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Tag: CAF Champions League

  • CAF CL: “Mr President we need your support” – FC Samartex appeals to Akufo-Addo for funds

    CAF CL: “Mr President we need your support” – FC Samartex appeals to Akufo-Addo for funds

    Owner of FC Samartex, Dr. Richard Nsenkyire, has requested financial support from President Akufo-Addo as his team gears up for their CAF Champions League journey.

    The Timber Giants earned their place in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League by winning the Ghana Premier League last season.

    In a visit to the Jubilee House on Wednesday, Dr. Nsenkyire emphasized the financial difficulties that African teams frequently encounter in continental tournaments.

    “We want to seek your blessing by showing you the cup. Over the years, what we have realised is the teams that go to Africa lack financial support,” he said.


    “They would have really done well or gone to the advanced stages but unfortunately, finances have become a problem and we are appealing to you that we are representing Ghana and we need your support Mr. President to make sure that we can excel in the CAF Championship, that is why we are here,” he added.

    FC Samartex is striving to reach the group stage of the tournament and potentially advance further into the knockout rounds, inspired by Medeama’s achievements last season.

    Currently, the team is undergoing pre-season training in the Eastern Region and will compete against Cameroon’s Victoria United in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

    The first leg will take place on August 16 at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, followed by the second leg on August 23 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

  • Medeama knocked out of CAF Champions League after Yanga’s win over Belouizdad

    Medeama knocked out of CAF Champions League after Yanga’s win over Belouizdad

    Medeama’s aspirations for a spot in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals were dashed after the Young Africans secured a crucial victory against CD Belouizdad in Tanzania on Saturday.

    Hoping for a favourable outcome from the Young Africans versus Belouizdad match to keep their chances alive, Medeama saw their hopes fade following their 1-0 defeat to Al Ahly just a day earlier in Kumasi.

    The match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium witnessed young Africans dominating from the outset. Yahia Abass set the pace with an opening goal for the hosts in the 43rd minute.

    Shortly after the second half commenced, Stephane Aziz Ki doubled the lead, further dimming Medeama’s hopes.

    Kennedy Musonda, the Zambian striker, added to Belouizdad’s woes by extending the lead just two minutes later, leaving little room for a comeback.

    Joseph Gnadou sealed the victory for the Young Africans with a goal six minutes before the final whistle.

    Despite the setback, Medeama remains resolute as they gear up for their final group-stage match in Algeria. They are determined to secure a third-place finish.

    With this defeat, Al Ahly leads the group with nine points, while the Young Africans hold the second position with eight points.

  • GoldFields gives breakdown of US$16 million T and A Stadium under construction for Medeama SC

    GoldFields gives breakdown of US$16 million T and A Stadium under construction for Medeama SC

    The Goldfields Ghana Foundation has recently unveiled an impressive $13 million investment plan for the development of the T and A Stadium, which is poised to become the new home ground for Medeama SC, a notable football club.

    In a remarkable move, the mining company has taken on the responsibility of constructing this stadium, which is designed to comfortably host a crowd of up to 10,400 enthusiastic spectators.

    This strategic initiative has been spurred by Medeama’s recent achievement in successfully qualifying for the group stage of the prestigious CAF Champions League, showcasing their growing prominence in the African football scene.

    Notably, earlier this month, Medeama publicly acknowledged receiving communication from Goldfields Ghana regarding the finalisation of their sponsorship agreement.

    While the company has not officially refuted this information, they have now offered an update on the ongoing progress of the stadium’s construction, further cementing their commitment to this promising partnership.

    According to a statement from the company, “The Foundation has so far invested over US$13 million in the stadium, out of a budgeted US$16 million, and this has proven to be one of the high-cost ticket items it has funded besides the Tarkwa to Damang asphalted road.”

    Additionally, Goldfields Ghana has allocated an amount of US$100,000 to support the Tarkwa-based club in its advertising efforts.

    “The advertising package, which covers various areas including jersey and bus branding, is for a period of one year, 2023-2024,” the statement further specified.

  • I joined Hearts of Oak without a ready signing fee – Kenneth Sarpong

    I joined Hearts of Oak without a ready signing fee – Kenneth Sarpong

    Former Ghanaian international Kenneth Sarpong has disclosed that Hearts of Oak paid his signing-on fee along with a Man of the Match award following his debut for the team.

