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Tag: Black Stars

  • Black Stars coach CK Akonnor to receive $25,000 as monthly salary

    Black Stars head coach Charles Akonnor is set to receive $25,000 as monthly salary and is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Ghana Football Association, Footballghana.com. can confirm.

    The 46-year-old was appointed as coach of the senior national team in January, replacing his former boss Kwesi Appiah following the dissolution of the technical teams of the national teams.

    The GFA is expected to hand official contract to the former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko coach in the coming days.

    Coach CK Akonnor has been tasked to win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after

    He made 41 appearances and scored 12 goals for Ghana before starting his coaching career at Sekondi Eleven Wise.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • Christian Atsu retires from Black Stars over ‘neglect’

    Ghana’s committed and reliable playmaker Christian Atsu has served notice of his decision to quit the Black Stars citing neglect over the injury that ultimately cost him his starting place at Newcastle United, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report.

    The patriotic player, who has consistently served Ghana with diligence over for more than seven years, has told Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor he is no longer available for selection.

    A reliable source close to the player told Ghana’s leading football news outfit, Ghanasoccernet.com that the England-based player delivered the message to coach Akonnor when he visited England recently on a tour of Europe to meet Black Stars players.

    It explains why the talented winger was excluded from the Ghana’s squad announced by Akonnor to face Sudan in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations double-header qualifier originally scheduled for last month, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.

    Atsu’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt ended prematurely after he picked up a hamstring injury during his country’s 0-0 stalemate against Cameroon on July 1, 2019.

    He was immediately flown to Tyneside for treatment which lasted for over two months.

    GHANAsoccernet.com understands the talented winger is unhappy after officials of the Ghana Football Association failed to even contact him in the period of his predicament.

    He was left to his faith despite proving his loyalty, dedication and commitment to the national team for several years.

    The injury he suffered while on national duty cost him many things including his starting berth in the Newcastle United squad as well as wages because he could not get bonuses for playing and had to rely only on salaries.

    He lost his place to the club’s emergency signing Allan Saint-Maximin due to the setback he suffered while on international duty.

    The former FC Porto wideman is now reluctant to return to the Ghanaian national team after pouring out his genuine concerns to coach Charles Akonnor.

    The former Everton and Bournemouth winger has demonstrated he is a top professional, whose loyalty to Ghana cannot be questioned.

    He turned down a chance to play for Scottish giants Celtic during the winter transfer window as he preferred to fight for his place at St James’ Park.

    Atsu has excelled heavily in Ghana colours, seizing games because of his huge heart, stamina and will to win for the Black Stars to earn him huge admirers in the West African nation.

    An instinctive footballer often fuelled by emotion and adrenalin, Atsu has demonstrated his unrivaled commitment for the national since he bust onto the international scene in 2012.

    It remains to be seen if the Ghana FA can make overtures for the wideman to rescind his decision.

     

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Samuel Owusu satisfied with his performance in the Saudi topflight league

    Black Stars winger Samuel Owusu says he is impressed with his performance so far in the Saudi topflight league.

    The Ghana international moved to Saudi Arabia to join Al Fayha from Serbian club Cukaricki in 2019.

    Owusu is taking to Arabian league by storm, having scored five goals in 20 appearances this season.

    “For me, I think the fans admire my level with the team and the midfielder (winger) scored 5 goals and 1 assists in 20 games this season is not bad at all, but I urge them to remain calm and promise them to score more goals,” the 24-year old told Sport 360.

    Despite his scintillating performances for his club, the former Vision FC player revealed his toughest opposition has been Al Hilal.

    “I think Al-Hilal, our game in front of them was very difficult,” he said.

    Football in Saudi Arabia is currently on hold following the spread of the deadly coronvirus that has brought several sporting events to a standstill.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Hearts of Oak ace Emmanuel Nettey eyes Black Stars call-up

     

    Hearts of Oak midfielder Emmanuel Nettey says the local players inclusion in the Black Stars set up is a step in the right direction.

    Black Stars Coach C K Akonnor in his maiden call up invited four home-based players to camp and prepare for the now postponed AFCON 2021 qualifying doubleheader with Sudan.

    They the players include Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Attah, Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed, Asante Kotoko defender Habib Mohammed and AshGold full-back Kwadwo Amoako.

    Now, Nettey said despite not making the list, he is eager to make his mark to enable him earn a place when the opportunity presents itself again.

