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‘Nollywood watching CEO’ Nana Sarfo Oduro disowned by his Club Berekum Chelsea

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In a swift attempt to distance themselves from Comments by club Chief executive officer Nana Sarfo Oduro in the Media, Berekum Chelsea FC has called on the general public to disassociate the club from contemptuous issues raised in the interview by the Ghana FA executive council member.

A statement signed by the executive management of the club maintained that the comments were that of the CEO and cannot in anyway be linked to the club.

The statement stressed that the club is working together with the Berekum East and West Municipal assembly to ensure the Golden City Park is raised to an appreciable standard.

‘We wish to assure the Ghanaian Football community that the club has taken steps to tackle the issue at hand by engaging the Berekum East and West to help with the maintenance of the Golden City park on and off season’

The club has further apologised to the public, and assured all of proper communication in the future

‘The club wish to apologise to all who felt let down by what could have been properly communicated’.

By Seidu Adamu/442gh

I’m watching Nigerian movie and that is more precious to me than discussing state of Berekum pitch – Ghana FA ExCo member Oduro Sarfo

Ghana Football Association Executive Council member Nana Oduro Sarfo has courted public anger after publicly belittling talks about the state of the Berekum Golden City Park.

Football fans in the West African nation across all divide questioned the nature and state of the Golden City Park when pictures surfaced on social media on Saturday ahead of the Ghana Premier League match day 2 clash between Chelsea and Kotoko.

Camera images from the game has been described by experts as unfit for purposes such as marketing and branding while it also distorts football’s game flow.

But, the Ghana FA ExCo member who is a top official of Berekum Chelsea has courted public anger and disaffection for the football association by rubbishing all concerns raised about the nature of the pitch.

“Some of the players even play on grassless pitches so what are you talking about? Nobody has asked you to call me. I’m watching Nigerian movie and that is more precious to me at this point. We have finished playing the game and I don’t care about anything anymore. If you don’t understand go and ‘collect’ the three points from us,” he told Accra-based Angel FM.

Berekum Chelsea shared the spoils with Kotoko in the game which saw experienced striker Emmanuel Clottey scoring a last-gasp finish from a free-kick after Kwame Opoku had opened the scoring for the Porcupine Warriors in the first-half.

Clottey’s celebration antics has been described as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike by most fans after he took off his jersey, brandished it at the Kotoko bench before hauling it at them. He has since apologised for his actions.

By El Akyereko/ Ghanasportsonline

AUDIO: “To hell with those complaining about the nature of pitch at Berekum Golden city Park” – GFA ExCo member Nana Oduro Sarfo

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Berekum Chelsea and Ex-co member, Nana Oduro Sarfo has descended heavily on people criticizing the nature of the Berekum Golden City park.

Berekum Chelsea on Sunday evening hosted Asante Kotoko at the Berekum Golden City park. The game that ended 1-1 had a pulsating finish, with Emmanuel Clottey scoring late to cancel an early goal scored by Kwame Opoku.

The beauty of the game on the day was marred by the state of the pitch. The state of the Golden City park was an eye sore, it was in a worse state weeks after it was approved by the Club Licensing Board.

The situation has attracted lots of criticism from unimpressed football fans. However, CEO of Berekum Chelsea Nana Oduro Sarfo has hit back at all critics, insisting the club will continue to play at ground.

“To hell with those complaining about the nature of pitch at Brekum Golden city Park. Besides players usually play Sakora pitch,” Oduro Sarfo said on Angel 102.9 fm.

“No one has given us money so the complains must stop. We will continue to play on that pitch,” he added.

Click the link below to listen to the audio:

audio-2020-11-23-21-02-25.m4a

By Mahama Shaibu

2020-21 GPL: Preview: Hearts Of Oak vs Ashantigold SC

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Accra Hearts of Oak have yet to play a game in the 2020/21 season because some players and officials tested positive for the corona virus pandemic, leading to the postponement of their opening match against Aduana stars.

The Phobians have since been cleared to participate in the League following further tests carried out by the Ghana Health Service.