    Sarpong initially joined Ebusua Dwarfs in 1994, transitioning from Hearts Babies, a colt’s side.

    After just one season with Cape Coast’s Ebusua Dwarfs, he made the move to Hearts of Oak in 1995, where he played alongside notable players like Eben Dida, Ishmael Addo, Abladey Kumah, and others.

    Sarpong was a part of Hearts of Oak’s renowned “64-battalion” squad that dominated domestic leagues and secured numerous titles, including the CAF Champions League and CAF Super Cup.

    In an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Sarpong revealed that Hearts of Oak had expressed interest in him during his time with Dwarfs. However, he chose to join the Phobians because he was eager to prove his abilities, driven by his deep-rooted passion for the club.

    “I signed for Hearts without taking any money and my first game was against Kotoko in Kumasi.

    I penned down my contract on Wednesday and the game was on Sunday and they were not able to give me my signing-on fee but promised to settle me on Monday after the game but it finally came on Thursday”.

    “We lost the game 2-1 in Kumasi and I was adjudged the Man of the Match after the game. The next day, on Monday, I failed to show you at training until Thursday, when they finally gave me my signing-on fee”, he added.

    Kenneth Sarpong played for Ghana’s U17 team (the Black Starlets) at the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Japan and also played for the Black Stars.

  • CAF Champions League: Put things in place and prepare well – Bashir Hayford advises Medeama SC and Dreams FC

    CAF Champions League: Put things in place and prepare well – Bashir Hayford advises Medeama SC and Dreams FC

    Former coach of Asante Kotoko, Bashir Hayford, has shared a valuable advice with Medeama and Dreams FC as they prepare for their upcoming CAF inter-club competitions.

    After their successful performances in domestic competitions, Medeama SC and Dreams FC are set to represent Ghana in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup, respectively.

    In an interview with the media he emphasized the importance of managing expectations for both clubs.

    He points out that previous Ghanaian representatives’ results in Africa should serve as a wake-up call for Medeama SC and Dreams FC.

    Hayford urges the clubs to put proper measures in place and prepare thoroughly. He suggests strengthening their squads and scouting players from Africa to enhance their performance, similar to other African clubs.

    The experienced coach advises them to lower their expectations and focus on building quality from the start.

    By recognizing their opponents’ qualities and working diligently, they can make a strong impact in the competition.

    “The results of the clubs who previously represented Ghana should be a wake-up call to Medeama SC and Dreams FC. This should even be an advise to them,” Coach Bashiru Hayford told Mothers FM.

    “Our clubs perform poorly in Africa. Some were even eliminated from the preliminary round (just after two games).

    “They should put things in place and prepare well. It will be good for them to beef up their squad. If they want to perform well then they should start scouting players in Africa like other African clubs,” he divulged.

    “They should lower their expectations because their opponents are having the qualities. How do we build the quality? We build quality from the start. They should lower their expectations for the competition,” he concluded.

  • CAF Champions League: We are poised to defeat Remo Stars FC – Medeama SC

    CAF Champions League: We are poised to defeat Remo Stars FC – Medeama SC

    Medeama SC’s Captain, Kwasi Donsu, has expressed confidence ahead of their clash against Remo Stars FC in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

    The Ghanaian club is set to compete against the Nigerian outfit in the qualifiers for the group stage of the prestigious CAF inter-club competition.

    In an interview with the media, the experienced midfielder emphasized that their team, the Yellow and Mauve outfit, does not fear their opponents. He assured fans that Medeama SC will put in the hard work and preparation needed for the two-legged encounter.

    Kwasi Donsu stated, “In Football, if you want to be a champion, you don’t have to fear your opponents. The most important thing is that we are going to work hard and sail through to the next stage.”

    Medeama SC earned their spot in the competition as Champions of the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League season.

    Their goal is to progress to the Group stage of the upcoming CAF Champions League season, and they are determined to give their best efforts to achieve it.

  • CAF records 17% increase in revenues

    CAF records 17% increase in revenues

    At its 45th Ordinary General Assembly in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reported a 17% year-on-year growth in commercial income, totaling $125.2 million.

