Accra Great Olympics FC pipped Berekum Chelsea FC in their week sixteen encounter in the Ghana Premier League on Friday afternoon.
The Blue and Whites picked their eighth win of the season after sixteen rounds of matches with a 1-0 victory over the Bibires at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Two minutes after the hour mark, Michael Yeboah broke the deadlock of the match to put the hosts 1-0 up with 28 minutes left to play.
The visitors, Chelsea could not get back into game and succumbed to their first defeat in five matches after winning three and one draw in their last four games before today’s defeat to Olympics in Accra.
Olympics moves to second place on the league table after sixteen games with 27 points and just a point behind leaders Karela United FC.
Ghana midfielder Abdul Fatawu Issahaku said the Black Satellites’ main objective at the U-20 Total Africa Cup of Nations, Mauritania 2021 is to win the trophy and bring back the love to Ghana.
“We’re here to bring back the trophy, just send the trophy back to Ghana and bring back the love. We believe in ourselves, and I believe in the whole team that we’re taking the trophy to Ghana,” Fatawu told CAFOnline.
The Black Satellites finished Group C in third place, but qualified to the quarterfinals as one of the best two third placed teams to face Cameroon in Nouakchott on Thursday in a quarters thriller.
The 16-year-old midfielder started all Ghana’s group matches, scoring twice against Tanzania and Gambia. He introduced himself with a stunning goal against Tanzania on his tournament debut.
The Steadfast FC playmaker noticed Tanzania goalie Mgore off his line on the half hour mark and took a brilliant shot a few yards away from the halfway line, dipping beyond the shot stopper and into the net increase their lead.
“It is not a new thing to me, I always do it. I always watch the goalkeeper whenever we’re playing anytime the goalkeeper makes a mistake to come out, I put it behind him,” noted Fatawu.
“Before the game my coach called me and talked me, he said he believes in me and I can do more than what I used to do so I have to just try and play all out. When I was going to the stadium I made my mind and said I was going all out and play for Ghana too, that made me perform.”
The clinical dynamite who’s liken to Black Stars legend and former African Player of the Year Abedi Pele was only drafted into the Satellites squad after they qualified for the tournament.
Abdul was with the Black Starlets in Togo for the Total Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, Morocco 2021 WAFU B qualifying tournament.
The soft-spoken but efficient youngster couldn’t hide excitement to be included in the U-20s squad.
“I was so happy and it is so amazing to be part of the team, because I just went to the WAFU B U-17 tournament in Togo after the tournament I was promoted to the Black Satellites,” he told CAFOnline with a broad smile.
“At the U-17s I was among the big boys but here, I’m one of the youngest players,” the Black Starlets skipper added.
The diminutive attacking midfielder operates behind the two strikers but can also play across the field as he told CAFOnline.
“I’m mostly played just in front of the midfielders but I can play across the front positions.
“Whatever the coach wants I will do it for him because he’s the coach so wherever he wants to plays me I will play there.”
Idol
Coach Abdul Karim Zito has liken the youngster to Ghana and African football great Abedi Pele, father of current Black Stars captain Andre Ayew, who is the idol of Fatawu.
“Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andrew Dede Ayew these are the players I used to learn from, especially Ayew he is my senior and I always watch his videos. He always wants to win and that’s the mind-set I have as well.”
The highly rated Fatawu plays in the Ghana local league with Division One Zone One club Steadfast FC but says his ambition is to continue his development in Europe.
“I’m hoping and praying for things to go well, because am hoping after this tournament I will be happy to also be in Europe to continue my career.
“I’ll still work hard to make things possible so that we can go outside of Ghana and continue my development,” Fatawu concluded.
The Women’s Premier League enters match day six this weekend with some mouth watering fixtures to look ahead to. With just two round of matches left to complete the first round of the campaign, the race for the title continues to be keener while others battle for survival. Here is a preview for match day Six.
Northern Ladies vs Supreme Ladies
This week’s fixtures begin on Friday, February 26, at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale where Northern giants, Northern Ladies host Supreme Ladies on match day 6 of the Women’s Premier League. The home side got a vital point against Fabulous Ladies in a 2-2 draw at the Okese park in Ejisu. Coach Sumani Bashirudeen is beaming with confidence heading into this weekend’s encounter having put up a spirited performance over the weekend to snatch a point on the road. Supreme Ladies scored two goals but ended up losing to rivals Kumasi Sports Academy on match day five with striker, Sandra Owusu Ansah grabbing a brace on the day. However, the two goals were not enough to secure them the points as they fell to city rivals Kumasi Sports Academy in the Okese Clash. Heading into this fixture, Coach Joyce Boatey Agyei believes the loop holes in the team have been identified and worked on. The teams lie in 5th and 6th places on the League table with 6 points apiece, setting the tone for an entertaining game in Tamale Friday. Last season, Supreme Ladies suffered one the heaviest defeats in history following a 6-0 loss to the Northern giants with Rahama Jafar (4) and Frederica Torkudzor (2) sharing the goals in a 6-goal thriller.
