Gerald Asamoah, a former German footballer of Ghanaian descent, has demonstrated his commitment to philanthropy by arranging for 50 surgeons to travel to Ghana to offer free treatment to children with congenital heart conditions.
Born in Ghana and having forged a successful football career in Germany, the iconic Schalke 04 striker is giving back to his country of birth through this noble initiative.
As part of this endeavour, Asamoah brought in 50 German doctors to provide medical assistance to children grappling with heart problems.
A video capturing the arrival of these doctors has garnered widespread attention on social media.
Holes in the heart pose a significant health challenge in Ghana, leading to the loss of many lives among children, men, and women.
Gerald Asamoah, a key member of the German team that reached the 2002 World Cup final, boasts 43 appearances for the four-time world champions.
His football journey commenced with Hannover 96 in the late ’90s, and he subsequently joined Schalke 04, where he spent the majority of his Bundesliga career.
After spells withFC Saint Pauli and Greuther Furth, Asamoah returned to Schalke, where he currently serves in a managerial capacity, according to Transfermarkt.
CAF quoted a tweet from the club, saying “Medeama SC are all dressed up for their first #TotalEnergiesCAFCL game in Cairo”.
Medeama SC, the reigning Ghanaian champions, have arrived in Cairo, Egypt, in anticipation of their group stage encounter in the 2023/24 CAF Champions League against Al Ahly.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Yellow and Mauves, Medeama SC, departed from Ghana in preparation for their inaugural match in this competition scheduled for Saturday, November 25, 2023.
Head coach Evans Adotey and his team arrived in the Egyptian capital, sporting commendable customised suits that garnered praise on social media.
As they set foot in Cairo, Medeama SC is now focused on finalising their preparations and acclimating to the ambiance ahead of the upcoming clash with the formidable record holders of the CAF Champions League in just two days.
Despite a less-than-ideal start to the 2023–24 Ghana Premier League season, the first-time champions of Ghana will be aiming to ensure that their domestic performance does not adversely impact their campaign in the African competition.
Samad Oppong, a former player for Asante Kotoko, is set to embark on a new chapter as a military officer in the United States of America, having graduated from the US Academy on November 22, 2023.
A beloved figure during his time at Ashanti Gold, Oppong, who is considered a cult hero, proudly received his graduation certificate in a video shared on GhanaWeb’s platform.
This achievement marks him as the second ex-Kotoko player to join the US Army, following in the footsteps of Michael Adu Amofa.
Oppong had two notable spells with Asante Kotoko, initially from 2009 to 2011 and later returning in 2014 for a brief period before his departure.
Known by the nickname “Okocha” due to his skillful play and resemblance to Nigerian legend Jay Jay Okocha, the 34-year-old retired from professional football and relocated to the USA.
Beyond his military pursuits, Oppong continues to stay connected with the Ghanaian community in Ohio, often participating in friendly games between the Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean communities.
Ghanaian boxer Braimah Isaac Kamoko, popularlyknown as Bukom Banku, has formally declared his retirement.
In an interview with Okay FM, he revealed that he decided to hang up his gloves due to age-related concerns and issues with his eyes.
Bukom Banku conveyed that he has now entrusted the continuation of his legacy to his two sons, Abu Kamoko and Mustafa Kamoko.
“I’ve grown and at the same time, my eye is also hurting me, so I don’t want to fight again. Three of my children are boxers so I’ve left everything for them. I’ve packed my gloves and my shoes all for them, Abu Kamoko and Mustafa Kamoko. I’ve laid the path so they can continue,” he said.
On what is next for him, he said he is venturing into comedy and hosting concerts.
“I have stopped boxing and I’m starting comedy and some shows I do by myself.”
Bukom Banku gained prominence by securing a bronze medal in the Heavyweight category at the All-Africa Games held in South Africa in 1999.
Retiring from the sport with an impressive record, he accumulated 29 victories in 30 bouts, clinching 21 wins by knockout, with only one defeat. His lone loss occurred in 2017 against former Ghana Olympian Bastir Samir.
Throughout his boxing career,Brimah Kamoko achieved notable milestones, including winning the WBO Africa Light Heavyweight title and the WBO Africa Cruiserweight title.
Showboy is facing criticism following his announcement that he has entered the realm of prostitution and escort services.
The controversial socialite, acknowledging his current financial struggles, openly shared that he is resorting to using his personal attributes to generate income.
In a widely circulated video, Showboy, who is now an ex-convict recently deported from a U.S. prison back to Ghana, revealed that he is aware of the high demand for young foreign men by older female clients.
He expressed his willingness to offer such services in order to address his urgent financial needs. Notably, he declared that he won’t be engaging in free sexual encounters as he has done in the past.
“I’m currently unemployed. I need a job. So, any sugar mummy who is interested in me should contact me. Now I am a male escort. I know you guys want a foreign pnis. Now a foreign pnis is out of prison.
“Fresh from prison. You can link up with me on Snapchat so we talk about the price. Call me and let’s bang ourselves because I need help. Now I am doing this job with the female prostitutes. The slay queens should go to rest,” he stated.
This statement has since triggered responses from netizens, including popular TikToker user Maa Linda.
“So, it means you came back to Ghana with nothing? So, there’s nothing at all in your pocket? So, didn’t you work or learn a trade in prison? What did you do with the money? You have started too early. we can’t contain what you’re about to start,” she stated.
Showboy, the well-known Ghanaian musician and socialite, has been released from a U.S. prison and subsequently deported back to Ghana. This follows a six-year sentence he served for stabbing Junior US.
The former co-founder of the AMG group was convicted and sentenced to six years in March 2019 for his involvement in a physical altercation that resulted in the stabbing of the U.S.-based Ghanaian musician, Junior US.
Afrobeat sensation Tiwa Savage has sparked reactions by posting a cryptic message on her Instagram, expressing gratitude for God’s intervention during a challenging period.
On her Instagram page, Tiwa shared a heartfelt message about finding solace in God during a tough time.
Although she didn’t delve into the details of the situation, she emphasised that God came through for her when she was on the verge of breaking down.
She wrote, “It was meant to break me but God showed up”.
Ghanaian gospel musician and preacher, Cecilia Marfo, has expressed her admiration for Ghana’s fast-rising talent, Black Sherif, widely known in the entertainment industry as Blacko.
She mentioned that while she listens to some secular songs by local musicians, Blacko stands out as her favourite due to the spiritual impact of his songs on her.
The ‘Afunu Ba’ hitzmaker revealed during an interview on Kingdom FM on Monday, November 20, 2023, that she cried the day she heard Blacko’s song titled ‘Soja’ due to how relatable it was and the message the song communicated to her.
Blacko’s ‘Soja’ ministers to her the need for a backsliding Christian to stay steadfast in their faith walk.
“That boy [Black Sherif], I like him a lot, even though I admire all musicians. I listen to secular songs a lot that are sung by our colleagues in the industry. I listen to motivational and proverbial songs. I mean, some of their songs contain words of encouragement.
“For instance, his “Soja” song, I like it. The day I heard it, I cried. She mentioned that it is like a soldier on the front who is tired, and his opponent is telling him to stand firm”.
She further went on to eulogise the youngster’s craft, explaining how Blacko’s songs motivate her and root her in Christ.
“So the song motivates me to stand firm in Christ. “His songs make a lot of sense and it shows he was born with the music. If you listen to his voice, you will realise that the spirit of God follows him,” said Cecilia Marfo.
Ghanaian gospel musician Diana Asamoah has shared a personal revelation regarding her perspective on Christianity and her recent fashion choices.
The renowned gospel music sensation, known for her soul-stirring gospel tunes, revealed that her recent shift towards a more stylish appearance was rooted in the realisation that Christianity is fundamentally about righteousness rather than outward appearances.
It will be recalled that the Woman of God, in a recent interview on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show, opened up about the impact of the controversial teachings of the late Ghanaian preacher, Emmanuel Kwaku Apraku, popularly known as ‘Apraku My Daughter,’ on her personal choices, specifically in the realm of fashion.
“So, my church invited him, and when he came, he said that a dwarf took him to a forest where it was revealed to him that ladies’ hair cream is made of blood, the powder is from the ashes of human bones, including make-up products and others, and he made us understand that anyone involved in such things wouldn’t make it to heaven,” she recounted.
However, in the latest interview on the Day show, the gospel crooner emphasised that she was too spiritual back then and considered every stylish thing about fashion demonic.
Nevertheless, as she grew in Christ, she realised Christianity was about living a righteous life and not necessarily about what one wears.
But as time went on, I realised christianity was about righteousness, holiness and obeying God’s word, not necessarily what you wore,” she said.