    “It did not affect me in any way because there are so many Ghanaians playing, others are plying their trade outside, they weren’t called so if I am doing my best I think I can get better,” he told Citisports.

    “Because he has given first slots to the local players and this one of many matches to come, I just need to set up my game and then make sure in the next call-ups I should do my best and have a call up.”

    Football activities in the country have been suspended as part of measures to control the spread of Covid-19.

    This Emmanuel Nettey believes that the suspension of football due to Covid-19 is a test of professionalism of his colleagues.

    “… Yeah, it’s very true and we are going through the training schedules that have been programmed for us whilst we stay at home and then. It will be difficult for some of us because when there are no instructors around and when you get tired you just stop but as a professional, this is the time the professionalism in you needs to come out for you to be in top sharp.”

    Nettey has been a key cog of Edward Odoom’s team in the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League campaign.

    The former Inter Allies midfielder, in January, was voted Hearts of Oak’s Player of the Month, becoming the first player to scoop the prestigious award.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • ‘True legend’ – Ghanaians react to news of Opoku Afriyie’s demise

    Ghanaians have taken to social media to mourn the passing of former Black Stars forward Opoku Afriyie.

    The attacker died in Kumasi on Sunday, aged 75.

    He is fondly remembered for scoring twice in the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations final to help Ghana win the cup as well as for his exploits with Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League, where he won the top scorer’s award in 1979 and 1981.

    Below is some social reaction from Twitter after news of his passing broke on Sunday afternoon:

    Source: Goal.com

  • Black Stars coach CK Akonnor saddened by death of Opoku Afriyie

    Head coach of the Black Stars, CK Akonnor has expressed sadness about the death of former Ghana striker, Opoku Afriyie.

    The legendary Asante Kotoko striker died on on Sunday, 29 March, 2020 in Kumasi aged 75.

    Bayie was a prominent member of the Black Stars squad that won the 1978 African Cup of Nations.

    He scored the two goals in the final of that tournament.

    Source: Footballmadeinghana.com

     

  • Watch late Opoku Afriyie’s two goals in the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations final

    Former Ghana striker, Opoku Afriyie, who died in Kumasi on Sunday scored all the two goals in the final of the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations for the Black Stars win the title.

    Ghana defeated Uganda 2-0 in the final of the tournament with the Kotoko attacker scoring both goals to seal the title for the West African country in style.

    He was the joint top scorer of the competition with three goals along with Nigeria’s Segun Odegbami and Philip Omondi of Uganda.

    The feared striker, who is among the few players to have played for both arch rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, passed away on Sunday with family members present.

    The 1978 Africa Cup of Nations winner had his final breath in his hometown of Kumasi after serving Ghana football in various capacities as a footballer and an administrator.

    Below are the two goals scored he scored for Ghana in the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations final.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

     

  • Stay at home, your family needs you – John Boye appeals to Ghanaians

    Ghana Black Stars and FC Metz defender, John Boye has advised Ghanaians on how to prevent the pandemic COVID 19.

    Speaking on Accra based television station Kingdom Tv, the 32year old defender, John Boye detailed the situation in France and urged Ghanaians to adhere to the protocols.

    “They shouldn’t go out and they shouldn’t think the coronavirus is not serious because it is a very serious thing. For now that the thing has increased to 52 in Ghana, please stay in the house and take care of your family because it is the most important thing. The virus is very bad so be in the house and take care of your self.”

    He also claimed that everyone is in the house and waiting for the time virus fever to die down so that they can start general training but for now everyone is doing individual training in the house. He also said, policemen are in town and you have to pick forms on internet before you can go to some places like shopping mall.

    “They don’t want to see more than three people together but you can only go out with your wife to buy your needs. If it is more than three or four people you be dealt with.”

    Source: kingdomfmonline.com

     

  • Ill play for Black Stars if recalled Asamoah Gyan

    Former captain of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan says he will readily honour an invitation to the national team if handed a call-up.

    Gyan, 34, said he is still available for selection, adding that he has not retired from the national team.

    The 34-year-old has played for the Black Stars for almost two decades, having made his international debut in 2003.

    He was however stripped of the captaincy by former Coach, Kwesi Appiah who opted for Dede Ayew as his captain.

    Gyan was made the General Captain of the Senior National team.