Prisons Ladies vs Pearl Pia Ladies
Prisons Ladies were unlucky not to clinch all three points at home last time out against regional rivals Ampem Darkoa Ladies but should pick valuable lessons from their strong showing in that fixture. In their bid for survival, home points will play a key role and winning their next fixture cannot be overemphasized. The return of some key players from the treatment room could be a boost going into this game against Pearl Pia Ladies. Pearl Pia are in search of their second win of the season in what appears to be the toughest match of the weekend. They slipped at home, after playing out a draw on match day 5, but captain Basira Alhassan was in superb form and looks forward to exhibiting more in the coming days. Prison Ladies won last season’s contest after Edith Sasakor scored in a 1-0 win in Sunyani.
Kumasi Sports Academy vs Fabulous Ladies
Kumasi Sports Academy showed real character coming back to winning ways over city rivals Ashtown Ladies, to set the tone for a top half challenge. The task of making the team very hard to beat is gathering steam with last weekend’s win catapulting them to 3rd position in the league log. That notwithstanding, more work needs to be done by coach Charles Anokye Frimpong in defense and attack. Fabulous Ladies sit last on the log with 2 points and in desperate need of a win to save their campaign. They showed great fighting spirit in the 2-2 draw against Northern Ladies at the WESCO park as Princess Owusua and Mavis Anima scored. Nana Atuahene believes the team must strive for a win even in the midst of setbacks. They have been badly hit by injuries with about six of their key players being attended to in the treatment room. Last season, goals from Sandra Atinga (pen) and Benedicta Duku gave Kumasi Sports Academy victory in a 2-1 win. Agnes Aduako got the consolation for Fabulous Ladies through a spot kick.
Ashtown Ladies vs Ampem Darkoa Ladies
Ashtown Ladies are buzzing with confidence after managing a point from Pearl Pia ladies in Tamale to extend their unbeaten run to three matches. The players have improved tremendously in their last three outings and coach Alex Kamara expects that to continue in this weekend’s tie against giants Ampem Darkoa Ladies. Ampem Darkoa on the other hand, will be looking to build on their win against Prisons Ladies, a win that brightened their chances as real title contenders, with a 5-point gap at the top of the table. Ampem Darkoa have bagged 13 points, 5 points ahead of 2nd placed Ashtown Ladies heading into the match day six tie. Coach Nana Adarkwa is keen on improving upon team cohesion, shooting accuracy and speed as he aims to end the first round on a high. The Techiman-based side have always had the upper hand over Ashtown Ladies in their encounters, and that was evident when the two sides clashed last season. Tracy Twum, Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah scored for Ampem Darkoa Ladies in a 5-0 thumping. Ashtown Ladies have not found their feet at home and with the attacking potency of Ampem Darkoa, trouble looms in the upcoming clash.
The Women’s Premier League is gathering momentum and with two games to end the first round, some clubs are already making clear their intensions of winning the title. Leaders Berry have yet to lose a game but Hasaacas Ladies, Lady strikers are breathing down the neck of the leaders. We expect some delectable games on match day Six. Here is to what to expect across the League centres.
Intellectuals FC vs Thunder Queens FC
Soccer Intellectuals started the season on the right path but seem to be witnessing a steady decline as they lie 5th on the league logo with 6 points. Coach Ali Yakubu expects the team to glitter on match day 6, as they head back to the Adu Yaw -Assasan Park. Thunder Queens showed glimpses of quality on match day one when they battled to a draw against Police Ladies at the McDan La Town Park. Soccer Intellectuals have not been themselves this season but matches between the two sides are always a close contest with last season’s goalless draw in mind. A crunchy midfield battle between Elizabeth Oppong and Salma Sai Jaibril and Mary Essiful and Mary Awuah Boateng awaits us.
Sea Lions FC vs Immigrations Ladies FC
Sea Lions have been very unimpressive in the season after picking only one point from possible 15. The Elmina based club shocked Hasaacas Ladies after coming from behind to snatch a point against the former champions at the Gyandu park in Sekondi. Coach Maapa Inkoom’s side in dire need of points to save their season as they lie bottom in the Southern Zone table. On Saturday, they hope to edge their opponents for their first win of the season to enhance their chances of survival. Maapa Inkoom believes inadequate preparation and lack of motivation have been their nemesis but is working hard to improve on the team’s fitness level in subsequent matches. Immigrations are coming a defeat to rivals, Police Ladies at home. Heading into this game, both teams are fervently searching for their first win of the season. Gifty Appiah’s strike handed Immigrations Ladies a 1-0 victory at the Ndoum Sports Stadium last season.
