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Tag: Black Stars

  • Three Black Satellites players earn Black Stars call up

    Black Stars Head Coach C.K Akonnor has handed call ups to three players of the victorious Black Satellites squad.

    The trio, Ibrahim Danlad, a goalkeeper of Asante Kotoko who was adjudged the overall best goalkeeper of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania, Philemon Baffuor of Dreams FC who plays at right-back and Fatawu Issahaku, a player of Division One side Steadfast FC who has also adjudged the overall best player of the Nations cup.

    The three players will team up with the rest of the squad on Tuesday, March 16, to continue preparation for the two remaining Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

    Ghana will take on South Africa on March 25 before hosting São Tomé and Principe four days later.

    The Black Stars sit at the top of Group C with 9 points and are in search of a ticket to the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • Black Stars break camp as players return to clubs to prepare for next GPL matchday

    The Ghana FA has announced that the Black Stars are breaking camp on Thursday for home-based players to report to their various clubs ahead of matchday 17 of the Premier League.

    In the last few days, coach CK Akonnor and his technical team have been working hard in training as preparations continue for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches set to be played later this month.

    Due to upcoming matches in the Ghana Premier League, there has been a break in camp today.

    All home-based players in camp are hence returning to their clubs to prepare for their games on the next matchday of the Premier League.

    “The Black Stars will break camp on Thursday after a one-week training programme in Accra.

    “The players held their final training session on Wednesday morning and are expected to depart for their respective clubs Thursday for this weekend’s matchday 17 Premier League games,” a communique on the website of the GFA has said.

    The players are expected to report on Monday, March 8, 2021.

    Below is the list of players

    Goalkeepers:

    Joseph Addo (Aduana Stars), Razak Abalorah (Asante Kotoko), Eric Ofori Antwi (Medeama SC)

    Defenders:

    Ganiyu Ismail (Asante Kotoko), Yusif Mubarik (Asante Kotoko), Kwadwo Amoako (AshantiGold SC), Konadu Yiadom (WAFA), Ibrahim Moro (Asante Kotoko), Haruna Jamal Deen (Great Olympics), Christopher Nettey (Asante Kotoko), Dennis Korsah (Ebusua Dwarfs), Joseph Agyei (Legon Cities)

    Midfielders:

    Gladson Awako (Great Olympics), Justice Blay (Medeama SC), Michel Otou (Great Olympics), Yaw Annor (AshantiGold SC), Rashid Nortey (Medeama SC), Maxwell Abbey (Great Olympics), Augustine Boakye (WAFA), Salifu Moro (Bechem United), Mubarak Wakaso (Jiangsu Suning), Joseph Esso (Dreams FC)

    Forwards: Emmanuel Boateng (Dalian Pro), Kwame Peprah (King Faisal), Kwame Opoku (Asante Kotoko), Diawusie Taylor (Karela United).

    Source: footballghan.com

  • There is no smoke without fire – Jonathan Mensah speaks on Black Stars captaincy

    Black Stars defender, Jonathan Mensah has reacted to the purported captaincy feud that exists in the senior national soccer team.

    Ghana in the last decade has been to the Africa Cup of Nations final twice but has failed to win the trophy on both occasions making the country wait for 3 years without a continental trophy.

    This and other abysmal performances of the Black Stars especially in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2017 and 2019 Afcon have been attributed to the alleged captaincy feud that ensued between former captain Asamoah Gyan and current captain Andre Dede Ayew.

    A similar rivalry was purported to have existed between Abedi Pele and Anthony Yeboah.

    Though authorities and other players have denied the report of a captaincy feud in the camp of the Black Stars, Jonathan Mensah who is an integral member of the squad has said otherwise.

    According to the Columbus Crew captain who has been missing in the Black Stars in recent times, officials who are close to the team cannot continue to deny these reports when they know the captaincy rival is real and not a myth

    “The fact that it comes out should tell you that there is something like that there. This is because if there is nothing, you won’t hear anything and every rumour they say comes with a certain iota of truth in it,” Jonathan Mensh told Saddick Adams Obama in an interview on Accra-based Angel FM.

    “For us to do well, we need to be honest with ourselves because we cannot continue to deceive ourselves that it is not happening when we truly know that it is happening.”

    “And you cannot solve a problem when you have not admitted there is indeed a problem in the team.”

    Jonathan Mensah has made 65 appearances for the Black Stars and has scored a goal.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • New Fifa Rankings: How Akonnor and Ghana finished 2020

    Ghana ends the year 2020 as the 52nd best men’s national football team in the world, according to the latest Fifa Rankings.

    Released on Thursday on Fifa’s official website, the new table sees the Black Stars, sandwiched between Greece (51) and Costa Rica (53), locked on their position from last month, also with no change in the total accumulated points.

    The lack of movement, which was generally the case of all other nations on the ranking, is a result of the team’s activity since the last ranking was announced in November.

    Ghana produced a mixed bag of results in their last set of international assignments, beating Sudan 1-0 in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier in Cape Coast courtesy of an Andre Ayew double but fell 1-0 away in the reverse fixture in Omdurman as Mohamed Abdelrahman struck late to win all three points for his side.

    The scores saw the CK Akonnor’s side drop down by four places on the November edition of the rankings.

    At the continental level, Ghana still hold eighth position, just above Mali (57) and Burkina Faso (58) in Africa’s Top 10. Senegal (20) continue to lead the pack, followed by Tunisia (26), Algeria (31), Morocco (35), Nigeria (35), Egypt (49) and Cameroon (50).

    The mixed results against Sudan also saw Ghana move from sixth to eighth on the continent in the November ranking.

    Back on the world table, there was no change among the top 57 countries due to the only two recognised international matches played across the globe since the last update.

    Belgium are still top of the table, their third straight time of finishing the year as leaders, while France, Brazil, England and Portugal hold the second, third, fourth and fifth positions respectively. Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico and Italy, in that order, sit sixth to tenth.

    Ghana returns to action on March 2021 with an Afcon 2022 qualifying double-header against South Africa (away) and Sao Tome and Principe (home) to conclude the series. The 2022 World Cup qualifiers will then take centre stage for the rest of the year.

    According to Fifa, the next edition of the world rankings will be announced on February 18, 2021.

    Source: goal.com

  • Former Black Stars goalkeeper Brimah Razak makes team of the week in Segunda Division B

    Ghanaian goalkeeper Brimah Razak has been named in the Spanish Segunda Division B Group IV team of the week after outstanding performances.

    Razak put in an excellent effort as Linares Deportivo beat El Ejido 2-0 at away on Sunday in round 7 of the Spanish third-tier.