    Source: Ghana | GhanaNewsPage.Com

  • CK Akonnor to name first Black Stars squad on Tuesday for Sudan double-header

    Ghana coach CK Akonnor will on Tuesday, 3 March, 2020 announce his first squad for this month’s back-to-back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

    The ex-Black Stars captain will name his squad in front of the media at the Accra City Hotel.

    Akonnor recently returned from a tour of Europe, where he met some old players to share his plans with them.

    He also had talks with players of Ghanaian origin and tried to convince them to play for the Black Stars.

    It has been reported that not more than five home-based players will make the squad for the doubleheader.

    The Black Stars will host Sudan on 27 March 2020 in Cape Coast and the return leg in three days time.

    Ghana top the Group C table after winning all two matches against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.

     

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • CK Akonnor set to hand five local players Black Stars call-up ahead of Sudan clash

    Ghana coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor is set to hand call-ups to five local based players following their mouthwatering performances in the on-going 2019/20 Ghana Premier League season ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan.

    The players have impressed the technical handlers of the Black Stars and are expected to be handed call-ups for the next month’s AFCON qualifier.

    Coach Charles  Akonnor is currently in Europe monitoring Ghanaian players.

    The 45-year-old has already visited Ghana skipper and his brother Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew, Newcastle United’s winger Christian Atsu as well as Brentford forward Tarriq Fosu as part of his European tour of visiting.

    Coach CK Akonnor is expected to name his 23-man squad for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers next month and is expected to include locally based players like Justice Blay, Joseph Esso, Felix Annan and Richard Atta.

    Ghana will face Sudan in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on March 23.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Black Stars coach CK Akonnor holds talks with Jeffrey Schlupp

    Black Stars coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor has held talks with Crystal Palace player Jeffrey Schlupp as part of his European tour.

    Akonnor met with Schlupp on Monday, a day after meeting Ayew brothers.

    The 45-year-old is on a European tour to hold discussions with current players and potential new additions to the Black Stars, having assumed duty as new head coach last month.

    Following this meeting, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Schlupp makes a return to the senior national team.

    The 27-year-old has been absent from national duty since March 2019 when he featured in an international friendly against Mauritania in Accra.

    Schlupp has 14 caps for the Blak Stars since his debut in 2014.

    Akonnor replaced James Kwasi Appiah, whose contract expired at the end of 2019.

    His first match as Black Stars coach will be in March

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • FIFA WC 2022 Qualifiers: Black Stars handed tricky draw

    The Black Stars of Ghana have been paired with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia in Group G in the second round qualifier for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    The qualifiers set to kick start in October 2020, would see 14 first-round winners join the top 26 African teams compete for a place in the third round.

    Read:Russia banned from all global sport including 2022 World Cup

    The ten group winners would progress to the third and final round, which would feature five two-legged play-off ties.

    The five winners would qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • 2022 World Cup qualifiers: Ghana drawn alongside SA, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia

    Ghana has been drawn alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia in the second round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualification.

    Ghana was selected as the final team in Group G by Ghana-born French World Cup winner Marcel Desailly at the draw held on Tuesday, January 21, 2019, at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Cairo, Egypt.

    Read: It is not time for CK Akonnor to manage Black Stars Ntow Gyan

    Forty teams were drawn into ten groups of four and only the section winners will advance to the third round. Ghana was in Pot One alongside African champions Algeria and other powerhouses including Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, Ghana, Egypt, Cameroon, Mali and Congo DR.

    The qualifiers are expected to start in March 2020 and end in October 2021.

    The ten group winners will then be drawn into the third round (five two-legged knockout ties) to be played in November 2021 to decide the five African representatives for the World Cup.

    Below is the entire draw;

    Group A: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, Djibouti

    Group B: Tunisia, Zambia, Mauritania, Equatorial Guinea

    Group C: Nigeria, Cape Verde Islands, Central African Republic, Liberia

    Group D: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Malawi

    Group E: Mali, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda

    Group F: Egypt, Gabon, Libya, Angola

    Read: Black Stars will never win a trophy unless they stop using juju and turn to God Prophet Nigel Gaise

    Group G: Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia

    Group H: Senegal, Congo, Namibia, Togo

    Group I: Morocco, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sudan

    Group J: Congo DR, Benin, Madagascar, Tanzania

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Black Stars will never win a trophy unless they stop using juju and turn to God – Prophet Nigel Gaise

    The General overseer of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie has revealed in his end of year prophecies that the Black Stars will never win a trophy because of their dabbling in sorcery,juju and other satanic workings in their camp.