In a video shared on Instagram, the two actresses were seen energetically rapping along to the song of Nigerian star Phyno.
The impressive video left many netizens praising the actresses for their rapping skills and expressing their excitement.
Popular Nigerian actress Mercy Johnson and her Ghanaian counterpart Jackie Appiah created a significant buzz on social media with their latest venture.
Mercy Johnson surprised her fans with a video on her official Instagram page, showcasing herself and Appiah having a delightful time and showcasing their rapping prowess.
In the video, the Nigerian actress rapped to Phyno’s hit song, “Do I,” and was later joined by Jackie Appiah, who emerged from a back room.
Mercy and Appiah appeared to be enjoying themselves, portraying the personas of hip-hop stars and impressively displaying their rapping skills in the video.
In the caption of the post, Mercy Johnson explained that they were on a movie set.
Jackie Appiah and Mercy Johnson… The greatest collabo since the 80s! Acting is still dominant in their genes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dcmRfpWNNY
Reactions as Mercy Johnson and Jackie Appiah rap in fun video
The video of Mercy Johnson with Jackie Appiah was a hit amongnetizens with many of them trooping to the comment section to praise them for their rapping skills. Read some of their comments below:
braidsinspo_bysandra:
“Raise your hand if you watched it more than twice.”
kobirana:
“The two who were and are still the QUEENS Consistency and Hard Work .”
nwayimmavivian:
“No mama…you don’t look like you give a f**k …two queens❤️.”
Bennyhighness:
“Respected women! hands down, not !even a single negative comment.”
uzee_usman:
“Total shutdown .”
everythingteesvogue.ng:
“Who join this Two together?Something is about to Happen Oh.”
MC Yaa Yeboah, a media personality, has refuted MOGmusic’s assertion that his works were overlooked by the Grammy Recording Academy due to his use of the scheme’s logo.
During UTV’s United Showbiz on Saturday, November 18, 2023, Yaa Yeboah expressed doubt about the claim, highlighting that organizers usually wouldn’t have the time to provide explanations for why a musician’s work was not considered.
On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, MOGmusic shared a captivating artwork featuring his smiling photograph alongside the iconic GRAMMY logo.
The artwork included three GRAMMY categories: Best Gospel Album, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist, with MOGmusic’s name alongside his ‘Koinania Phase II’ album.
The flyer also bore the inscription, “For your GRAMMY consideration.” In his tweet, MOGmusic mentioned the Grammy Recording Academy and said, “I want to express my gratitude to @RecordingAcad for this consideration. Ghana to the world. Africa to the world. The Gospel to the world.”
The gospel musician, by using the GRAMMY logo, erred, as the scheme prohibits the use of its trademarks in such artworks. As stated on the GRAMMY website, “Communications cannot include any Recording Academy trademarks, logo, or any other protected information. Logo use is reserved for paid Recording Academy sponsors or partners.”
In an interview with DJ Slim on Hitz FM after the nominations were released, MOGmusic, who is also a member of the Grammy Recording Academy, touched on why he was conspicuously missing from the list.
“My social media handler made a mistake and put the official logo of the Grammys, and it got posted. Some Ghanaians drew my attention to it, and we quickly took it down, but it was too late. That is what went wrong on my side; it’s a mistake that my team made, and I take the bullet for myself,” he explained.
But MC Yeboah thinks otherwise. She told MzGee, host of United Showbiz: “He is lying. Even your manager posted it. So, are you telling me nobody did checks to see? And he has said here that because he wants to get international appeal, he takes time to read and do research on these things but… sometimes, when you goof, just admit it; don’t try to throw dust into our eyes. Are you kidding me right now?”
She continued as she offered a piece of advice to MOGmusic saying, “You don’t necessarily have to get explanations for everything. Let sleeping dogs lie. I doubt the Grammy has communicated to him that his works were not considered because he used the logo. I don’t believe him.”
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has responded to Ghanaian MP Isaac Adongo after the latter issued an apology for his previous comments about the center-back.
Last year, Adongo gained attention for drawing parallels between Maguire’s performances at Manchester United and the economic challenges faced by Ghana.
On Tuesday, the Bolgatanga Central Member of Parliament extended an apology to Maguire, acknowledging the positive transformation in the player’s form.
“Mr Speaker, you’ll remember last year I was very quick to compare my big brother, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to Harry Maguire. Mr Speaker, I now apologise to Maguire.
“Honourable Kyei Mensah, you got angry when I used your defender,” he said on the floor of Parliament, as sighted on social media.
“Mr Speaker, today Harry Maguire has been able to turn the corner around and he is a transformational footballer. Maguire is now scoring goals for Manchester United. Maguire is now a key player for Manchester United.” Maguire replied to the post on X, accepting the MP’s apology while inviting him to Old Trafford.
“MP Issac Adongo, apology accepted. See you at Old Trafford soon,” he reposted.
MP Issac Adongo apology accepted . See you at Old Trafford soon 🤝😊
Maguire is enjoying a decent campaign this season, making 11 appearances across all competitions this season.
In a recent development, the Honourable Isaac Adongo, the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, issued an apology to Harry Maguire a year after making derogatory remarks about the Manchester United defender.
The MP gained attention last year for drawing comparisons between the footballer and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Adongo commended Maguire for what he described as a “positive transformation” while simultaneously criticising Dr. Bawumia for the country’s economic situation.
Gospel artist Cecilia Marfo has commended the award-winning Ghanaian artist Black Sherif for his remarkable contributions and influence in the music industry.
She expressed that Black Sherif is her favourite musician in the country due to the inspirational nature of his songs and their profound connection to the divine.
Cecilia Marfo shared that she was moved to tears upon listening to Black Sherif’s song titled “Soja” because of the impactful message it conveys and the inspiration she derived from it.
“That boy [Black Sherif], I like him a lot, even though I admire all musicians. I listen to secular songs a lot that are sung by our colleagues in the industry. I listen to motivational and proverbial songs. I mean, some of their songs contain words of encouragement.
“For instance, his “Soja” song, I like it. The day I heard it, I cried. Because it is like a soldier on the front who is tired and his opponent is telling him to stand firm,” Cecilia Marfo said while speaking in an interview with Kingdom FM.
She additionally mentioned that certain songs by Black Sherif serve as a source of inspiration for Christians.
“It could be likened to a Christian who is backsliding and you’re being told to stay awake and remain firm in times of trouble. So the song motivates me to stand firm in Christ.
“His songs make a lot of sense and it shows he is born with the music. If you listen to his voice, you will realise that the spirit of God follows him,” said Cecilia Marfo.
Multiple award-winning Ghanaian musicians, including Fameye, have dropped hints about a potential collaboration with the current Ghana Music Awards Artist of the Year, Black Sherif.
The release is scheduled for December 1st, as revealed by Fameye in his recent social media post captioned, “In less than 10 days! The country & the world live happily ever after!! PETER x BLACKO.”
Fameye is currently enjoying a streak of consecutive hits this year, with his latest release, ‘Not God,’ claiming top spots on various international charts.
Meanwhile, his fellow Ghanaian artist, Black Sherif, recently unveiled his latest single, ‘Oh No.’
The potential collaboration between these two influential figures in Ghanaian music, who share a common trait of exceptional storytelling and songwriting skills, is generating excitement among many music enthusiasts.
Fameye and Black Sherifhave solidified their positions as major forces in the music industry, each with an impressive catalogue and a dedicated fan base.
In most cases, individuals are obligated to use their passports when travelling to foreign countries, with some exceptions for citizens of certain nations, such as US and UK citizens traveling to specific territories.
For instance, US citizens can travel to Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands without a passport, while UK citizens can visit Ireland with a valid photo ID.
Despite the general requirement for Ghanaians to possess passports for travel to South Africa, former Minister for Works and Housing, Collins Dauda, is currently facing legal consequences.
He is accused of traveling outside Ghana without obtaining the necessary court permission, as court authorization and the release of Mr. Dauda’s passport are mandatory for any international travel he intends to undertake.
Currently facing prosecution for financial loss to the state in the Saglemi Housing Project, Dauda needed court approval and the release of his passport to travel.
Reportedly, the presiding High Court justice, Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaa, expressed shock upon learning that the Member of Parliament for Asutifi had travelled to South Africa without his passport, which was in the court’s custody.
The revelation came during an explanation by Dauda’s lawyer, Thaddeus Sory, about his client’s absence from proceedings on November 20, 2023.
Sory informed the court that Dauda had an emergency invitation for a pan-African conference in South Africa as part of his parliamentary duties, leading to his absence from November 20 to November 24, 2023.
