GPL match report: Asante Kotoko share spoils with Bechem United


Asante Kotoko’s struggle continued as they endured a goalless stalemate against Bechem United on Saturday, extending their winless run to five games.

Despite showing signs of improvement compared to their previous four defeats, the Porcupine Warriors couldn’t secure the much-needed victory.

Despite their efforts, Asante Kotoko had to settle for a point, maintaining their seventh position in the Ghana Premier League.

However, their standing remains precarious, as other weekend fixtures could potentially see them slip further down the table.

Goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim played a crucial role, making several important saves to keep Kotoko in contention.

Bechem United thought they had a first-half penalty, only for the referee to overturn his decision after consulting with his assistant.

Both teams had opportunities to clinch victory but failed to capitalise, resulting in a draw at the Nana Gyeabour Park.

The pressure continues to mount on Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum, despite receiving backing from management.

W
ith results not meeting expectations, Ogum’s position remains under scrutiny.

For Bechem United, it’s another draw, leaving them trailing the top four by two points.

However, they remain within striking distance of their season objective of securing a top-four finish.

Source:Ghana Web

I played my best football in the UAE – Ex-Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan


Former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, has insisted he played his best football in his career in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Gyan joined Al Ain on an initial loan deal from Sunderland in 2011, a move that surprised many football fans.

However, the deal was made permanent after just a season. The 38-year-old signed a five-year contract.

Gyan scored a total of 95 goals in 83 appearances.

Speaking in an interview on the Breakfast Show on GTV on Friday, Gyan said his best career was in the UAE.

“My favourite country is quite interesting; it’s quite funny, but I always choose the UAE. I played my best football there. People thought my career was over when I went there.

“But when I came to the national team, my international record was much better than it was in Europe.”

Quizzed about what life was like in the UAE, he responded, “I was just there to play football.

“They did everything for me. They put you in a house, fully furnished, a nine-bedroom house; they will say go and play football; score for
us.

“When playing in the UAE, they will do everything for you, so you will consent to playing football,” he added.

Asamoah Gyan also played in France, Italy, England, Turkey, China and India.

Source:Ghana Web

13th African Games: Ghana Immigration Service honours Armwrestling team?

Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has pledged to recruit five members of Ghana’s Armwrestling team into the service following their exploits at the just-ended 13th African Games.?

He also assured that two personnel from the Ghana Immigration Service, ICO Nii Otoo Larkyne and Assistant Inspector Edward Yamoah Asamoah who also participated in the competition would be promoted.?

The team, made up of seven members from the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) secured 12 medals out of the total 41 won.?

The five civilians were Yasmine Moro, Blessed Nunoo, Mary Quaye, Rashida Abbass and Godwin Sackey.?

DSI Anita Wiredu Mintah, deputy coach of the Black Princesses was also commended for her role in helping the Black Princesses win gold.?

Mr. Asuah Takyi made this known after the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, led by Mr. Charles Osei Asibey together with athletes presented medals won at the games.?

The Comptroller-General speaking during the short ceremony expre
ssed excitement having seen galant men and women from the service hoist the flag of Ghana high.?

‘Five of the medallists are civilians, I want to assure you that with my management, we would recruit them into the service. Where they have taken Ghana and the Immigration Service to, money cannot buy it so we have to honour them,’ he said.?

He said sports, during the early years was used as a tool to portray and brand Ghana, hence the need to show appreciation to these sportsmen and women.

He applauded the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) for a successful hosting and organization of the games.?

Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, who doubles as President of Armwrestling Federation of Africa thanked GIS for the honour.?

He said the Ghana Immigration Service had supported the Ghana Armwrestling Federation in achieving loads of success since its inception in 2016.?

‘Our team is dominated by Police Officer and Immigration Officers and our coach for the national team and captain are all Immigration Officers,’ he said.?

The Ghana Armwrestling Federation scooped 41 medals out of the total 69 won by team Ghana at the Africa Games.?

Source:Ghana News Agency

GPL match report : Accra Lions secure narrow win over Bofoakwa Tano


Seidu Sadat’s first-half strike was enough as Accra Lions continued their fine start to the second half of the season with another victory at home.

Accra Lions deservedly defeated the Sunyani-based outfit after a dominant display, which saw them create several chances.

Bofoakwa came close early in the game after Ali Alhassan’s effort hit the side net but moments later Barnard Kesse pulled a great save from the visitors’ goalkeeper Emmanuel Kobi.

Kesse almost handed Accra Lions the lead after his header from a Baba Apiiga freekick missed by inches.

Accra Lions’ dominance paid off after a move from Kesse broke on the left to serve Sadat with a nice cross, and the midfielder made no mistake as he rolled it in.

Sadat failed to return after the break after picking a knock and was replaced by youngster Blessing Asuman.

Just moments into the second half Andrews Owusu produced a brave to deny Elijah Addai before Dominic Amponsah fumbled following a fine cross from Asuman.

Lions continued to create chances with
Awuni and Asuman sending in good crosses for Amponsah and later Fredrick Asante.

Source:Ghana Web

13th Africa Games: GIS honours Armwrestling Team, offers recruitment to five medal winners


The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has extended a gesture of appreciation and recognition to the Ghana Armwrestling Team for their outstanding performance at the 13th African Games, held recently.

In a ceremony at the GIS Headquarters in Accra, on Friday, April 6, 2024, Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi, the Comptroller General of the GIS, pledged to recruit five civilian members of the Armwrestling Team who collectively clinched an impressive 41 medals for Ghana.

The Armwrestling Team, consisting of officers from both the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Immigration Service, showcased exceptional talent and dedication throughout the tournament.

