TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • The 76ers defeat the Trail Blazers thanks to Joel Embiid’s outstanding display

    The 76ers defeat the Trail Blazers thanks to Joel Embiid’s outstanding display

    It looked as if the Philadelphia 76ers’ three-game winning streak was ending against the Portland Trail Blazers, but an impressive comeback saw them win 120-119. MVP candidate Joel Embiid scored the game-winner with 1.1 seconds remaining, giving the hosts their first lead of the game.

    The win was Sixers’ fifth in six games in March. The Blazers dominated much of the contest, leading by as much as 21 points, and never tied with the hoasts until midway through the fourth quarter.

    The hosts were poor in the first half, but the tide started to turn for them in the second half, thanks to Embiid’s heroics. He finished with 39 points on 13-of-20 shooting, seven rebounds and four assists in 37 minutes.

    For the visitors, Anfernee Simons finished with 34 points, including eight three-pointers. Damian Lillard had a quiet game. He scored 22 points and made two of his eight three-point attempts.

    Embiid’s reaction to huge win Embiid is in the race for the MVP award this season.

    He is averaging 33.4 points per game, the best in the NBA. He explained his game-winner.

    “Yeah, that’s the perfect spot, honestly, especially from my previous years,” Embiid said. “I’ve had a couple of opportunities of game winners and stuff and we kept trying to post. It’s easy to double and there’s not enough space.

    But when you get enough in those positions at the nail or the top of the key, the court is wide open because, most of the time, guys don’t want to give up 3s, via ESPN.

    The 28-year-old now has 23 games with 35 or more points this season, tying Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal in 1999/2000 as the most by a center since then. The Sixers are third in the Eastern Conference with a 444-22 record, four games behind leaders Milwaukee Bucks and 1.5 games behind second-placed Boston Celtics.

    Meanwhile, the defeat in Philadelphia is a blow to the Blazers’ playoff quest. Chauncey Billups are now in 13th place in the West and are two losses back from a play-in tournament spot, per Oregon Live.

    Embiid is a scoring machine

    Sports Brief recently reported on Embiid becoming the fastest player in Sixers’ history to reach 10,000 career points. He eclipsed that mark in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 29 points in 39 minutes of action. Embiid accomplished that feat in 373 games, passing Philadelphia legend Iverson for the fewest games to reach that mark.

  • Kylian Mbappe allegedly at loggerhead with three teammates after 3-0 aggregate loss to Bayern

    Kylian Mbappe allegedly at loggerhead with three teammates after 3-0 aggregate loss to Bayern

    After their Champions League elimination, four of Kylian Mbappe’s teammates from Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly not “on good terms” with him. After losing 3-0 on aggregate to Bayern Munich, the Parisians were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the round of 16 for the second consecutive year.

    It was the fifth time in the previous 12 seasons that PSG had been eliminated in the Round of 16. According to Sporkskeeda, Mbappe avoids communication with three teammates, including Marco Verratti, because he is dissatisfied with the team’s performance in Europe.

    The Frenchman is furious that Verratti, who was ejected twice and was the reason PSG lost 2-0 in Munich, was to blame for the team’s demise.

    The reports further state that there is already a factor of jealousy between Mbappe and the Italian midfielder.

    Verratti was reportedly the owner’s favourite before Mbappe’s arrival in 2017. Hence, losing that title hasn’t gone down well with the former Pescara midfielder.

    Mbappe also reportedly doesn’t talk with compatriot Presnel Kimpembe and Brazil star Neymar Junior. Mbappe and Kimpembe are not friends, nor are they enemies. They have just never been close, the reports indicate.

    For Neymar, he is still annoyed that Mbappe is trying to push him out of the club.

    Mbappe regrets not joining Real Madrid

    Meanwhile, Mbappe is apparently regretting his decision to extend his deal with Paris Saint-Germain, just a few months after signing a three-year contraction extension with the Ligue 1 champions.

    The 24-year-old forward made a U-turn on joining Real Madrid last summer despite having a verbal agreement to join the Spanish giants before the start of the 2022/23 season.

    According to Madrid Universal, Mbappe’s entourage called Real Madrid at the end of the last summer, admitting the forward regrets his decision to extend his contract with PSG.

    ‘Mbappe should join Real Madrid’ In related news, former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher believes Mbappe should leave PSG urgently for the sake of his career, Football Espana reported.

    Mbappe discusses his club future

    Sports Brief also reported on Mbappe discussing his club future following PSG’s early elimination from the Champions League. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from France despite signing a bumper deal with PSG earlier this season.

    Mbappe has now revealed he is solely focused on winning the Ligue 1 title with PSG but did not discuss what the future held.

  • PSG superstar Neymar has successfully undergone ankle surgery

    PSG superstar Neymar has successfully undergone ankle surgery

    Brazil’s Neymar underwent successful surgery at a hospital in Qatar on his right ankle after suffering an injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the year.

    The 31-year-old was forced off the field last month during PSG’s Ligue 1 match against rival Lille due to an ankle injury.

    The Brazilian magician scored in the tense 4-3 victory, but he landed awkwardly after a tackle in the 51st minute and required extensive treatment before being carried away.

    Neymar was seen arriving at Aspetar Hospital in Doha at the crack of dawn on Friday, and the procedure was over in a matter of hours.

    “Neymar Jr was successfully operated on late this morning,” Paris Saint-Germain said in a statement. “The player will now follow a protocol of rest and treatment.” The operation was led by British surgeon, James Calder, who has treated several European football stars.

    As reported by Mirror Football, Neymar suffered the same ankle injury during Brazil’s World Cup game against Serbia in Qatar.

    It was reported initially the playmaker had suffered a sprained ankle, but further tests suggest he has weakened his ligaments, which – if not treated – might end his career. Neymar spent two years sidelined Neymar joined PSG from Barcelona in a move worth €222 million in the summer of 2017.

    His latest injury, which has sidelined him for four months, means he has been out of action for PSG for 731 days, equivalent to two full years, as per Marca.

    Neymar failed to play 104 matches in a PSG shirt in all competitions, making only 173 appearances. This means he has been injured in approximately 37.5 percent of the games in which he has been available for the Parisian club.

    Neymar keen on PSG extension

    Sports Brief also reported on Neymar reportedly having unfinished business at PSG and not being willing to leave even if close ally, Lionel Messi departs.

    The Argentine genius has been touted to be on his way out despite only linking up with his former Barcelona teammate at the Ligue 1 champions in 2021. However, Neymar wants to win over his critics and is eager to help deliver long-awaited European glory to PSG by winning the UEFA Champions League.

  • No GFA employee ever forces players on a Black Stars coach – Prosper Harrison Addo

    No GFA employee ever forces players on a Black Stars coach – Prosper Harrison Addo

    Prosper Harrison Addo, general secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has remarked that it is absurd to claim that Black Stars player selections are made by president Kurt Okraku.

    He claims there is no basis for that accusation.

    “It’s funny to say Kurt Okraku makes the selection for the Black Stars,” Prosper Harrison Addo said during a discussion on Citi FM on Friday, March 10.

    “These are all  kinds of accusations without facts,” the general secretary of the Ghana FA continued. There is a method. No one person, not even the head coach, makes the team. The management committee is presented with it after he and his team have discussed it. It will surface if it is good.

    “Nobody imposes a player on a coach.”

    He further advised that if anyone does not like a certain player they should not expect that a coach will not invite that player.

  • 1,500 Brazilian construction workers sacked over DDEP in Kumasi

    1,500 Brazilian construction workers sacked over DDEP in Kumasi

    Over 1,500 construction workers employed for the construction of the Kumasi Central Market, Kumasi International Airport, and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals Mother and Baby Units (MBU) have had their contracts terminated by a Brazilian construction firm known as a “Contractor”.

    The company in December 2022 began terminating employees appointment in accordance with the Labor Act in monthly batches, affecting a total of 1500 employees.

    A management member of the company revealed, under the condition of anonymity, to GHone TV’s Ashanti Regional Correspondent, that all the affected employees received a one-month notice of appointment termination followed by a compensation package.

    “Management didn’t want to violate the country’s labour laws so we followed every step including medical check out. This is not something we intended to do but the situation has forced us to do that,” the management member stated.

    He disclosed that the Kumasi airport phase two projects which is about 95 percent completed left with installation of gadgets, control towers, and extension of round ways.

    The management member added that the demolition of existing structures is all on hold due to lack of funds to facilitate the completion of the entire project.

    “The project has been affected by the ongoing government debt restructure programme. Government, I mean the finance minister has suspended external payment. So the UK government responsible for founding the project has stopped releasing funding to us to work on the project. So we are ready to work but we don’t have money to pay workers and buy material so that’s the problem we are facing at the moment,” our source explained.

    He continued: “At the moment only few administrative staff are currently working with the company doing administrative work with few drivers. All our vehicles have equally been packed at our warehouse. So for now there’s no work on any of our sites.”

    Central Market Phase Two Project

    The Central Market project sod cutting was held on 2nd May 2019 by President Nana Akufo Addo in company of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and expected to be completed by the end of March 2024.

    However, the construction firm disclosed they can’t meet the deadline due delays on the project, a development they stressed is beyond their control.

    “We can’t meet the deadline for the traders to come and trade in the Central Market. This is because the former Kumasi mayor failed to relocate the traders on time for the project to start on time as we wanted. We have already wasted a lot of time on this project before this IMF recommended debt restructure programme affecting the entire project. You know money and equipment were ready but KMA didn’t show any commitment to them to support the project. At some point the UK government wanted to take their money back until Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah’s intervention.”

    Meanwhile, Central Market traders who were relocated to the racecourse market and others who have no place to trade are expected to hold a major demonstration against the government on Monday 13th March 2023 over the stalled Kumasi Central Market project.

    Manhyia Palace

    Another source close to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also confirmed Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been briefed about the stalled work on the three sites. As a result of the debt restructuring programme proposed by the IMF that the government is depending on a loan to restructure the country’s collapsing economy.

    “You all know the role Otumfuo played behind the scenes on this project. The King is aware of the situation. He will soon travel to the UK for the coronation of King Charles the King of Great Britain in the coming days and this issue will be looked at. It’s unfortunate but these are priority projects which are dear to Otumfuo and fall within the Asanteman development agenda so Otumfuo will take the right step I can assure you of that”.

