The Prosecutor of the Ghana Football Association has pressed charges against Clubs, Players and Officials for various offences.
Please see below the charges issued today by the Prosecutor:
Kotoko centre-back Abdul Gamiu put up splendid performance on Black Stars debut
Asante Kotoko centre-back, Ishmail Abdul Ganiu scored full marks on his debut for the Black Stars in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa.
The 24-year-old defender was very impressive on his debut for Ghana in a 1-1 draw with South Africa at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Wednesday, March 25, 2021.
The Porcupine Warriors guardsman stood tall at the heart of the defence for CK Akonnor’s charges despite the average performance from the National team on the day.
His fantastic output saw many Ghanaians took to social media platforms to hail his performance.
Ganiu was calm on the ball and displayed his talent in a well-composed way at the back of the defense of the Ghana team throughout the game.
He made some great blocks in the match and helped the Stars to secure a vital point on the road to book their 2022 Afcon ticket.
Ganiu lasted the entire duration of the match as Ghana drew 1-1 after taking the lead early in the second half through a nice finish from Ajax Amsterdam star Mohammed Kudus.
Ghana thus qualifies for the Total Afcon competition in Cameroon next year with the final qualifier to be played against Sao Tome and Principe.
2021 Afcon: Ghana pick point in South Africa to book ticket
Ghana have qualified for the Nations Cup in Cameroon 2022 after a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg against South Africa.
Ajax star Mohammed Kudus’ early second half strike was cancelled by Percy Tau as Ghana earned a vital draw to seal qualification with a game to spare.
Ghana began the game slowly and were nearly punished after a brilliant piece of play by the South Africans found Thapelo Morena on the right but his effort only found the side net.
Minutes later Sfiso Hlanti pulled out a great save from Ghana goalkeeper Razak Abalora with a ferocious left foot strike.
Morena again had another chance after Brighton forward Percy Tau has taken on two defender before laying the pass to the right back who fired wide.
Ghana’s only effort on target came after Emmanuel Gyasi took on a South African defender to roll the ball to Afriyie Acquah who fired directly to the goalkeeper.
South Africa were forced into an early change after Andile Jali got injured and was replaced by Ben Motshwari.
Ghana effected an early change in the second half with Osman Bukari replacing Kwame Opoku.
And just three minutes into the second half Ajax midfielder, who was Ghana’s most liveliest player from the first half opened the scoring with a beautiful strike.
But the lead lasted only three minutes after Gamildien’s incisive pass found Percy Tau who slotted home cooly to level the scores.
The South Africans regained control, creating decent chances but it was the Ghanaians who had another fine opportunity as Baba Rahman found Acquah whose long strike slowly went wide.
Coach C.K Akonnor replaced forward Caleb Ekuban with Emmanuel Lomotey as the clock ticked down.
Debutant Emmanuel Gyasi was then replaced by Emmanuel Boteng in the final minute.
The Black Stars held on to leave the FNB stadium with a draw.
©Ghanasoccernet
Abalora, Opoku start as Akonnor names Ghana starting XI for South Africa showdown
Former Asante Kotoko forward Kwame Opoku has been handed a starting role in Coach Charles Akonnor’s team for today’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa.
The 22-year old forward who is making his debut, will start upfront for the Black Stars in the crunchy clash which will be played at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Razak Abalora starts in post for the Black Stars with Benson Anang and Baba Abdul Rahman on the right and left sides of defence respectively.
In central defence, Nicholas Opoku will pair up with another debutant Abdul Ganiyu while stand-in captain Mubarak Wakaso and Afriyie Acquah all start in midfield.
Also starting are Mohammed Kudus, Caleb Ekuban and Emmanuel Gyasi.
The game is expected to kick off at 4pm.
Below is the Black Stars XI vs South Africa:
16. Razak Abalora 2. Benson Annan 17. Baba Abdul Rahman 4. Nicholas Opoku 28. Ismail Ganiyu 6. Afriyie Acquah 16. Kwame Opoku 11. Mubarak Wakaso 13. Caleb Ekuban 20. Mohammed Kudus 25. Emmanuel Gyasi
Substitutes 16. Eric Ofori Antwi 1. Danlad Ibrahim 14. Emmanuel Boateng 20. Kwasi Okyere Wriedt 21. John Antwi 7. Osman Bukari 18. Gladson Awako 8. Emmanuel Lomotey 24. Justice Blay 23. Yusif Mubarik 19. Joseph Adjei 3. Imoro Ibrahim
2021 Afcon Q: South Africa vs Ghana – Preview, Match Facts, TV channels to watch & H2H
Black Stars of Ghana will attempt to complete the double over Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the FNB Stadium on Thursday in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Victory for either side will secure qualification to the continental showpiece set to be held in Cameroon next year.