    The 33-year-old saved a penalty in the 61st minute at the Estadio Santo Domingo (Alcorcón) to ensure Linares clinch the vital victory.

    The former Black Stars shot stopper has been impressive this season having kept 5 clean sheets in 7 matches so far.

    Linares currently sit at the 2nd position on the league standings with 13 points.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ghana midfielder Afriyie Acquah sure of AFCON qualification

    Ghana midfielder Afriyie Acquah is sure of qualification to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament despite shock defeat at the hands of Sudan.

    Black Stars lost 1-0 in Omdurman after conceding a 92nd-minute goal scored by Abdelrahman Mohamed.

    After three straight wins, a draw against North Africans would have ensured early qualification to Cameroon for Charles Akonnor’s side.

    Black Stars now have to avoid defeat in the last two games against Sao Tome and Principe (away) and South Africa (home) to progress.

    “Of course I think the team can qualify but in football, things have changed so the most important thing is for us to work hard as a team and focus to qualify.”

    “We have to perform well against Sao Tome and South Africa to seal our qualification,” he told reporters.

    Acquah made a return to the team for the double-header against Sudan after over a year absent.

    The Yeni Malatyaspor ace has been capped 36 times by Ghana.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ghana unleashes strong starting line-up to face Sudan – Wakaso, Schlupp start

    Ghana coach Charles CK Akonnor has unleased Mubarak Wakaso and Jeffrey Schlupp in his crack starting line-up to face Sudan on Tuesday in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Ghanasoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

    The Black Stars coach will also use two proven strikers in Caleb Ekuban and captain Jordan Ayew in his starting team, serving his intention of attacking the opponent even though they would be playing the match as visitors in Omdurman.

    True to the prediction of Ghana’s leading football news outfit, the Black Stars coach has named a largely changed starting team to face the Nile Crocodiles in Group C.

    Injuries to substantive captain Andre Ayew and winger Samuel Owusu has forced the coach to make some changes while augmenting the starting line-up with the arrival of the more experienced Wakaso and Schlupp.

    In-form St. Gallen FC goalie Lawrence Ati-Zigi has been given the nod to start between sticks ahead of returnee Fatau Dauda.

    Surprisingly, central defender Nicholas Opoku will play from the right-back while Baba Rahman maintains his place at the left side of the defence.

    John Boye and Alexander Djiku will also maintain their position at the centre of the defence while Wakaso will partner Afriyie Acquah in central midfield.

    This makes the Black Stars defence and midfield perhaps the strongest in recent times with several in-form or experienced players starting in the match.

    Tarique Fosu will also maintain his place on the right side of the midfield while Schlupp will play from his favourite position of the left side of midfield.

    Ekuban will play as the lone striker while Jordan Ayew will take the role of the playmaker to provide the needed threat to draw out the opponents who have been strong in defending.

    Ghana have a perfect record in the qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and a victory for the Black Stars on Tuesday take them through to the tournament in Cameroon.

    The Black Stars defeated Sudan 2-0 in their previous fixture played in Cape Coast on Thursday with Andre Ayew scoring both goals in the game.

    Black Stars starting line-up

    Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Nicholas Opoku, Baba Rahman, John Boye, Alexander Djiku, Afriyie Acquah, Tarique Fosu Mubarak Wakaso, Caleb Ekuban, Jordan Ayew, Jeff Schlupp.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Black Stars land in Sudan ahead of 2021 AFCON qualifier

    The Black Stars of Ghana have landed safely in Sudan ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday.

    Ghana departed from the Kotoka International Airport on Sunday for the return encounter against Sudan.

    The team touched down in Omdurman in the early wee hours of the morning and headed straight to their hotel.

    Below are the players that made the trip:

    Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Razak Abalora.

    Defenders: John Boye, Baba Abdul Rahman, Kwadwo Amoako, Christopher Nettey, Alexander Djiku, Joseph Aidoo, Joseph Attamah, Nicholas Opoku.

    Midfielders: Emmanuel Lomotey, Afriyie Acquah, Clifford Aboagye, Majeed Ashimeru, Mubarak Wakaso

    Forwards: Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew, Tariqe Fosu, Samuel Owusu, Caleb Ekuban, John Antwi, Jefferey Schlupp.

    Sudan will host Ghana on Tuesday, November 17, in a matchday four tie at Omdurman, Khartoum.

    The game is scheduled to kick off at 13:00 GMT.

    Check out some images below:





    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Goalkeeper Fatau Dauda handed shock Black Stars return after three-year absence

    Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda has been handed a shock return to the Black Stars after a three-year absence as he is in the squad for Tuesday’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan, Ghanasoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

    The Legon Cities shot-stopper was handed a late call-up for the match against the Nile Crocodiles and he will travel with the squad on Sunday for the Group C game.

    The 35-year-old has now been rewarded with his fantastic form for the Accra-based side in their opening match of the season against Berekum Chelsea on Saturday.

    The experienced goalie will be returning to the national team for the first time since 2017 as he has not been called to the Black Stars since coach Kwasi Appiah returned for his second spell.

    Dauda has benefitted from his commitment to the Ghana Premier League as he has not wavered from playing in the country after returning from abroad to relaunch his career following his stint with Nigerian giants Enyimba

    The experienced goalkeeper has been called to replace South Africa-based deputy captain Richard Ofori who has been ruled out of the match because of suspension.

    The Orlando Pirates player has been ruled out of the match against Sudan because he received his second yellow card of the competition when Ghana played on Thursday.

    This means he must sit out of action for one match before he is able to return to play a competitive match for the Black Stars.

    The situation has paved the way for Dauda to return to the fold and crucially to fight to remain in the side permanently for future matches of the Black Stars.

    Legon Cities shot-stopper looks to have profited from his association with the Accra-based club who have injected seriousness into their affairs.

    Ghana is seeking to qualify to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with a victory against the Sudanese on Tuesday.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Majeed Ashimeru earns late call-up to the Black Stars

    According to reports, Red Bull Salzburg midfielder, Majeed Ashimeru, has earned a late call-up into the Black Stars set up.

    The 23-year-old has been excellent for the Austrian giants this season, making huge impact domestically and putting up impressive performances in the UEFA Champions League.

    Due to this, he has been added to Akonnor’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers against Sudan.

    It is however unclear on which player he will replace on the team as Akonnor named a 23-man squad for the doubleheader.

    Also, Yeni Malatyaspor midfielder Afriyie Acquah has returned to the side for the first time in a year.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • RC Strasbourg ace Alexander Djiku explains reason behind his easy integration into the Black Stars

    RC Strasbourg defender Alexander Djiku has detailed his integration into the Ghana senior national team.