  • Lucky Mensah runs a football academy now

    Lucky Mensah runs a football academy now

    Highlife musician, Lucky Mensah, has said he has put music on hold to channel his energies into running a football academy.

    “I run LM Soccer Academy which has Under 17, Under 15, Under 13 and Under 10 footballers.

    “That is where all my concentration has been lately, we play with teams all across the country and we are doing very well,” he mentioned to Graphic Showbiz.

    Lucky Mensah added that he used to be a very good footballer himself and was referred to as Skillsman.

    Born Alex Lucky Mensah, Highlife artiste, Lucky Mensah groomed his talent when he started singing in the Kristo Asafo church at Gomoa, Central Region at the age of 11.

    He continued singing in the Accra New Town branch of Kristo Asafo when he relocated to Accra.

    He later joined the Figo band but left the band and worked as a solo artiste and released his debut album in 1993.

  • Spending restrictions, according to Howe, would harm Newcastle plans

    Spending restrictions, according to Howe, would harm Newcastle plans

    Following a call from Liverpool owner John W Henry for stricter regulations on clubs, Eddie Howe claims that additional spending restrictions would hinder Newcastle’s success plan.

    Henry, who had previously backed the defunct European Super League, this week expressed his support for additional restrictions on Premier League clubs in order to maintain healthy competition.

    However, Magpies manager Howe, who has made significant purchases since taking over at St James’ Park in November 2021, said he would not appreciate additional restrictions on top of the already-existing rules.

    “I wouldn’t want to see any more restrictions on spending,” he said on Friday. “We have spent money, don’t get me wrong, but future restrictions would certainly deny our ability to improve as quickly as we want to.”

    Newcastle’s sizeable investment since a Saudi-led takeover in 2021 has enabled them to mount a challenge to finish in the top four of the English top flight this season.

    They are currently sixth in the table, four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with two games in hand despite a poor recent run.

    Howe’s team also reached last month’s League Cup final, which they lost to Manchester United.

    Newcastle, who host Wolves on Sunday, have won just one of their past eight league games and scored only three goals in the process.

    “There’s a belief that we can win again and we need, very quickly, to fulfil that aim,” Howe said. “I’ve never sat here and talked us up in terms of targets, top four.

    But I have talked us up in terms of what I believe we can achieve and the quality we have in our group and I’m not going to change now.”

    Newcastle’s recent lack of goals has increased the clamour for record-signing Alexander Isak to start in place of England international Callum Wilson, who has scored only once in his past 14 appearances for the club.

    But Howe issued a note of caution over a player who has missed a significant chunk of the season with a thigh injury.

    He said: “He wants to play, like every player. I feel he is there, but is he 100 percent ready to play 90 minutes on a consistent basis? Probably not. I have been delighted by his attitude. I think he’s in a good place.”

  • Another former Ghanaian player slapped with two years imprisonment in Sweden for sexual assault

    Another former Ghanaian player slapped with two years imprisonment in Sweden for sexual assault

    Joseph Amoako, a former forward for Asante Kotoko, has been given a two-year prison term in Sweden. According to reports, the 20-year-old attacker, who was on Helsingborgs IF’s books until his conviction, was found guilty of sexual assault.

    Expressen.se claims that the young person was charged with the crime following a meeting with a 16-year-old female. Amoako allegedly introduced himself to the teen via social media and gave her match tickets for a Helsingborgs match. Later, he invited her to a party at his house.

    The Ghanaian will serve a two-year sentence in Sweden before being sent back home as soon as it is finished. Amoah won’t be permitted to go back to the Scandinavian nation for ten years.

    GhanaSoccernet reported that the player’s contract was cancelled following his sentence. Amoako initially joined Helsingborgs IF on loan from Asante Kotoko before his move was made permanent after impressing the technical handlers of the club.

    Joseph Amoako joins Helsingborg Sports Brief previously reported on Kumasi Asante Kotoko winger, Amoako joining Swedish Allvenskan side, Helsingborg IF on loan for the rest of the season.

    The 19-year-old attacker moved to the top flight side after just six months since joining the Porcupine Warriors from lower-tier Ghana side, Red Bull FC.

    Helsingborg formally announced the signing of the teen sensation and have the option of making the deal a permanent one at the end of his loan spell. Kotoko sign Brazilian striker Ghana Premier League champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko have announced the signing of Brazilian forward, Matheus Medeiros De Souza.

    The forward joins the Porcupine Warriors on a six-month deal with the option of extending for a further year. De Souza is expected to boost the attack of the Reds, as they seek to defend the title they won last season.

  • AFCON: Ex-Black Stars player Yaw Preko supports Chris Hughton’s decision to snub local players

    AFCON: Ex-Black Stars player Yaw Preko supports Chris Hughton’s decision to snub local players

    Yaw Preko, a former Black Stars forward, has sided with Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton in his decision to call no local players to join his team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

    The former manager of the Accra Great Olympics thinks local players would need to earn call-ups by enhancing their performances.

    Yaw Preko posited in an interview with Oyerepa FM that Hughton might not have followed the Ghana Premier League closely enough to know which players to call.

    “The local players need to raise their game and see how it goes. I do not think Chris Hughton has watched the local league enough to be inviting local players.”

    Hughton, on Thursday, March 9, 2023, released a 25-man squad for Ghana’s 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Angola.

    The Black Stars will play Angola over two legs. They will host Black Antelopes in the first leg on March 23, 2023, before the second leg on March 27, 2023.

  • Pogba’s drop from Juventus squad: Fans say ‘he sabotages himself ‘

    Pogba’s drop from Juventus squad: Fans say ‘he sabotages himself ‘

    Paul Pogba transferred to Manchester United from Juventus for a world record fee of £89 million in 2016, having moved to Italy from the Red Devils academy four years prior.

    He endured difficult times at Old Trafford, often disrupted by injuries and inconsistent performances which made him a villain in the eyes of United fans.

    The French international rejoined Juventus for the second time on a free transfer at the end of last season, after Man United brought his time there to an end after a six-year relationship.

    Pogba dropped for disciplinary reasons

    Pogba made his second debut for the Bianconeri on February 28 in the Turin derby against Torino, following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury that ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup, as reported by Goal.

    As reported by Sky Italia, the Frenchman has been dropped from the squad to face SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League later today after he turned up for Wednesday’s retreat late, much to the anger of manager, Massimiliano Allegri.

    Fan reactions to Pogba’s indiscipline

    The 29-year-old is no stranger to disciplinary issues, having previously clashed with Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese manager’s time with the Red Devils. This famously led to the Special One calling the World Cup winner a ‘virus’.

    @jennaGottFans_ wrote: ”Why is he like this? Man that is amazingly talented but still finds a way to sabotage himself”

    @prettycachy wrote: ”This was what was said about him in Manchester United”

    @Danny_UTD7 wrote: ”A player with a lot of talent but lacks discipline, so sad”

    @whitefooty wrote: ”Jose Mourinho told us all about his character”

    Last year, he angered Allegri during injury rehab by undertaking a very risky personal activity while on holiday.

    Pogba uploaded a video of himself on a ski trip despite nursing a knee injury that delayed his second Juve debut.

    Pogba upsets Allegri with adventure As Sports Brief previously reported, this was not the first time Pogba has been in trouble since his return to Juventus.

  • Ten Hag wins Manager of the Month honours as Man Utd completes a February double

    Ten Hag wins Manager of the Month honours as Man Utd completes a February double

    After Marcus Rashford won the monthly players’ award, Erik ten Hag has been named the Premier League’s Manager of the Month for February, giving Manchester United a hat trick.

    The only blemish on United’s record last month was a 2-2 draw at home to Leeds United, which was managed by Ten Hag. Ten Hag oversaw a return of 10 points from four Premier League games for United.

    United improved on that Leeds draw by defeating their adversaries 2-0 in the rematch at Elland Road four days later, along with victories over Crystal Palace and Leicester City.

    By defeating Newcastle United to win the EFL Cup and eliminating Barcelona from the Europa League in February, Ten Hag’s team ended a nearly six-year trophy drought. They also carried their league form into other competitions.

    Having also received the award last September, Ten Hag’s second monthly prize brings him level with other two-time winners including Kenny Dalglish, Roberto Mancini and Thomas Tuchel. 

    While United enjoyed an excellent February, March began with the joint-heaviest competitive defeat in their illustrious history as they were hammered 7-0 by Liverpool at Anfield.

    Having bounced back with a 4-1 Europa League win over Real Betis on Thursday, United welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Sunday, looking to extend an 11-match unbeaten streak at home in the Premier League (W9 D2).

  • Para-sports: Sampson Deen engages Moroccan govt on advancement of the sport

    Para-sports: Sampson Deen engages Moroccan govt on advancement of the sport

    Samson Deen, the president of the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), has visited the Moroccan Ministry of National Education, Primary Education, and Sports to discuss including parasport on the agenda of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) at its upcoming meeting.

    In order to include para-sport in its bid and hosting of the African Games as a stand-alone event after the Olympic event, the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), which owns and runs the African Para Games within the African continent, has taken steps to collaborate with the African Union Sports Council (AUSC).

    Samson Deen, the president of the AfPC, has started working with the African Union (AU) Member States’ Ministries of Sports to include parasport in the AUC’s Specialized Technical Committees.

    During the visit, Samson Deen seized the opportunity to meet, discuss and share with the representative of the Hon. Minister of Sports, Mr Abderrazzak Akkari, who is the Director of Sports at the Ministry of National Education, Primary Education and Sports, some vital information of mutual interest regarding the Inclusion of Para Sport, bidding and hosting, participation and organisation strategy.

    The AfPC also proposed it will need the support of the majority of the AU Member States to support the inclusion of the AGENDA in the next sitting of the Specialized Technical Committee.

    Ghana is set to host the First African Para Games, Accra 2023, which was slated for 3rd to 12 September 2023 in Accra, Ghana, but could see the date for the commencement of the event pushed further backwards after the AUSC communicated with its members a new date had been proposed for the African Games 8-23 2024.

    The Ministry presented a Souvenir of the forum and gifts as a token of appreciation and gratitude for the excellent cooperation, presented by Mr Abderrazzak Akkari, who is the Director of Sports at the Ministry of National Education, Primary Education and Sports and the President of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Sport for Persons with Disabilities Mr Hamid Al Ouni to the President of African Paralympic Committee.

    The African Paralympic Committee’s President will pay a courtesy call to the Minister of Sports of Egypt on Monday, 13 March 2023.

