Category: Sports

Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has kicked against the assertion that the Black Stars were shredded into pieces when they met Brazil in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Gyan, who believes the Black Stars competed well in the game, argues that the Black Stars fell short due to inexperience, which was the only distinct factor between the two sides.

“Experience was the difference in that game but I disagree if you say we were cooked, bro. Go back and watch the full game bro,” he wrote in reply to a post by journalist Owuraku Ampofo suggesting Ghana got ‘cooked’ in the game.

In another tweet, Gyan who is Africa’s top scorer at the World Cup, backed a comment by another user who said Ghana lost the game due to the absence of Michael Essien.

The game was Ghana’s first-ever knockout game in the World Cup after progressing from the group stage in their first attempt.

Ghana were no match for Brazil who thumped the African giants 3-0 with Black Stars conceding the first goal just five minutes into the game. Asamoah
Gyan was sent off in the 81st minute after picking a second yellow card for diving.

The Black Stars had finished second in Group E with 6 points, beating Cezch Republic and USA while losing to group winners Italy to set up the clash against the five-time World Champions.

Source: Ghana Web

Mohammed Kudus, Gideon Mensah, and Elisha Owusu have all applauded their Black Stars teammate Inaki Williams, who won the Copa del Rey with Atheltic Club on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Inaki after winning his first major honour for Atletic Club took to Instagram to post pictures of himself and the trophy with the caption “Dream unlocked”.

The trio commented on Inaki’s post using emojis to express their joy for their national teammate’s win.

Based on the events leading to the win, Mallorca took the lead after Daniel Rodriguez gave them a first-half lead.

Athletic Club found themselves back in the game in the second half after Nico Williams set up Oihan Sancet for the equaliser in the 50th minute.

The game did not see any more goals including extra-time as Atheltic Club went on to win 4-2 on penalties.

Source: Ghana Web

The former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, has expressed optimism about winning the upcoming parliamentary by-election for the Ejisu Constituency in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking to the media after the balloting for the New Patriotic Party’s primaries for the forthcoming by-election, Kwesi Nyantakyi indicated that his number 7 position on the ballot paper signifies that he is the person to represent the people of Ejisu in Ghana’s parliament.

The former president of GFA likened his number 7 position on the ballot paper to the iconic Manchester United and Real Madrid number 7 footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo.

‘I had indicated to you all on the day I submitted my form that I was the Cristiano Ronaldo of Ejisu and God has perfected it,’ he said.

He also maintained that the number 7 biblically represents hard work, dedication, and excellence which are all virtues he would be bringing on board to help the people of Ejisu.

‘The number seven jersey number I took represents my bril
liance, eloquence, hard work, and excellence in football as we transfer into politics. God spent six days creating the world and rested on the 7th day. And so, it means that my coming signifies that the people of Ejisu will take a rest whilst I assume or continue the hard work for them,’ he said.

Kwesi Nyantakyi reiterated, ‘In philosophy, seven also means wisdom, truthfulness, hard work, intellectuality, etc. And so, if you are not an intelligent man, or a hard-working or a wise person, you are not associated with seven’.

About the Ejisu by-election:

The Ejisu Constituency seat became vacant following the sudden demise of the sitting Member of Parliament, John Kumah.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has however, set April 13, 2024, for its primaries to elect a parliamentary candidate for the Ejisu Constituency.

The nine (9) aspirants who have filed nominations, according to the constituency chairman, include Klinsman Karikari Mensah, Abena Pokuaa Amoah, Portia Acheampong, wife of the Bono Regional Chairman
of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, alias Abronye DC, and Aaron Prince Duah.

Others are Kwasi Nyantakyi (former Ghana Football Association President), Dr. Evans Dua, Helena Mensah (PM for the Ejisu Municipal Assembly), Kwabena Boateng, and Maame Yaa Aboagye.

Source: Ghana Web

Kwesi Nyantakyi, a former President of the Ghana Football Association, is making headlines with his unwavering determination to secure the Ejisu parliamentary seat under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) banner despite the controversy surrounding his FIFA ban.

According to him, despite FIFA’s Ethics Committee imposing a lifetime ban on him for ethical breaches and corruption, which was later reduced to 15 years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), no Ghanaian court or committee has officially deemed him of bad character, barring him from running for parliament.

