the man.”

This saying has been used many times in sports since then. When the ball came back at pace towards a 20 year old boy standing in the opposition penalty box in the biggest league game in Ghana for the past twelve years, he struck it on the volley past the goalkeeper. In that hour, when it mattered the most, that boy, came to the fore. In that moment he was not a boy, he was ‘the man’.

To tell this story, we need to take a few steps back, on a weekday night at the Accra Sports Stadium over a week before Valentine’s day in 2020, before Covid-19 hit the pause button for us all. Hearts of Oak had played Ashantigold and dominated them, one particular player had several chances, a couple of one v one with the goalkeeper and missed terribly. After the game, he was interviewed and asked what was going through his head when he got those chances. He went on a rant that many made fun of, to be honest it sounded amateurish, sounded like a schoolboy put on the spot. To be fair he had just turned 19, however he was confident answering and at the tail end said something that showed intent and a willingness to improve; “So I think next time I will raise my head and put the ball in the post.” This young man had missed sitters, been on the receiving end of howls from fans and still had the presence of mind to say that.

It was thus not a major surprise when this boy now 20 led the Ghana under 20 side, the Black Satellites to win the African Youth Championship. The captain scored the only two goals in the final, to win Ghana the trophy. He returned from the championship a hero, however not the most rated player in the squad. Also, on his return he had to fight for his place in the Hearts of Oak team. The season had been kicking on while he was away representing Ghana. He had to prove to his coach who was newly appointed that he deserved a starting berth. He proved it. As the season has gone into its business end Daniel Barnieh Afriyie’s performances have been on the ascendancy. He is an ever willing runner, looks to take on defenders at every chance and has improved in finding pockets of space that causes the opposition problems. On that same Accra Sports Stadium pitch he had that interview over a year ago, he has been a thorn in the side of any defence he has come up against.

So the stage was set, the two biggest teams in Ghana, Hearts of Oak and Kotoko, both tied on 56 points after 30 matchdays, the ante was up and a hero was needed. Going into the game the creative whizzes of both sides were mentioned, Salifu Ibrahim for Hearts and Fabio Gama for Kotoko. Both had created seven goals this season and their overall play was what got their teams ticking. There was a lot on the clash and both teams started cautiously, Hearts who have been a very front foot side, stepped off a bit, it’s respect and understandable. Kotoko did same and seemed terrified at the thought of losing.

After the first half it was clear one player had to try and win it, sheer will was required to break the deadlock. Early in the second half Barnieh was caught on camera urging his teammates on, talking to his fellow forwards Razak and Obeng Junior to push further up. Obviously he desired something from the game and sensed it was there. A few minutes later when Habib Mohammed intercepted a dink from Salifu meant for Barnieh, he heaved in disappointment but remained sharp. Habib did not. The ball came back into the box as a drive and Barnieh swung at it and hit the back of the net. Had Habib been alert and stepped up Barnieh would have been offside but that was not the story the football gods wanted. Till that point in the game, no player on the pitch had pressed more and chased long balls down more than Barnieh, no one had tried to spark the game to life more than he had.

When it was most important, when the whole country watched on with bated breath, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh stepped forward and possibly got the most important Hearts of Oak goal in 12 years since Obed Ansah’s winner at Baba Yara stadium against the same opponents. The story of how he was rejected by Kotoko will be told by others.

Barnieh’s drive and heroics may have illustrated his progress but it also put a powerful stamp on the process Samuel Boadu is undertaking at Hearts of Oak. Since he joined he has made the side a better passing side and a team always looking to take the initiative. This Hearts of Oak team attacks just like their teams of old, with a neat balance of when to sit back. Boadu is one of the new breed and proved his worth at Medeama but is getting greater recognition coaching the capital’s favourite club.

For Kotoko they can only blame themselves, a scoring draw would have given them an advantage in the title race but on the day they did not show the resilience and they had shown in the 9 match unbeaten run. They seemed to fear a loss more than want a win and were cautious. The blame must lie squarely on the coach Mariano Barreto who to twist what netizens say these days ‘did not understand the assignment’.

With three games to go, Hearts of Oak are champions elect. However…(there is no however Kotoko fans, we lost).