  • Harry Kane’s transfer would be ‘completely gaga’ -Bayern honorary president Hoeness

    Harry Kane’s transfer would be ‘completely gaga’ -Bayern honorary president Hoeness

    Uli Hoeness thinks Harry Kane would make Bayern Munich go “gaga,” but the Bundesliga champions are still interested in signing the England captain.

    Discussions about Kane’s future have been sparked by Tottenham’s failure to win any trophies this season.

    Bayern is one of the very few teams that seems capable of bringing in a player of that calibre, paying the transfer fee and wages while also guaranteeing the striker the chance to finally bring home a trophy.

    But honorary president Hoeness has suggested the idea of splashing out on Kane would be “completely gaga”.

    Hoeness appeared to make a similar suggestion in an interview with Sky Sports, though he also discussed how Bayern could still make a bid for Kane.

    “It doesn’t go over my desk,” Hoeness said. “I’m one of nine members of the supervisory board who have a say in the executive committee when it comes to large expenses of over €25million.

    “I’ve expressed my personal private opinion here. I can imagine that the day is coming a player would go to Bayern and can cost around €100million, but I gave my opinion specifically on the Kane case.

    “He’s almost 30 years old and last year Tottenham rejected Manchester City’s €160million offer.”

    Asked what role he might have in any discussions around Kane, Hoeness replied: “I would give my private opinion.

    “I’m one of nine, and if the other eight say he’s going to be bought, then he’s going to be bought. That’s how it is in a democracy.”

    Bayern’s record transfer remains their €80m signing of Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

  • Spanish La Liga: Inaki Williams hopes to score Barcelona to boost team

    Spanish La Liga: Inaki Williams hopes to score Barcelona to boost team

    When Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona face off at Camp Nou on Sunday in week 25 of the Spanish La Liga, Ghanaian striker Inaki Williams will be looking to score against Barcelona goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen.

    When the two teams meet this weekend, the Ghanaian international, who has already scored six goals against Ter Stegen, is eager to increase his total.

    “I respectfully asked for Ter Stegen’s shirt after the Super Cup, and currently, I put it in a frame at my house,” said Williams.

    The 28-year-old has been a key asset for Bilbao this season, racking up five goals and four assists in all competitions.

    Williams is hoping to use the Barcelona game to give his side a boost in the race to qualify for Europe.

    “I scored 6 goals against Ter Stegen, and I hope to score again in the next match because we need to win, as it will give us a strong impetus to qualify for Europe,” he said.

    Inaki Williams has been named in the Black Stars’ 25-man squad for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Angola later this month.

  • De Zerbi focused on making history at Brighton

    De Zerbi focused on making history at Brighton

    Despite rumours linking him to Tottenham, Roberto De Zerbi is content at Brighton and Hove Albion and committed to helping the Seagulls break records this season.

    Since taking over for Graham Potter in September, De Zerbi has made a significant impact at Brighton and helped the Seagulls contend for European qualification.

    With three games remaining, Brighton is seven points behind fourth-placed Spurs in the Premier League standings. Their 43 goals this season are also a competition record.

    With De Zerbi’s team performing well, he has been mentioned as a potential successor to Antonio Conte, who is expected to leave Spurs by the end of the current season, along with people like Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, and Steve Cooper.

    Asked about those links at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Leeds United, De Zerbi said: “I have a long contract with Brighton and I’m happy to work here.

    “I’m enjoying working with these players, I’m delighted with my players for their performance and I can’t ask for more, it’s a good moment in my life.”

    head of the trip to Elland Road, Brighton are unbeaten in their last five Premier League away games (W3 D2), the joint-longest current run in the competition, alongside Brentford.

    We need to take our chances – Howe disappointed at another Newcastle blank

    Brighton have also failed to score just once in 11 away league games this term (0-2 at Brentford in October) – no Premier League side have drawn a blank on fewer road trips (Arsenal also one).

    With Brighton earning plaudits for their enterprising style and with the race for European qualification wide open, De Zerbi is aware of the potential their campaign holds.

    “People are speaking about our quality of play, and for that I am proud. But we have to be focused only on the next games. We have a clear target,” he said.

    “We have a dream. We know we can write a new history for the club. This is a nice challenge. 

    “It will be difficult. We know what we can expect, but now we are able to win. I think now we have a complete squad with many young players, we are stronger.

    “We want to arrive in Europe but we have to push and take it game by game. Tomorrow starts a difficult period with three games in a week, but we are ready to fight for our targets.”

  • Collina demands more precise stoppage times after Liverpool defeated Man Utd 7-0

    Collina demands more precise stoppage times after Liverpool defeated Man Utd 7-0

    Regardless of the situation, Pierluigi Collina has urged referees to add the appropriate amount of stoppage time at the conclusion of games.

    The match between Liverpool and Manchester United on Sunday at Anfield was discussed by FIFA’s head of refereeing. Only three minutes were added to the game’s final score, which resulted in a 7-0 victory for the hosts despite the fact that six goals were scored in a second half that also featured 10 substitutions and a VAR delay.

    Although games at the World Cup in Qatar were extended by additional time that was meant to reflect actual time lost during the 90 minutes, this trend has largely not continued in club football.

    “Last weekend in the Premier League, there were 10 matches,” Collina told reporters. “Four had additional time of 10 minutes or more [across the first half and second half], and two should have been higher but weren’t only because they had scores of 7-0 and 4-0.

    “In the game at Liverpool, there was four minutes added, one in the first half and three in the second. But there were six goals in the second half.

    “Maybe at some point in the future we will have a rule which says: if the difference between the two sides is big, the additional time is not to be given. But this would be in the laws of the game.

    “Now it is common sense, but it is [only] common sense when it doesn’t affect someone.

    “I can understand that showing the right amount of time when it is 7-0 is difficult to understand. But in some competitions, the goal difference in the entire competition may be decisive at the end for the ranking.

    “So, even one goal scored or not scored could make the difference.”

    Former referee Collina believes adding on as much time as necessary would eventually stamp out time-wasting, much like the introduction of VAR appeared to reduce the amount of simulation in the game. 

    “It’s time to compensate time that was not played during the match,” he said. “We are not considering to go from 70 to 75. No, we want to avoid just playing 43 minutes.

    “The effective time at Aston Villa vs Brentford [earlier this season] was 43 minutes. I don’t think someone wants to pay to watch a match that lasts 43 minutes.

    “We have seen implementing VAR has reduced simulation. How many cards are now given for simulation? Very little because the players know it is meaningless to try.

    “I am convinced time-wasting will be reduced when players know it is meaningless to waste time because that time is compensated.”

  • Al-Nassrs 1-0 Al-Ittihad: CR7 angry, kicked bottles after fans chant Messi’s name

    Al-Nassrs 1-0 Al-Ittihad: CR7 angry, kicked bottles after fans chant Messi’s name

    Due to the incredible achievements they have made in their careers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are regarded as the best players of the twenty-first century and among the greatest players of all time.

    They have been in a head-to-head competition to see who is the better, and this has led to a worldwide cult among football fans and celebrities.

    Rival fans often make fun of each other’s players during bad games to annoy them. Ronaldo experienced this during Al- Nassr’s 1-0 loss to rivals Al-Ittihad on March 9, 2023.

    In a video, Ronaldo was seen upset as he left the pitch angry after Al-Ittihad fans chanted Messi’s name.

    Ittihad fans, while their team lead the game, chanted Messi’s name and got the Portuguese irritated as he responded with a keep-talking hand gesture.

    After Nassr lost the game 1-0, the fans continued to chant while Ronaldo walked off the pitch as he furiously kicked a bottle on the pitch side.

    The Real Madrid legend and five-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed his disappointment after the defeat but acknowledged the Nassr fans for their support.

    “Disappointed with the result, but we stay focused on our season and the games ahead.

    Thank you Al Nassr fans for your support, we know we can count on you!”

  • All about Black Stars ‘newbee’, Patrick Kpozo

    All about Black Stars ‘newbee’, Patrick Kpozo

    The only rookie in Ghana’s 25-man roster to face Angola in the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers is Patrick Kpozo.

    Ghana’s Accra is where Patrick Kpozo, a player for FC Sheriff Tiraspol in the Moldovan league, was born and raised.

    The 25-year-old began his professional career with Inter Allies of Division 2 and made seven appearances before receiving a breakthrough transfer abroad to Swedish club AIK.

    The player made two appearances for the national team in 2015 after receiving a call-up to Ghana’s under-20 team, the Black Satellites, before moving abroad.

    The left-back made 11 club appearances before spending the next two seasons on loan in Tromso.

    After a torrid spell at AIK, the Ghanaian player moved to Ostersunds FK also in the Swedish league. Kpozo was able to find his footing at Ostersunds and played in 48 matches scoring 3 goals.

    In between his five-year spell at Ostersunds, Kpozo was sent on loan to IFK Lulea and managed to score 6 goals in 28 appearances for the club.
    After spending seven years in the Swedish league, Kpozo decided to join Moldova’s top side, FC Sheriff Tiraspol.

    Since joining the club at the start of the season, Kpozo has played 25 matches which have seen him record 1966 minutes under his sleeves.
    The Ghanaian left-back was instrumental in FC Sheriff Tiraspol’s campaign in the Europa League where they faced the likes of Manchester United and Real Sociedad.

    Patrick Kpozo first earned Black Stars call-up in the provisional squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup but was dropped after the squad was pruned to a 26.

    Patrick Kpozo’s addition to the Black Stars is expected to bring more competition to the left-back department of the team.

  • 2023 AFCON: Chris Hughton dropped these seven 2022 World Cup players

    2023 AFCON: Chris Hughton dropped these seven 2022 World Cup players

    For this month’s AFCON qualifiers against Angola, Ghana coach Chris Hughton has left seven players off the national team roster.

    The seven players were not included in the current squad for the AFCON qualifiers even though they were a part of the group that qualified Ghana for the Qatar-hosted 2022 World Cup.

    The seven players who were cut from the team consist of: Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (Freiburg), Alidu Seidu (Clermont Foot), Baba Rahman (Reading), Daniel Afriyie Barnieh (FC Zurich), Ibrabim Danlad (Asante Kotoko) and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Sporting Lisbon).

    While Elisha Owusu, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Alidu Seidu and Baba Rahman have been dropped due to various injuries suffered while representing their respective clubs, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Ibrabim Danlad and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku have been left out of the squad due to poor form.