Currently, Ghana, South Africa and Sudan all sit on nine points in Group C with the Sudanese playing a game more.
South Africa who lost 2-0 to the Black Stars in Ghana last year will be out for revenge.
With head-to-head being used as the tiebreaker, Bafana Bafana will have to equal last November’s 2-0 loss to stand a chance of qualifying should both countries be stuck on 12 points after matchday six.
Ghana will also be desperate to appease their fans back at home after falling to a shock defeat to Sudan in their previous qualifier.
Team News
Ghana
The black Stars will be without their captain Dede Ayew, Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew due to the covid-19 restrictions but will be available for the next game against Sáo Tome Principe
South Africa
South Africa will be without their star man, Bongani Zungu, due to the covid-19 restrictions but will be available to play against Sudan.
Deam Furman, Thulani Serero, Bradley Grobler and Kermit Erasmus will not be available for the Ghana game today.
Furman and Serero were not released by their clubs while Grobler and Erasmus pulled out due to injury.
Match facts
Ghana have lost two of the last 4 matches (W2, L2). During that period, Black Stars have scored 7 goals and conceded 5.
Bafana Bafana have lost two of their last four games. During that period, South Africa has scored 8 goals and Conceded 5.
Referee: Bamlak Weyesa Tessema (Ethiopia)
Assistant 1: Kindie Mussie
Assistant 2: Temeagine Samuel Atango
4th Official: Biruk Yemanebirham Kassaun
Match Commissioner: Mohau John Sentso (Lesotho)
Head-to- Head
Ghana have played South Africa 13 times; 11 being competitive matches. The two African giants have drawn five times in the process. The Bafana Bafana boys have beaten the Black Stars four times and lost on three occasions.
Ghana first played South Africa in November 1994 with Bafana defeating Ghana 2-1 in the Four Nations Cup in Pretoria.
The two nations have won the AFCON four times together – South Africa won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first and only time in 1996.
Ghana have however won the competition on four occasions (1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982).
Where to watch:
Date: March 25, 2021
Venue: FNB Stadium
Kickoff time:16:00GMT/ 4:00pm
TV Channels
The match will be telecasted live on SABC, GTV, GTV Sports Plus, beIN Sports, Canal Sports and Super Sport
DSTV, GOTV and StarTimes TV/App will have access to enjoy the match.
©Ghanasportsnews
Karela United announce partnership deal with Santol Energy
Ghana Premier League side Karela United have announced a partnership deal with Santol Energy for their 2020/21 season’s campaign.
The Ghanaian based oil marketing firm reached an agreement to become the official energy partners of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League league leaders to aid their season’s campaign.
Santol Energy is an Oil Marketing Company, engaged in the business of procuring, distributing and selling of petroleum products. Santol Energy has a strong team with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the Oil and Gas industry in Ghana.
The company’s clientele ranges from government entities to private corporations. Santol Energy has supply affiliations with Global Haulage Ghana, Qodesh Energy Limited, Willmens Company Limited, HM Halman, Special Ice Ltd, Sky Plus Construction, Maso Quarry, Yara Ghana, Melcom Group, Raanan Fertilizers, and other Bulk Distributorship Companies.
Santol Energy is owned by young Ghanaian businessman Alhaji Fareed Yakubu.
Source:Kickgh
GFA President eulogizes former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan at Book Launch
GFA President Kurt E.S Okraku represented the Association at book launch of former Black Stars Captain Asamoah Gyan.
The Book chronicles the life story and football journey of the former Ghana captain from his childhood days to his illustrious football career and his life as an entrepreneur.
Speaking at the book launch held in Accra on Wednesday, Asamoah Gyan indicated that the book goes beyond him as a person and that is expected to serve as a source of encouragement to the youth and coming generations.
The President of the GFA, who was a speaker at the event, lauded Asamoah Gyan for choosing to document his legacy.
He further commended Gyan for his service and dedication to the nation and described him as the ‘Greatest Sporting Icon Ghana has ever had”.
“The GFA under my leadership will ensure that Asamoah Gyan’s legacy is protected in this country”.
“He stood out as a legend and the GFA under my leadership will ensure that Asamoah Gyan’s legacy is protected and to produce more legends”, he emphasized.
Present at the event were businessman Freedom Jacob Caeser (Nana Kwame Bediako), Nat Adisi Anokye (BolaRay), GFA Executive Council member Samuel Anim Addo, Emmanuel Agyeman Badu and Fatau Dauda.
The Book is expected to be officially launched in Accra and Kumasi with H.E. President Akufo-Addo and the President of Liberia, George Oppon Weah at the maiden event.
The event in Kumasi is expected to be graced with the presence of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and some former teammates of Asamoah Gyan from across the world.
The Book will also be launched in Dubai and in the United Kingdom.
Proceeds from the launch of the book will be donated to the Asamoah Gyan foundation.