    Djiku earned his debut call-up to the Black Stars for the double header friendlies against Mali and Qatar last week.

    The 26-year-old played full throttle in both games and capped it with excellent performances.

    His arrival appears to have signaled a new dawn in the West African giants team ahead of crucial 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

    The France-born defender explained he was able to hit the ground running with the four-time Africa champions due to the large number of French-speaking players in the squad.

    “It went very well! We know the atmosphere of Africa, we know that the players like to laugh, I did not have too many doubts about my ability to integrate well. I already knew some players like Enock Kwateng (Bordeaux defender), but also the Ayew brothers … They played in France for a long time, we exchanged a lot. As soon as I had a problem or a question, I would go through them. It really made my integration easier.

    Djiku missed Strasbourg’s 3-2 loss to Olympique Lyon over the weekend through suspension but will surely be reinstated into the squad when they travel to Brest on Sunday.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Black Stars coronavirus positive cases hit five after friendlies, European clubs on alert

    Germany-based defender Kasim Nuhu became the fifth person from the Ghana team to test positive for coronavirus following last week’s friendlies against Mali and Qatar while striker Caleb Ekuban has been hospitalised over symptoms of the disease.

    With the sudden rise in the number of confirmed positive cases in the team, it is certain that players and officials of the team that travelled for the two matches will now face the real prospect of quarantining over the growing cases.

    Several clubs in Europe who had their players play in the two matches for Ghana during the international break are now racing to contact the Ghana FA over the cases while also carrying out their independent tests.

    The Black Stars Coronavirus cases reached five on Sunday after it became clear that Hoffenheim defender Kasim Adams has joined the growing number of players in the Ghana team that had contracted the virus.

    Vitoria Guimaraes left-back Gideon Mensah, Spain-based defender Joseph Aidoo and Besiktas midfielder Bernard Mensah as well as Black Stars management committee member Jones Abu Alhassan were confirmed to have contracted the virus during the training camp in Turkey.

    Apart from the five players confirmed to have contracted the virus, Ekuban has been hospitalised in Turkey after showing strong symptoms of coronavirus with a very high temperature.

    The 26-year-old was also the room-mate of Bernard Mensah during the Black Stars one-week training camp in the Turkish city of Antalya and the Besiktas midfielder has tested positive for the deadly disease.

    However, the tests on Ekuban came out negative and doctors are not leaving anything to chance and have asked him to quarantine himself at home while he is monitored.

    The latest revelation will raise serious concerns for the Ghana football authorities who would be in the race to discover the full extent of infections in the team when they played the matches against Mali and Qatar.

    Fears over the Black Stars were raised when four players from the Mali side were confirmed to have contracted the virus and it was feared it could be spread to the Ghana national team when they played their West African rivals.

    The full extent would be known this weekend when all players would have returned to their club sides where they are likely to face more stringent tests.

    It will also give the Ghana FA the idea on how to prepare and protect its players and officials during their upcoming matches in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • I couldn’t sleep after Mali demolition – Ghana captain Andre Ayew

    Ghana captain, Andre Dede Ayew has revealed that he could not sleep after Black Stars’ defeat to Mali.

    In an international friendly that was staged in Antalya on Friday, October, 10, the Eagles of Mali stunned the Black Stars 3:0.

    The team came under intense pressure following the defeat.

    And the Swansea City ace in an interview revealed that he could not get a proper sleep after the defeat.

    “I was disappointed after our game against Mali,” the Swansea City ace said. “Against, Qatar, we knew we had to win the game because we could not lose for the second time.”

    “I could not sleep properly after our game against Mali because we were not expecting such results but the players played well against Qatar and we all happy.”

    “There are new players in the team but we coped properly and gelled together off and on the pitch.”

    “We hope to come back and continue our qualifiers and make Ghanaians happy,” he added.

    The Black Stars bounced back strong to stun Qatar 5:1 in their second friendly with Andre Ayew scoring a brace.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Benson Anang to make his Black Stars debut against Qatar

    MSK Zilina’s right-back, Benson Anang will make his Black Stars debut against Qatar today, October 12.

    The 20-year-old has been included in the starting line-up by head coach Charles Akonnor for the friendly encounter against the Asian champions.

    Anang is the only natural right-back in the squad so Akonnor’s decision not to start him against Mali came as a surprise.

    Akonnor opted for winger Tariqe Fosu, who failed to impress Ghanaians in Ghana’s 3-0 loss to the Eagles of Mali.

    Anang, who grew up in Labadi-Apaapa, Accra, will be hoping to put up an impressive performance today.

    If Anang excels today, he will be assured of regular call-ups to the senior national team.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Black Stars coach Akonnor vows to make changes against Qatar after heavy Mali defeat

    Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor has vowed not to use the same side that suffered the heavy defeat against Mali last Friday.

    Akonnor said he will make changes to the side for Monday’s clash against Qatar in Antalya, Turkey.

    “Yes, there will be changes in the squad for the Qatar game,” Akonnor told GFA media.

    Black Stars were poor and deservedly lost 3-0 against the Eagles in the international friendly.

    The Malians were the better side in every department of the game, with the Black Stars failing to register a shot on target.

    It was Akonnor’s first game since taking replacing Kwesi Appiah in January.

    He will be desperate for a positive result against Asian champions today at the Mardan Sports Complex.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Black Stars players were poor against Mali – Frimpong Manso

    Former Asante Kotoko, coach Frimpong Manso has attributed Ghana’s defeat to Mali to poor performance on the part of the players.

    The Black Stars lost 3-0 to Mali in CK Akonnor’s first game in charge of the team.

    Hamari Toure, El Bilal Toure and Amadou Haidara scored the goals for the Malians to record this resounding victory over the Black Stars to get their revenge in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Frimpong Manso defended CK Akonnor’s decision to leave some experienced players in the team as his recent call-up was dominated by a lot of debutants.

    “Its a formation the players are used to in their various clubs, so it is not something new to them. Some players are fading out so we need to bring new boys on board to fit it.”

    He blamed the team’s humiliating defeat on the part of the lateral defenders which he described as a recurring problem in the team.

    “Our lateral defenders did not impress me at all still the lateral defenders problem we used to complain about still exists”.

    Frimpong Manso has appealed to the public to support Ghana coach Akonnor in his subsequent matches.

    “Its too early to say that coach CK Akunnor is not capable of handling the national team, it’s just one match he has played.Let have patience for him and support him.”

    Ghana will take on Qatar in their next friendly game on Monday.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • France born Alexander Djiku joins Black Stars for the first time

    French-born defender Alexander Djiku has joined the Black Stars camp in Turkey ahead of the international friendlies against Mali and Qatar.

    The Strasbourg centre is joining the team for the first time after getting his first international invite from the African country.