    The Black Stars are scheduled to play Angola in a doubleheader this month, with the first leg set to be played on March 23 in Kumasi while the reverse fixture comes off in Luanda four days later.

  • ‘Never go back’: Carragher warns Poch not to return back to Spurs

    ‘Never go back’: Carragher warns Poch not to return back to Spurs

    Jamie Carragher thinks Mauricio Pochettino would be wrong to return to Tottenham because doing so would be like Kevin Keegan going back to Newcastle United.

    Tottenham’s coach Antonio Conte is under increasing pressure following a desperate run that dashed their chances of taking home a trophy this year.

    Spurs entered the top four in the Premier League after back-to-back wins, but after losing at Wolves in the league, the FA Cup at Sheffield United, and a miserable goalless draw at Milan, they were eliminated from the Champions League.

    Conte’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign, so it seems likely that the former manager of Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter will soon leave Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

    Pochettino, who spent five years at the club, would be a popular appointment for many fans, and he remains out of work after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

    But Liverpool legend Carragher sees concerning parallels with Keegan’s 2008 homecoming at Newcastle, where he soon left following a dispute with owner Mike Ashley.

    “Never go back. That is what they say in football,” Carragher wrote in The Telegraph.

    “Mauricio Pochettino would be wise to remember that if he is tempted to return to Tottenham Hotspur.

    “Don’t do it, Poch. All parties need to move on. Comebacks are usually more romantic than logical.

    “Pochettino may see Spurs as the best chance to return to the Premier League. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could curry favour with the supporters by re-appointing a popular ex-manager.

    “They must know how rarely old magic is recreated in football.”

    While noting Carlo Ancelotti has enjoyed a successful second spell at Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho won the title after rejoining Chelsea, Carragher added: “Pochettino returning to Spurs would be like Kevin Keegan going back to Newcastle United.

    “Like Keegan’s Newcastle in the mid-90s, Pochettino’s Tottenham charmed neutrals without winning trophies.

    “Keegan’s re-appointment in 2008 was greeted like the second coming, but he walked into different conditions and was gone eight months later.”

    Tottenham finished second under Pochettino in 2016-17, their best performance since the 1960s, and also came third twice.

    He was unable to end their wait for silverware, however, losing in the Champions League final in 2019 and EFL Cup final in 2015.

  • Arsenal supporters upset with Thomas Partey’s selection to the Black Stars

    Arsenal supporters upset with Thomas Partey’s selection to the Black Stars

    Thomas Partey’s call-up to the Black Stars for the upcoming international break has some Arsenal supporters upset.

    The said incensed fans advised Partey to decline the invitation and focus on improving his fitness instead because he had just recovered from an injury.

    Since he recovered from a muscle injury he sustained in February 2023, the Ghanaian has played 160 minutes in four games.

    Thomas Partey was selected for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations team by Ghana, which will consist of 25 players.

    The Black Stars will play Angola over two legs. They will host the Black Antelopes in the first leg on March 23, 2023, before the second leg on March 27, 2023.

    The Black Stars are tied at the top of Group E with Angola on four points each.

    Ghana began their campaign with a 3-0 win over Madagascar before being held to a one-all draw against Central African Republic.

    Unlike Ghana, Angola beat the Central African Republic and drew against Madagascar in their second fixture.

  • Man Utd-Real Betis: Ten Hag justifies Bruno Fernandes’ bad tackle on Bravo

    Man Utd-Real Betis: Ten Hag justifies Bruno Fernandes’ bad tackle on Bravo

    Manchester United bounced back from their embarrassing 7-0 loss to Liverpool at the weekend by beating Real Betis 4-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16. Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst were all on the scoresheet for the Red Devils, and a former Premier League star Ayoze Perez got the only goal for the Spanish team.

    Fernandes, who retained his captaincy after his antics against Liverpool, got fans talking after he escaped with only a yellow card after a horror tackle on former Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

    The Portuguese went in with a two-foot lunge at the Chilean goalkeeper, who got to the ball first but then got caught on the shin by the United captain. The referee immediately issued a yellow card, as reported by Sun UK.

    Ten Hag defends Fernandes

    United boss Erik Ten Hag defended his captain for the bad tackle during his post-match conference with BT Sport, which Manchester Evening News quoted. ”It’s his strength and his passion, but you are right. Sometimes he has to control that, and he has to bring it.

    It is his strength, and when it’s too much, it becomes a weakness. That’s true, and he knows that, and there are always small margins,” he said.

    The former Ajax boss also praised how his captain adapted to his role change and felt he was the best player on the pitch

    ”I think he was the best player on the pitch. It shows his personality. He played a little deeper role tonight, I asked him to do, and I think he was brilliant,” he added.

    Ten Hag instructs players to score more goals Sports Brief earlier reported that United boss Erik Ten Hag appeared to tell his players to score more goals despite being 4-1 up against Real Betis.

    The Dutch manager named an unchanged XI after the loss to Liverpool. While his team were four goals up, he made a gesture with three fingers which fans interpreted meant he wanted three more goals.

    The former Ajax boss ended United’s trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and currently has the team on 21 home games unbeaten run.

  • Vinicius experiences more racist abuse at Real Betis, and LaLiga files a complaint

    Vinicius experiences more racist abuse at Real Betis, and LaLiga files a complaint

    After Vinicius Junior endured racist taunts once more during Real Madrid’s goalless draw with Real Betis on Sunday, LaLiga filed a complaint at a Seville court.

    Two games this season against Atletico Madrid involved racist taunts directed at Vinicius, and matches against Real Mallorca and Real Valladolid have also been the scene of alleged incidents.

    During Sunday’s scoreless draw at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, a Betis fan was caught on camera shouting racist epithets at Vinicius, prompting LaLiga to once more turn to legal action.

    “This is the seventh complaint made to the relevant authorities by LaLiga regarding racist insults against Vinicius Junior.”

    Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti last month said racism was a problem throughout Spanish football, adding: “Vinicius is the victim of something that I don’t understand. It must be solved.”

  • Putellas rejects the label of ‘rebels’ as Spain’s players continue the Vilda strike

    Putellas rejects the label of ‘rebels’ as Spain’s players continue the Vilda strike

    In the midst of their ongoing dispute with the national team and coach Jorge Vilda, Spain’s striking players have refuted the claim that they are “rebels,” according to Alexia Putellas.

    15 players declared themselves unavailable for selection after Spain’s Women’s World Cup qualification in September, citing the “situation” surrounding La Roja.

    There is currently a deadlock before the tournament in July as a result of the RFEF’s decision to stand by Vilda in the face of requests from the striking group for him to be replaced due to concerns for their emotional well-being.

    The Barcelona midfielder has vehemently emphasised the opinion of her teammates and rejected the notion that those players are at fault.

    “We are not rebels,” she told beIN SPORTS. “It’s exhausting having to constantly claim improvements to perform better. I don’t think you have to put adjectives of this type.

    “It is a problem between the players and the federation. Private conversations have been leaked, and this situation does not benefit anyone.

    “We want the players to be able to focus one hundred percent on performing. It’s exhausting having to constantly claim upgrades. The leaders should improve our conditions without [us] having to ask all the time.”

    Vilda omitted striking players from his squad for the 2023 Cup of Nations, where La Roja finished second behind hosts Australia, ahead of a return to the country for the World Cup later this year.

    They play friendlies against Norway and China in Ibiza in April, as they step up their preparations for the tournament, where they will hope to be among the contenders.

  • Corinne Diacre fired as coach of France football team

    Corinne Diacre fired as coach of France football team

    Just four months before the Women’s World Cup, the coach of the French national football team has been fired. Several of the key players on the national team had revolted against Corinne Diacre.

    Corinne Diacre will no longer serve as the head coach of France’s national team, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Thursday.

    The FFF praised Diacre’s “involvement and seriousness” in a press release, but claimed that a four-member committee that had been formed to examine how the women’s national team is run had “unanimously” recommended firing the coach.

    “The numerous hearings conducted have made it possible to establish a very important gap with some top players,” it said. “This gap has reached a point of no return that damages the team’s interests.”

    Player resignations

    The move wasn’t completely unexpected, as Diacre had been under growing pressure since captain Wendie Renard announced her resignation from the national team last month.

    “I can no longer support the current system which falls a long way short of the demands required to compete at the highest level,” Renard said. 

    Paris Saint-Germain forward Kadidiatou Diani, the top scorer in the French league, who like Renard was nominated for last year’s Ballon d’Or, also quit, along with her PSG teammate Marie-Antoinette Katoto.

    The federation said interim President Philippe Diallo had asked a committee to speak to potential candidates to replace Diacre as head coach “as soon as possible.”

    Adding to the FFF’s crisis

    The move could hardly have come at a more inopportune time, with France set to compete in the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July and August.

    The French federation was already in crisis following the resignation of its scandal-hit 81-year-old president, Noel Le Graet, last week.

    Diacre, who took charge of the French national team in 2017 and was under contract until August 2024, said on Wednesday that she had become the victim of a smear campaign.

    Under Diacre, France, as hosts, lost to the United States in the quarterfinals at the last World Cup in 2019.  Les Bleues then lost to Germany in the semifinals of last year’s Euros in England.

    Diacre, who as a player made 121 appearances for the national team, previously coached second-division outfit Clermont — making her the first woman to coach a men’s team in a competitive match in France.

  • Pogba looses spot in Juventus for disciplinary reasons ahead of Freiburg game

    Pogba looses spot in Juventus for disciplinary reasons ahead of Freiburg game

    For Thursday’s Europa League match in Turin against Freiburg, Juventus will not feature Paul Pogba.

    The France international reportedly arrived late for a team meeting on Wednesday and was left off Massimiliano Allegri’s squad when it was announced the morning of the first-leg match of the round of 16 on Thursday.

    After returning to Juventus from Manchester United last July, Pogba has had a miserable start to his second stint with the team.

    Multiple injuries have plagued the 29-year-old midfielder, who had to wait until February 28 to make his second debut. He came off the bench in the 4-2 derby victory over Torino and also made an appearance as a late substitute in Sunday’s 1-0 loss at Roma.

    Thursday’s game against Bundesliga club Freiburg had been earmarked as one in which he could make a long-awaited start with Allegri outlining his optimism at the pre-match press conference.