    Higher sponsorship and television rights were mainly responsible for this substantial $21.6 million increase.

    The increase in income comes as CAF strives to make African football more competitive on a global scale. The organisation anticipates a more significant financial recovery in the upcoming months thanks to an increase in media rights and sponsorship opportunities.

    However, CAF remains cautious about its spending as it continues its economic revival.

    Prize money and tournament expenses saw a 26% increase, amounting to $78.9 million, reflecting CAF’s commitment to investing more in its competitions and making African football self-sustainable.

    CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe affirmed the organization’s dedication to CAF Competitions.

    During the year, CAF resolved longstanding disputes with some partners through out-of-court settlements.

    Additionally, the organization adhered to accounting standards provisions recommended by auditors, which were fully accounted for in the financial statements.

    While CAF recorded an improved total comprehensive loss position of $15.7 million compared to the previous year, it remains focused on increasing the global popularity and stature of its competitions.

    The upcoming 2023/2024 financial year is set to witness the delivery of various premier competitions, including the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, CAF Super Cup, CAF Women’s Champions League, Futsal, and Africa Schools Program, with a projected budget of $110 million allocated for organization and prize money.

    CAF’s development expenditure has also increased, with a focus on supporting member associations and zonal unions for football development.

    Investment in women and youth competitions, referee capacity development, the implementation of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) at the zonal level, and strengthening governance and controls around funding are among the organization’s priorities.

    Looking ahead, CAF is optimistic about its financial outlook for the 2022/2023 budget year, primarily driven by the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast in January 2024.

    The flagship tournament is expected to provide a substantial boost to CAF’s financial resources.

  • Mamelodi Sundowns officer in trouble over Champions League Al Ahly social media post

    Mamelodi Sundowns officer in trouble over Champions League Al Ahly social media post

    There is some explanation required of Khaled Ali. With regard to a recent social media post, the Mamelodi Sundowns travel logistics and liaison officer found himself in hot water.

    According to The Citizen, Ali offered to provide Al Ahly SC fans with information on their upcoming CAF Champions League opponents, Al Hilal from Sudan, as a volunteer service.

    Days earlier, on Saturday, the Brazilians had destroyed the Egyptians 5-2 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane.

    In response to the controversial post, the club released a media statement:

    “It has come to the attention of Mamelodi Sundowns that certain remarks that its employee, Khaled Ali may have made during a social media discussion relating to Al Ahly and Al Hilal may be contrary to the ethics, governance, and rules of Mamelodi Sundowns.”

    The club said it viewed Ali’s alleged remarks and conduct very seriously. “[Sundows] is launching an immediate investigation to get exposed to the true facts. Khaled has been instructed to return from Sudan and report at the Sundowns offices at Chloorkop and make himself available for the investigation.”

    Gomaa dodges embarrassing Mosimane question

    In related coverage, as Sports Brief reported, Al Ahly has been struggling since Pitso Mosimane’s departure last June.

    The latest setback without the South African at the helm is a humiliating 5-2 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in Tshwane.

    This left the Egyptian superclub all but eliminated from the competition of this season’s CAF Champions League.

    Mokwena denies Egyptian media claims

    Sports Brief also reported on sections of Egyptian media accusing Mamelodi Sundowns of time-wasting, a tactic seen as more prevalent with North African teams.

    The claims from the media followed in the wake of the Brazilians’ dramatic 2-2 draw with Al Ahly during a CAF Champions League group encounter in Cairo recently.

  • Ghana won’t make it to the Club World Cup for 30 years – Charles Taylor

    Ghana won’t make it to the Club World Cup for 30 years – Charles Taylor

    Charles Taylor Asampong, a veteran of the Ghana Premier League, estimates that it will take thirty years for a Ghanaian club to qualify for and participate in the FIFA Club World Cup.

    The ex-Asante Kotoko player added that it will be impossible for the nation to even win any of the CAF club competitions since clubs won’t be able to keep their best players.

    It would be tough for any Ghanaian club to win either the CAF Champions League or Confederations Cup, in his opinion, unless Ghanaian clubs take wise action by keeping their quality players and bringing in other good players on the continent.