By Myles Kusi.

DOL Week 26 wrap-up: RTU pip Bofo to go top, Gold Stars maintain top spot, Nania stop Accra Lions

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DOL Week 26 wrap-up: RTU pip Bofo to go top, Gold Stars maintain top spot, Nania stop Accra Lions

The 2020/21 DDivision One League matchday 26 games were honoured over the weekend.

ZONE ONE

Real Tamale United moved to the top of the table in Zone One after beating rivals Bofoakwa Tano 1-0 at the Aliu Mahama stadium on Sunday.

The match day 26 clash was between two title contenders in search of a ticket for Premier League football next season.

Bofoakwa Tano went into the game as League leaders but slipped against the Northern giants to drop to second place – with a one point deficit.

Mustapha Fuseini was the hero for the home side as his 27th minute strike decisive for RTU. Fuseini drilled home from close range after a defensive blunder following a thunderous strike from 25metres.

The visitors threatened the goal area of the home side with some brilliant inter positional play but came to naught as RTU held onto win the cliff-hanger 1-0 to move back to the top of the table for the 9th time this season.

Earlier on Saturday, Tamale City who sit 5th in the table with 43 points were dealt a heavy blow at the Aliu Mahama stadium following a 1-0 defeat to B.A United. Nureini Kato Iddrisu scored in the 39th minute to give the Apostles a rare away win in Tamale.

Elsewhere at the Coronation Park – Young Apostles dropped valuable points at home after drawing goalless with Steadfast FC on Sunday. The one point takes Young Apostles to 6th place in the log with 37 points while Steadfast FC occupies the 4th spot with 45 points.

Results:

ZONE TWO

Bibiani Gold Stars kept their place at the top of the table after winning 3-0 against Swedru All Blacks at DUN’S Park on Sunday.

Prince Kwabena Owusu grabbed a brace on the day to increase his goal tally to 18 goals in the on-going campaign.

The swift forward opened the scoring inside 16 to send the partisan crowed agog. He connected a well-constructed free kick into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 for the leaders. Owusu again smashed home the second in the 27th minute before Victor Owusu Ansah added the third in the 79th to put the nail in the coffin of the visiting team.

The win gives Gold Stars a commanding lead in Zone as they sit at the top with 60 points – 10 points ahead of second placed Skyy FC.

The Daboase side also recorded a win on Sunday – they beat Star Madrid 2-1 with star man Francis Oteng Gyatuah scoring a brace.

Meanwhile former Premier League side Sekondi Hasaacas lost 2-1 to BYF Academy at Bekwai. Hadji Saddick scored two first half to give his side all the spoils. With their set on a massive comeback, Hasaacas fought gallantly in the second half and won a penalty which expertly taken by Ibrahim Mohammed Sanah – the midfielder scored from the spot after Benjamin Acquah Mills was brought down in the box. Sanah sent the goalkeeper to the ghost land to the relief of the visiting team but that wasn’t enough to get them a point.

ZONE THREE

FC Nania beat Accra Young Wise 1-0 on match day 26 of the National Division One League at the Nania Park on Saturday.

Kwame Atadana scored the only goal of the match to propel Nania to a famous win against the League leaders.

Accra Lions have been one of the brilliant sides in the on-going League but have been unimpressive in recent matches on the road.

In Tema – title chasers Tema Youth defeated Accra City Stars 2-0 in another a keen contest – that saw the visiting team play the entire second half with 10 players following a 45thminute red card to Sylvanus Atta for elbowing his marker.

Shamsudeen Musah put the home side forward in the 45th minute. Musah brilliantly curled a lovely ball into the bottom corner to set the stadium alive – second before recess. Back from the break, Tema Youth added the second goal through Daniel Appiah in the 65thminute. The experienced forward guided home a spot kick to increase the tally for his side as they held on to beat Accra City Stars.

Elsewhere in Kpando – Abdul Rahman was the hero for Heart of Lions as his hot brace gave them a 2-1 win against Danbort FC. Jefferey Kumi fetched the consolation for Danbort.