    However, widespread reports in Italy have suggested Pogba was late to a team meeting 24 hours before the game with Allegri subsequently opting to leave the player out completely.

  • Retirement age in France now 64, after Senate votes

    Retirement age in France now 64, after Senate votes

    Despite weeks of demonstrations and strikes that drew thousands of workers, the French Senate decided to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.

    The proposal to raise the retirement age in France by two years, to 64, was approved by the Senate. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 201 to 115.

    The vote was held in the midst of widespread strikes and protests, which have paralysed many industries because employees in the public sector and other workers opposed President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal.

    What is the deal?

    The French government is looking to realign the country’s pension system despite strong opposition from labor unions, saying that it is financially unsustainable otherwise. 

    On top of pushing retirement age to 64, Macron is seeking to incerase the period of payment required to qualify for a full state pension.

    Macron’s government argues that the unpopular measures are needed to shore up the scheme for the future. 

    Despite clearing the Senate on Thursday, the bill is still bouncing between France’s chambers of parliament. 

    President Emmanuel Macron’sadjustment of pensions also needs to be approved by the lower house of the French parliament, the National Assembly, where majority support might not be as easy to come by.

    The lower house is also working on proposed amendments in the form of a compromise plan that might also be sent to the Senate for a vote.

    Strong opposition

    The increase of retirement age and the proposed changes to the pensions face stiff opposition from parts of French society.

    Left-wing politicians voiced anger after the Senate voted in favor of the reforms.

    “Your name will forever be attached to a reform that will set the clock back almost 40 years,” Socialist Monique Lubin told Labor Minister Oliver Dussopt.

    Labor unions have promised to increase pressure on the government by calling for mass action by workers across different sectors.

    Fuel deliveries, schools, trains, and flights are being disrupted by the demonstrations.

    Dock workers have joined strikes in a bid to convince Macron to change his stance on the bill that he has championed in both of his presidential campaigns — he gave up on the proposed reforms amid the onset of the Covid pandemic in his first term. 

    Most other European countries have already hiked the retirement age to 65 or over, with France’s retirement system among Europe’s and particularly western Europe’s most generous. 

     

  • Real Madrid lambasts UEFA’s refund plan calls it ‘insufficient’

    Real Madrid lambasts UEFA’s refund plan calls it ‘insufficient’

    Real Madrid has criticised UEFA’s “inadequate” plan to reimburse some fans who attended the Champions League final in May, and has demanded that the governing body take responsibility for the chaos that surrounded the game.

    A recent independent investigation concluded that UEFA was “primarily responsible” for the “numerous near misses that almost resulted in disaster” at the Stade de France.

    French authorities initially placed the blame on Liverpool fans during chaotic scenes that put fans at risk of crushes as the start time in Paris was delayed.

    Only a portion of the Madrid supporters will be affected by the UEFA’s plans to refund all 19,618 Liverpool fans who purchased tickets to the championship game on Tuesday.

    However, a response issued by the European champions on Thursday called on UEFA to extend the offer to all attendees, describing overall conditions at the game as “unacceptable”.

    “Given the conclusiveness of the experts’ findings and the seriousness of the events described, Real Madrid has been holding talks with UEFA with the aim of assessing the compensation that will be offered to fans,” the statement read.

    “Our club was entirely confident that these solutions would be in line with the seriousness of the events, the extent of the damage caused and UEFA’s responsibility for them.

    “Regrettably, our club believes that UEFA’s proposal, officially announced last Tuesday, is insufficient. 

    “The content of the report stresses that all fans attending the final were victims of its inadequate organisation and their safety and security were compromised. 

    “The fact is that all the fans experienced an unacceptable delay in the start of the match. In addition, there was unacceptable insecurity both in accessing and leaving the stadium, as well as additional harm such as theft, assaults and threats.

    “For this reason, Real Madrid has decided not to cooperate in the restricted compensation procedure proposed by UEFA, which we ask to redress the situation and assume full responsibility.”

  • Taiwan allows more flights to China, says it is a ‘goodwill gesture’

    Taiwan allows more flights to China, says it is a ‘goodwill gesture’

    In an effort to strengthen ties, Taipei has agreed to resume flights to several cities throughout China. The situation will become more comparable to the pre-coronavirus norm once the flights are resumed.

    On Thursday, the Taiwanese government announced that it had agreed to start operating more direct flights to China, which had been suspended following the coronavirus pandemic. It stated that this was done in an effort to promote “healthy and orderly exchanges” with Beijing in light of the ongoing tension in the area.

    At the moment, Taiwan only permits air travel to Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xiamen in China.

    However, there were more nonstop flights from Taiwan to numerous Chinese cities prior to the pandemic.

    Lights to improve ‘cooperative interactions’

    Taipei’s Mainland Affairs Council has approved regular flights for 10 more cities, including the economic hubs of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanjing. Charter flights are also to be resumed for 13 Chinese cities.

    The latest plan will incorporate 209 flights per week between the two countries. Of those, 99 flights will originate from China, and 110 from Taiwan.

    Taiwanese health officials also said that covid testing would not be required at present for passengers arriving in Taiwan from China. 

    Chan Chih-hung, an official from the Council, told reporters that the move demonstrated Taiwan’s “most sincere goodwill.”

    “We also hope to build on the foundation of these resumed flights to gradually increase the exchange of goodwill gestures and cooperative interactions by both sides,” he said.

    ‘Strained relations’

    From 1949 to 2002, no direct flights were in place between Taiwan and China. Passengers had to transit through Hong Kong or Macau.

    In 2003, the two began charter flights, after which regular direct flights were introduced in 2009.

    When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world in 2020, flights were again disrupted.

    Taipei’s government has been attempting to resume its interactions with Beijing after they lifted the strict quarantine regulations last year. The island’s president Tsai Ing-wen said she hoped that the efforts would help improve China-Taiwan relations.

    However, since China considers Taiwan as part of its own territory, Beijing does not hold formal diplomatic relations with Taipei.

  • New Black Stars coach, Chris Hughton’s outdooring to be held in Kumasi

    New Black Stars coach, Chris Hughton’s outdooring to be held in Kumasi

    On Monday, March 20, 2023, Chris Hughton will be introduced as the Black Stars coach, according to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

    Chris Hughton was elevated to head coach of the Black Stars on February 12, 2023, from his position as technical adviser.

    There have been complaints about the delay in his formal introduction, but the Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced that Chris Hughton will be introduced three days prior to Ghana’s match against Angola on March 23, 2023, after releasing the Black Stars squad for the AFCON qualifiers.

    Chris Hughton’s unveiling ceremony will take place at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium, according to a statement from the GFA.

    “Black Stars Coach Chris Hughton will be unveiled in Kumasi on Monday, March 20, 2023, as part of the build-up to the match against Angola.

    The former Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur manager will be presented to the media to share his vision, ideology, and expectations with the public.

    The first engagement between the coach and the media in Kumasi will be a platform for the Football Association to also make public the targets, terms of engagement, and other relevant information pertaining to the manager’s work.

    The time and venue will be officially communicated in the coming days,” the statement read.

  • 3 Arsenal players miss training prior to their Europa League showdown

    3 Arsenal players miss training prior to their Europa League showdown

    When Arsenal plays Sporting Lisbon on March 9 at 8 p.m., a number of important players may be absent. The first of the round of 16 Europa League matches between the two groups is scheduled to take place at Stadio Jose Alvalade.

    The Gunners are on a scorching run of form, especially in the Premier League, where they have won 20 of their last 26 games.

    Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah, and Kieran Tierney are not expected to travel to Sporting Lisbon with the Premier League’s top team, according to Metro UK.

    Trossard is understood to be battling a groin injury suffered during his side’s 3-2 epic comeback win over Bournemouth. Nketiah, meanwhile, is said to be having an ankle problem, with Tierney out with illness. Arsenal get Jesus boost Despite the absence of the trio, Arsenal have been boosted by the return of Gabriel Jesus.

    Jesus has been out injured since the World Cup and was forced to have knee surgery to help his recovery. The Brazilian forward has missed the better part of the second half of the 2022/23 season as he worked his way to full fitness.

    However, the former Man City ace is closing in on a return to action after he was spotted in Arsenal training ahead of the Sporting Lisbon clash.

    It remains to be seen if the star forward will be involved in the match. Jorginho’s mum reduced to tears Earlier, Sports Brief reported that a video of Jorginho’s mother getting emotional after she spotted the midfielder’s shirt in the Arsenal dressing room has emerged.

    Jorginho sealed a sensational move to the Emirates during the January transfer window, swapping Chelsea for Arsenal.

    Jorginho’s mum, Maria Tereza Freitas, recently travelled to London from Brazil to visit her star son. It was during the visit that she was given a trip around Arsenal, Jorginho’s newest home, for weeks now.

  • Messi, the toughest opponent I have ever faced – Madrid’s Marcelo

    Messi, the toughest opponent I have ever faced – Madrid’s Marcelo

    Lionel Messi is the toughest opponent that legendary Real Madrid defender Marcelo Vieira has ever faced. During their time in Spain, Messi, who was then playing for Barcelona, and the 34-year-old, who spent nearly two decades with Los Blancos, frequently ran into one another.

    In one of their 2017 matches, Marcelo claimed credit for Leo Messi’s last-second goal on a counterattack, which led to a heartbreaking loss for Real Madrid.

    “It was a mistake, it could happen to anyone, but I take the blame for the goal,” the Brazilian said via MARCA.

    It thus comes as little to no surprise Marcelo picked the former Barcelona talisman as the toughest opponent he has encountered during an interview session at his unveiling as a new Fluminese player. When quizzed about his “toughest opponent”, the Madrid icon answered: “Messi.”

    Marcelo’s successful stint in Spain

    The 34-year-old’s career truly blossomed once he swapped his native Brazil for Spain.

    He became Real Madrid’s most decorated player, winning 25 trophies during his time with Los Blancos, per Reuters. Marcelo played 546 games for Madrid, notched 38 goals and provided 103 assists.

    He spent 16 years with the Spanish giants before signing as a free agent for Olympiacos in Greece, which lasted for only 10 games.

    Marcelo terminates Olympiacos contract

    Meanwhile, Marcelo’s stint in Greece after leaving Real Madrid ended abruptly following the termination of his contract with Olympiacos.

    The Real Madrid legend joined Olympiacos on a free transfer last summer after bringing an end to his 16-trophy-laden years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    In his brief stint in Greece, he made 10 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions for Olympiacos this season, according to Transfermarket.