While arrangements were initiated to retrieve Dauda’s passport from the court, he had already travelled before the court’s decision on the application filed on November 17, 2023.
The prosecution, represented by Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, Director of Public Prosecutions at the Office of the Attorney General, expressed surprise at Dauda’s ability to travel without his passport.
She emphasised that this action was concerning, as part of his bail conditions required notifying the court before travelling outside the jurisdiction.
In the midst of this development, the state finally commenced its case against Dauda and his co-accused after several months of witness unavailability.
The prosecution’s first witness, Rev. Stephen Yaw Osei, acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Works and Housing, presented his witness statement, which the court adopted despite objections from the defence.
The case was adjourned to Tuesday, November 21, 2023, for the witness to read his statement.
Background:
Alhaji Collins Dauda, Kweku Agyeman Mensah, and three others have faced court charges related to the Saglemi Affordable Housing project, with a total of 52 counts, including causing financial loss to the state.
The charges involve intentional misapplication of public property, causing financial loss, and issuing false certificates in the $200 million Saglemi Affordable Housing Project.
Pleading not guilty to all 52 charges, Alhaji Collins Dauda, Kweku Agyeman Mensah, Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, Andrew Clocanas, and Nouvi Tetteh Angelo are now navigating the legal proceedings.
Alhaji Collins Dauda was granted self-recognizance bail, while Kweku Agyeman Mensah and Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu received bail in the amounts of $65 million each.
They were also required to produce three sureties, with one being a public officer.
Andrew Clocanas, the fourth accused, was admitted to bail with a sum of $179 million and three sureties, including a public servant. Nouvi Tetteh Angelo, the fifth accused, secured bail in the amount of $13 million and three sureties.
Ghanaian actor and musician, Frank Osei, popularly known as Frank Naro, has revealed his aspirations to run for the Member of Parliament seat in the Ejisu constituency, located in the Ashanti Region.
According to a flyer circulating on social media, Frank Naro plans to contest as an independent candidate, competing against the incumbent MP, Mr. John Ampontuah Kumah, who is a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
However, the announcement of Frank Naro’s political ambitions has sparked diverse reactions from netizens.
While some mocked his venture into politics, others extended well-wishes for his endeavour.
Notably, Frank Naro follows in the footsteps of his senior colleague, Lil Win, who had previously expressed interest in vying for the parliamentary seat in the Afigya Kwabre South constituency.
Frank Naro initiated his acting career in Kumawood at a young age, mentored by Kwaku Manu.
He appeared in numerous movies alongside stars like Agya Koo,Akrobeto, Nana Ama McBrown, and Vivian Jill.
Taking a break from the movie industry due to what he described as spiritual attacks, he later transitioned to a music career, releasing several popular songs.
Lionel Messi might soon find himself without his World Cup-winning mentor, Lionel Scaloni, as the Argentina boss hinted at a surprising resignation.
Scaloni had recently orchestrated a significant victory over rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifying, guiding his team to a 1-0 win in challenging circumstances.
The match faced considerable delays due to police violence against Albiceleste supporters, setting the stage for an intense battle on the pitch.
Despite Nicolas Otamendi’s decisive goal securing the win, Scaloni appeared contemplative after the final whistle.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the World Cup-winning coach said: “I have to think a lot about what to do. It’s not goodbye but the bar is very high. This group demands you permanently. This team needs a coach who has all the energy possible and be well. “
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C65BJntJySM
The statement is undeniably surprising. Following the disappointment against Uruguay in their previous outing, Scaloni’s Argentina demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.
Currently leading their World Cup qualifying group, they have a substantial eight-point advantage over Brazil in sixth place.
Any potential change in Scaloni’s leadership position raises uncertainties about Argentina’s prospects in the upcoming Copa America and World Cup defenses, with possible implications for Lionel Messi’s future with the national team.
However, it’s important to note that Scaloni’s words, while impactful, do not constitute a definitive resignation statement at this point.
The reasons behind his reaction, whether influenced by the off-the-scenes violence at Brazil’s Maracana stadium, are yet to be clarified.
The Argentina supporters will be optimistic that their World Cup-winning coach is not departing anytime soon.
Mona Faiz Montrage, also known as Hajia4Real, has officially severed ties with her former lawyer, Adam Cortez, and enlisted the services of Ms. Eleanor Fast from ‘The Fast Law Firm PC.’
Mona had collaborated with Adam Cortez since the inception of the case in November 2022 but decided to part ways with him for reasons undisclosed.
On November 8th, 2023, she filed a request with the US court to change her attorney, and the request was granted on November 9th.
In her petition, Mona sought a 60-day period to familiarise herself adequately with the case before the initially scheduled trial on November 13th.
However, the court granted her and her new attorney 45 days to make all necessary preparations.
While the specific reasons for Mona’s decision to change attorneys remain undisclosed, reports suggest she aims to achieve better results while managing the high legal fees associated with Adam Cortez.
Investigations have uncovered that Hajia4Real maintained five foreign bank accounts, accumulating funds obtained from six victims.
She purportedly opened these accounts using the names of nonexistent business ventures in three different banks in Bronx, New York, labelling them as ‘Montrage Accounts’ from Account 1 to Account 5.
The reported deposits in these accounts amounted to $2,165,000 from victims.
Mona Faiz Montage, widely known as Hajia4Real, was extradited from the United Kingdom to the United States over her alleged involvement in a $2 million romance scam targeting older, single Americans.
According to US federal prosecutors, the 30-year-old musician and businesswoman made her first appearance in Manhattan federal court on Monday, May 15, facing allegations related to a series of romance schemes.
In a historic turn of events, Brazil experienced their inaugural home defeat in World Cup qualifiers, succumbing 1-0 to Argentina at the Maracana on Tuesday.
This marked the Seleção’s third consecutive loss, causing them to slide to sixth place in the qualifiers. Despite the outcome, midfielder Raphael Veiga expressed his belief that the result was unjust, emphasising the missed opportunities by the Brazilian team, particularly in the second half. Notably, Argentina managed to score with their first genuine shot of the match.
“Argentina didn’t deserve to win because of everything we produced. They didn’t produce as much. But the truth is that in football, the winner is whoever manages to score the most goals.
“They were effective, and we need to improve on that to be able to win games and recover that crowd, that atmosphere that is the Brazilian national team,” said Veiga in an interview with TV Globo.
In six games under Fernando Diniz in the qualifiers, Brazil has two wins, one draw and three defeats. It’s now four games in a row without a win.
Despite the negative streak, Raphael Veiga sees progress in the team.
Check out the updated South American qualifying standings now.
“Assuming that football is about results, we have to realise that we need to improve some things. But we also have to realise that we’ve been on the rise since Diniz’s first game in charge,” said the Seleção midfielder.
Após a derrota do Brasil para a Argentina, Raphael Veiga falou sobre o momento da Seleção e sobre a partida pic.twitter.com/BWm1XBK13L
Veiga entered the derby towards the conclusion of the match, with Argentina holding a 1-0 lead. Shortly thereafter, Joelinton received a red card, thwarting the Brazilian comeback.
The Selecao’s next qualifying fixture is scheduled for September 2024, where they will face Ecuador at home. Before that, the team is set to engage in friendly matches and participate in the Copa America.
In a heartwarming gesture, Erling Haaland has reportedly covered the travel expenses for 200 Bryne fans by spending £13,000 on train tickets.
The Manchester City goal-scoring sensation sponsored the transportation costs ahead of his former club’s crucial Norwegian First Division play-off against Start this weekend, according to The Mirror.
Haaland’s generosity extended further, as he not only spent £13,100 (or 175,000 Norwegian Krone) on train tickets but also pledged to pay for bus tickets for any fan who chooses not to travel by train.
Bryne’s press spokesperson, Ole Morten Hobberstad, has said of Haaland’s gesture: “It’s nice that Erling wants to sponsor a trip for the Bryne supporters; it’s something the whole of Bryne really appreciates. It also contributes to the fact that several people who perhaps did not prioritise it in the first place due to price growth and interest rate increases are now travelling to support Bryne in the promotion qualification.”
Haaland, a product of the Norwegian club’s youth academy, initiated his senior career with them in the 2016–17 season. Following a brief stint at Bryne, the imposing forward transferred to Molde in February 2017.
His journey continued with notable spells at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund before making a move to the Premier League, joining Manchester City in the summer of 2022.
In his debut season at the Etihad Stadium, Haaland left an indelible mark, contributing 52 goals during City’s triumphant treble run. The 2023–24 campaign has seen him add another 17 goals in the early months.