    Speaking on Kumasi-based Akoma FM, Taylor said, “Our league lack quality, some players are currently playing both Kotoko and Hearts but do not deserve it,”

    “But you can’t blame them, some players are recruited from 2nd Divisions and walk straight into the starting eleven, and just after a season or two, these players leave the country.”

    “How can you win Africa with just players who play less than a season and are transferred out? It will take us about thirty years or over before we can win it.”

    “Just look at how Al Ahly is playing. When was the last time any of our clubs purchased a player outside Ghana who has a running contract? We always want free players whilst our competitors are busily recruiting top-notch players.”

    Hearts of Oak were the last Ghanaian club to win the CAF Champions League in 2000. Since then, no other team from Ghana have made it to the final.

  • Asante Kotoko handed injury boost as Mubarik Yussif resumes training

    Asante Kotoko have been enlivened by the return of defender Mubarik Yussif from injury.

    The 26-year-old has been out of action for almost month due to an injury setback.

    He sustained an injury in their second league game against Nsoatreman FC in Kumasi, where the Porcupine Warriors inflicted a 2-1 win over the Ghana Premier League newcomers.

    The former Ashantigold defender resumed individual training on Wednesday and is expected to join group training in the coming days.

    Asante Kotoko, who were booted out of the CAF Champions League campaign picked four points from two games before the Ghana Premier League was suspended.

    Source: Footballghana

  • The quality now in Ghana football is low – Dan Quaye

    Reacting to Ghanaian clubs poor performance in the Caf Champions League and Caf Confederations Cup the former Hearts of Oak defender said Ghana football lacks quality players.

    He added that during his playing days they were national assets already and had experience coaches.

    “The quality we have in Ghana football now is very low. Because when you look at our time we were national assets already and we had experience coaches too who were also former players so he knows what he is going to teach you which will help you,” he said on Happy FM as monitored by footballghana.com

     

    “Now, these kids when you are teaching them they pretend as if they know more than you. I also say we should blame the coach have you notice teams will sack a coach but still the same problems you keep on sacking your coaches. You should also look at your players too, some are in the team they are just making up the numbers,”

    “What I will tell them is that they are the same players who played in the first leg and saw the mistakes they did. The team too they have seen their loopholes what they will just have to do is psych their mind and one thing too when someone is doing the wrong thing in the team you should be able to discipline the person because Hearts is bigger than everybody in the club,”

    Source: Footballghana

  • Former Kotoko midfielder Daniel Nii Adjei explains why Ghanaian clubs struggle in Africa

    Former Asante Kotoko midfielder Daniel Nii Adjei has opened up on why Ghanaian clubs struggle in Africa inter club competitions.

    Ghanaian clubs, particularly Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have struggled to make a meaningful impact in both the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup in recent times.

    Asante Kotoko have been eliminated from the CAF Champions League whilst Hearts of Oak are on the brink of elimination after losing 3-0 to Malian side Bamako in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup.

    “The CAF competitions are not like the normal league. I know on our local scene we take everything as a joke even when we have not finished, we start celebrating that we’ve won”, he said on Radio Gold.

    Nii Adjei spoke on Asante Kotoko’s elimination by Burkinabe side RC Kadiogo.

    “Me I knew it will happen because going away to win 1-0 and when you come home you don’t prepare well and you start to jubilate, the one coming is serious because he is already down. And then CAF [competitions] we don’t win by saying I’ve won away, no, you have to finish it.

    “I will say in Ghana we are always jubilating without playing the game. We always use our mouth to beat people but football is not like that so me I wasn’t surprised Kotoko were eliminated.”, he added.

    Nii Adjei won the Champions League title with TP Mazembe.

    He previously played for Asante Kotoko, TP Mazembe, King Faisal and Elmina Sharks and has now ventured into coaching.

  • Hearts of Oak are in good shape to face Kotoko on Sunday – Kwame Opare Addo

    Communications Director of Hearts of Oak, Kwame Opare Addo says his side are ready to face Asante Kotoko in match week three of the Ghana Premier League.

    The Phobians are yet to win a game this season after picking up only one point against Aduana Stars and Great Olympics in their first two matches.

    Kotoko will open their 2022/23 Premier League campaign against the Phobians at the Baba Yara Stadium. The game is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 GMT.


     

    “We (Hearts of Oak) are ready and the team is in good shape to face Kotoko on Sunday we will surely beat Kotoko on Sunday, Kwame Opare Addo told Original 91.9FM.