On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, Hearts of Oak will get their season underway with a game against one of their long-standing rivals, AshantiGold SC at the Accra sports stadium.

As title contenders, matches between the two teams are always tough. The miners began their campaign with a 2-2 drawn game against Karela United on Match Day One and will fancy their chances against the Phobians.

Mohammed Alhassan, Robert Addo Sowah, Richard Attah, Raddy Ovouka and Benjamin Afutu showed consistency last season grinding out some impressive results in the season especially on the road winning against Liberty professionals, Dreams FC and Ebusua Dwarfs.

They also recorded an improved performance against WAFA at the Red Bull Arena to draw goalless with the Academy side.

Today, Hearts of Oak have lost some sparkle upfront due to the departure of Kofi Kordzie, Bernard Arthur and Joseph Esso. But Coach Edward Odoom would look up to returnees, Nuru Sulley, Patrick Razak and youngster Afriyie Barnie to make the difference this season.

Hearts have also recruited former MTN FA Cup top scorer Abednego Tetteh but the former Bechem United hit man will not play a part in Tuesday’s game as he continues to recover from an illness.

In midfield, Emmanuel Nettey and Frederick Ansah Botchway who joined last season are expected to carry on from where they left off.

AshantiGold are not too different from Hearts of Oak in terms of player departure having lost a considerable number of players in the summer transfer window. However, the miners still look formidable despite the departures. The signed Empem Dacosta, Atta Kusi, Yaw Annorl and Hans Kwofi.

The exit of Shafiu Mumuni, Yussif Mubarik, Latif Anabila, James Akaminko and Eric Donkor may have taken a bit of shine away from the miners but they still have players who have the pedigree to stand any test.

Appiah McCarthy, Amos Addai, Mark Agyekum, Eric Esso, Kwadwo Amoako, Richard Osei Agyemang and Jacob Appau are top-quality players who are potent enough to battle any kind of opposition in the League.

The game is scheduled for 18:00 GMT kick off at the Accra Sports stadium.

GFA 

U-turn: GFA agrees for Asante Kotoko, other clubs to record Premier League matches

The Ghana football Association has given the green light for Clubs participating in the Ghana Premier League to record matches they are involved in.

The clubs and the Football Association came to an amicable conclusion after the leadership of the Association met Chief Executive officer of the clubs.

The issues of clubs recording their matches became topical after the Ghana Football Association asked club not to record such matches due to contractual disagreements with StarTimes.

The new decision puts to rest the long standing disagreement that saw Asante Kotoko demanding copies of the StarTimes agreement with the football Association.

By Seidu Adamu

Kotoko legend Jabir backs under-fire coach Maxwell Konadu

Asante Kotoko SC legend, Malik Jabir has jumped to the defence of under-fire Maxwell Konadu after just two draws in two games in the ongoing Ghana premier league.

Konadu is under increasing pressure after guiding the Porcupines secure just 2 points from their games played in the 2020-21 Ghana Premier.

The former Black Stars B tactician has been hugely criticised after his side played 1-1 drawn game against Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park through Emmanuel Clottey’s last-minute free-kick which was as the last kick of the game.

Kotoko had scored in the first half of the game through striker Kwame Opoku.

Some sections of the fans have called for Konadu’s head which Malik Jabir who is a former coach of the club calls it premature to judge his performance just two games into the season.

“It will be too premature to make any fair assessment of any coach including Maxwell Konadu. We have not played enough games to take any decision on any coach. It will be very unfair. At least ten games will be enough to make any fair assessment of Maxwell.” He spoke on Akoma FM.

Maxwell Konadu and his charges will fly to Mauritania to take on FC Nouadhibou in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League this weekend.

Ebusua Dwarfs gaffer Ernest Thompson summoned before GFA Disciplinary Committee

The Ghana Football Association has referred Ebusua Dwarfs Coach, Ernest Thompson to the Disciplinary Committee for comments made against Referee Joshua Samadji, on his performance during the game between Techiman Eleven Wonders and Ebusua Dwarfs on match day 1 at the Ohene Ameyaw Park in Techiman.