Full Results:

-GFA

2020/21 GPL Week 31: Full results, Man of the Match Winners, Goalscorers, Top Scorers Chart & League Table

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2020/21 GPL Week 31: Full results, Man of the Match Winners, Goalscorers, Top Scorers Chart & League Table

League leaders Hearts of Oak defeated rivals Asante Kotoko 1-0 on match day 31 of the Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports stadium.

Daniel Afriyie Barnie scored the only goal of the match in the 66th minute to give the Phobians a three point lead on the league table with three games to end the season.

Elsewhere in Techiman, Eleven Wonders defeated Berekum Chelsea 3-1 at the Ohene Ameyaw Park.

In Elmina, Great Olympics picked a 1-1 stalemate against Elmina Sharks at the Nduom stadium.

Dreams FC were humbled 2-0 by Aduana Stars at the Agyemang Badu Park at Dormaa

TECHIMAN: Eleven Wondes 3-1 Berekum Chelsea

Scorers: Samuel Boakye, Amos Frimpong, Ganiu Abas | | Bright Amponsah

Man of the match: Rashid Mohammed (Wonders)

ACCRA: Hearts of Oak 1-0 Asante Kotoko

Scorer: Daniel Afriyie Barnieh

Man of the match: Fatawu Mohammed(Hearts Of Oak)

ELMINA: Elmina Sharks 1-1 Great Olympics

Scorer: Tahir Mensah | | Maxwell Abbey Quaye

Man of the match: Edmond Asiedu (Sharks)

DAWU: Inter Allies 0-2 Liberty Professionals

Scorers: Brite Andoh, Simon Appiah

Man of the match: Adamu Amadu (Liberty Professionals)

OBUASI: AshantiGold 0-0 WAFA SC

Man of the match: Seth Osei (AshantiGold )

DORMAA: Aduana Stars 2-0 Dreams FC

Scorers: Sam Adams, Bright Adjei

Man of the match: Benjamin Tweneboah (Aduana Stars)

BECHEM: Bechem United 0-0 Medeama SC

Man of the match: Moro Salifu (Bechem United)

Monday

ANYINASE: Karela United 1-4 Ebusua Dwarfs

Scorers: Mamudu Kamaradin | | Moro Sumalia (3x), Enoch Afram

Man of the match: Moro Sumalia (Ebusua Dwarfs)

TECHIMAN: King Faisal 2-0 Legon Cities

Scorers: Kwadwo Frimpong, Kwame Peprah

Man of the match: Kwame Peprah (King Faisal )

Top Scorers Chart after match-day 31

Charles Diawisie Taylor (Karela United) – 16

Kwame Peprah (King Faisal) – 12

Joseph Esso (Dreams)   – 11

Stephen Amankona (Berekum Chelsea) – 11

Maxwell Nii Abbey Quaye  (Great Olympics) – 11

Hans Kwoffie – (AshGold/Legon) -10

Agyenim Boateng Mensah (Dreams)   – 9

David Abagna Sandan (AshGold) – 9

Kojo Obeng Jnr (Hearts of Oak) – 9

Daniel Lomotey (Wafa) – 8

Hafiz Wontah Konkoni (Bechem United) – 8

Yaw Annor (AshGold) – 8

Prince Opoku Agyemang (Medeama) – 8

STANDINGS

2020/21 GPL Week 31 wrap-up: Hearts sink Kotoko to extend lead, Wonders thrash Berekum Chelsea to boos survival hopes, AshantiGold held by WAFA

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2020/21 GPL Week 31 wrap-up: Hearts sink Kotoko to extend lead, Wonders thrash Berekum Chelsea to boos survival hopes, AshantiGold held by WAFA

League leaders Hearts of Oak defeated rivals Asante Kotoko 1-0 on match day 31 of the Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports stadium.

Daniel Afriyie Barnie scored the only goal of the match in the 66th minute to give the Phobians a three point lead on the league table with three games to end the season.

Emmanuel Nettey gave the Hearts faithful a major concern in the early stages of the game as he hobbled off only to be replaced by Frederick Ansah Botchway

The Phobians dominated proceedings in the early stages of the game – threatened the Kotoko defence only to be denied Abdul Ismail Ganiyu in the 15th minute.

Randy Ovuoka powered a drive from 40 yards which was saved by Kwame Baah in the 34th minute from a beautiful solo run.