“What is wrong with Mr Nyantakyi’s character? I am a man of good character. Have I been declared to be a man of bad character by any court of competent jurisdiction in Ghana or by any committee or anything of that sort in Ghana? Have I?” he said in an interview with Joy News on April 3, 2024.

When the host referenced FIFA’s action against him, he said, “That is an arbitration. It is not part of Ghana’s laws. Corruption in FIFA statutes doesn’t m
ean corruption in Ghanaian law.

“They’re entirely different in meaning. We’re operating within the laws of Ghana, so you must confine yourself to the meaning of crime as defined in Ghana,” he added.

Nyantakyi, who was embroiled in a scandal following his involvement in bribery and corruption allegations exposed by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas in the “Number 12” documentary, faces scrutiny over his suitability for political office.

Nyantakyi’s entry into politics follows the passing of the former MP for Ejisu, John Kumah, making way for a by-election.

The Ejisu parliamentary race is shaping up to be fierce. Nine NPP members, including three women, are vying for the vacant seat. Nyantakyi’s bid adds another layer of intrigue to this already heated contest.

Source:Ghana Web

Black Stars forward, Jordan Ayew, has been slammed by football fans on Twitter for missing chances in Crystal Palace’s defeat against Manchester City on April 6, 2024.

Ayew missed two big chances to put Palace ahead in the game that ended 2-4 win for the visitors at Selhurst Park.

The 32-year-old hit the woodwork with a shot from just inside the box after dispossessing Rodri in Man City’s half.

Some fans believe the Ghanaian had no excuse for missing the opportunity while others point out that he had options to pass instead of shooting.

A few minutes later, he fluffed another chance by volleying a ball wide from just outside the box.

Together with his missed opportunities, many were not impressed by Ayew’s performance which led to his substitution in the 73rd minute.

Meanwhile, the win sent Manchester City to second on the table with 70 points, tied with Liverpool who have a game in hand.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, have dropped to 14 with 30 points after 31 games.

What a first half by Crystal
Palace against City. An intense and entertaining game. If only Jordan Ayew can score.

– Eazilino $BLOCK (@Eazilino) April 6, 2024

Source:Ghana Web

The Mempeasem community park was filled with excitement and camaraderie as residents from Ngyiresia-Mempeasem Electoral Area gathered to witness the thrilling conclusion of the inaugural Easter ‘Aponkye Cup’ organized by Hon Gabriel Ato Mensah, popularly known as Sir Gabby.

The event kicked off with a fiercely contested girls’ football match between Ngyiresia and Mempeasem, with Ngyiresia emerging victorious after a tense penalty shootout, securing the championship trophy, cash prize, and gold medals.

Despite the defeat, Mempeasem showcased commendable sportsmanship and received silver medals and other souvenirs.

The highlight of the day was the boys’ category, where a star-studded Mempeasem team triumphed over Ngyiresia with a 1-0 victory, clinching the coveted championship trophy, a hefty goat, cash prize and gold medals.

The intense match kept spectators on the edge of their seats, demonstrating the passion and talent within the community.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Hon Gabriel Ato Mensah
emphasized its importance in fostering unity, promoting community development, discipline, and cohesion among the two towns.

Beyond the competitive spirit on the field, the ‘Aponkye Cup’ served as a platform to strengthen the bond between Ngyiresia and Mempeasem, nurturing a sense of unity that transcends sports.

The presence of dignitaries such as Hon Abdul Mumin Issah, Municipal Chief Executive for Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, and local chiefs Nana Dokoh Agyemang III and Nana Musah II added to the significance of the occasion.

NPP stalwart Giovanni Nana Osei Tutu Agyemang also graced the event, underscoring the community’s solidarity and support for grassroots initiatives.

As the curtain fell on the successful inaugural edition of the Easter ‘Aponkye Cup,’ participants and spectators alike departed with cherished memories and a renewed sense of pride in their community.

The event served as a testament to Hon Sir Gabby’s commitment to youth development and community building, setting a positi
ve precedent for future editions of the tournament.

Source:Ghana Web

Asamoah Gyan, a former Black Stars captain has expressed his appreciation towards his brother, Baffour Gyan for helping him become who he is today and being more like a coach to him in his football years.

Asamoah stated that his brother has been a great support for him since the beginning of his football career while still being his biggest critic.