    Djiku, who was born in Montpellier-France, opted to represent the West Africans at international level after talks with Ghana coach C.K Akonnor.

    He joins the rest of the Ghana squad after shaking off an injury which nearly ruled him out of the games.

    Djiku played for Strasbourg on Sunday and lasted 71 minutes and left immediately for camp.

    The 26-year-old could make his debut on Friday, 9 October 2020, when they face Mali or three days later against the 2020 FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar.

    His arrival takes the number of players in camp to nineteen.

    The players in camp are as follows:

    Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Razak Abalora, Benson Annag, Kamaldeen Suleyman, Captain Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Nicholas Opoku, Emmanuel Lomotey, Eugene Ansah, Baba Iddrisu, Gideon Mensah, Thomas Teye- Partey, Samuel Owusu, Yakubu Mohammed, Bernard Mensah, Kassim Nuhu, Tarique Fosu, Alexander Djiku and Joseph Aidoo.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ayew brothers join team mates in Turkey

    Ghana skipper Andre Ayew and his brother Jordan Ayew have joined their Black Star team mates in Turkey as the team prepare for the double header friendly with Mali and Qatar.

    The two England-based players arrived at the Xanthe Resort and spa, Tuesday morning to increase the number of players in camp to twelve, following the arrivals of Nicholas Opoku, Emmanuel Lomotey, Eugene Ansah, Benson Annang and Kamaldeen Sulemana on Monday.

    The other players in the squad in Antalya, are Goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Razak Abalora. The rest include, midfielder Baba Iddrissu, Samuel Owusu and Gideon Mensah. The rest of the players are expected to arrive in camp, Tuesday, evening.

    Ghana will play Mali on Friday, October 09, before taking on Qatar three days later.

    The team will hold its first training session at the Emir Sports complex in Antalya, Tuesday afternoon.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • New boys Kamaldeen, Ansah, Annang and Lomotey join Black Stars camp as number rise to ten

    Ghana new boys Kamaldeen Sulemana, Emmanuel Lomotey, Benson Annang and Eugene Ansah have arrived in Turkey to join six other players as preparations begin for the international friendlies against Mali and Qatar.

    The quartet joins Samuel Owusu and Razak Abalora who travelled with the local contingent which includes Baba Iddrisu, Nicholas Opoku, Gideon Mensah and Lawrence Ati-Zigi to the city of Antalya for the games on Saturday.

    Ghana will hold its first training session at the Emir Sports complex in Antalya, Tuesday afternoon.

    The games will be coach C.K Akonnor’s first two matches since taking charge of the team after the coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation of the AFCON qualifiers in March.

    Akonnor invited six new players to the team, as he builds a team capable of winning the Nations Cup and qualifying for the World Cup in 2022.

    Ghana will play African rivals Mali on Friday, October 9, before engaging 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar three days later.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ghana FA responds to pictures of supposed new Black Stars kit

    Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum has expressed his displeasure over some images that have leaked online claiming to be pictures of the Black Stars new home and away jerseys.

    News went rife this week that the Black Stars are set to release a new jersey for their forthcoming double header friendly games against Mali and Qatar after plethora of photos of the supposed new shirts emerged on FootyHeadlines website.

    The home jersey is dominated by white colour with black designs while the away jersey predominantly made of the Ghanaian colours of Red, Gold and Green with the Black Star in the chest region.

    Ghanaians however did not hide their displeasure in the supposed chosen colours and design.

    Asante meanwhile has claimed that there is no iota of truth in the report but gave a hint that a new jersey will be unveiled shortly.

    “I am surprised to read comments about the said jersey.”

    “Since 1992 the colours of the national teams has change so why will one say the FA and Puma has change the design and colour of the jersey,” he quizzed on Kumasi-based Alpha Radio.

    “We will unveil the new jersey when the time comes but for now let us treat the circulating design as a hoax.”

    Ghana will play against neighbours Mali and Qatar on 9 and 12 October respectively in Antalya, Turkey.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Revealed: New Black Stars 2020-21 jerseys

    Ghana’s Black Stars and other national football teams could be wearing newly designed kits soon, according to the football kits website, footyheadlines.com.

    The specialist website on Wednesday leaked images of what it said were Ghana’s new 2020-21 away jersey by kit sponsors PUMA.

    The Puma Ghana 2020-2021 away football shirt introduces a bold and outstanding design in black with an eye-catching yellow and green graphic on the front.

    The home football shirt is white with a similar design in a shade of black.

    The front of the away jersey

    Red is used for the PUMA Cat logo on the right chest of the jersey, as well as for the rear half of the collar.

    It said Ghana’s 2020-21 away strip is set to be released shortly.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Tanzania-based defender Yakubu Mohammed ecstatic to earn first ever Black Stars invitation

    Azam FC defender Yakubu Mohammed is full of joy after receiving his very first invitation to the Black Stars.

    Mohammed was included in the Ghana squad for the international friendly against Mali announced by head CK Akonnor on Friday.

    The Black Stars will play Mali in Antalya in Turkey on 9 October 2020.

    The former Ghana U20 defender has been a pillar in defence for Azam in the Tanzania Premier League since he joined in 2016 from Aduana Stars.

    The 24-year-old took to his Twitter handle to express his joy over his maiden Ghana call-up.

    “Happy and ecstatic to have earned my first call up for the Senior National team of @ghanafaofficial for the upcoming friendly game against MALI

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ghana face Equatorial Guinea in an international friendly in October

    GHANAsoccernet.com can report that the Black Stars will take on Equatorial Guinea in an international friendly match in October in Turkey.

    Sources within the Equatorial Guinea camp and their new head coach Jorge Paulo Costa Almeida have confirmed the friendly encounter on 12 October 2020.

    It was initially reported that the Black Stars will face African champions Algeria but that seems not to have materialized.

    Ghana will tackle West African neighbours Mali on Friday 9 October 2020 also in Turkey before they play Equatorial Guinea three days later.

    The Black Stars last faced the Nzalang Nacional five years ago in the semi-finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

    Ghana thumped the hosts 3-0 in Malabo.

    The two games will serve as preparations for CK Akonnor ahead of November’s doubleheader against Sudan in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications.

    Akonnor was appointed head coach of the Black Stars in January 2020 but has since not made his debut at the dugout.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Dont challenge your body, retire from the Black Stars now Frimpong Manso urges Asamoah Gyan

    Former Black Stars defender, Frimpong Manso has cautioned legendary striker, Asamoah Gyan about stressing his physique to play for the national team.

    According to him, it is about time he calls it quits on national duties as he has paid his dues for the country.