Before the commencement of the season, Club officials and all participants of the game were reminded to be mindful of disparaging comments about referees and match officials.

READ MORE: VIDEO: Dwarfs coach Thompson-Quartey cries over officiating in their 2-0 loss to Eleven Wonders

Complaint Forms were made available to clubs as a means of addressing incidents during matches, where clubs are to fill the form, indicate time, incident, culprits, and submit to the match review panel within 48 hours after the said match.

The Match Review Panel will then review the performance of the referee or match official and issue a decision on the said incidence.

Clubs are urge to use the appropriate channel and forum within 48hours after a match to address all grievances rather than resorting to making comments in the media.

©GFA

The XI players that could start for Hearts Of Oak against Ashantigold SC

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Edward Odoom’s Accra Hearts of Oak starts their 2020/21 league season on Tuesday, this time by his own doing. For the league game of the season, he welcomes Ashanti Gold SC to the Accra Sports stadium. Ashanti Gold is a tricky opponent; they’ve been known to give teams like Hearts and Kotoko problems.

Fans of Hearts have to wait longer than most to watch their team. The Phobians first league of the season against Aduana Stars was cancelled because of suspected cases of coronavirus in their camp. The Miners, on the other hand, drew 2-2 with Karela United at the Len Clay sports stadium.

With that mind, here’s how they could line up on Tuesday.

Richard Attah (GK) – Attah will start. End of story. This is perhaps the one position which remains undisputed in a crowded, yet talented squad. Edward Odoom has clearly emphasized clean sheets and Attah is a vital cog in that plan. Be prepared to see another confident display from Attah against the Miners.

Fatawu Mohammed (RB) – Skipper of the side. Has struggled with injuries, but is one of the division’s best on his day. Would be a surprise if he doesn’t start on Tuesday.

Nuru Sulley (CB) – With the options available, predicting Odoom’s centre-back pairing is like predicting when the world is ending. You never know what’s coming. Studying Odoom’s patterns though can mitigate this unpredictability, as he has relied on Sulley more than not during pre-season. The former skipper does a lot of things right but has moments where he completely switches off and is unaware of his surroundings. In a game that will likely see Hearts dominate possession, Odoom will hope a composed Sulley shows up.

James Sewornu (CB) – Sewornu has been a revelation for the Phobians during pre-season. While he has made a mistake or two, he has been reliable at the back and has dominated every forward that has come his way. His aerial dominance cannot be understated either. He can create terror in the opposition’s box when he reaches for every cross into the box on free kicks and corners.

Expect another solid performance from the young defender.

William Denkyi (LB) – Denkyi looks likely to nick the left-back spot off of Raddy Ovouka on Tuesday. While both have played a similar amount of games, Denkyi is more capable of whipping the ball in the box and creating big chances. With his pace going forward, Denkyi will be given the license to push forward and ensure that Hearts comes out with goals.

Emmanuel Nettey (CM) – The lad’s brilliant. Isn’t he? He was a revelation last term and is expected to continue from where he left off last season. He loves to score beautiful goals and is blessed with the ability to assist others to score.

Frederick Ansah Botchway (CM) – After a frustrating season last term, Botchway has been rejuvenated this season. Recognised by many as one of the most intelligent midfielders in the division, the former Liberty man has not had it easy at Hearts. His gritty defensive contribution, slick link-up play and elusive drives from midfield have made him complete midfielder he was billed up during his Liberty days.

Manaf Umar (AM) – The silent Guardian. The Protector. The Bawku knight. These were accolades accorded Manaf Umar in the NC tournament for the Phobians with his splendid displays. Unfortunately, he failed to replicate the same form last term. Elegant, composed and feisty, Umar should take complete control of the midfield on Tuesday.= to give proof that his performances in the NC competition were no fluke.