    Marcelo copies Ronaldo’s ‘Siuu’ celebration

    Sports Brief also reported that Marcelo Oliviera stole Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous ‘SIUU’ celebration as he scored for Olympiacos in the Greek Cup on Wednesday night. Olympiacos advanced to the quarterfinals of the Cup competition after drawing 2-2 with Atromitos at the Peristeri Stadium.

    The 34-year-old paid a tribute to his former Real Madrid teammate, Ronaldo, by hitting the legendary forward’s iconic goal celebration.

  • Baba Rahman missing in Chris Houghton’s squad, social media users are excited

    Baba Rahman missing in Chris Houghton’s squad, social media users are excited

    Social media users are ecstatic about Chris Hughton’s bold decision to leave Baba Rahman out of the most recent Black Stars squad, which was unveiled by the coach.

    Regarding their belief that Reading left-back has outstayed his welcome with the Black Stars, social media users appear to be in agreement.

    Some people think Chris Hughton’s action is a sign of the kind of fair and firm decision-making he will employ when choosing players for the Black Stars.

    One of the six players who made the World Cup roster but were not included in Chris Hughton’s first selection as Black Stars coach is Baba Rahman.

    The returnees in the team include Jojo Wollacott Joseph Paintsil, Majeed Ashimeru, Ransford Yeboah Konigsdorfer, and Edmund Addo.

    There was however no place for Felix Afena-Gyan, Ibrahim Danlad, Afriyie Barnieh, and a host of stars.

    The 25-man is dominated by players who ply their trade in Europe with no local player making the cut.

    The Black Stars will take on Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on March 23 in a game that will be Chris Hughton’s first as substantive manager of the Black Stars.

    Four days later, the team will play Angola in their country.

  • Go for Diego Simeone or Jose Mourinho to win Champions League – Danny Mills to PSG

    Go for Diego Simeone or Jose Mourinho to win Champions League – Danny Mills to PSG

    If Paris Saint-Germain truly has any aspirations of one day winning the UEFA Champions League, they should hire either Jose Mourinho or Diego Simeone.

    Bayern Munich eliminated PSG in the round of 16 of Europe’s most prestigious club competition, causing them to experience heartbreak once more.

    Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Mills told Talk Sport that the Parisians could only become European champions with a managerial change that included the appointment of Mourinho or Simeone.

    “If PSG want to win the Champions League, there are two managers out there that they have to go for. One is Diego Simeone, because I think if you give him the tools for the job defensively, they’ll be so good.”

    PSG appointed Christophe Galtier as manager this season, but the Frenchman looks destined to be on his way out after another disappointing Champions League campaign.

    Galtier addresses his PSG future

    Meanwhile, Galtier has admitted his future may be out of his hands following PSG’s early elimination from the UCL by Bayern Munich, PM News reports.

    He blamed defensive errors for the Parisians’ loss to the Bavarians, after a 2-0 loss to the Bundesliga titans at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.

    The loss ensured back-to-back last-16 eliminations for PSG, who have played 137 Champions League games without lifting the trophy.

    Galtier laments Champions League exit

    Sports Brief also reported on PSG coach, Galtier admitting their only option was to accept their latest early Champions League exit and move on.

    The Frenchman insisted the outcome of the last-16 tie against Bayern would have been different had the visitors scored first in the second leg.

    The Ligue 1 leaders, who were looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, have once again exited the competition in the first knockout round.

  • Messi trolled after PSG Champions League exit

    Messi trolled after PSG Champions League exit

    Football fans have made fun of Lionel Messi, the star player for Paris Saint-Germain, on social media, particularly Twitter, for going eight years without taking home a UEFA Champions League trophy.

    Many people thought the legendary football player would be inspired to end his lengthy quest for a fifth UCL championship after helping Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    But on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich defeated PSG 2-0 (3-0 overall) to eliminate the French team, ending his quest to end the curse.

    Choupo-Mouting and Serge Gnabry’s goals in the second half guaranteed Bayern’s qualification.

    The exit means that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has now gone almost a decade without winning the competition. His last triumph came in 2015 when he inspired Barcelona to a 3-1 win against Juventus and his last goal in the final dates back to 2009.

    This is also the second time the Argentine has suffered a round of 16 exit in his second season at PSG.

    Following yet another disappointing night for Lionel Messi, some rival fans have branded his move to PSG as a bad investment by the club.

    A section accused him of not turning up for his team in UCL when it matters most.

    Others also argued that Messi’s biggest rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the competition five times(won his last in 2018), would have done better and that the defeat typifies the difference between the two.

  • I’m focused here at Arsenal – Mikel Arteta refutes Arsenal exit rumours to Real Madrid

    I’m focused here at Arsenal – Mikel Arteta refutes Arsenal exit rumours to Real Madrid

    The manager of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, has addressed rumours that he will leave the club to join Real Madrid. This season, Arteta has had a fantastic run of results with the north Londoners, and the Spaniard has put his team in a strong position to contend for the Premier League championship.

    Arsenal currently enjoys a five-point advantage over Man City at the top of the standings, making them the clear favourites to win the domestic championship.

    The team from the Emirates has reportedly won 20 of its last 26 Premier League games this season, leading the league with 63 points.

    Real Madrid and Arteta are connected. But given that Real Madrid is reportedly interested, it appears Arteta may not stay long at the Emirates Stadium.

    Speaking on the speculation, Arteta insisted that his focus is on the Arsenal job.

    “Managers and players can’t control what is written by the press,” Arteta retorted. “What I can tell is that I’m fully focused on what I’m doing here and extremely proud and grateful to do what I’m doing in this football club. That’s it,” he added, as quoted by Metro UK.

    Conte speaks on leaving Tottenham

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has addressed his future with the club following his side’s elimination from the Champions League. Tottenham were bundled out of the European elite competition on Wednesday night by Serie A giants AC Milan.

    The north Londoners had suffered a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture played in Italy and were hoping to overturn the scoreline when they hosted AC Milan in London.

  • Chris Hughton declines GFA’s one-year contract offer to lead Black Stars – reports

    Chris Hughton declines GFA’s one-year contract offer to lead Black Stars – reports

    Ghana Football Association(GFA) has reportedly offered a one-year contract to Chris Hughton, the newly appointed Black Stars coach, according to Original FM,

    The Accra-based station claims that Chris Hughton was given a one-year contract offer, which he flatly declined.

    According to the report, the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager wants a three-year contract because he thinks it will give him enough time to assemble a squad that is capable of winning championships.

    According to the report, Chris Hughton would prefer a three-year contract from the FA, but the Ghanaian government, through its ministry of sports, is also in favour of giving him a one-year contract.

    On February 12, the Ghana Football Association named Chris Hughton the new Black Stars head coach.

    A statement on the FA’s website read, “The Ghana Football Association has the pleasure to appoint Chris Hughton as Head Coach of the Black Stars following extensive deliberations between the two parties.

    “The appointment is in line with the vision of the GFA to continue with the project of building a formidable squad that started with Otto Addo in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament.”

    Almost a month since the announcement, the Ghana Football Association are yet to unveil and announce contract details for Chris Hughton.

    Henry Asante Twum, the spokesperson of the FA recently disclosed that the unveiling has been delayed due to the death of Chris Hughton’s father.

    “Chris had to stay in the UK because he lost his dad and needed time with his family and plan the burial service. That’s why he’s not been to Ghana yet” Asante Twum said in an interview.

    “We expect Chris in Ghana next week if everything goes according to plan. We are constantly engaging on his unveiling, media engagement, and build-up to the games,” Henry added.

    According to Henry, the unveiling ceremony of Ghana’s coaches, and the squad announcements for the Angola doubleheader are also expected to be made.

    “He is working, Chris and his assistants will be unveiled together. When he arrives we will communicate the date and venue for his unveiling and then use that as part of the build-up to the game against Angola.

    “There will also be squad announcements, details of the contract, and the targets set for the new technical team.”

    Ghana will play Angola in the Kumasi on March 23 before traveling to Luanda for the reverse fixture four days later. The Black Stars are joint top of Group E alongside Angola with four points after two games.

    KPE

  • Best Foreign Player: Napoli’s Aurelio De Laurentiis lauds Victor Osimhen

    Best Foreign Player: Napoli’s Aurelio De Laurentiis lauds Victor Osimhen

    Victor Osimhen, a forward from Nigeria, has received praise from Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis after winning Serie A’s best foreign player award.

    The Super Eagles striker deservedly received the honour following a stellar campaign in which he helped Napoli to the top of the standings with 19 goals.

    The Naples club has relied heavily on Osimhen as they comfortably sit atop the table with a 15-point lead.

    Thanks to the Nigerian forward, De Laurentiis’ dream of leading Napoli to Serie A victory appears to be coming true.

    De Laurentiis celebrated Osimhen on social media after he won the Stampa Estera award.

    “Thanks to the Foreign Press. A beautiful award ceremony for Victor and high-level exchange of views,” he wrote on Twitter.

    A proud De Laurentiis had earlier posted a photo of himself and the player with the inscription, Victor. Osimhen’s time in Naples could end prematurely in the summer transfer window, with several clubs including Manchester United interested in his services.

    The lanky forward has not hidden his desire of playing in the English Premier League.

    Victor Osimhen wins top award

    Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has landed a prestigious award after being named as Stampa Estera’s best foreign athlete in Italy considering his brilliant performances this term.

    The Super Eagles strongman has been in superb form this term at Napoli scoring goals and has been linked with a summer move to the Premier League. Clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United are reported as the two sides who are seriously looking for the signature of Osimhen and they will go into bid battle at the end of the season.

    Osimhen pays tribute to Maradona Victor Osimhen has paid a touching tribute to late football icon Diego Maradona hailing the Argentine for his incredible contributions to the success of Napoli years back.

    The Nigerian international claimed that what Maradona did for Napoli during his active playing days can never be overemphasized stressing that the Argentine did it alone while the present players are doing it as a team.

    Osimhen added that what Maradona did for the Serie A giants cannot be forgotten stressing that there is no way the name of Napoli will be mentioned without remembering the late soccer star.

  • How Cristiano Ronaldo talks to his late father and son inside a small chapel

    How Cristiano Ronaldo talks to his late father and son inside a small chapel

    Cristiano Ronaldo has talked openly about how his ritual of talking to his late father and son motivates him to improve himself as a person. Due to his outstanding accomplishments, the Al-Nassr captain is regarded as one of the greatest footballers to ever play the game.