    The 33-year-old struggled to return to the Black Stars after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

    Prior to the 2019 AFCON, Asamoah Gyan was stripped off his captaincy by Kwasi Appiah when Andre Dede Ayew was named as the substantive skipper.

    C.K. Akonnor, who is now the head coach of the senior national team, has maintained Andre Dede Ayew as the captain of the team with Thomas Partey and Richard Ofori as deputy captains.

    This has called for doubts on the future of Gyan in the Black Stars.

    Reacting to the new captaincy structure of the Black Stars, Manso said, “The time is up for Gyan to retire because players like Essien and others have retired.”

    “He should not challenge the body again so the country can bid him a farewell” he told West FM.

    Asamoah Gyan is the all-time top scorer for Ghana with 51 goals.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Black Stars remains 6th on the continent on the latest FIFA ranking

    The senior national team, the Black Stars has maintained its 6th position on the latest Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) ranking.

    In a ranking released on Thursday, September 17, the Stars, picked 1,439 points to keep the 46th position in the world, and 6th on the African continent.

    The Senior national team has been inactive on the international front due to the coronavirus pandemic, hence the being static in the ranking.

    Ghana’s senior female national team, Black Queens, placed 60th on the World stage and 4th in Africa.

    The Black Stars’ last batch of assignments remains a 2-0 home win over South Africa and a 1-0 away victory over Sao Tome and Principe in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers in November last year.

    The four-time African champions would return to action, for the first time under a new coach, C.K Akonnor in November against Sudan, following the approval of the resumption dates for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers by the Confederation of African Football, CAF.

    Meanwhile, as part of preparations for their qualifying matches the Black Stars are expected to engage in international friendly matches next month.

    Source: GNA

  • Odartey Lamptey backs C.K Akonnor’s choice for Black Stars captaincy

    Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has commended coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor on his choice for leadership of the Black Stars. 

    C.K Akonnor retained Andre Ayew as captain of the Black Stars, with Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey and goalkeeper Richard Ofori appointed as his deputies.

    Public opinion has been divided especially with his selection of his vice captains, with fans of the Black Stars opting for Mubarak Wakaso.

    However, Nii Odartey Lamptey believes the decision of the coach was the best and came at the right time.

    “I think we’ve learnt as a Nation, and it’s the right decision and a right time for Coach CK Akonnor to choose his captains before tournament,” he told Ahomka FM.

    “The three players chosen by Coach CK Akonnor are the best per their performances in their various clubs,”he added.

    “I don’t think Coach CK Akonnor was doing this to retire Asamoah Gyan, unless he Asamoah Gyan retire himself from the National team.”

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Coach Prince Koffie backs Akonoor’s decision to retain Andre Ayew as Black Star captain

    Experienced Ghanaian gaffer, Prince Koffie has given his support to coach Charles Akonnor for retaining Andre Dede Ayew as the skipper of the Black Stars.

    Ayew was appointed as the skipper of the Black Stars by Kwasi Appiah ahead of the 2019 AFCON, taking over from Asamoah Gyan.

    Reacting to the story on AGBOO 92.9 FM, coach Koffie stated that, he is ok with the decision taken by Akonnor as he believes that it is a step in the right direction.

    “I think it is a step in the right direction by Coach CK Akonnor, we all know the pedigree of Dede as far as the Senior National Team is concerned.”

    “Additionally, Dede possesses a great deal of leadership acumen both on and off the pitch” he outlined.

    Atletico Madrid star, Thomas Teye Partey was named as the deputy captain while Richard Ofori takes the second deputy captain position.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Asamoah Gyan on the verge of permanent Ghana retirement after axing

    Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan could finally announce is international retirement after overlooked for a leadership role in the senior national team.

    The country’s top scorer who was elevated to the position of General Captain ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Gyan, now regarded as a ”common floor member” might just go ahead and quit playing for the national team in what could be a bitter exit.

    The former Sunderland and Al Ain hero was Black Stars captain from 2013 to 2019 when Kwesi Appiah stripped him of the armband and handed it Andre Ayew.

    Gyan initially quit the national team with immediate effect but was ordered to reconsider his decision after receiving a phone call from Ghana president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    If he goes ahead to hang is boots, holds the record for the most goals scored by any Ghana international.

    He has 109 goals from 51 matches.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Kwadwo Asamoah loses Black Stars captaincy

    Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has taken over from Inter Milan ace Kwadwo Asamoah as Ghana deputy skipper but Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew has maintained his place as the main captain.

    Twenty-seven-year-old Partey, who made his international debut in 2016, and Ayew, are expected to lead the Black Stars through the remainder of 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

    The new development, as settled on by new national team coach CK Akonnor, was announced by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Sunday.

    “The Technical team of the senior national team, the Black Stars, upon a broad consultation, has maintained Andre Ayew as captain of the side,” the GFA published on their official website.

    “The Swansea City attacker who led Ghana to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, maintains his position as leader of the team despite changes at the technical realm of the senior national team.

    “In a related development, Thomas Teye Partey of Atletico Madrid has been appointed as first vice-captain while Richard Ofori steps in as second vice-captain.

    “The trio will lead the team as the Black Stars go through the remaining Africa Cup of Nation qualifiers as well as the qualifying games for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar and subsequent tournaments.”

    Initially deputy Ghana skipper, Ayew was handed the Ghana armband by then Black Stars coach James Kwasi Appiah ahead of the 2019 Afcon in Egypt.

    Appiah also named Asamoah as deputy skipper.

    Ayew’s promotion happened under controversial circumstances as predecessor Asamoah Gyan sensationally retired from international football over his displeasure after being stripped of the captaincy.

    The former Sunderland forward, who was instead handed the more advisory ‘general captain’ role usually held by a senior member of the team, however, rescinded his retirement decision and joined the Black Stars squad for Afcon.

    The tournament ultimately ended in a disappointing Round of 16 elimination for the four-time champions.

    In the twilight of their careers, 34-year-old Gyan and deputy skipper Kwadwo Asamoah, 31, have both not received a call-up since the continental showpiece in Egypt over a year ago, prompting rumours about a near-end of their international careers and an imminent makeover in the Black Stars leadership positions.

    Akonnor replaced Appiah as new Ghana coach in January but he is yet to lead the team into action in nine months owing to the international calendar disruptions by the coronavirus pandemic.

    The Black Stars will return to action with an Afcon qualifying double-header against Sudan in November.

    Source: goal.com

  • Black Stars call-up not my priority now Isaac Twum

    Ghana and IK Start midfielder, Isaac Twum says his focus is not about earning a call-up under coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor as he set sights on helping his side to escape relegation in the ongoing Norwegian league season.

