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Asante Kotoko tactician Prosper Narteh Ogum says he has been selecting players based on their performance at the training ground and not by virtue of their
‘big name’ reputation.

According to him, most of the ‘old or senior’ players, are not getting selections for matches in the ongoing Ghana Premier League because of bad outings during their training schedules.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, November 8, Prosper Narteh Ogum stated emphatically that his team’s selection is strictly based on performances and not favoritism, as being peddled in the local media and among some supporters of the club.

“Most of the senior players are not putting in much effort at training, and that’s the reason I start the young guys who were originally not supposed to start.

“Players stay in Kotoko and after one or two years they turn into politicians. Some have turned to politicians, and they always want to get playing time by going through their friends who are journalists. But that won’t work. If you are good, prove it at the training ground for everyone to see.”

Kotoko have recorded only two victories this season, losing two and drawing five after nine matches in the top flight.

They are lying in the precarious 14th position on the league log. They will trek to play FC Samartex in their next game at Nsenkyire Park.

Asante Kotoko coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum claims that the team’s poor performance this season is due to a goal-scoring issue.

Despite having a wealth of skilled attackers on the squad, like Steven Mukwala Dese, Kalo Quattara, Georges Mfegue, and others, he claims that his team’s inability to score goals has been a major concern this season.

Prosper Narteh Ogum stated during a press conference on Wednesday, November 8, that while his squad creates many opportunities, finishing them in the goal has proven to be a challenge.

“Our problem is goal-scoring and that’s a fact. We even play better than our opponents, create chances but at the end of the day how to put the ball in the net has been the problem”, he said.

Coach Ogum believes should the goal-scoring problem be solved, Asante Kotoko will start accruing the needed results.

“We have to work on our goal-scoring and I know everything will be fine.”

Kotoko have recorded only two wins this season, losing two and drawing five after nine rounds of matches.

The Porcupines have dropped to the 14th position on the league log after losing 1:0 to Dreams FC at home last weekend, with teenage midfielder Abdul Aziz Issah scoring the only goal from a sublime free-kick.

The defeat to Dreams FC escalated the situation as Asante Kotoko fans booed the players and officials of the club as a way of expressing their dissatisfaction with the performance of the team.

Asante Kotoko’s next game is against FC Samartex at the dreaded Nsenkyire Sports Complex in Samreboi this weekend.

Five players have been shortlisted for the NASCO player of the month for their outstanding performances in the month of October, 2023.

Isaac Mintah of Aduana FC, Nurudeen Yussif Mohammed of Asante Kotoko SC and Michael Ampadu of  Accra Hearts of Oak SC have been nominated alongside Abdul Manaf Umar of Nsoatreman FC and Appiah Maccarthy of Bibiani GoldStars FC

The four players were impressive for their respective Clubs throughout the month.

The winner will receive a 43-inches NASCO Television set from Electroland Ghana Limited.

Below are the statistics of the players:

After guiding their respective teams to some impressive performances last month, three Technical heads are in the race for the NASCO Coach of the Month for October, 2023.

Coach Maxwell Konadu of Nsoatreman FC, Yaw Acheampong of Aduana FC, Augustine Evans Adotey are all gunning for the top award.

The winner will be announced by the GFA before the Matchday 10 round of matches.

The winner will receive a 43-inch NASCO Television set from Electroland Ghana Limited.

Here are the statistics of the three nominees:

Betpawa has reportedly decided to terminate its sponsorship association with the Ghana Premier League, leaving many stakeholders disappointed.

This decision comes just a year and three months into their three-year deal with the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Betpawa and the GFA had initially signed a three-year sponsorship agreement, with provisions for annual renewals. However, Betpawa has now reviewed its sponsorship and determined that it is in its best interest to withdraw from the partnership.

The GFA announced on August 3, 2022, naming betPawa as the official headline sponsor of the Ghana Premier League. This partnership was intended to boost the league’s marketing and positioning, to make it one of the most successful and attractive leagues in Africa.

Betpawa had committed to investing $6 million over the three-year deal, with over $2 million already paid during their involvement of just over a year.

This development poses a significant setback, particularly for the clubs that will now have to rely solely on broadcasting rights revenue from Startimes.

Before Betpawa’s involvement, the league had endured several seasons without a headline sponsor, making the initial deal a cause for celebration, though its duration has fallen short of expectations.

After Dreams FC and Kotoko played an exciting encounter, a startling occurrence occurred when referee Robert Musey and his officiating team were attacked during halftime.

High drama had defined the encounter, and worries about the safety of the match officials had almost led to its abandonment.

Already tainted by controversy, the match saw Dreams FC emerge victorious thanks to a goal in the first half from Abdul Aziz Issah.

There had been reports during the second half that unknown people had barged into the locker room, raising security worries and prompting officials to contemplate calling off the game.

Although the attack’s motivations are yet unknown, it has seriously raised issues and left a black stain on Ghana football with regard to security and sportsmanship.

This incident has only added to the tension surrounding Kotoko’s challenging season, marked by four consecutive winless matches, fan agitation, and doubts about Coach Prosper Ogum’s second term. As investigations into the attack unfold, ensuring the safety and integrity of football matches and all participants becomes paramount.

Abdul Aziz Issah scored an absolute beauty to give Dreams FC their first ever Premier League win over Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara stadium.

Both sides came to into the game looking to recover from their setbacks in midweek.

Asante Kotoko suffered a 1-0 loss to Nsoatreman FC while Dreams FC fell 2-0 to Berekum Chelsea at home.

Karim Zito’s men started the game on the front foot as they marched on with an improved performance to frustrate the home side.

However, Kotoko were ahead in terms of chance created but failed to utilize the numerous opportunities.

Abdul Aziz Issah smashed home a wonderful free kick into the top corner to beat Danlad Ibrahim for the match winner inside 39 minutes.

The Reds brought on Enock Morrison, George Mfegue and Shadrack Addo in the second half as they piled pressure for the the equalizer but the Still Believe lads stood firm for the win.

The defeat leaves Asante Kotoko winless in four League games as Dreams FC grab their first win since Sunday, October 22, when they beat Medeama SC 2-0 at Dawu.

Ten-man Medeama SC returned to winning ways after a 2-0 win against Legon Cities at the El-wak stadium Sunday.

The Tarkwa lads saw their title defence hit a jolt following a 3-1 loss to Accra Hearts of Oak in midweek. But coach Evans Adotey and his charges made a major statement to hand Legon Cities their first home loss of the season.

Medeama SC scored in either half to win the contest. The Mauve and yellows took a well deserved lead inside 44 minutes through Mamudu Kamaradin who headed home from a free kick.

His goal came 7 minutes after defender Godknows Dzakpasu was shown the exit after a second yellow card.

Medeama SC went into the break with the slim lead but needed to play the second half with 10 men.

The numerical disadvantage affected their pattern of play in the opening stages of the second half but that didn’t deter them from fighting on as Kofi Asmah scored the second goal in the 59th minute.

Legon Cities put in renewed energy in search of a comeback but Medeama SC hanged on to pick their second consecutive win against Legon Cities at the El-wak stadium.