©GFA
2021 Afcon Q: Coach Akonnor on South Africa, tough group, team cohesion and targets
Our Head Coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor expects his players to show class against South Africa in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday, March 25, 2021. The Black Stars go into the game as table toppers but the players know that they can’t afford to slip against Bafana Bafana at this crucial moment despite playing away.
Ahead of the game, the Communications team of the Ghana Football caught up with the Boss, to pick his thoughts on the team and strategy for the game.
C. K Akonnor was assistant to Kwasi Appiah when Ghana beat South Africa 2-0 in November 2019 at the Cape Coast stadium.
In this interview, he touches on facing South Africa in Johannesburg, what it means to win on Thursday, team cohesion, playing under pressure and going into the game with optimism.
Read on for the full transcript:
On difference between playing at home and away
It is a different ball game all together, the last time we played them was at home, this time it’s their home ground and the pressure is on them to to deliver. Psychologically, they will have to win but we also have to mount a strategy to give us victory.
On build up to the game
I am very hopeful, what I have seen in the last few weeks give me joy. The boys have done very well and if we are able to implement it here, we will be able to get a good result.
On playing under pressure
There is always pressure in football and in a match like this, it’s important to do as much as we can to qualify tomorrow.
On Sudan beating São Tomé and Principe
We are not going to look at what Sudan have done. We have to look at ourselves as a football nation. And our people are hungry, they want to see us qualify so it is important for us to do well tomorrow and qualify.
On playing with experience
We have players who are experienced, players who understand what time it is and what we have to do to at any given time to win a match. That I am certain about.
On staying focused for 90 minutes
Against Sudan, it was unfortunate that in the last minute we lost. We wouldn’t have been talking about qualification today, if we had drawn that match. But we are men enough to stand firm and say that it is time to deliver and I am very certain that we will do well.
On camping home based players and blending with foreign based players
I was impressed with the home-based players because it’s been a long time we camped them for National assignments. They have not trained together for a long time. But they did well and that is why some of them are here. The foreign based players arrived late but on Monday we had a full house and they trained together on Monday, Tuesday and today.
On team chemistry and cohesion
The understanding, cohesion, team spirit and the way they play has been brilliant. Of course before we got onto the field, we showed them some videos and they embraced the fact that this is what they have to do, work together as a team and play together and they were a delight to watch.
On being excited about team spirit
Seeing them play well in training is exciting and encouraging. I hope that tomorrow they will implement the same spirit and the same understanding of play, once we do that, I believe we will get a good result.
GFA
We are 100% ready for South Africa – Kudus Mohammed
Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus says the Black Stars are ready to take on South Africa in the penultimate Africa Cup of National qualifier on Thursday, March 24,2021.
The Ajax Amsterdam ace who is returning to the team for the first since November 2019, has been speaking to ghanafa.org ahead of the epic clash at the FNB stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.
In this interview, Kudus discusses, the dream to make it to the AFCON, approach to the game and readiness for the clash on away soil.
Here is the full transcript:
On preparation
It has been very good. There’s a very good team spirit and unity in camp and everyone is 100% ready for the game.
Aim of the team going into the match
The goal is to qualify for the AFCON so we go into every game with the same mentality, whether it is two games or one game that we have to win, the mentality is the same. It’s the same spirit so whether we will qualify after this game or the next game, it’s the same mentality and we are going to do our best to seal qualification tomorrow.
On approach to the game
The best way to approach the game is thinking that it’s a new game. Because we beat them the first time, they are going to come with extra motivation to beat us so the most important thing is to match their spirit and play what we know best.
Difference between November 2019 and now
We will approach the game the same way we did the other time. But that is gone, tomorrow is the most important game for us and that is what the focus is about.
On message to Ghanaian fans
I know that the players are ready. We have been preparing very well and I can see that everyone is pretty much ready for the game and what I can tell Ghanaians is that they should back us with prayers and support and we will do our best tomorrow to seal qualification for the AFCON.
GFA C
2021 Afcon Q: Sudan beat São Tomé on the road to go level on points with Ghana
Sudan stayed in the hunt for a top-two finish in Group C of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers thanks to a 2-0 away win over São Tomé and Principe on Wednesday.
Mohamed Abdel Rahman broke the deadlock on 27 minutes in the island nation and Seifeldin Malik netted early in the second half.
The result in São Tomé has drawn Sudan level on nine points with leaders Ghana and South Africa – who began the day in second place – but now move down to third place in the Group C standings.
The pressure now turns on Bafana Bafana as they host the Black Stars at FNB Stadium Thursday.
Coach Molefi Ntseki’s side now have to win their match against Ghana in Soweto to boost their chances ahead of a trip to Khartoum for the final qualifier against Sudan on Sunday.
The top two teams in Group C qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon next year.
@Footyghana