    The Porcupine Warriors head into the Super clash on the back of a shock elimination from the CAF Champions League qualifiers.

    Kotoko lost 3-1 on penalties to Burkinabe side RC Kadiogo at the Baba Yara stadium last Sunday.

    “We are very disappointed in Kotoko for their exit in the CAF Champions League against Kadiogo,” Opare Addo added.

    Source: footballghana

  • Asante Kotoko reduce gate fees for Hearts of Oak clash after Champions League debacle

    Football fans who intend to watch the Super Clash between Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak on Sunday, April 24, have been informed about how much it will cost them to view the match from the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

    Asante Kotoko, the home club for the match have announced the gate fees for the game on Sunday.

    To sit at the ‘Popular Stand’, a fan would have part with GH₵10 while those who will watch from the Centre Line will pay GH₵20.

    The Wings of the stadium have been priced at GH₵30 whiles the VIP is pegged at GH₵50.

    The match will be Asante Kotoko’s first match of the season following their engagement in the CAF Champions League.

    Following their embarrassing exit from the Champions League, Kotoko will be hell-bent on picking a win to bring some joy to their fans.

    Hearts of Oak, on the other hand, will be playing their third game of the 2022/2023 season. The Phobians lost and drew their opening two matches against Aduana Stars and Accra Great Olympics respectively.

    Pressure is already mounting on coach Samuel Boadu to get the best out of his players and get them back to winning ways.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Everything will be fine – Countryman Songo reacts to Kotoko’s shocking exit from Champions League

    Management member of Asante Kotoko, Patrick Osei Agyemang has reacted to the club’s exit from the CAF Champions League.

    Countryman Songo as he is widely known is hopeful that the club will bounce back from their latest setback.

    In a tweet on Tuesday, Songo tweeted “Everything will be fine fabulous. More fireee”

    Asante Kotoko exited the Champions League in a shocking and embarrassing manner as the club lost 3-1 on penalties to Burkinabe side Kadiogo FC.

    Hopes were high in Kumasi that Kotoko were going to sail through after winning the away 1-0 but it was never to be as Kadiogo beat them by the same margin at the Baba Yara Stadium before going on to win the shootout.


     

    In the aftermath of the defeat, pressure is mounting on Nana Yaw Amponsah to vacate his role as Chief Executive Officer of the club.

    Some fans of the club who spoke to GhanaWeb’s Joseph Adamafio posited that Nana Yaw Amponsah’s style of running the club is not bringing them the needed result.

    They hold the view that he is selling off their best talents for players whose standards are below Asante Kotoko‘s.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • We will be back – Danlad Ibrahim reacts to Kotoko’s shocking exit from Champions League exit

    Asante Kotoko goalkeeper, Danlad Ibrahim has said the Porcupines will bounce back after they were stunned by RC Kadiogo in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.

    Kotoko were kicked out of the Africa’s tier one football competition on penalties after the tie ended one-all on aggregate.

    Reacting to the surprising exit, Danlad wrote on his Twitter page that they might be out but the season is not over.

     

    “Not the best results in the CAF champions league game yesterday but we promise to do our best this season. We are out but the season is not over. We shall be back,” he tweeted.

    Kotoko, who won the first leg 1-0, lost the second leg 1-0 at home and were eliminated from the competition after a 3-1 loss on penalties.

    Asante Kotoko could have faced AS Vita if they had gone past Kadiogo. After exiting the first round, the Reds will not play in the CAF Confederations Cup

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Heartbreak as Asante Kotoko loses against RC Kagiogo

    History repeated itself at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday when Kumasi Asante Kotoko suffered early elimination from the CAF Champions League after losing 1-3 to Burkina Faso champions, RC Kadiogo, on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate score.

    Kotoko went into yesterday’s clash bolstered by a 1-0 win in the first leg match in Cotonou, Benin, last Monday. However, playing without their top marksman, Franck Mbella Etouga, Kotoko failed to make their home advantage count yesterday as they allowed the visiting side to take the lead in the 15th minute through Dramane Kambou, and went into the half-time break with a slender 1-0 lead.