Michelle Sarpong (RF) – After a slow start to his Hearts career and some expert man-management by Grant, Sarpong started putting in some big performances for the Phobians and became quite an influential player in the NC competition. However, injuries struck and Sarpong struggled for fitness last season. Back to being fully fit, Sarpong should be restored to the line-up. Odoom will hope the tricky forward will find his feet quickly as the Phobians will heavily rely on him in this crunch game.

Victor Aidoo (ST) – Aidoo was terrific for the Phobians in pre-season. He has shown that he is more than just a forward. The former Samartex forward is often seen dropping deep to help out in defence and then sprinting with the ball. His work rate has been exceptional and his movement around the box has been lethal. Aidoo will be at his usual best against Ashanti Gold, and a goal seems to be coming.

Patrick Razak (LF) – The diminutive winger has found his way back into the team. Despite the numerous attacking signings, he has managed to make room for himself through stellar performances early on. He is on fire as he created chances at will and toyed with defenders. It is safe to say that Razak’s pace is one of the most deadly weapons known to mankind. He is ready to destroy Ashanti Gold, and expect the Phobians to go extinct on Tuesday.

Source: Phobianews.com

CAF approve stadia for Asante Kotoko SC and Ashantigold SC

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released approval notice on venues submitted by Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC and Ashantigold SC for their upcoming CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup matches respectively.

Asante Kotoko SC kick start the Africacampaign this weekend on the road to FC Nouadhibou in Mauritania while Ashantigold SC stays in Obuasi and welcomes Salitas FC.

After thorough checks on the various venues submitted by both clubs, the CAF Club Licensing Committee has approved the following;

CLUB1STCHOICEAPPROVAL2NDCHOICEAPPROVAL
ASHANTIGOLD SCLEN CLAY SPORTS STADIUM – OBUASIAPPROVED FOR PRELIMINARY STAGECAPE COAST SPORTS STADIUM – CAPE COASTAPPROVED
ASANTE KOTOKO SCACCRA SPORTS STADIUM – ACCRAAPPROVEDALIU MAHAMA SPORTS STADIUM, TAMALEAPPROVED

©GFA 

FIFA bans CAF President Ahmad for 5 years

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World’s football governing body, FIFA has slapped CAF President Ahmad Ahmad a five-year ban for financial misconduct. 

The ban will affect his ambition to contest for the CAF Presidency next year.

Ahmad was accused of duty of loyalty, offering and accepting gifts or other benefits, abuse of position and misappropriation of funds

The head of Africa’s football has been under the radar of FIFA for some time now after accusations of financial malfeasance at CAF.

Below is a statement from the FIFA adjudicatory committee on Ahmad’s ban:  

The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has found Ahmad Ahmad, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and a FIFA Vice-President, guilty of having breached art. 15 (Duty of loyalty), art. 20 (Offering and accepting gifts or other benefits) and art. 25 (Abuse of position) of the 2020 edition of the FIFA Code of Ethics, as well as art. 28 (Misappropriation of funds) of the 2018 edition.

The investigation into Mr Ahmad’s conduct in his position as CAF President during the period from 2017 to 2019 concerned various CAF-related governance issues, including the organisation and financing of an Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, his involvement in CAF’s dealings with the sports equipment company Tactical Steel and other activities.

In its decision, following an extensive hearing, the adjudicatory chamber ruled that, based on information gathered by the investigatory chamber, Mr Ahmad had breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts and other benefits, mismanaged funds and abused his position as the CAF President, pursuant to the FIFA Code of Ethics.

Consequently, the adjudicatory chamber found that Mr Ahmad had breached arts 15, 20 and 25 of the current edition of the FIFA Code of Ethics, as well as art. 28 of the 2018 edition, and sanctioned him with a ban from all football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) at both national and international level for five years. In addition, a fine in the amount of CHF 200,000 has been imposed on Mr Ahmad.

The terms of the decision were notified to Mr Ahmad today, the date on which the ban comes into force. In accordance with art. 78 par. 2 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, the full, motivated decision will be notified to Mr Ahmad in the next 60 days, after which will be published on legal.fifa.com.