While on international duty, the Norwegian star faced an ankle injury, causing him to miss his team’s final Euro 2024 qualifying match against Scotland.
Fortunately for Manchester City,Haaland has successfully recovered and is poised to be available for their crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool on Saturday.
Inter Miami has contradicted claims made by a promoter earlier on Tuesday, stating that the MLS team has not agreed to participate in Saudi Arabia next February.
The promoter had announced matches between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, along with another match against Al-Hilal in the Riyadh Season Cup.
However, Inter Miami, in a statement issued hours after the match announcements, refuted the assertions, denying that any pre-season tour plans have been confirmed.
“Earlier today, an announcement was issued stating that Inter Miami CF is scheduled to play in the Riyadh Season Cup. This is inaccurate,” the Inter Miami statement said.
“The release included statements attributed to team owner Jorge Mas. Mas has made no comments, publicly or privately, in relation to the pre-season tour.”
Inter Miami release a statement denying that a friendly with Al-Nassr has been scheduled 🚫
'Earlier today, an announcement was issued stating that Inter Miami CF is scheduled to play in the Riyadh Season Cup. This is inaccurate' pic.twitter.com/EX5k2LDyzR
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who joined the side in July and sparked a championship run in the League Cup against US and Mexican clubs, has made Inter Miami a desired team for global contests.
Earlier this month, Inter Miami announced that a planned trip to China for matches had been called off due to “unforeseen circumstances in China.”
In this latest case, a Messi versus Ronaldo rematch proved too good to be true, Inter Miami’s statement said.
“Since day one, Inter Miami has set out to be a global brand. To this end, we have been in conversations to determine our 2024 pre-season schedule,” the statement said.
“We look forward to showcasing our players onInter Miami’s first international tour, which will be announced in the coming weeks.”
In January of the previous year, Ronaldo had his inaugural outing in Saudi Arabia after joining Al Nassr.
He played for a Riyadh All-Star XI that suffered a 5-4 defeat against a Paris Saint-Germain side boasting the presence of Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Sergio Ramos.
Neymar’s troubled injury history during his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) may have had its roots in his arrival in 2017, as reports suggest he came to the club with an ankle stress fracture.
The Brazilian, who transferred from Barcelona for a record €222 million (£193 million/$242 million) six years ago, has faced criticism for his relatively underwhelming stint in the French capital, particularly for the team’s inability to secure European success.
L’Equipe’s recent report reveals that Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain with a pre-existing ankle stress fracture, specifically to the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.
Subsequently, he suffered the same fracture twice during his PSG tenure—in February 2018 and January 2019—followed by ankle surgery last March after issues during the 2022 World Cup.
During his six seasons with PSG, Neymar played 173 matches, contributing 118 goals and 77 assists across all competitions.
However, he missed over 100 games due to injuries and experienced a strained relationship with supporters towards the end of his time in Paris.
Despite moving to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the summer, Neymar is currently sidelined with a different injury.
After just five matches, he ruptured his ACL while on international duty with Brazil, requiring surgery and an extended absence from the pitch.
Under Erik ten Hag, the 2023–24 campaign has been a forgettable one for United, currently sitting in sixth place, with numerous issues evident both on and off the pitch.
Fernandes, along with other United players, has been subject to criticism, particularly for what is perceived as petulant behaviour in his role as the club captain.
Andy Cole, a legendary figure at Old Trafford, believes such actions demonstrate a lack of respect towards his teammates.
Cole also highlighted the limited options for captaincy beyond the Portuguese star.
Speaking in an interview with Betfred, the ex-United forward said: “There’s talk about Bruno Fernandes not being the right choice for captain, but if you look around the Manchester United dressing room currently, then who else would you give the captaincy to instead?
There’s not four or five standout contenders. Bruno leads in a different way and I understand it. I can also understand that people don’t want to see a captain waving his arms about in frustration, which I personally believe is disrespectful to his teammates, but at this moment in time, he’s the man and he will captain the side in a way that he believes is beneficial to himself and his teammates.”
Fernandes’ leadership shortcomings became apparent during recent international duty, drawing bemused reactions from Portugal teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva during a halftime discussion.
Despite this, Fernandes displayed crucial on-field contributions against Iceland, and Manchester United fans are optimistic about his ability to bring this form to the club level, aiming to improve the disappointing start to the season.
Having successfully completed World Cup qualifying under Roberto Martinez, the United captain will now work under Erik ten Hag as his team faces Everton on Sunday.
Ten Hag aims for a third consecutive league victory against an Everton side motivated by a substantial points deduction.
In a separate context, Gaza’s Hamas-run government reported that at least 13,300 Palestinians, including 5,600 children, have lost their lives in the conflict with Israel.
Meanwhile, Celtic find themselves in the fourth position inChampions League Group E with one point after four games.
The club has also been fined £10,000 for instances of fans obstructing passageways and using pyrotechnics.
Celtic has been fined £15,200 following their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid last month in Glasgow, where fans waved Palestinian flags, UEFA announced on Wednesday.
The governing body stated that the flags, numbering in the hundreds, were considered “provocative messages of an offensive nature.”
Fans, who had been warned by the Scottish club not to display flags before the October 25th game, could be heard singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” while holding the Palestinian flags in a video shared widely on Instagram.
Supporters also unfurled two large banners at Celtic Park that read “Free Palestine” and “Victory to the Resistance”.
The Hamas-led government in Gaza reports that, in the conflict with Israel, a total of at least 13,300 Palestinians have lost their lives, including approximately 5,600 children.
In Champions League Group E, Celtic currently hold the fourth position with one point after playing four games.
Additionally,the club has received a £10,000 fine for instances of fans obstructing passageways and using pyrotechnics.
Manchester United’s Harry Maguireconveyed his gratitude to English fans while emphasising that he feels valued on a global scale in the football community.
Despite facing criticism from specific segments of United fans, the defender asserted that he is genuinely appreciated worldwide.
Maguire expressed the privilege he feels in realising his childhood dream of representing his nation.
Reflecting on his experiences as an England international, Maguire fondly reminisced about the memorable moments. However, he indicated that it is imperative for the Three Lions to secure major trophies at this juncture.
Speaking to reporters, Maguire said: “Listen, playing for my country means everything; it’s a huge honour and playing for my country is such a big privilege for me; it’s what I dreamed of as a kid, so every time there’s a game I want to available, I want to play every minute, start every game and help the lads.
“It’s been a really successful six years for me since I made my debut, and also for the team, but now we just need to get over the line. I know I’m appreciated in the dressing room. I know I’m appreciated in the football world by coaches, players, and the support I have from former players and managers, and I know I’m really appreciated in the world of football.
“I know I’m appreciated by the England fans with whom I have made many memories over the years and that’s the most important thing for me.”
The 30-year-old found himself marginalised after the arrival of Erik ten Hag to Manchester United last season, featuring in just 16 Premier League games and accumulating a mere 759 minutes on the pitch.
Despite the challenges, Maguire persisted. Following Lisandro Martinez’s injury at the end of September, Maguire has become a consistent presence on the club’s team sheet.
While rumours linked him to a potential move away from the club during the summer, with reported interest from West Ham, Maguire opted to fight for his place.
The former Leicester City star is poised to take the field for his club in the upcoming Sunday fixture, where Ten Hag’s side will face Everton in a crucial encounter. Currently sitting in sixth place on the Premier League table, United trail the leaders Manchester City by seven points.
England has received a significant boost ahead of their final Nations League fixtures as Beth Mead makes a return to the squad after being absent for over a year.
Mead’s last inclusion in an England squad dates back to November 2022, but a subsequent ACL injury in the same month forced her to miss the World Cup during the summer.
Although the Lionesses made it to the final without Mead, her comeback is crucial as they strive to top their Nations League group.
Facing the Netherlands at Wembley on Dec. 1 and Scotland at Hampden Park on Dec. 5, England must secure victories in both matches to lead their group.
Additionally, England holds the responsibility for Team GB’s Olympic qualification and needs to reach the Nations League final to ensure participation in Paris 2024.
England head into this batch of fixtures off the back of a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, a performance which Sarina Wiegman described as “sloppy” and “unnecessary.” It was the first time they have conceded three goals under Wiegman in her 43-match tenure.
Mead’s return will come as a huge boost, not least because she was the top scorer in the Lionesses’ triumphant Euro 2022 campaign.
Elsewhere, Grace Clinton and Khiara Keating retain their spots in the squad, having received their first call-ups last time around.
“We know we’ll need to win our last two games of 2023 and we’ll give everything we have for that outcome,” Wiegman said. “This group has shown resilience and strength of character time and time again and I have absolutely no doubts we’ll be ready to go when the whistle blows for both fixtures.