    Despite having Burkinabe coach Seydou Zerbo directing affairs, the Porcupine Warriors failed to threaten their opponents for much of the second half as Kadiogo held onto the lead to push the encounter into a tie-breaking penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 aggregate stalemate at the end of regulation time.

    To the dismay of their fans, Kotoko’s Solomon Sarfo Taylor, Osei Bonsu and Enoch Morrison missed their kicks after Yussuf Mubarik scored for them during the shoot-out, even with their goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim saving one of Kadiogo’s kicks.

    However, it was a case of lightning striking the same place twice, as an old penalty curse came back to haunt Kotoko in the same manner which saw Kadiogo eliminate the Ghanaian giants in a continental competition in 1979.

    Source: GraphicOnline

  • Tanzanian giant Simba defeats Porcupines in a preseason game 42 against Kotoko

    Asante Kotoko, a powerhouse in the Ghana Premier League, lost their third straight match on Sunday night during their pre-season tour of Sudan.

    The Tanzanian Premier League’s top team, Simba Soccer Club, defeated the Porcupine Warriors in their matchup.

    Game 3 of their preseason friendly matches saw the Ghanaian champs fall to the Tanzanian team 4-2.

    Kotoko had suffered 2-0 and 5-0 defeats in their previous game to CAF Champions League and Sudanese giant Al Hilal Omdurman.

    Ugandan striker, Steven Mukwala scored the opening goal of the match to put the Reds in the first half of the match.

    Simba came back stronger and scored three goals side to take a three 3-1 lead at the interval.

    The Tanzanian giants added to their tally early in the second half of the match to make it 4-1 against the Ghana Premier League winners.

    Former Berekum Chelsea FC captain Stephen Amakona reduced the deficit to make it 4-2 at the end of the match.

    Kotoko has suffered three defeats as they prepare for both the CAF Champions League and the start of the 2022-23 Ghana Premier League season.

  • NSA Regional Director: Baba Yara Stadium will be ready by August

    Ashanti Regional Director of the National Sports Authority,Emmanuel Kojo Appiah has revealed that the Baba Yara Stadium will be ready by the end of August and prepared to accommodate Asante Kotoko’s African tour.

    Due to ongoing renovations, CAF judged the stadium unfit to host international matches.

    The Cape Coast Stadium is been considered as an alternative venue for Kotoko, who will compete in this year’s CAF Champions League, however, NSA Regional Director, Emmanuel Kojo Appiah is confident Baba Yara stadium will be ready before the campaign starts.

     




    It’s surprising to hear that Baba Yara Sports Stadium cannot host Kotoko’s African campaign because such information would have been communicated first to the NSA or GFA,” Appiah told Akoma FM.

    “We are currently working consistently on meeting CAF requirements. By the end of August, we should be done with it.” I’m told Kotoko can still appeal to CAF for an inspection to be conducted on the facility. The facility looks good.

    He added, “Fans of Kotoko should be calm, I am confident that with the efforts of other stakeholders, their games will be played here in Kumasi.”

    “If Blacks Stars were able to play here against Nigeria which was more crucial, how much more African games.”

  • CAF Champions League: Kotoko faces Rail Club de Kadiogo

    Asante Kotoko and Burkina Faso side Rail Club de Kadiogo will battle it out in the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

    The first leg takes place from September 9 to 11, 2022, while the second leg is slated for September 16 to 18, 2022.

    The winner will play whoever emerges victorious in the game between Gaborone United and AS Vita Club in the next round.

    On Wednesday, the Porcupine Warriors will begin pre-season training in Accra and will travel to Turkey on August 14th to complete preparations for the next season.

    The team will play Nigeria’s Rivers United in Turkey as part of their preseason tour.

    For the first time since 2006, Kotoko has focused its efforts on reaching the Champions League group stage (also known as the money zone).

    They have so far recruited Ugandan forward Mukwala Steven Dese, and goalkeeper Frederick Asare.

     

  • CAF Champions League: Hearts of Oak to travel with 24-players to Morocco for Wydad Athletic clash

    Hearts of Oak will depart to Morocco on Thursday evening with a 24-man squad ahead of their CAF Champions League preliminary round second leg game against Wydad Athletic Club.

    The Phobians defeated Wydad Athletic Club 1-0 in the first leg encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

    Isaac Mensah scored the only goal of the game to give the Ghana Premier League champions an advantage ahead of the second-leg encounter this weekend.