    Despite being on the wrong side of 40, the 38-year-old has not lost his enthusiasm for his work and still strives for greatness in the latter stages of his professional life. After scoring eight goals in four games during the reviewed month, he was recently named the Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Month for February.

    Aside from his prowess on the field, Ronaldo is also admired for his humanitarian works, which was evidenced as he sent relief items to victims of the Turkey and Syria earthquake. Ronaldo takes inspiration from dad and son Throwing light on where he derives his passion for striving to be the best version of himself, Ronaldo said, as quoted by Frank Khalid.

    Ronaldo and his late dad

    Although Ronaldo admits he never really shared a father-son moment with his late dad Jose Dinis Aveiro, the former Manchester United ace holds him in high esteem.

    As a result of his father’s struggles with alcohol, the five-time Ballon d’Or completely abstains from alcohol. Ronaldo was just 20 when his father died in 2005, per the Sun. Cristiano loses baby son Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez were expecting twins in April last year; however, one of the twins, his son, died during childbirth. He admitted the death of his son was the worst moment of his life.

    “[It was] probably the worst moment that I passed through in my life since my father died,” the ex-Real Madrid forward said, as quoted by Eurosport. “When you have a kid, you expect that everything will be normal, and you have that problem, it’s hard…we had quite difficult moments because we don’t understand why it happened to us.

    Kaka picks Ronaldo as GOAT Sports Brief previously reported that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been compared as the greatest players in football history throughout their careers – but which one is the true GOAT?

    Ronaldo and Messi have broken, rewritten, and set enough records to practically last a lifetime in their illustrious careers, some of which may never be matched. Kaka, who won the 2007 Ballon d’Or prize ahead of the GOAT duo, once described Messi as a genius while commending Ronaldo for his mentality.

  • Vaccine shortage: We run the daily risk of having children pass away – Dr Manteybea Boye

    Vaccine shortage: We run the daily risk of having children pass away – Dr Manteybea Boye

    Since the beginning of the year, health professionals and experts have lamented the nationwide shortage of childhood immunisation vaccines.

    Even though the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has promised to restock the supply of vaccines soon, the situation doesn’t seem to be calming concerns. The necessity of the vaccines and the measles outbreak in some regions of the nation are to blame for this.

    Dr. Hilda Manteybea Boye, president-elect of the Pediatric Society of Ghana, stated that the shortage “runs the risk of having children die” in an interview with JoyNews.

    She has therefore pleaded with the Ghana Health Service to act quickly.

    “It is the action that we are looking for. So whatever it will take for them to get us the vaccines like today, because every day we risk having children die from this shortage,” she said.

    Currently, 16 districts in the Northern Region have recorded cases of measles.

    Head of Pediatrics and Child Health at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Professor Alhassan Abdul Mumin confirmed the measles outbreak, indicating that there is no district in the Northern Region, that has not recorded an outbreak of measles for most of the children who were born since 2022.

    On his part, a Neurosurgeon and General Secretary of the Islamic Medical Association of Ghana, Dr. Hardy Abdullah says the shortage can affect the development of a child’s nervous system.

    “The long-term effects, especially measles and Rubella could have an impact on the baby’s central nervous system. And so as a country, the fact that we can’t get the vaccine is unfortunate.”

    The health experts and practitioners are therefore intensifying pressure on the government on the need to secure the three essential vaccines for babies.

    Meanwhile, Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu has appeared before Parliament to brief the House on the development.

  • David Oclo is now Hearts of Oak’s interim manager

    David Oclo is now Hearts of Oak’s interim manager

    David Ocloo has been named the club’s interim manager by the Phobians, according to Accra Hearts of Oak board member Dr. Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe.

    The seasoned football official made it clear that Slavko Matic, the manager of Serbia’s national team, had not been fired but rather that a decision had not yet been made regarding his future.

    In an interview with Asempa FM, Nyaho Tamakloe stated that the board will decide the Serbian’s future, and that the decision will be made public when it is appropriate.

    “The future of Slavko Matic will be determined by the board. I cannot confirm if he is staying or not because we [the board] have not met to make a decision on that. If we meet and make a decision on the future of Matic, the fans and the public will be informed.”

    He went on to disclose the appointment of David Ocloo is now the acting manager for the team.

    “For now, the assistant coach, David Ocloo is in charge of the team now,” he added.

    Matic has come under pressure following the club’s recent poor run of form that triggered some fans to sack him from the training grounds.

    He penned a two-year contract with Hearts of Oak in October 2022, taking over from Samuel Boadu.

    Hearts of Oak were at the bottom half of the table at the time of Matic’s appointment. At the moment, the Phobians are 4th with 31 points.

  • UEFA promises Liverpool fans ticket refunds after Champions League final chaos

    UEFA promises Liverpool fans ticket refunds after Champions League final chaos

    Following the chaos that ruined last May’s championship game in Paris, Liverpool supporters will receive a full refund for their Champions League final tickets from UEFA.

    The “large number of near misses that almost led to disaster” at the Stade de France were “primarily responsible” for, according to an independent report published last month, by UEFA.

    Authorities initially placed the blame on Liverpool fans during chaotic scenes that saw police use tear gas and others crowded in perilous bottlenecks outside the stadium.

    After taking responsibility for a number of administrative errors that occurred prior to Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Real Madrid, UEFA has now decided to reimburse all 19,618 Liverpool ticket holders.

    UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis said: “We have taken into account a huge number of views expressed both publicly and privately, and we believe we have devised a scheme that is comprehensive and fair.

    “We value the input from the Liverpool FC supporter organisations Spirit of Shankly and Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association as well as the open and transparent dialogue throughout this period.

    “We recognise the negative experiences of those supporters on the day and with this scheme we will refund fans who had bought tickets and who were the most affected by the difficulties in accessing the stadium.”

    The final, won by Vinicius Junior’s 59th-minute strike, was delayed by 38 minutes due to the crowd issues outside the venue.

    A large number of supporters with genuine tickets were refused entry because of faulty scanning devices, with many accused of possessing fake tickets.

    In a joint statement released on Tuesday, Spirit of Shankly and the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association said: “We welcome today’s announcement from UEFA.

    “This unprecedented move is the result of tireless work, alongside FSE [Football Supporters Europe] and Ian Byrne MP, to hold those responsible for the catastrophic events in Paris.

    “With a promise to reimburse supporters, UEFA have gone some way to acknowledging their part in the fiasco.

    “But it does not excuse UEFA, exempt them from criticism or lessen the need for them to implement all of the recommendations made by the independent inquiry.

    “We will work alongside Liverpool and publish details once we know how and when refunds will be processed.”

    The cost of refunding nearly 20,000 supporters is expected to be in the region of £3million (€3.4m), according to reports.

  • Kotoko’s Nana Dankwah apologises for defeat to Hearts in President’s Cup

    Kotoko’s Nana Dankwah apologises for defeat to Hearts in President’s Cup

    Nana Kwame Dankwah, the first vice chairman of Asante Kotoko’s National Circles Council, has said that the team won’t think twice about sacking Seydou Zerbo as head coach if the situation calls for it.

    But he has made it clear that the fate of the gaffer won’t be decided until his performance has been fairly evaluated.

    “Let’s review coach Zerbo performance if there is no improvement in his performance we must let him go,” the first vice chairman of the Asante Kotoko NCC said.

    Meanwhile, Nana Kwame Dankwa has apoligised on behalf of the supporter’s leadership of the club for the defeat to Hearts of Oak on Sunday evening.

    “We apologise to our fans for not winning over Hearts of Oak yesterday,” Nana Kwame Dankwah stressed.

    “Organization was not at its best in this year’s edition president cup,” he continued to lament.

    Asante Kotoko lost to Hearts of Oak on Sunday, which prevented the Kumasi-based team from winning the 2023 President’s Cup and cost them three points in Week 20 of the Ghana Premier League.

  • We cannot get too confident – Liverpool’s Henderson warns after Man Utd’s thrashing

    We cannot get too confident – Liverpool’s Henderson warns after Man Utd’s thrashing

    After Liverpool’s dominating 7-0 victory over Manchester United, Jordan Henderson has cautioned his teammates not to overestimate their abilities.

    In Sunday’s lopsided match at Anfield, the Reds handed their fierce rivals a record Premier League defeat and their joint-heaviest loss ever.

    While Liverpool took particular pleasure in humiliating United, the outcome also brought them closer to fourth-place Tottenham with a game remaining by three points.

    Newcastle, meanwhile, has two games remaining to catch Spurs and is four points outside of the Champions League spots.

    Although Liverpool has now taken 13 of the last 15 available points, Henderson does not want his teammates to get too confident.

    “Hopefully we can use it in the right way but you can’t get too confident or overconfident, for sure,” he told Liverpool’s official website. 

    “There are different tests along the way from now until the end of the season that will come and you need to stay positive, stay ready and stay hungry like we were [on Sunday].

    “That will give us a good chance to finish the season well.”

    Henderson made his 400th start for Liverpool in all competitions in their memorable victory over United, 20 of those coming in the 2022-23 campaign.

    It has been a disappointing season for the Reds on the whole, but captain Henderson is pleased to have seen the Liverpool of old against United.

    “The performance for the whole game was really good. Intensity and energy levels were high, and something that we have been missing for a while this season,” he said. 

    “I thought we performed to the levels we are capable of and when you do that you get your rewards with the goals.”

    Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah all scored two goals each, while Roberto Firmino – who will leave Anfield at the end of the season – completed the rout.

    Liverpool scored from seven of their eight shots on target in a ruthless display, scoring as many goals as they managed in their previous eight league games combined.

    “Everything seemed to go in,” Henderson added. “There was some great finishing, some great runs, movement and the delivery was good, so everything seemed to work.

    “Hopefully this gives everyone the confidence to keep building, keep working and keep going right until the end of the season and see where we can get to.”

    Liverpool return to action on Saturday with a trip to bottom side Bournemouth, before facing Real Madrid in the second leg of a Champions League last-16 tie they trail 5-2.

  • Tariq Lamptey, Daniel Kofi Kyere others likely to miss Angola doubleheader due to injury

    Tariq Lamptey, Daniel Kofi Kyere others likely to miss Angola doubleheader due to injury

    The Black Stars will play Angola in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers during the first international break of the year.