Among the medal-winning civilians are Yasmine Moro, who secured a silver and a bronze medal; Blessed Nunoo, who claimed two gold medals; Rashida Abbass, who earned a silver medal; Mary Quaye, who bagged a silver and a bronze medal; and Godwin Sackey, who achieved a gold and a bronze medal.

Additionally, the contributions of two immigration officers, ICO Nii Otoo Larkyne an
d Assistant Inspector Edward Yamoah Asamoah, were acknowledged. ICO Nii Otoo Larkyne served as the head coach of the Armwrestling Team, while Assistant Inspector Edward Yamoah Asamoah captained the team.

DSI Anita Wiredu Mintah, the deputy coach of the Black Princesses team, which secured gold in the women’s football competition, was also commended for her role.

During the ceremony, Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi expressed pride in the achievements of both the civilian and officer members of the Arm Wrestling Team. He affirmed the GIS’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence, stating, “When there is recruitment, we are going to pick them.”

Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, expressed gratitude to the GIS for nurturing officers with leadership qualities, such as Larkyne and Yamoah, who have been pivotal figures in the national team since 2016.

The Federation also presented Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi with a medal and bestowed upon him the title of patron of the sport on b
ehalf of the Federation.

Source:Ghana Web

GPL match preview: Hearts of Oak face in-from Bibiani Gold Stars in Accra


Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak are back to the Accra Sports Stadium this weekend to face Bibiani Goldstars in matchday 24 of the Ghana Premier League.

The Phobians return to their favourite grounds after spending a couple of weeks playing their home games away from the Accra Sports Stadium due to the African Games competition.

The 2004 CAF Confederations Cup winners are aiming to beat Goldstars to bounce back to winning ways after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against league leaders, Samartex two weeks ago.

The defeat against Samartex was their under Ivorian trainer Aboubakar Ouattara, ending their eight-game unbeaten streak.

Hearts of Oak have been impressive under the Ivorian coach, who joined the club before the start of the second round of the season. They have managed two wins, two draws and one defeat in their last five games.

The Rainbow Boys are 9th on the Ghana Premier League table with 33 points and are aiming for maximum points against Goldstars to push them further on the league log.

Ouattara an
d his charges are brimming with confidence ahead of the much-anticipated clash scheduled for Sunday. The Premier League giants will be aiming for the three points to put smiles on the faces of their teaming fans upon their return to the Accra Sports Stadium.

The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at the Duns Park and Hearts of Oak will be yearning for victory this time on home turf.

Hearts of Oak are ahead in their last five meetings with Goldstars, winning three and drawing two in the process.

Bibiani Goldstars, on the other hand, have just been brilliant in the second half of the campaign. The team’s outstanding performance in March has earned head coach Frimpong Manso a place in the coach of the month nominees.

The miners are yet to lose a game in the Ghanaian top-flight since their 1-0 defeat to Asante Kotoko on March 1, 2024, at the Baba Yara Stadium. In their last four games, Goldstars have managed two wins and two draws, which serve as proof of their top form.

With 29 points, Bibiani Goldstars occupies
the 13th position on the domestic top-flight table.

With an electrifying atmosphere in Accra, the two teams are expected to produce a scintillating football for the fans.

Source:Ghana Web

We haven’t seen the best of top-talent Mohammed Kudus yet – West Ham defender Aaron Creswell


England defender, Aaron Creswell has heaped praises on Ghana international Mohammed Kudus.

The two players play together at West Ham United.

Speaking of his teammate, Aaron Creswell has described Mohammed Kudus as a top talent.

According to him, the world has not yet seen the best of the Black Stars poster boy.

‘I think he is a top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet. That goal he scored against Freiburg, I think he’s got plenty more of that,’ Aaron Creswell said.

Sharing some insights from training, the experienced defender said he cannot go near Mohammed Kudus.

He said the talented youngster is so strong, so quick, and so sharp.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus’s magical solo goal against SC Freiburg in the Europa League has been voted goal of the month at West Ham.

Cress gives kudos to Kudus ????

– West Ham United (@WestHam) April 5, 2024

Source:Ghana Web

Don’t let ‘bitter’ Asamoah Gyan use you in Dede Ayew ‘fight’ – Kudus Mohammed advised


West Ham superstar Mohammed Kudus has been advised to be wary of overtures from former Black Stars skipper Asamoah Gyan.

In a recent interview, Asamoah Gyan, who is Ghana’s all-time top scorer, believes several great players have heralded the Black Stars in recent years and it’s time for the team to be built around Kudus.

‘So far it is obvious, when I say it’s obvious, I mean you know, Mohammed Kudus,’ Gyan said in an interview with Asempa FM.

‘When I was coming up, we had Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari and at a point it got to me. Players have come and gone. We had the Abedi Pele era, Stephen Appiah era, Michael Essien era and the Asamoah Gyan era and now it looks like it’s Kudus’ era.’

He also indirectly suggested Dede Ayew should make way for Kudus.

But Francisca Adjei, a politician believes Kudus should be careful of Asamoah Gyan.

She also advised Dede to keep ignoring Asamoah Gyan.

“I just love the way Dede Ayew constantly ignores Asamoah Gyan.

“Gyan’s hatred for Dede is so strong
that he can’t hide it anymore. He uses the least opportunity he gets, to indirectly abuse Dede.

“What at all did Dede do to Gyan?

“Mohammed Kudus shouldn’t allow Asomoah Gyan to use him against anyone. He should be far from Gyan.

Dede should continue to ignore him, he isn’t worth his response!” she wrote on social media.

Source:Ghana Web