The former black stars captain reiterated that his brother was his role model because the latter always supported him in all his endeavors.

He mentioned this while speaking on the GTV breakfast show.

He revealed that his brother, Baffour who was also a professional football player at the time, actually told him that he, Asamoah would become a better footballer than him.

According to Asamoah Gyan, he used to communicate with his brother on the field during his football days in the UAE.

‘My brother saw the player in me, he is my number one fan and my biggest critic’, Asamoah said.

Speaking about his football career, the former captain said, he played his best
football in the U.A.E. He also mentioned that he can scout as well because he sees good players among the lot.

Source:Ghana Web

The Black Stars are in transition and the appointment of Otto Addo for a long term signifies the Ghana Football Association’s vision of building a formidable side that could restore the country’s glory days.

In this regard, there have been suggestions from some former Black Stars players who have urged Otto Addo to make West Ham United Star, Mohammed Kudus, the centre of his project. In their words, ‘build the team around Kudus’.

According to Ghana’s all-time top scorer, Asamoah Gyan, Ghana football is in the ‘Kudus era’ and thus it is only right to make the Black Stars revolve around him.

“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 told Asempa FM.

“I mean he is the only Ghanaian player performing in Europe. And not just in any league, but in the Premier League,” he added.

Gyan’s stat
ement received the backing from former Black Stars captain Charles Kwablah Akonnor, who believes Kudus is the next big thing, therefore, it would make ‘more sense to centre Black Stars’ around him.

“The earlier, of course, the better. Yes, our captain and his brother have performed admirably for the team, but given the current trend, it makes more sense to centre Black Stars around Mohammed Kudus. He (Kudus) has shown everyone his ability to be the next big thing, it makes sense for us to get started as soon as possible,” Akonnor stated.

Without a doubt, Mohammed Kudus is the biggest talent in the Black Stars at the moment. He is already seen as the face of the team and it was evident at the 2023 African Cup of Nations where the team struggled without him.

However, in team building getting a solid spine goes a long way than having a team revolve around one player.

In this article, GhanaWeb sought to explain how Otto Addo’s project would be a success with a proper spine for his team instead of doing a ‘the
Kudus’ project.

Modern-day football has evolved to the point where teams with a solid spine turn to chalk more success than teams that revolve around one exceptional talent.

The most significant benefit of a good spine is long-term success. Examples are the Barcelona team from 2009 to 2012, the Real Marid squad from 2014 to 2018, the Liverpool squad from 2017 to 2020, Argentina’s squad from 2021 to date, the AC Milan squad from 2002 to 2007, the Spain squad from 2009 to 2013 and a host of others.

What does the spine of a team mean?

A spine of a team in football terms means having a fairly reliable goalkeeper, one sturdy defender, an industrious midfielder(s), and a goal-poaching attacker.

It is a collection of a few outstanding or reliable players from goalkeeper to striker forming a framework for a team like the spinal cord as seen in the human skeleton.

These players are often experienced, skilful, and play regularly.

2006 to 2010 Black Stars

Taking a look down memory lane, Black Stars’ success betw
een 2006 and 2010s was due to a strong spine.

Ghana, throughout that period, were known to be a compact side that had a fluid attack spearheaded by a proven scorer.

The main men in that era were Richard Kingson, John Mensah, Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah, John Paintsil, Hans Adu-Sapei, Michael Essien, and Asamoah Gyan.

Although players like Muntari, Essien, and Appiah were the superstars of the team, the Black Stars did not centre around just them but rather coaches within that era fixed in other talents to build the foundation, which later yielded the successes Ghana chalked.

Such should be the template for Otto Addo to build the next generation of the Black Stars.

At the moment, Ghana is one of the very African few countries with talented young players gaining global recognition in football.

Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Joseph Paintsil, Salis Samed, Tariq Lamptey, Abdul Mumin, Sailu Mohammed, Ibrahim Osman, and Kudus Mohammed who is the bigger fish amongst them
.

Hence, Otto Addo has a big pool of talents to build a rock-solid foundation instead of making everything tick around Kudus.

Looking at the talents available, Ghana are not far from building a 2006-2010 Black Stars’ es-que foundation.

This when archived would yield more success for Ghana than the calls for the team to be built around Mohammed Kudus.

Source:Ghana Web