“We always embrace the opportunityto play at Wembley; it’s been home to some of our biggest and happiest occasions. We’ll need the crowd to play their part and continue the incredible backing they’ve shown for the team. They’ve always been there when we needed them and we’ll need them once again.
“An away fixture against Scotland is also an occasion we’ll all look forward to, but we’ll take it one game at a time.”
Despite media personality Abeiku Santana’s outline of the circumstances leading to the arrest of Sammy Kay by the police.
On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) issued a statement revealing the arrest of the celebrity blogger. He was subsequently handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
The charges against him included allegedly publishing sexually explicit material and unlawfully using images of CSA officials.
The statement from CSA referenced ‘a publication on some social media platforms containing sexually explicit material and unlawful use of the images of Cyber Security Authority (CSA) officials by Samuel Dortey Kumah, owner of Sammykaymedia.’
During an appearance on UTV’s United Showbiz on Saturday, Abeiku Santana provided insights into Sammy Kay’s arrest, sharing details gathered when he visited the celebrity blogger at the police headquarters upon learning of his apprehension.
Abeiku Santana mentioned that Sammy Kay was arrested on Wednesday, although the official statement announcing the arrest was released on Thursday. The host of Okay FM’s drivetime show clarified that Sammy Kay did not spend more than forty-eight hours in prison.”
“I got to know he was at the police headquarters so I went there,” said Abeiku Santana. “He was arrested on Wednesday but the release was issued on Thursday. I went to the cyber security unit of the police and he was there.”
“Sammy Kay was contacted by the National Communications Authority, according to him. They invited him. In fact, they first called his attention to the publication he had done that the picture he had posted was wrong (misrepresentation). And I think that was what prompted him to delete his post and apologise,” Abeiku added.
“He honoured the invitation. I think he went with his wife. They interrogated him and later handed him over to the police. The police then brought him to the police headquarters because the cyber security had reported Sammy Kay to the police earlier so they initiated the process to get Sammy Kay arrested by the police. When he got to the police station, they seized his phones so he couldn’t contact any family member, according to him.”
Abeiku continued: “When I got there, he had called his lawyer, Tweneboah Kodua. We wanted to secure bail for him but we could not succeed because of a number of issues. So, they prepared the document docket and the lawyer was requesting a plea bargain, which is lawful.”
Speaking on Sammy Kay’s offence, Abeiku Santana said: “Sammy Kay posted a picture of a person who was allegedly in a sex, nude video. But I saw an apology on Sammy Kay’s timeline and it was about the misrepresentation of somebody. The picture of the person he posted was a misrepresentation of the first person, which he might have deleted; the person wore a T-shirt that had cyber security inscriptions.”
He recalled Sammy Kay’s first post, saying the blogger shared the picture and wrote, “Is this the man who is trending in the viral video?”
What exactly did Sammy Kay circulate?
While the statement did not explicitly describe the images Sammy Kay shared, checks on his social media platforms revealed that the blogger had issued an apology, which was accompanied by a photo of a gentleman in a white T-shirt with the inscription “National Cyber Security Awareness Programme.”
His apology shared on November 15, 2023, at 9.42 am read: “Upon further investigations, we found out this picture above is not the same person in the video circulating yesterday on Twitter.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the post we initially made and we deeply regret our actions in pairing this picture with Abena Korkor’s picture.”
The Abena Korkor factor
On Wednesday, November 15, an explicit video surfaced online, gaining viral attention on Twitter. The video featured a naked man engaging in explicit activities, with an unidentified woman in the top right corner also involved in explicit behaviour, suggesting they were engaged in remote intimate interaction.
Despite the absence of evidence, some Twitter users claimed that Abena Korkor was responsible for releasing the video.
This speculation arose from a threat made by Abena after a previous incident where her bedroom video was leaked.
Abena had warned of releasing adult content involving two individuals whom she accused of being involved in the dissemination of her initial video.”
A Plus shoots down claims
“Amid the controversy and widespread criticism aimed at the person depicted in a video and the ‘related photograph,’ musician, satirist, and politician Kwame Asare Obeng (A Plus) strongly denied the claim that the two individuals were identical.”
“I don’t know if he has undergone cosmetic surgery recently because the person in the viral video and my friend are two totally different people,” his post read.
Mayorga accused Ronaldo, then 24, of sexual assault in a Las Vegas hotel room.
Ronaldo, asserting the encounter was consensual, settled with Mayorga and her lawyer, Leslie Mark Stovall, for $335,000 (£267,000) in 2010.
In 2017, Stovall, representing Mayorga, sought an increase in the settlement to over $25 million, citing conspiracy, defamation, breach of contract, coercion, and fraud. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey rejected this request in June 2022, prompting Stovall to file an appeal.
Mayorga’s lawyer not only appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the dismissal but also argued that Judge Dorsey had improperly dismissed the case.
Stovall contended that the judge should not have denied Mayorga’s claims to make the 2010 confidentiality agreement public.
However, on Tuesday, a three-judge panel from the San Francisco-based court sided with Ronaldo, rejecting Mayorga’s claim. Additionally, they imposed a substantial $335,000 fine against Stovall, a rare step in cases of this nature.
An excerpt of Tuesday’s six-page ruling reads as follows: “The district court clearly recognised the gravity of dismissing the case and accordingly provided a thorough analysis, amply supported by factual findings.
[The 2010 settlement] lay dormant until 2017, when… `Football Leaks’ released hundreds of documents through a cyber hack of Ronaldo’s former attorneys.
Despite the settlement and confidentiality agreement between Ronaldo and Mayorga, Stovall sought and used documents from ‘Football Leaks’ —including those clearly marked attorney-client privileges—to prosecute a new lawsuit on behalf of Mayorga against Ronaldo.
“Judge Dorsey properly held that Ronaldo did not waive or otherwise forfeit his claim of attorney-client privilege as to the ‘Football Leaks’ documents. Before the leak, his attorneys employed cybersecurity tools to protect their files.
“As the district court noted, Ronaldo mistakenly produced the course of ‘navigating this unorthodox predicament,’ kicked off by Mayorga’s counsel’s ‘unprincipled conduct’ long before, and instituted vigorous efforts to protect the documents afterwards. The district court did not abuse its discretion when it found that a case-terminating sanction was appropriate.”
With Mayorga’s appeal not only rejected but also penalised in the form of a hefty fine for Stovall, it seems unlikely that this case will be re-opened anytime soon. It could represent the end of a case that has lasted over 14 years in its entirety.
Nana Osei, the popular Ghanaian gospel singer known as Nacee, recently explained in an interview why he chose not to pursue becoming a pastor in his church.
Speaking on the New Day Show on TV3 with Berla Mundi on November 22, Nacee addressed the question of whether he would assume a more prominent role in the industry. He conveyed his preference to remain behind the scenes.
Reflecting on a past experience, Nacee shared that his church pastor once attempted to appoint him as a pastor, but he resisted the offer.
He emphasized the diversity of roles within the church, asserting that his specific role was centred around singing and playing musical instruments.
“Years ago, my pastor did everything possible to ordain me, but I resisted,” he said.
“All of us can’t be pastors; some of us have to do different things; someone has to be an usher; someone has to pack the chairs; and someone will play the instrument. I believe that my part is to play the instrument and that’s it.”
Barcelona has refuted accusations of exploitation concerning workers involved in the renovation of Spotify Camp Nou.
Recent reports by Spanish newspaper El Periodico suggested that labourers were facing excessive work hours, inadequate compensation, and substandard working conditions.
The renovation of the stadium is under the responsibility of Limak, and Barcelona’s vice president, Elena Fort, stated that the Turkish company is not infringing upon the rights of any individuals.
“No, there are categorically no workers suffering from labour abuses,” Fort told El Periodico in response to the allegations.
“If we had received any complaints, we would have acted. No complaint has been made to the club. Nor has there been anything detected within our internal processes to suggest there is any type of irregularity.
“Barça comply… Well, the [subcontracted] construction companies strictly comply with the regulations. And there is no labour exploitation of any kind.”
Fort added that there have been three “surprise assessments” of the work from building inspectors, but that only “minor issues” had been discovered.
“I think it was to do with the height of a fence and some very minor issues, which we have now sorted out,” she added.
Fort also dismissed the claim that some of the workers are being paid less than the minimum wage.
“There are five pay slips [in El Periodico’s investigation] when there are more than 2,000 during the entire execution of the work,” she said.
“And one thing is that there could be an error in those pay slips. We are reviewing that. But all contracts go through social security.