    Some athletes are presently recovering from injuries, but they might not be ready for the qualifiers in March 2023.

    In the final week of March 2023, new Black Stars manager Chris Hughton is anticipated to select his team for the doubleheader.

    At the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on March 23, Ghana will host Angola before leaving for the second leg four days later.

    The Black Stars and Angola are tied for first place in Group E with four points each.

    Here are players who would miss the games

    Tariq Lamptey

    Tariq Lamptey is doubtful for Ghana’s games against Angola are low due to an injury he suffered during Brighton and Hove Albion’s win over West Ham United.

    The right-back was substituted on the 16-minute after what is believed to be a knee problem.

    Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi said, “It’s not a big problem. It’s a small injury.”

    Daniel Kofi Kyere

    Unlike Lamptey, Freiburg midfielder, Daniel Kofi is ruled out of the game after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

    His season is over and thus will not be available for the doubleheader.

    Alidu Seidu

    Black Stars defender, Alidu Seidu is currently going through his recovery process after suffering a meniscus injury.

    Seidu has undergone surgery and is expected to be out of action for a month. Therefore, the right-back will not be available for Ghana’s AFCON qualifiers in March.

  • Ferguson likely to blacklist us after Man Utd 7-0 loss to Liverpool – Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand

    Ferguson likely to blacklist us after Man Utd 7-0 loss to Liverpool – Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand

    After their team’s humiliating 7-0 loss to Liverpool, former Manchester United teammates Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand discussed their time playing at Anfield.

    The two contend that it is impossible to display weakness at Anfield, but Manchester United misunderstood the venue and as a result, they were humiliated by their fiercest rivals.

    On March 5, 2023, Manchester United, the newly crowned Carabao Cup champions, were humiliated and reduced to nothing at Anfield as Liverpool defeated their longtime rivals Manchester United with a crushing victory.

    United has suffered its joint-heaviest defeat ever in competitive play since the club was founded in 1878 after conceding seven goals without a response.

    Reacting to the defeat, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson used to blacklist them for more than two weeks if they lose to Liverpool at Anfield so they were always afraid to disappoint him at the venue.

    “Until you go to Anfield and play as a Man United player, you will never know what it is. It’s a cauldron and it’s fire. Ferguson used to rest players before our games at Anfield and it was not because those players were tied but was to prepare them mentally.

    “Winning at Anfield is the best feeling and losing there is the worst feeling ever. Sometimes when we lose at Anfield, Fergusson won’t talk to us for two weeks,” the duo said in a podcast.

  • Chris Hughton needs Dede Ayew in his new Black Stars, and this is why

    Chris Hughton needs Dede Ayew in his new Black Stars, and this is why

    Andre Ayew Dede, the captain of the Black Stars, is undoubtedly in the latter stages of his career, but the Nottingham Forest forward still has a lot to say.

    Since making his national team debut in 2007, he has played a significant role. For 16 years and counting, he has had a successful international career.

    With 113 appearances and 24 goals so far, Ayew holds the record for the most Ghanaian caps ever.

    With eight goals, he holds the record for being Ghana’s top scorer at the AFCON. He has participated in seven editions of the tournament.

    Many contend that Ayew has outlived his time with the national team because he has competed in three different World Cup competitions.

    However, Andre Ayew appears to have some more to offer with the 2023 AFCON just around the corner.

    Here are five reasons why Dede Ayew Andre

    Experience

    At age 33, Andre Ayew has literally gone through all the lessons football has to offer a player who played the highest level for this long.

    In terms of national team football, Ayew has also gone through the highs and lows and has vast experience in adapting and solving certain situations.

    He was the last skipper to lead Ghana to win silverware at the World Stage when the Black Satellites won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009.

    He was also present when Ghana came close to winning the AFCON twice, in 2010 and 2015, losing both finals to Egypt and Ivory Coast.

    AFCON 2023 might be his last tournament for the Black Stars, therefore, within this period he could be a great guide for the players.

    Made for big occasion

    Andre Ayew is built for tournaments as he always pops up in key moments to help the team.

    Andre could be counted on in the qualifiers when the going gets tough in during the qualifiers.

    Leader

    Andre Ayew has exceptional leadership qualities. He knows how to drive his teammates along and get everyone in their element in games.

    He is a good motivator and has exhibited this even before becoming the skipper of the team.

    Proven goal scorer

    The current Black Stars, despite having an improved quality, lack a proven goal scorer.

    Andre Ayew could be counted on for goals and his tally at the AFCON proves his goal-scoring abilities.

    Ayew is a winger who can also play behind the striker. He has scored 24 goals in his international career.

  • United plans to take advantage of Spurs’ challenges and grab Kane

    United plans to take advantage of Spurs’ challenges and grab Kane

    In the event that Antonio Conte’s team is eliminated from the Champions League, Manchester United reportedly believes they can lure Harry Kane away from Tottenham.

    The prolific England captain, 30, is highly desired by the Red Devils, who are in the market for a star No9.

    While United reportedly expects Spurs to lower their £100 million asking price if they do not place in the top four, The Sun reports that the North Londoners are frantically trying not to sell.

    Tottenham would run the risk of losing their talisman for nothing if they allowed Kane to complete the remaining 12 months of his contract because his contract expires at the end of the upcoming season.

    Conte’s side currently sit in the final Champions League spot but are coming under pressure from Liverpool, who hammered United 7-0 to continue their recent revival on Sunday.

    That Anfield humiliation has highlighted the need for improvement at Old Trafford and spending is expected — especially if the Glazer family decide to sell the club.

    Saliba has answered all Arsenal’s doubts – Arteta

    Kane has 18 league goals this season — the ninth campaign in a row he has hit double figures in the top flight — and would offer a superstar option alongside Marcus Rashford, who is in the form of his life.

    He was strongly tipped to move to Manchester City last summer and may see this as his final chance to make a career-defining move as he looks to break his trophy duck.

    Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen is another United target but there will be a queue of clubs fighting for the 24-year-old’s signature.

  • Zidane assists Balotelli’s Swiss team’s executive to land the top position

    Zidane assists Balotelli’s Swiss team’s executive to land the top position

    Zinedine Zidane interrupted his hunt for a top job to give the glowing reference that secured his former Real Madrid assistant a first head coaching role in Switzerland.

    David Bettoni has been appointed boss of Sion, the club where Mario Balotelli plays, and that may mean Zidane will be looking for a new second-in-command when he returns to football.

    Zidane recently has made no secret of his eagerness to get back into work, having walked away from the Madrid hotseat after the 2020-21 season.

    A post with a big club likely awaits the France great, while Bettoni begins his life as a head coach with a ringing endorsement from his friend and former boss.

    Bettoni has been appointed on a short-term basis initially, taking the job until the end of the season.

    Sion president Christian Constantin told newspaper Le Matin he spent over an hour on the telephone with Zidane, joking that was more than former French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet was willing to give of his time.

    Le Graet caused uproar in France at the start of the year when he said he would not even have answered his phone to Zidane if he had called to enquire about the France job. That was after Zidane saw his hopes of being made boss of Les Bleus scuppered by Didier Deschamps signing up for another World Cup cycle.

    Constantin said of his chat with Zidane: “It made me very happy to be able to talk about football with him for an hour and a quarter. He had a much better reception with me than with Le Graet!

    “He told me how loyal David had been to him, that he had never sought to find fault with him in his mission. Without him, he told me again, I would never have succeeded in doing what I achieved at Real during all his years.”

    Sion sit ninth in the 10-team Swiss Super League and have not won a game in the competition since October.

    Bettoni, who first got to know Zidane when they were teenagers at Cannes, initially joined Madrid when Zidane was in charge of the youth side, before stepping up and helping his compatriot lead Los Blancos to three Champions League triumphs.

  • Ivan Toney of Brentford hailed as the ‘best penalty taker in the world’

    Ivan Toney of Brentford hailed as the ‘best penalty taker in the world’

    On Monday, Ivan Toney continued his impressive streak of goals from the penalty spot, but the Brentford forward claims his approach is straightforward.

    As Thomas Frank’s team defeated fellow unlikely European contenders Fulham 3-2 in the Premier League, the 26-year-old again stroked the ball into the bottom-right corner from 12 yards.

    For Brentford, Toney has taken 22 penalties, 10 of which have been in the Premier League. He has successfully converted all 22 of them.

    Only Yaya Toure, who scored on all 11 penalty attempts for Manchester City, has a better 100 percent conversion rate in the competition, but Toney explained that his penalty procedure is all about relaxation.

    After being made to wait before putting Brentford 2-1 up in the 53rd minute at the Brentford Community Stadium, he told Sky Sports: “The wait doesn’t matter, the longer the better really because I can get away and think of other things like being away on holiday and chilling.

    “The goalkeeper didn’t move but I have always got a spot where I put the ball.”

    Toney has scored 27 of his 28 penalties in his professional career, with the only blemish a saved attempt for Peterborough United in a 4-0 defeat against Barnsley back in October 2018.

    That miss was the catalyst for a technique alteration.

    When asked when he changed his approach, he replied: “When I missed… I thought of different techniques to make sure I had a better chance of scoring and it’s working out alright at the moment, so touch wood, it continues.”

    Another strike against Fulham took Toney’s Premier League tally to 15 this season despite off-field issues.

    He has been charged with 262 alleged betting violations by the Football Association, which took place over a four-year period, but hit out at English football’s governing body last weeks after reported media leaks.

    Reports suggested Toney, who missed out on England’s World Cup squad in Qatar, would be banned for six months after pleading guilty to some charges – claims the forward strongly denied on social media.

    Brentford head coach Frank previously defended his star attacker and reiterated his backing for Toney after the Fulham win.

    “I take all the praise, it is solely me,” Frank initially joked to Sky Sports. “No it is Ivan, that is the technique he had when he arrived at Brentford.

    “He is the best penalty taker in the world for a few reasons, his strategy, he practices it and he is very cool. He keeps doing it all the same.

    “It is a unique skill with him. This situation with the [betting] case going on, he has a unique ability to focus on games and training and he has kept doing that so that doesn’t surprise me.

    “He doesn’t like the situation but he has top focus. He is a special footballer, I think his character is unique in terms of leadership and driving his team.

    “His link-up play and the way he sees his team-mates around in terms of combinations and then his ability to score goals. He is an all-round football player.”