Police Ladies FC vs Hasaacas Ladies FC
A classic rivalry will be reignited on Sunday when Police Ladies host Hasaacas Ladies at the McDan La Town park. Police Ladies come into this game buoyed by last week’s win against Immigration Ladies in the ‘service clash’. Coach Franklin Oswald Sam was credited for working on the psyche of his players to produce the necessary win. Hasaacas Ladies, shared the spoils with struggling Sea Lions at home to widen the gap between them and the top two clubs. Last season’s encounter ended 2-1 in favor of Police Ladies with two goals from Ruth Appiah and Juanita Aguadze and Milot Abena Pokua pulling one back for Hasaacas Ladies. This particular fixture is one to look out for due to the quality of players at the disposal of both coaches. Talents like, Grace Anima, Victoria Teye Williams, Juanita Aguadze will line up for Police whilst Hasaacas presents Janet Egyir, Veronica Appiah and Milot Abena Pokua. The McDan La town park will be fun on Sunday.
Berry Ladies FC vs Lady Strikers FC
League leaders Berry Ladies are the lone side in the League with a perfect record of winning all 5 matches thus far. Coach of the side, Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo has masterminded a smooth take off by recording a 100% winning record in the competition. They lead the table with 15 points, three clear of Saturday’s opponents, Lady Strikers. Lady Strikers are far from pushovers after winning three matches on the trot, something least expected from a team who lost their first game at home to Hasaacas. Both Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo and Rashid Iddi will look to outscore each other with both teams coming off a morale boosting wins over the weekend. The game comes off at the Zuka park at Madina.
The Black Satellites of Ghana are through to the semifinals of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations of a penalty shoutout victory over Cameroon.
After 120 minutes of football, the game ended 1-1 with extra time goals from Kevin Prince Milla and Frank Boateng and Cameroon respectively.
The three times champions were faultless in the shootout scoring four with Cameroon missing two.
Cameroon started the game strongly pegging the Black Starlets back for most part of the first 20 minutes, making it difficult for the WAFU Champions to thread passes together.
Despite their earlier dominance, Frank Assinki, Uzair Alhassan, Philemon Baffour and Samuel Abbey Quaye were solid in defence.
The first half failed to produced any clear cut chance and coach Karim Zito was forced to make an early substitution in the second half. Mathew Anim Cudjoe was replaced by Frank Boateng.
The Black Satellites stop a Cameroon attack with a dangerous counterattack but Precious Boah was flagged offside.
Both sides became cautious as the clock tick, forcing the game to go into extra time.
Cameroon spilled first blood in extra time after opening the scoring through son of legend Roger Miller, Kevin-Prince Milla.
But the lead lasted few minutes after second half substitute Frank Boateng pulled parity for Ghana before extra time first half.
Ghana came close to snatching the winner after a cross from Uzair Alhassan missed Josepho Barnes by inches. The Schalke O4 man was close again with a cheeky header.
After 120 minutes of football, the two sides could not be separated with the game having to be decided from spot kicks.
Frank Boateng, Frank Assinki, Precious Boah and Daniel Barnieh all scores from the spot with the Cameroonians miss two.
Asante Kotoko head coach Abdulai Gazale has named his starting line-up against Bechem United resting his key members of the team.
The likes of Razak Abalora, Christopher, Emmanuel Sarkodie, Fabio Gama and Kwame Opoku are not part of today’s encounter following Sunday’s Super clash against rivals Hearts Of Oak.
Goalkeeper and Captain, Felix Annan has returned to the post while Samuel Frimpong will take the right-back of the defence.
Coach Abdul Karim Zito has made four changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Gambia in the final group game of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday
The Black Satellites will take on Cameroon at the Stade Olympique in first quarterfinal.
Former U17 captain Uzair Alhassan has been drafted in to replace Nathaniel Adjei who has been ruled out of the match.
Uzair will partner Frank Kwabena Assinki in central defense with Samuel Abbey Ashie-Quaye and Philomon Baffour on the left and right respectively.
In midfield, Emmanuel Essiam and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku will start with Patrick Mensah also brought in for today’s game.
Mathew Anim Cudjoe and Captain for the side Afriyie Barnie who came on as substitutes in all three group matches have been handed a starting roles today.
Upfront for the Black Satellites will be Percious Boah who grabbed a brace in the opening match against Tanzania.
The game is expected to kick off at 4pm GMT at the Stade Olympique in Nouakchott.
Below is Ghana’s XI vs Cameroon:
21. Danlad Ibrahim
2. Philomon Baffour
5. Frank Kwabena Assinki
26. Uzair Alhassan
23. Samuel Abbey-Ashie Quaye
6. Emmanuel Essiam
13. Patrick Mensah
22. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
7. Mathew Anim Cudjoe
9. Percious Boah
10. Daniel Afriyie Barnie (C)
Subs
William Emmanuel Ensu (1), Nathaniel Adjei (4), Ivan Anokye Mensah (14), David Kudjo(12) Samuel Koshie Agbenyega (19) Frank Boateng (24), Emmanuel Agyemang Duah (25), James Ampofo(30), Ofori McCarthy (15), Joselpho Barnes (27)