“Not a single contract that has been made is below the agreed terms. In the construction contracts, by agreement, work is done six days a week, a maximum of 12 hours [per day].”
Finally, to the allegation that one worker has been sleeping outside Camp Nou due to fears of losing their job if they arrive late, Fort said she was not aware of that particular case, but “we don’t have 2,000 workers sleeping on the streets, which means things are working.”
Construction onCamp Nou commenced a year ago, coinciding with the World Cup, and was intensified in June after the conclusion of the domestic season in Spain.
During the renovation, Barcelona has temporarily shifted to the Olympic Stadium in the city, with intentions to return in November. However, the full completion of the new stadium is anticipated by 2026.
Lionel Messi ended his last match of the calendar year with a groin injury, leading to his substitution inArgentina’s 1-0 victory over Brazil on Tuesday.
The Argentina captain exited the game in the 78th minute, a match overshadowed by fan-police clashes. Following the game, Messi voiced concerns about a groin injury.
“I felt discomfort in my adductor,” Messi said. “It was my last game of the year so I have time to get well to start 2024 by giving everything.”
The Inter Miami forward underwent treatment on the sidelines during the first half and appeared to be lacking in fitness.
Lionel Messi went off the pitch for treatment on multiple occasions during Argentina’s win. Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images
Messi attributed his injury to the 27-minute delay in the start of the game, which resulted from the violent clashes.
“It didn’t help me to cool down and go inside the locker room and then come back,” he said.
Messi, 36, played all 90 minutes of Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru on Thursday, his first competitive game since Oct. 21 when he started Inter Miami’s 1-0 defeat to Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer.
The former Barcelona star has struggled with injuries throughout this season.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in the summer after two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, missed five MLS games with a hamstring injury before returning to action on Oct. 7.
Despite not making his usual impact on the pitch, Messi was delighted that his team handed Brazil their first-ever home loss in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
“This group continues to achieve historic things,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said. “It’s a nice thing to win in Brazil, knowing how historically strong they are at home.”
Messi has ample time for recuperation from his injury, with his return to Inter Miami’s preseason training scheduled for the second week of January.
On Tuesday, Inter Miami refuted claims of organising a preseason match against Al Nassr, the club associated with Messi’s longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Efforts to introduce a temporary ban on Premier League sides loaning players from associated clubs have failed to garner enough support at Tuesday’s shareholders’ meeting, sources have told ESPN.
Although thePremier League refused to confirm exact numbers, ESPN has been told the vote ban for such loans was 13-7 in favour, falling one short of the threshold of 14 required to pass.
It means that Newcastle United are free to sign players from clubs also owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in January.
Newcastle’s Saudi-led takeover was completed in October 2021 and PIF now runs four of the country’s leading clubs: Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and Al Hilal.
Eddie Howe’s side has been linked with a move for Rúben Neves from Al Hilal after Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban for breaking gambling rules.
There are a total of 11 Premier League clubs that have similar associations, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
France international Antoine Griezmann is focused on staying at Atletico Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 32-year-old has recently been linked with a potential move to Manchester United, but there is “nothing” in the rumours suggesting his future lies away from the Wanda Metropolitano.
Griezmann is said to have already rejected the chance to leave in the summer, having been the subject of interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
However, his strong form for manager Diego Simeone means he plans to stay despite talks of a switch to Old Trafford.
The forward remains tied to the club until the summer of 2026 after joining from Barcelona last year.
After scoring 15 goals while assisting another 16 inLa Liga last season, he has continued to impress with eight from his opening 12 La Liga games so far this season.
Brazilian Football Association (CBF) has stepped forward to defend Rio de Janeiro’s military police, which faced criticism from Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
The Albiceleste captain strongly condemned the authorities at theMaracana stadium, alleging that they were “beating people” and warning that the night “could have ended in tragedy.”
Video footage showed police responding forcefully to individuals who were purportedly booing the Brazilian national anthem, with one fan seen leaving with a bloodied head on a stretcher.
Despite the tumultuous incident, the match resumed after a 30-minute delay, resulting in a 1-0 victory for the visitors.
This incident is not the first time tensions have flared in the Brazil-Argentina rivalry. Earlier this month, Boca Juniors fans encountered similar resistance on Rio’s Copacabana beach, creating a contentious atmosphere leading up to a Copa Libertadores final eventually won by the local team, Fluminense.
https://youtu.be/P6V5aLiWn60
However, in response to Tuesday night’s altercations, the CBF has firmly stood by the actions of the accused authorities.
The federation wrote in a statement: “It is important to clarify that the organisation and planning of the match were carried out carefully and strategically by the CBF, together and in constant dialogue with all the competent public bodies, especially the Military Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
“All the planning for the match, especially the action and security plans, were discussed with the public authorities in Rio de Janeiro in meetings between the parties.
“CBF therefore reaffirms that the action, security and operation plan for the match, as approved by the RJ Military Police and other authorities, were strictly adhered to.”
After Nicolas Otamendi’s 63rd-minute goal sealed Brazil’s third straight defeat, Fernando Diniz’s side dropped to an incredible sixth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table.
Off the pitch, however, it remains to be seen whether authorities did actually adhere to security plans inthe eyes of FIFA, who could respond with a sanction.
Leroy Sane extended an apology to the fans following his red card during Germany’s recent defeat against Austria.
The Germany and Bayern Munich star expressed remorse for his actions during the friendly match, where he was sent off in the 49th minute for a confrontation that involved shoving an opponent in the face.
Sane’s dismissal proved costly, as Julian Nagelsmann’s side went on to suffer a 2-0 loss in his absence.
Austria took the lead in the 29th minute, courtesy of former Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, and Christoph Baumgartner sealed the victory for the hosts in the 73rd minute.
This defeat marked Germany’s sixth in the calendar year and the second since the appointment of former Bayern Munich manager Nagelsmann to lead the team.
Sane’s red card added to the challenges faced by Germany, highlighting the team’s struggles under Nagelsmann’s leadership.
After the match, Sane took to Twitter to issue an apology, which read: “An evening to forget in Vienna. I apologised to my teammates in the dressing room for the action.
“Despite all my emotion and ambition, this can’t happen to me, especially in our current situation. A big sorry to our fans too. We have a lot of work ahead of us to make 2024 a successful year for us.”
Despite the disappointment in the international friendly, the 27-year-old has been thriving at the club level this season.
In 18 matches for Bayern Munich, he has impressively scored nine goals and provided seven assists. Fans can anticipate his next performance for the club on Saturday when Bayern faces FC Koln in the Bundesliga.
Bernardo Silva has expressed his intention to persuade his Portugal teammate, Joao Neves, to choose Manchester City over their rivals, United.
The Portuguese star is determined to convince the £105 million-rated Benfica midfielder to join City, even though Neves has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Benfica, however, is reportedly reluctant to part ways with their promising 19-year-old player during the upcoming transfer window, as he holds a release clause of €120 million (£105 million/$131 million) in his contract, which is said to have become active this summer.
Neves, a product of Benfica’s youth academy, made his senior debut for the club in 2022. In the current season, he has featured in 18 matches, contributing one goal and one assist.
Having earned his first national team call-up in October, Neves made his international debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina in an international friendly.
Amid United’s search for quality midfield options due to several key players, including the sidelined Casemiro, Erik ten Hag is keen on bolstering the team’s midfield, making Neves an attractive prospect.
The outcome of this potential transfer saga could significantly impact the landscape of Manchester football.
Lionel Messi recently used social media to condemn the “excessive repression” faced by Argentina fans in Brazil following a tumultuous incident at the Maracana stadium.
During the World Cup qualifier in Rio de Janeiro, the match was delayed for more than 30 minutes due to police intervention prompted by Albiceleste supporters booing the Brazilian national anthem.
This incident set the stage for a heated encounter, ultimately won by Argentina through a Nicolas Otamendi goal. However, Messi, in his post-match remarks, highlighted the plight of fans who endured the repercussions after the game concluded.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or winner wrote on Instagram, “This team continues to make history… Great victory in the Maracana, although it will be marked by the repression of the Argentinians once again in Brazil. This can’t be tolerated; it’s crazy and it needs to end now!!”
The intense rivalry between Brazil and Argentina in world football has once again erupted into violence, marking another instance of clashes between fans from these two nations this month.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6V5aLiWn60
The recent Copa Libertadores final between Fluminense and Boca Juniors witnessed chaotic scenes of violence on Rio’s Copacabana beach, triggering a harsh response from Brazilian authorities.
Adding to the uncertainty is the looming question of Lionel Messi’s future at the international level.