    The former Inter Allies player after excelling so well for the Black Stars B in the 2017 WAFU Cup tournament earned his debut call-up into the senior national team, Black Stars under coach Kwasi Appiah where Ghana beat Saudi Arabia.

    Asked if he is eyeing a call-up into the national team, the former Black Stars B skipper said, “Right now my attention is not on the Black Stars because my team is struggling and could suffer relegation. So I want to help my club escape relegation this season” he told S.K Ntim of Bryt FM

    “It takes good performance to get Black Stars call but as at now my team is suffering and it will be prudent for me to help them out rather than thinking about invitation into the Black Stars” he concluded.

    Isaac Twum led the Black Stars B in 2017 to win the WAFU tournament hosted by Ghana.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Winning the Africa Cup of Nations not my top priority – CK Akonnor

    Ghana head coach CK Akonnor has said winning the Africa Cup of Nations to end the trophy drought is not his topmost priority.

    The West African country has gone over 30 years without clinching the Africa’s flagship football tournament.

    Ghana have won the biggest football tournament on the continent on four occasions in 1962, 1963, 1978 and 1982.

    The Black Stars have come close to lifting the trophy three times since then, having lost in the finals in the 1992, 2010 and 2015 editions.

    Akonnor was appointed in January 2020 as he replaced Kwasi Appiah whose expired contract was not renewed after a bizarre outing in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

    Football lovers in Ghana are expectant the former Black Stars captain will be the man to guide the Red, Gold and Green country to another Africa Cup of Nations success.

    However in an interview with Starr FM, Akonnor has disclosed winning the Africa Cup of Nations isn’t his main focus.

    But he believes in improving individual performances of the players.

    “I don’t want my main focus to be winning the Africa Cup of Nations but rather improving the team,” Akonnor said.

    “Once the team improves, we will get there.”

    The Black Stars’ last triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations was in 1982.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ghanaians didnt appreciate me so I naturalized to be Dutch Ignisious Gaisah

    Former Ghanaian athlete, Ignisious Gaisah, has said he was not appreciated by Ghanaians, hence his decision to naturalized to become a Dutch.

    He told TV3 Tuesday August 11 that he was not getting the maximum support he needed from Ghanaians and the sports authorities.

    He said : “Whenever you compete in sports for [Ghana] and you are not getting the necessary support that you are suppose to get meanwhile you are competing with other people from different countries and you know the kind of support they are getting.

    “…in order for athletes not to go out of the county, they will need support to be able to perform very well.

    “When I was in Ghana, they did not celebrate me as I was expecting.

    And so I had to make decisions for myself and then had to move to Netherlands to see the difference,” he said.

    On the African seen, Gaisah won gold at the 2003 All African Games for Ghana in Nigeria and won another one in Mauritius in 2010, and also settled on silver medal in 2011 All African games.

    Gaisah made a bold decision in an open letter to the Ghana Athlete Association in 2013, not to perform for Ghana again at the international stage, but would rather naturalize for the Netherlands, a decision he implemented.

    Source: 3 News

  • Lumor Agbenyenu and Baba Rahman to leave Spanish La Liga side Real Mallorca

    Black Stars duo, Lumor Agbenyenu, and Baba Rahman are set to leave Spanish La Liga side, Real Mallorca after the expiration of their respective loan deals.

    Lumor Agbenyenu joined the club on loan from Portuguese side, Sporting CP whiles Baba Rahman joined the club from English giant Chelsea before the start of the just-ended season.

    Baba and Lumor have been left out of Mallorca squad that begun pre-season on Tuesday at the Son Bibiloni facilities.

    Real Mallorca were relegated to the lower side in the just-ended season finishing 19th on the league log with 33 points.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Jerry Akaminko wasn’t devastated after missing out on World Cup squad – James Akaminko

    Ashantigold midfielder, James Akaminko has revealed that his senior brother, Jerry Akaminko was not hurt after missing the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil through injury.

    The 32-year-old was in fine form for the Black Stars leading to the World Cup, but unfortunately, he missed out after picking up an injury in Ghana’s preparatory game against the Netherlands in Rotterdam.

    The defender landed awkwardly after an aerial ball challenge, injuring his ankle which cost him a place in the team just few days to the start of the Mundial.

    Akaminko’s junior brother, James Akaminko in an interview with Wontumi FM said, “I can’t speak for Jerry, but he told me that we shouldn’t attribute his injury to anyone because God knows what is best for us”

    “He is with me now and we train together. He is one of the happiest guys in the world, missing out in the world cup does not hurt him at all. He is still playing actively” he said.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Alfred Duncan delighted to end Serie A season with a goal for Fiorentina

    Black Stars midfielder, Joseph Alfred Duncan, has expressed his delight in scoring his first goal for Fiorentina in the season finale against SPAL.

    The midfielder who joined La Viola in January ended the campaign strongly, as he scored his debut goal in their 3-1 victory on Sunday.

    Duncan revealed how important the goal was for him and the club as they finished 10th following a difficult season for the Violets.

    “Today it was important to close in the best way possible this season in which there have been some difficulties. Closing the season on the left side of the ranking is very important to start again next year,” Duncan said after the game.

    “I looked for him a lot, I feel happy because it is the first goal with this important shirt. I hope to start the same way last year,” he added.

    The 26-year-old finished off a brilliant team play to hand his side the lead at SPAL.

    The ex-Sassuolo star is looking forward to a better campaign next season, insisting that Fiorentina can do better than the tenth position.

    “This team can and must do much more: Fiorentina is a team that must always aim for a better ranking than this one. Anyway, as it went this season, I think tenth place was a very important milestone,” says the midfielder.

    “This season finale must be a starting point. We have a lot of room for improvement, we often talk about it too. We have to be ready to start strong immediately, we cannot make mistakes this year. We deserved this rest, so we take a little break to go back to peace and start off again.”

    Source: Lukman Abdul Mumin, Contributor

  • Black Stars striker Richmond Boakye Yiadom parts with long-time agent Oliver Arthur

    Red Star Belgrade striker Richmond Boakye Yiadom is reported to have parted ways with his long-time intermediary/agent Oliver Arthur.

    The 27-year-old is said to have parted ways on mutual consent with the Ghanaian super-agent after working together for 11 years.

    Arthur Legacy has played a key role in the career of the Black Stars striker after getting him deals in Italy, Spain, China, and currently in Serbia.

    Boakye-Yiadom had been under the tutelage of Arthur Legacy Agency for more than a decade and the forward believes it is the right time to move on.

    “I can tell you both camps are not fighting. It’s like a happy divorce. No drama at all,” a close source told GHANASoccernet.

    The former Juventus striker has signed a deal with one of the top agents in Europe according to GHANAsoccernet’s sources.