Mohammed Fatau was denied by the woodwork after bursting forward from a solo run in the 36th minute – Hearts of Oak were denied by the woodwork in the 36th minute as the first half ended goalless.

Back from recess, Ibrahim Salifu got a chance to put Hearts of Oak in front but the former Eleven Wonders man was denied by Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Kwame Baah.

Daniel Afriyie Barnie broke the deadlock for Hearts of Oak in the 66th minute with a nice finish into the roof of the net.

Augustine Okrah nearly fetched the equalizer in the 78th minute but Richard Attah was on hand to make a save.

Hearts of Oak held on to the win their first match against their rivals in five seasons.

Hearts of Oak have now picked 59 points after on the league table after this win.

Elsewhere in Techiman, Samuel Boakye, Amos Frimpong and Abdul Ganiu Abbas scored as Eleven Wonders defeated Berekum Chelsea 3-1 at the Ohene Ameyaw Park. Bright Amponsah got a consolation goal for Berekum Chelsea.

In Elmina, Great Olympics picked a point against Elmina Sharks at the Nduom stadium. Tahir Mensah gave Sharks the lead but Maxwell Abbey fetched the equalizer for Great Olympics.

In Bechem, the Hunters failed to take advantage of playing at home after drawing goalless with Medeama SC at Fosu Gyeabuor Park.

Dreams FC were humbled by Aduana Stars at the Agyemang Badu Park at Dormaa. Sam Adams and Bright Adjei scored for Ogya lads to give them a swell deserved win.

The battle between two relegation threatened sides took place Dawu where Liberty Professionals defeated bottom placed Inter Allies 2-0. Bright Andoh scored for the scientific soccer lads in the 16th minute before Simon Asamoah Appiah added the second in the 41st minute to win the match 2-0.

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS: Hearts Of Oak 1-0 Asante Kotoko

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WATCH HIGHLIGHTS: Hearts Of Oak 1-0 Asante Kotoko

Hearts Of Oak are two wins away from ending their long trophy drought after beating rivals Asante Kotoko 1-0 in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday in Accra.

Striker Daniel Afriyie Barnieh snatched the game’s only goal in the 67th minute of the titanic clash.

The Phobians are now three points ahead of the Reds – 59 – after 31 matches.

Watch full highlights below:

2020/21 GPL: Match Report – Liberty Professionals best 10-man Inter Allies to boost survival hopes

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2020/21 GPL: Match Report – Liberty Professionals best 10-man Inter Allies to boost survival hopes

Liberty Professionals took another step forward in their relegation dogfight on Sunday afternoon when they beat bottom-placed Inter Allies at the Dawu Park.

The Scientific Soccer Lads recorded a 2-0 victory on the road over 10-man Inter Allies to cushion them in their fight against relegation in the Ghanaian top-flight.

Brite Andoh and Simon Appiah scored the two goals to secure all three points for Liberty.

It was Inter Allies, who commenced the game on a good note as they went with the first real shot of the afternoon but the ball went wide for a goal kick in the 12th minute.

Four minutes later, Liberty put their noses in front with the first goal through Brite Andoh.

And oh netted with a close-range finish following some good work on the left side of their attack from Evans Owusu.

Evans Owusu had a great opportunity to increase Liberty lead but his shot hit the side net.

Liberty Professionals goalkeeper Kofi Baah produced a good save to deny Inter Allies an equalizer, and he got injured in the process.

With five minutes to end the first half, Simon Appiah doubled their lead with a stunning free-kick.

But Inter Allies didn’t end the half with their 11 players as defender Emmanuel Agyemang Badu was sent off for a second yellow.

The first half ended 2-0 for the away side.

Four minutes into the second half, Nafiu Sulemana tried his luck from distance with a curler but it was feeble to beat the Liberty goalkeeper.

Substitute Richard Arthur fired from distance but the Liberty goalkeeper did well to pull a save.

Later on, Liberty Professionals were awarded a penalty after Adamu Amadu was brought down inside the box.

But substitute Abraham Wayo had his kick saved by Gideon Ahenkorah.