    He made this revelation during the 31st December watch night service held in his church in Accra, where he said a lot of other prophecies about the nation and other happenings in the year 2020.

    PHOTOS: Black Stars Striker Emmanuel Boateng weds girlfriend

    “The Lord said let the Black Stars look onto him If they want a trophy…the lord came to tell me that I should warn the Black Stars they have turned their face against him.”

    “The Lord says the Black Stars will never win any national or international trophy unless they turn onto him, God”

    “I saw a lot of juju and satanic workings in the camp of the Black Stars. The Lord says the Black Stars should turn back to him” he said.

    Black Stars winger Frank Acheampong weds fiancée in a colourful ceremony

    The Black Stars are still waiting for their first trophy after beating Libya on penalties to win the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Source: Ghanaguardian.com

  • PHOTOS: Black Stars Striker Emmanuel Boateng weds girlfriend

    Ghana and Dalian Yifang F.C. Striker Emmanuel Boateng (EB21) tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Barbara in a beautiful wedding ceremony held at the Golden Bean Hotel on Saturday.

    The wedding was attended by family members, Coaches such as Kwesi Appiah, Maxwell Konadu, some Black Stars players, (Frank Acheampong, Lawrence Atizigi, Nana Ampomah, Kumawood actors and actresses, Emelia Brobbey, Daabo, Kweku Menu and many more celebs.

    Read: Black Stars winger Frank Acheampong weds fiancée in a colourful ceremony

    Ernest Ohemeng, Caleb Salifu, Jerry Thompson, musicians Kwabena Kwabena, Fameya and friends of both Emmanuel Boateng and Barbara Boateng graced the occasion to celebrate the beautiful day with the newly wedded couples.

    Here are some photos from the event:

     

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Ghana finish 2019 47th on FIFA rankings

    Ghana is ending 2019 on the 47th position in the World and 6th position in Africa in the FIFA ranking as the last for the year was released on Thursday.

    Ghana moved up four places in last month’s rankings thanks to the two victories in the month.

    Read:Ghana moves up on FIFA rankings for the month

    The Black Stars wins over South Africa and Sao Tomé and Principe in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications last month contributed to a rise in last month’s global rankings from 51st to the 47th place.

    Ghana remained on the 47th position in the December and final rankings for the year.

    The Black Stars also remained on the sixth position in Africa behind Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Algeria and Morocco.

    Read:Ghana drops one place in latest FIFA Rankings

    Ghana began the year on the 52nd place in a global rankings and 6th in the African rankings.

    Here is the Top 10 in Africa.

    1. Senegal 2. Tunisia 3. Nigeria 4. Algeria 5. Morocco 6. Ghana 7. Egypt 8. Cameroon 9. Mali 9. DR Congo 11. Burkina Faso

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Madina MP, Zongo Minister watch Black Stars train

    Member of Parliament for the Madina constituency Hon. Abuabakar Boniface and the Minister for Inner Cities and Zongo Development, Hon. Dr. Mustapha Abdul Hamid were present at the Black Stars training in Madina.

    The Minister and the MP, together with some community leaders came out to support the Black Stars as they prepare for the Nations Cup qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe on Monday.

    President Akufo-Addo praises Black Stars performance against Bafana Bafana

    The team were training for the first time at the newly constructed astro turf in Madina, build under the leadership of the affable MP.

    Hon. Abubakar Boniface ensured the turf was constructed for the community during his time as Minister for Inner Cities and Zongo development.

    Several football fans also came out in numbers to watch the Black Stars train at the Zurak Park.

    The Black Stars will continue training today at the same venue before enplaning to Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday for the match on Monday.

    Ghana beat South Africa 2-0 in the opening game of the qualifiers through goals from Thomas Partey and debutant Kudus Mohammed.

    Newboy Christopher Antwi-Adjei joined the Black Stars team for the first time in training after arriving late for the South Africa game.

    The incredible number of fans adds to the thousands that showed up at the team’s training in Cape Coast and subsequently for the game against South Africa.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Black Stars in ‘jama’ mood ahead of 2021 AFCON qualifier against South Africa

    The Black Stars are in high spirits ahead of their crunchy 2021 Africa Cup of Nations clash against South Africa on Thursday at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

    The team turned to their usual singing and dancing after their final training on Wednesday to boost their morale and confidence ahead of the game.