    Boakye-Yiadom’s current contract with Red Star Belgrade is nearing its expiration and the player is hoping to seal a deal to one of the top clubs in Europe.

    In 2008, Boakye traveled with Bechem United to Italy to play in the Romeo and Juliet tournament in Vicenza where he excelled and got scouted by Italian side Genoa.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Aduana Stars forward Bright Adjei eyes Black Stars call-up under CK Akonnor

    Aduana Stars striker, Bright Adjei, has disclosed that he is not giving up hopes of getting into the Black Stars under new coach Charles Akonnor.

    According to him, he is aiming to feature for the senior national team proper after representing the Black Stars B some time ago.

    In an interview with Kumasi based Wontumi FM, he said, “It is the dream of any player to serve his nation and also an honour to serve your country. I have played for the U-23 and the local Black Stars so I think this is the time to play for the Black Stars”

    “It is about time I work hard to get a call into the national team under CK Akonnor when football bounces back in the country. It is not over for me yet, all I have to do is to work hard and score the goals and I know if am able to do that I will be invited by Akonnor”

    “I want to emphasized, when football returns, I will wear the Black Stars jersey,” he said.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • My mum did not give me her blessings to play football – Richard Attah

    Accra Hearts of Oak S.C goalkeeper, Richard Attah has revealed that his mother did not give him her blessings before he started playing football professionally.

    The shot stopper revealed that his mother used to beat him a lot when he decided to play football but it did not stop him from playing.

    “My mum used to beat me always because of my love for football. Anytime she beats me, I go and play football the next day. She never gave me her blessings to play football.”

    He added that his mother congratulated him after his maiden call-up to the Black Stars by head coach Charles Akonnor.

    “When I told my mother about the callup to the Black Stars, she said ‘you are finally realizing your dreams.”Richard Attah concluded.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • John Boye returns to action after 146 days to captain Metz in a win over Royal Charleroi

    Black Stars defender, John Boye, captained Metz FC in their 3-0 friendly win over Royal Charleroi Sporting Club over the weekend.

    The 33-year-old played full throttle as the French Lique 1 side outclassed the Belgian outfit at the Frescaty Training Center.

    Thierry Ambrose opened the scoring on 53 minutes before Farid Boulaya added the second with three minutes left for a regulation time.

    Lamine Gueye sealed the icing with the third goal in injury-time to ensure Metz won their second pre-season friendly match.

    Boye, a Ghana international is expected to be key for the side in the upcoming French Lique 1 season.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • I don’t regret choosing Germany over Ghana – Gerald Asamoah

    Former German national Gerald Asamoah says he has no regrets opting to play for Germany instead of Ghana.

    After initial proposals to represent Ghana had been spurned by ex-Black Stars coach Giuseppe Dossena, Asamoah went on to play for Germany, making him the first African-born black player to ever play for the side.

    He scored on his debut, and went on to play in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

    In an interview with German-based DW TV, the former striker remarked that he holds no regret over the decision to don Die Mannschaft jersey.

    Asamoah clocked 43 appearances and scored 6 goals for the German national team.

  • George Boateng reveals why he never played for the Black Stars

    Former Dutch midfielder George Boateng has revealed that the Ghana Football Association never made the first approach to invite him to play for the Black Stars.

    The Nkawkaw born ended up playing for the Dutch national team after earning his first call up at the age of 18 whiles playing for Feyernoord.

    “As a young star, when I made my debut in the Feyenoord first team, nobody in the GFA ever came to me or sent a letter to express their interest, to say George Boateng is one of our players, he was born in Ghana, he is eligible to play for us,” he told Citi Tv’s The Tracker Show.

    “Can we please ask him or invite him for a game? Such a thing never took place,” he added.

    “When I was 18 and I debuted, the Dutch national team did that, they invited me to come and play for the under-18 team, which I did

    “The player is not the one who is supposed to make the initial approach to the GFA, to ask if I can play for the team, that is the unorthodox way.

    “The professional way is that the federation will send an invite because it is supposed to be an honor for you to be invited to play for your country.

    “So in that seven years, I could have made my mind up and played for Ghana,” he concluded.

    Boateng who is now youth team coach at Aston Villa, made four senior team appearances for the Europeans.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Richard Kingson reveals truth behind his Turkish name

    Former Black Stars goalkeeper, Richard Kingson, has finally revealed how he got the name “Faruk Gursoy” whilst playing in Turkey.

    Kingson, speaking on Max TV’s Black Stars Classics – World Cup Edition, said he earned the name when he joined Galatasaray.

    The shot stopper clarified that the name was actually a combination of the names of former club President Faruk Suren and his Vice, Ergun Gursoy respectively.

    “When I got to Galatasaray, there was already a policy where only 3 foreign players could be fielded in a team. So the Galatasaray managment made me naturalise as a Turk and then joined the names Faruk and Gursoy; so that is how I got that name.”

    Kingson admitted that the numerous stories surrounding his name change and potential repercussions were distractions but he kept his focus on just playing football.

    Source: Evans Amewugah ,contributor

  • Teenage sensation Anim Cudjoe vows to join the Black Stars soon

    Matthew Anim Cudjoe Asante Kotoko teenage sensation has set his eyes on playing for the senior national team, the Black Stars in the shortest possible time.

    Anim Cudjoe wants to become one of the youngest players to play for the senior national team, the Black Stars, as he is yet to be 17 years old .

    Anim Cudjoe, 16, who played for Asante Kotoko on a one-year loan deal in the just canceled Ghana Premier League (GPL), said he promised his colleagues that, he would play for the Black Stars by age 17, adding that the target was still within reach, though the league had to end abruptly.

    “I want to make a difference with the Black Stars and i am patiently waiting for the opportunity to showcase my talent.

    “I know it would happen soon. I’m waiting for the day the national team coach would present to me an opportunity to excel,” he told the GNA Sports in an interview.

    Anim Cudjoe has already played for the national under-20 team at the African Games in Rabat, Morocco, and was a revelation in the abortive league.

    Touching on his performance in Kotoko, the youngster said he was never under pressure to deliver despite the huge nature of the former African champions.

    “It is true Kotoko and Hearts are the biggest clubs in the country and playing for them comes with a lot of pressure but I was never intimidated by the huge followers.

    “I am rather motivated when i see a huge crowd. I want to entertain them and make them happy with my style of play,” Anim Cudjoe said.

    Source: GNA

  • I never thought of playing for Black Stars – John Paintsil

    Former Ghana right back, John Paintsil says he never imagined himself playing for the national team, the Black Stars.

    The former West Ham and Fulham defender had a great spell with the Black Stars where he made 89 appearances from 2001 to 2013.