Ex-Kotoko star Kwame Opoku scores in USM Alger win over RC Relizane

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Ex-Kotoko star Kwame Opoku scores in USM Alger win over RC Relizane

Ghanaian forward Kwame Opoku netted for his side USM Alger in their away win over RC Relizane in the Algerian Ligue 1 on Sunday afternoon.

The Algerian giants recorded a 4-2 victory over RC Relizane in their match-week 27 clash at the Stade Tahar Zoughari.

And the former Kotoko talisman scored on the 57th minute for the Red and Black lads through a spot-kick.

 The goal is Opoku’s t rd of the season for USM Alger since joining them from the Ghanaian giants.

He played the full throttle.

Opoku joined USM Alger from Ghana Premier League side Asante Kotoko in May this year after an explosive output for the Reds.

2020/21 GPL: Superb Hearts two wins from league title after victory over Kotoko

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2020/21 GPL: Superb Hearts two wins from league title after victory over Kotoko

Hearts of Oak edged Asante Kotoko in a crucial Ghana Premier League game to extend their lead at the top to three points.

Backed by a fervent and almost exclusively Phobians crowd at the Accra Sports stadium, Hearts took the lead through an in-form Daniel Afriyie Barnieh.

The forward benefited from a loosely hit strike by Frederick Ansah Botchway as he redirected the initial effort past Kwame Baah.

The goal which came halfway into the second half demonstrated Hearts’ dominance.https:

The Phobians looked like they wanted it more after the half-time break and piled the pressure on the Porcupine Warriors.

Augustine Okrah had Kotoko’s best chance and could have levelled the score if he added more power to his effort.

Okrah got on the end of good cross but his shot was rather straight at Richard Attah who grabbed the ball on a second attempt.https:

Both teams cancelled each other in the first half as no clear cut chances were created.

The two teams were limited to long range efforts as Baah and Attah looked comfortable in the first half.

Barnieh continues to shine

Barnieh has looked a completely different player in the last few weeks.

His best game before today came against King Faisal, the match that started Hearts’ nine-game unbeaten streak.

The forward scored and assisted Kwadwo Obeng Jnr in that match.

Hearts of Oak are now three points ahead of Asante Kotoko and have a better head to head

The 20-year-old was also one of the standout players against rivals Great Olympics as he dazzled with his nimbly feet.

Barnieh looked sharp against Legon Cities and created a goal out of nothing, once again assisting Obeng Jnr.

Barnieh had extra motivation heading into the Super Clash knowing he was once unsuccessful in trials with the Kumasi-based club.

His goal against Kotoko highlights his transformation since Samuel Boadu took over, and could possibly be the goal that decides the title.

Hearts of Oak two wins away from title

In what has been a turbulent season, few would have believed the Phobians will have their title destiny in their hands for the final three games.

Hearts of Oak had a stuttering start to the season under Nii Odoom and appointed Kosta Papic to steady a sinking ship.

Papic started well but results kept deteriorating as relationships were broken.

The club reached a point of retrospection after fan protests at the secretariat.

A press conference was organized to help assure fans.

However, the appointment of Samuel Boadu and purchase of Salifu Ibrahim sparked the chain of change.

Hearts haven’t looked back since and haven’t lost in nine games.

With head to head being used in the league, the Accra-based club need just six points from their final three games against Ebusua Dwarfs, Liberty Professionals and WAFA to win their first title in 12 years.

Match facts

  • Hearts have beaten Kotoko for the first time in June since the inception of the Ghana Premier League.
  • Hearts now have the longest unbeaten streak in the league which stretches to nine games.
  • Hearts now lead the overall head to head with 36 wins, Kotoko remain on 35 wins whilst both teams have drawn 37 times.
  • Barnieh has scored two goals and provided two assists in the last nine games.
  • Hearts have the best home record winning 39 points whilst conceding just 8 goals.
  • Hearts have beaten Kotoko for the first time since 2017.
  • Source: Myjoyonline

VIDEO: Watch Daniel Afriyie Barnieh’s goal against Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash

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VIDEO: Watch Daniel Afriyie Barnieh’s goal against Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash

Hearts Of Oak top scorer, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh’s goal secured all three points for the Phobians against Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash on Sunday.

Watch the goal below:

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