The Inter Miami star, set to turn 39 during the 2026 World Cup, faces speculation about his participation, with some suggesting it hinges on his team’s performance in the upcoming Copa America.
Moreover, Messi may find himself without a mentor for both tournaments following the surprising hint of resignation from manager Lionel Scaloni on Tuesday night.
Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has initiated an inquiry into suspected corruption surrounding the procurement procedures for the new headquarters of the Bank of Ghana in Accra.
This investigation was prompted by an official complaint filed by the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central on October 30, citing substantial irregularities in the procurement process for the project.
The complaint specifically points out a significant escalation in the project cost, soaring from USD 121,807,517.94 to USD 222,799,760.55, despite a relatively modest expansion in the scope of work.
In his formal grievance, the MP implicated the Bank’s Governor, Deputy Governors, the Board of Directors, and the project contractor, Goldkey Properties Ltd, as potential suspects in the alleged corrupt practices.
“I hereby make a formal complaint to your office to investigate what I believe to be a case of corruption in the procurement of the new headquarters building of the Bank of Ghana at Ridge in Accra. The suspects in this case include the Governor, Dr Ernest Addison and the Deputy Governors of the Bank of Ghana, namely: (1) Dr Ernest Addisson 1st Deputy Governor; Dr Maxwell Opoku Afari, 2nd Deputy Governor, Mrs ElsieAddo Awadzi.”
“The Members of the Board of Directors should also be investigated. The other suspect is the Chief Executive Officer of Messrs. Goldkey Properties Ltd, who are the contractors. The project consultants supervising the work should also be investigated.”
The MP emphasised the importance of a comprehensive investigation by the OSP to guarantee accountability and transparency in the project.
On Friday, November 17, officials from the OSP visited the MP to document his statement and gather additional details regarding the allegations.
The OSP is currently examining the complaint and the evidence provided by the MP, and its subsequent actions will be determined based on the findings of this review.
He underscored the significance of steering clear of excessive partisanship and encouraged all stakeholders to fulfil their responsibilities in order to attain the outlined objectives.
“…this economic policy is sensible and pragmatic; the budget is healthy and sensible. We all have a responsibility and we must live up to it so that we to achieve objectives. Let us avoid excessive partisanship,” he said.
On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Parliament initiated discussions on the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. To foster broad participation in the debate, specific time allocations have been proposed: 20 minutes for the seconder and Ranking Members of the Finance Committee, 15 minutes for other committee members, and 10 minutes for all other Members of Parliament (MPs).
The debate is structured around various sectors, including governance, security, public safety, finance, economy, energy, infrastructure, social sectors, local governance, youth, sports, tourism, and culture.
According to the proposed timetable, discussions on finance, agriculture, trade, and industry are slated for Tuesday.
Thursday’s agenda includes education, health, employment, youth and sports, tourism, culture, and chieftaincy.
On Friday, the debate will pivot to governance, covering local government, the judiciary, defence, the interior, the Electoral Commission, the National Commission for Civil Education, and the Commission on Human Rights and Administration of Justice.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has extended his well-wishing sentiments to Gavi through a letter, expressing the club’s full support after the Barcelona midfielder was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained while playing for Spain on Sunday, according to a source informed ESPN.
Pérez conveyed the message on behalf of Real Madrid, and the letter adds to the outpouring of support Gavi has received.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been inundated with messages in recent days, with Madrid players Joselu and Dani Carvajal among those expressing their support on social media.
Joselu, the striker, remarked that Spain’s 3-1 victory over Georgia, during which Gavi sustained the injury, “tasted like a defeat,” highlighting how certain incidents can transcend the rivalry of El Clásico.
“You are a fantastic kid and you’re going to come through this with bravery and courage. We are all supporting you,” he wrote.
“[Club] rivals and [international] teammates, but above all, people,” Carvajal said. “You will come back much stronger, my friend.”
Following Monday’s examinations, Barcelona confirmed that Gavi has torn his ACL and sustained an injury to the lateral meniscus in his right knee.
Surgery is scheduled for Nov. 28, ruling him out for the rest of the season, and his participation in Euro 2024 and the Olympic Games next summer appears doubtful.
Former Barcelona teammate Gerard Piqué has advised Gavi not to hasten his return for these tournaments, emphasising the importance of ensuring a proper recovery.
Gavi, a consistent presence for bothBarcelona and Spain since debuting for the La Liga champions at the age of 17 in August 2021, has been a key figure.
He holds the record for the highest number of appearances among outfield players for Barcelona, featuring in 92% of matches in all competitions (111/121) under three different coaches: Ronald Koeman, Sergi Barjuán, and Xavi Hernández.
Additionally, Gavi has been a constant fixture in the Spain side, earning 27 caps and scoring five goals, initially under Luis Enrique and now under Luis de la Fuente.
Former Minister for Works and Housing, Collins Dauda, is in hot water for leaving Ghana without court permission.
Dauda, facing prosecution for financial loss and related offenses in theSaglemi Housing Project, was required to seek court approval and passport release for travel.
The High Court justice overseeing the trial, Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaa, expressed astonishment at Dauda’s ability to travel without the court’s knowledge, considering his passport was in the court’s custody.
The incident came to light when Dauda’s lawyer explained his absence, citing an emergency invitation for parliamentary duties in South Africa.
The judge learned about the MP’s travel to South Africa when his lawyer, Thaddeus Sory, explained Dauda’s absence from proceedings on November 20, 2023.
Sory stated that Dauda had an emergency invitation for a pan-African conference in South Africa related to parliamentary duties.
The lawyer began the process to obtain Dauda’s passport from the court, but travel arrangements were made before the application hearing on November 17, 2023.
The state prosecutor, Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, shared the judge’s surprise about the accused’s ability to travel without the court’s registry holding the passport.
Obuobisa, the director of Public Prosecutions at the Office of the Attorney General, expressed concern that Dauda’s actions were troubling as he was required, as part of his bail conditions, to notify the court before travelling outside the jurisdiction.
In the ongoing trial, the state has finally presented its case against the former housing minister and his three co-accused after several months of deferring due to the absence of its witnesses.
The prosecution’s initial witness was Rev. Stephen Yaw Osei, the acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Works and Housing.
Despite objections from thedefense lawyers, the court adopted the chief director’s witness statement. The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, November 21, 2023, for the witness to read his statement.
Customs Division of theGhana Revenue Authority (GRA) has successfully seized a substantial quantity of illicit tobacco products that were unlawfully smuggled into Ghana through unapproved border routes.
This action is a crucial step in our continued commitment to tackle the smuggling, importation, and sale of illicit tobacco products, which have been infiltrating the Ghanaian markets.
All the confiscated products had been illicitly brought into Ghanaian territory. Contravening the Public Health Act, 2012, Act 851, and the Tobacco Control Regulations (TCR), 2016 (L.I. 2247). Section 16 of the TCR states that “a person shall not manufacture, import, export, supply, possess, or offer for sale an illicit tobacco or tobacco product.’”
Furthermore, Section 15 of the Regulations stipulates that “a person shall not manufacture, import, or sell a tobacco or tobacco product unless the product is registered by the Authority,” in this case, the FDA.
The following brands were among the seized products: Oris Double Apple, Business Royals, Gold Seal, Bon, Yes, and Business Kings. Regrettably, none of these brands meet the standard requirements mandated by the laws of Ghana, including graphic health warnings, the “For Sale in Ghana” inscription, and Ghana Tax Stamps.
The investigations into this illicit trade are ongoing, and our commitment remains steadfast to identify and apprehend those responsible. Close collaboration with relevant government agencies will be maintained to ensure the arrest, prosecution, and appropriate sanctions for individuals involved.
Furthermore, all seized products will undergo destruction following legal protocols.
The street value of the confiscated items is Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty-Eight Ghana Cedis, Thirty-Nine Pesewas (GH¢7,951,238.39).
Ghanaian rapper Edem shared his perspective on the current government’s performance, acknowledging certain policies he finds commendable but expressing reservations about its overall effectiveness.
During an appearance on the “The Day” show with Berla Mundi, Edem specifically lauded the “Year of Return” initiative as a brilliant concept that brought positive global attention to Ghana.
However, he voiced scepticism regarding the economic impact of the initiative and raised questions about the management of the revenues generated.
“I think that the Year of Return concept it’s a brilliant idea that has thrown so much light on Ghana as a country; people are coming in. But I don’t know the figures and so I don’t know if it’s making so much money for the young people or it’s positioning Ghana where it’s contributing to the GDP. So, yes, for that, I think he has done well,” he said.
Edem also voiced concerns about the government’s approach in other areas, criticizing the constant borrowing and the allocation of funds for building a cathedral while some people are facing hunger.