    According to him, it was like a miracle playing for the Black Stars because he never dreamt of it.

    “Honestly speaking l never dreamt of playing for the senior national team,” he said.

    Paintsil started his playing career at Berekum Arsenal before joining Liberty Professionals, where he got the breakthrough by attracting interest from clubs overseas.

    He was a member of the Black Stars team of 2006 when Ghana made their debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup and also represented the West African powerhouse as they reached the quarter-finals of the Mundial in 2010.

    Paintsil aside from the Black Stars was a member of the Black Satellites team that placed second in the 2001 World Youth Championship (now FIFA U-20 World Cup), losing to hosts Argentina in the final.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Friday Debate: Would Ghana have performed better if Essien had played in the 2010 World Cup?

    The Black Stars of Ghana joined the table of men on the African stage after becoming the third country from the continent to feature in the quarter-final stage of the FIFA World Cup.

    In the history of the FIFA World Cup which started in 1930, Cameroon was the first African country to play in the quarter-finals in 1990, before Senegal 2002 and Ghana in the 2010 edition which was hosted by South Africa.

    The Black Stars in the 2010 edition of the Mondial, had the likes of Stephen Appiah, Kevin Prince Boateng, Sulley Ali Muntari, Anthony Annan, and youngsters, Andre Dede Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu as their midfield options, but Ghana lost the services of midfield maestro Michael Essien to injury.

    The Chelsea legend couldn’t make it to the squad after his injury in Ghana’s first group game against Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola that same year.

    The difficulty the Stars went through in their group game against Germany and the quarter-final game Uruguay made many wish they had Essien in that team, as they firmly believed that the UEFA Champions League winner would have made a big difference for Ghana in the tournament.

    But today on the 9th edition of GhanaWeb Friday debate, we ask if Ghana Would have performed better if Essien had played in the 2010 World Cup?

    Watch the video below of people’s comments and share your opinion on the topic in the comment section.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Former Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac interested in Ghana return

    Ex-Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has expressed interest in coaching the Black Stars again.

    The Serbian tactician is regarded as the best Black Stars coach in recent times after leading Ghana to the finals of the 2010 Nations Cup and the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Africa.

    Rajevac described Ghana as his second home despite a brief spell that saw him lead the Black Stars between 2008 to 2010.

    “Of course, I will be interested [if offered the opportunity to coach Ghana again],” Rajevac told Kumasi FM.

    “It will be very difficult to reject it because of my feelings for Ghanaians.

    “Of course, Ghana is my second country, and the success I achieved there and how I felt cannot be compared to anything in this world.

    “I still have many friends and are in touch with a lot of them.

    “Everyone at the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the media, and my technical team contributed to my success, it was a collective success.

    “I will visit Ghana in the future, at least as a tourist [and possibly] to talk about professional engagement.”

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Jordan Ayew leads Crystal Palace attack against Burnley tonight

    Black Stars striker Jordan Ayew has been named to lead the attack of Crystal Palace in their game against Burnley in the English Premier League tonight.

    The sensational attacker has been in fine form all season and has been picked by manager Roy Hodgson to lead the attack of the Eagles as they target picking up maximum points at home.

    The matchday 32 fixture between Crystal Palace and Burnley will be played at the Selhurst Park with Simon Hooper as the referee for the day.

    In the Palace attack, there is Wilfred Zaha and Andros Townsend operating from the flanks.

    They will be expected to supply the balls to Jordan Ayew who will be operating through the middle as the center forward.

    This season, Jordan Ayew has made 30 appearances for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League and has 9 goals plus 1 assist.

    Check out the Eagles first eleven for the Burnley clash which kicks off at 19:00GMT below.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Dont invite foreign-based players who struggle for game time – Otto Pfister urges Akonnor

    Former Black Stars coach, Otto Pfister has urged current coach Charles Akonnor to give local players equal opportunities in the national team as the foreign-based players.

    Local-based players have struggled to get into the national team in recent years with the common excuse being that the domestic league is not competitive enough compared to the foreign leagues.

    However, Pfister, who managed the Black Stars between 1992 and 1993, believes local players who play regularly should not be overlooked for players abroad who struggle for game time.

    He admitted it is a common mistake most foreign coaches make on the continent.

    “Some foreign coaches make mistakes in Africa, they call players from Europe who are not regular players,” he said in an interview with Citi Sports.

    “But it is better to call up local players who play regularly and are in form than a player who is in Europe and has never played for his club,” he added.

    Otto Pfister named 10 locally-based players in his squad for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 1992 as Black Stars finished second.

    Disclaimer : “Opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not in any way reflect those of backend.theindependentghana.com. Our outfit will hereby not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article.”

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Coach Ken August reveals why Kwasi Appiah failed with the Black Stars

    Former Heart of Lions head coach, Ken August has revealed that Coach Kwasi Appiah’s decision not to involve experienced coaches during his time with the Black Stars caused his failure.

    Coach James Kwesi Appiah was given the Black Stars job for the second time in 2017 and tasked to guide the team to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament and win it.

    Unfortunately, the gaffer only managed to lead the team to the Round of 16 and was knocked out by North African side Tunisia.

    Though he was allowed to work with the national team for a few more months, he was subsequently shown the exit door when his contract expired at the end of December 2019.

    Sharing his thoughts on why Coach James Kwesi Appiah failed with the Black Stars, Coach Ken August who is the Organizing Secretary of the Ghana Coaches Association has noted that the gaffer’s decision to work without experienced coaches is a big factor.

    “Akwasi Appiah did not involve experienced local coaches in his work. He never even invited us to observe his training. He failed to support our quest to be represented at AFCON even though we appealed to him. C. K. Akonnor should learn from his mistakes”, the veteran coach told Akoma FM

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Late payment of coaches is not right, end that practice – Kwesi Appiah to MoYS

    Former Black Stars head coach, James Kwasi Appiah has kicked against the late payment of salaries of national team coaches in the country as he stresses that the practice must be abolished.

    The experienced tactician and former Ghana international have been owed by the Ministry of Youth of Sports for the past 6 months with some 5 months salary arrears before partying ways with the national team.

    In an interview with BBC Sports Africa, Coach Kwasi Appiah has lamented over the practice of delay in payment to coaches in the West African country as he calls on employers to stop that practice.

    “It’s not right and should not be encouraged – irrespective of whether (the coach is) local or foreign”, the gaffer shared.

    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has cleared 2 out of the 5 months salary arrears owed Coach Kwesi Appiah and the technical team he worked with at the Black Stars.

    The Ministry says they are making arrangements and will pay the rest very soon.

    Source: footballghana.com