    Read:2021 AFCON qualifiers: Andre Ayew admits pressure on Black Stars to defeat South Africa

    The Stars will go into the game with the aim of starting the qualifying campaign on a winning note.

    Watch the Stars ‘jama’ video below;

    Read:FEATURE: Only thing that will #BringBackTheLove? win games, convincingly

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • We’ve all learnt our lessons after 2019 AFCON – Kwesi Appiah

    The Black Stars of Ghana were handed a humiliating exit at the hands of Tunisians in the round of 16 through our usual penalty shoot out hoodoo at the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Egypt.

    After the tournament most Ghanaians were furious with the performance of the team calling for the head of the coach Kwasi Appiah but he still managed to hold on to his job.

    Read:Kwesi Appiah should be given the benefit of doubt Basigi

    Speaking for the first time since our exit from the tournament ahead of our Afcon qualifier against South Africa, coach Kwasi Appiah said that our focus should be on the two Afcon qualifiers ahead but stopped short to confirm that valuable lessons have been learnt by all parties concerned at the Afcon 2019.

    “At the moment all our concentration should be on the upcoming games and that is very important what ever happened I believe we have all learnt our lessons.”

    Read:2021 AFCON qualifiers: Kwesi Appiah drops Asamoah Gyan, three others for South Africa game

    “I believe the players,supporters, technical team and every one has learnt his lessons at the Afcon.”

    “We must now concentrate on our upcoming two games that is the most important thing now.” he added.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Black Stars to interact with fans in Winneba and Mankessim

    The Black Stars players will spend time to bond with fans in Winneba and Mankessim en route to Cape Coast for their first 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa.

    The players and technical team are expected to interact with them and distribute paraphernalia as ways of rekindling the love for the senior national team.

    Read:See the 12 AFCON squad members who were dropped from the new Black Stars list

    This was revealed in the team’s itinerary for the test against the Bafana Bafana on Thursday, 14 November, 2019.

    ”Tuesday November 12, 2019 The Black Stars departs for Cape Coast and will make brief stop-overs at Winneba and Mankessim, where they will interact with fans and distribute paraphernalia to them,” a Ghana FA statement said.

    ”The team will have its first training session in Cape Coast at the Cape Coast Stadium between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. This training session is open to the media.”

    Read:Find out how invited Black Stars players have performed this season ahead of AFCON qualifier

    There has been apathy for the team after the calamitous campaign in Brazil during the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.

    Newly-elected Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku and his team executives have launched the #BRINGBACKTHELOVE campaign whip up support for the national team.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

     

  • New date for Ghana-South Africa clash

    South Africa will play the Black Stars of Ghana on Thursday, 14 November in Accra and welcome Sudan three days later on Sunday, 17 November at Orlando Stadium after Caf changed the initial dates for the Afcon 2021 qualifiers.

    Initially, South Africa was pencilled in to play the West African country on November 15 and to host Sudan on November 19 before the continental controlling body intervened and changed the dates.

    Read:AFCON Qualifiers: Ayew fears lack of friendly games could hamper Stars AFCON campaign

    South Africa and Ghana are in Group C with Sudan and Sao Tome Principe.

    Two teams from the group will qualify for Afcon 2021 in Cameroon.

    Read:AFCON 2021 qualifiers held in Cairo

    Sao Tome earned a historic victory over Mauritius winning 3-1 in the first leg of the preliminary stage and followed it up with a 2-1 victory in the second leg to complete a remarkable 5-2 aggregate win.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Fears creeping in Black Stars might be idle during upcoming FIFA free date

    The next FIFA window for international friendlies is in two weeks‚ no games have yet been announced for the Black Stars.

    Also, the future of Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is yet to be clarified after the ex-captain came under intense criticism after the last 16 exit at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Read:Ghana to know opponents for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers today

    The FIFA Normalisation Committee headed by Dr Kofi Amoah has been quiet on both issues and it does not look like the national team would be busy.

    Ghana have the opportunity to assemble players for 10 days and have at least two matches.

    The Black Stars do not have a competitive game before the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers start in November.

    Read:Ghana drops in latest FIFA ranking

    They host South Africa and play either Mauritius/Sao Tome e Principe in the space of five days in Group C.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com