“For other areas where we are constantly borrowing, I think he has fallen horribly. I also don’t agree with the concept of people being hungry and then you spend money on wanting to build a church. I don’t even think God will agree to that; his kids will be hungry and then God will agree that he wants to build a church.
“And so there are other areas that I think he hasn’t done well. And then I think for theYear of Return, it’s an amazing initiative,” he shared.
Bernardo Silva has conveyed his aspiration to eventually return and play for Benfica.
Despite ongoing transfer rumours linking the 29-year-old Manchester City midfielder with a move to Barcelona in multiple transfer windows, Silva opted for a contract extension in the summer, committing to remain at the Etihad Stadium until June 2026.
Asked about a return to Benfica, he told Record: “I want it. If the club wants me at the time, obviously things will happen.”
A product of Benfica’s youth system, Silva departed the Portuguese club after making only three first-team appearances, opting to join Monaco in August 2014.
Following a successful stint in France, the Portuguese international made a move to Manchester City in the summer of 2017 in a £43.5million transfer.
Great Ampong has conveyed his opinion that employing a condom is comparable to undergoing an abortion.
When asked by Taller Dee whether he would consider sponsorship from a condom producer or vendor, the Gospel star asserted that utilizing a condom is “almost close to an abortion.”
During their conversation on No. 1 105.3 FM’s Gospel Showbiz, Ampong admitted, “I’d hesitate,” and humorously added, “It’s not criminal, and I won’t be imprisoned, but I would think twice about it.”
Reflecting on the topic, Ampong acknowledged that condoms are used for protection but added with contemplation, “But at the same time, the thing is quite strange because if you wear a condom, it’s like having an abortion, right? Because it’s like you’re preventing yourself from becoming pregnant.”
While the gospel music industry grapples with challenges in obtaining sponsorships, artists in this genre frequently turn down collaborations with alcohol and condom brands. This decision stems from the belief that such products may promote promiscuity and immorality.
The regulatory move was aligned with a World Health Organisation policy, and the FDA emphasised that it was part of a broader initiative to safeguard children from being enticed into alcoholism.
Comoros scored Ghana in the first half of the World Cup qualifier match on November 21, 2023.
The goal came in the 43rd minute, when Comoros midfielder Ahmed Mogni dribbled past two Ghanaian defenders and unleashed a low shot that beat goalkeeper Richard Ofori.
The goal was Mogni’s third against Ghana, after he scored twice in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations
The first half ended with Comoros leading Ghana by 1-0, despite Ghana having more possession and shots on target.
Ghana coach Charles Akonnor made two substitutions at halftime, bringing on Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey for Kwame Opoku and Mubarak Wakaso.
Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abubakari Mahama II, has advised Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to recognize former President John Dramani Mahama as a brother and not an enemy.
The Ya-Na emphasised that this approach will contribute to a clean campaign ahead of the 2024 general elections. During a courtesy call by Dr. Bawumia as part of his ‘Thank you tour,’ the Ya-Na stated that both the NPP flagbearer and the NDC flagbearer are his sons.
He highlighted that whoever wins the general election will bring the title of president home to northern Ghana, making it a collective win for all northerners.
“We as Northerners have to be grateful to all Ghanaians for trusting that only a Northerner can lead Ghana after 2024. It is a big opportunity for us to demonstrate our capabilities, competence, honesty and dedication to moving Ghana forward.
“My son, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, who is also a son, is your fellow competitor in this election; he is not your enemy or rival.
“He is your elder brother and a former President of Ghana who is also being presented by the largest opposition party in our country to be re-elected as president.
“As northerners, we have already won the election with whoever we elect because whoever wins the trophy is coming home,” he said.
The advice from the Dagbon Overlord comes amid ongoing jabs and swipes between former President John Mahama and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Former President Mahama described the Vice President as an extension of President Akufo-Addo, while Dr. Bawumia countered that Mahama has nothing new to offer.
The Ya-Na encouraged Dr. Bawumia not to be misled by his campaign team into engaging in name-calling and trading insults, emphasizing the importance of a clean campaign.
“I want you to run a clean campaign with your brother. You are a fine gentleman and everybody knows that, so don’t let your team mislead you; it is you that the good Lord has chosen because of what He has put in you and not your team.
“Your team is supposed to translate your thoughts and ideals including what all of you have agreed on into action and not the other way round. Your team works tirelessly for you because of what they have seen in you so don’t disappoint them.
“Lead them and don’t let them lead you else you have wasted all their efforts,” the Ya-Na said.
Ghanaian actor, comedian and UTV’s Real News reader, Kwesi Boadi, popularly known as Akrobeto, aka WhoNoseTomorrow, has recounted how he dropped out of school.
During an appearance on Peace FM on Sunday, November 19, 2023, he revealed that the untimely demise of his father cost him his education as his mother could no longer afford his school fees.
He said his mom called him one day to inform him he had to quit school because of financial constraints.
“To all my lsteners, I come from nowhere; those days people call me St. Peter.I lost my father in ’79.My mother met me on my return from the farm, wailing and drenched in tears, and broke the news of my father’s demise to me.
“Immediately, I broke down in tears, threw my basket away, went home, and confirmed his death”.
Akrobeto received this news with gladness because, according to him, he wasn’t enjoying school due to his consistent subjection to canning by teachers.
“By then, I was still in school, in Form 3, moving to Form 4. I was happy about the news of my dropping out because I wasn’t even enjoying school. Teacers were always canning me.”
He started his career as a member of the Kristo Asafo band, a concert party group led by Apostle Kwadwo Sarfo
He later joined the Kumawood movie industry and has starred in over 100 movies
He is also the host of ‘The Real News’ on UTV,a satirical show that features him reading news headlines in a humorous way
He became famous internationally after his videos of him mispronouncing the names of football players and clubs went viral on social media.
“The rapper/actor and noted marijuana lover,Snoop Dog, had people believinghe was abandoning smoking. But, as it turns out, he meant he was going ‘smokeless’ in a different way.
Snoop posted a video on Instagram on Monday with the caption, ‘I’m done with smoke. I’m going smokeless with @solostove. #ad’”
“I have an announcement: I’m giving up smoke,” he says in the video. “I know what you thinking: ‘Snoop, smoke is kinda your whole thing.’ But I’m done with it. Done with the coughing and my clothes smelling all sticky-icky. I’m going smokeless.”
At that point in the video, he reveals a Solo stove smokeless fire pit.
“Solo Stove has since announced that Snoop Dogg will be their official ‘smokesman,’ in support of the company’s quest to eliminate smoke from backyards everywhere,” according to a press release from the company sent to CNN.
“They changed the game and now I’m excited to spread the love and stay warm with my friends and family,” Snoop is quoted as saying in a press release for the product.
The man, who, being an aficionado of weed, has become part of his brand, lit up the internet when he announced to his more than 2.5 million Instagram followers that he was done with smoke.
“After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke,” he wrote on a photo of himself. “Please respect my privacy at this time.”
CNN contacted his publicist for confirmation or clarification but did not receive a response.
In the days following, Snoop Dogg appeared to be going through it. He posted a photo of himself looking pensive with a smoke emoji as the caption.
In another photo, the 52-year-old artist has his eyes closed. The caption on that picture reads, “Natural high,” with a clock and musical note emojis.
Lest anyone question his continued devotion to ganja, it was recently announced that he and Martha Stewart have partnered with BIC on “Best Buds” bags,” which are “both functional and stylish,” according to the company.
Ironically (or maybe not), Snoop ends his “smokeless” reveal video by saying, “Clever.” Clever indeed, sir.
Ghana’s prolific rapper, Amerado, is gearing up to delight fans with his highly anticipated inaugural concert, the “My Motherland Concert,” slated for December 28, 2023, at Okese Park, Ejisu.
Recognized for his outstanding lyrical skills and captivating stage presence, Amerado has solidified his position as a prominent figure in the Ghanaian music landscape.
The “My Motherland Concert” signifies a noteworthy achievement in his career as he prepares to grace the stage, commemorating his journey and creating lasting memories with fans through an unforgettable live experience.
Amerado expressed his excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “I am thrilled to announce my first-ever concert, the ‘My Motherland Concert.’
This is a special moment for me, and I can’t wait to share it with my fans. Expect an electrifying performance, special guests, and an unforgettable night celebrating our love for music and the motherland.”
The concert pledges to be a spectacular event, showcasing a vibrant mix of Amerado’s chart-topping hits, unreleased tracks, and surprise guest performances.
Attendees can anticipate an immersive experience highlighting the diverse cultural richness and musical talent that Ghana has to offer.