    The team will fly to Morocco with a 43-man contingent made up of 24 players, seven technical staff, management members.

    Ghana FA Executive Council member Dr Randy Abbey will be the leader of delegation for the team to Morocco.

    Hearts will board the Emirate airline to Rabat for the game later today.

    The Phobians will be hoping to make the money zone for the first time since 2006.

    Source: ghanasoccernet.com

  • CAF set new requirements for coaches in Inter-Club Championship

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said the basic mandatory requirement for all coaches in the 2021/2022 CAF Inter-Clubs competitions will be CAF license A.

    A statement signed by Mr. Anthony Baffoe Deputy General Secretary in charge of Football Development at CAF, said “In terms of the coaching license requirement for the CAF Interclub competitions 2021/2022 season and Assistant Coaches are required to hold CAF License B.

    It added that for CAF Confederations Cup, CAF “A” or valid sister confederation “PRO” coaching license is mandatory for the Head Coach; CAF B coaching license is mandatory for the Assistant coach.

    The statement said, coaches, who do not fulfill the requirement, would not be allowed to be on the bench during the matches adding that, only Pro Licence holders from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF, would qualify to be Head Coach in the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup competitions from next season.

    In view of this, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has called on clubs to ensure strict adherence to the new directives from CAF and avoid sanctions.

    Source: GNA

  • Kotoko head to CAS after Champions League elimination by CAF

    Ghanaian giants, Asante Kotoko SC is heading to the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) to challenge the decision by CAF to eliminate them from the Champions League after Coronavirus drama forced their game against Al Hilal to be called off.

    The Porcupine Warriors believe their hosts, Al Hilal, produced false COVID-19 test results to weaken the team ahead of the second leg encounter in Omdurman, Sudan.

    Seven players and four officials were reported to have tested positive leaving the Kumasi-based club with less than the required number to play the game.

    Twenty-four hours after the game was canceled, CAF released teams to have progressed to the next stage with Asante Kotoko omitted.

    The decision has not gone down well with the Reds and will now challenge it at the highest sports tribunal.

    Asante Kotoko lost the first leg in Accra 1-0 and was determined to overturn the results in Sudan.

    The Porcupine Warriors reached the final round of the qualifiers after gaining a second leg walkover Mauritanian FC Noaudhibou.

    Below are documents that show different test results:

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Breaking News: Asante Kotoko VS Al Hilal called off

    The CAF Champions League clash between Sudanese giants, Al Hilal Omdurman, and Asante Kotoko has been called off due to a reported spike in coronavirus positive cases.

    The game has been reportedly called off as Asante Kotoko is short of players after recording 5 positive cases in their camp.

    Seven officials of Asante Kotoko have also tested positive for the novel coronavirus that includes Chief Executive Officer Nana Yaw Amponsah.

    The host team, Al Hilal confirmed that the game has been postponed in a Facebook post sighted by GhanaWeb.

    Meanwhile, CAF is yet to comment on the issue as at the time when this story was being filed.

    More Soon

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • CAFCL: Four officials, seven players of Asante Kotoko test positive for COVID-19 ahead of Al-Hilal clash

    Ghana Premier League side, Kumasi Asante Kotoko have confirmed multiple coronavirus cases in their team ahead of their CAF Champions League reverse tie against Al-Hilal, Omdurman scheduled for today, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Sudan.

    In a statement, the team confirmed that four officials and seven players tested positive for the virus.

    Kotoko is however challenging the results, claiming the tests had been tampered with.

    The affected persons have been sent back to the team hotel in Sudan.

    The names of the players who had contracted the virus were however not stated.

    Kumasi Asante Kotoko lost 1-0 in the first-leg at the Accra Sports Stadium and must beat the Blues if they have to advance to the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

    The CAF Champions League reverse tie, which was scheduled to come off at 13:00GMT has been delayed.

    Source: citisportonline

  • CAF Champions League: Asante Kotoko players boycott training ahead of Al Hilal fixture over unpaid entitlements

    Asante Kotoko SC players have boycotted training in Sudan ahead of their CAF Champions League game against Al Hilal Omdurman due to unpaid bonuses.

    The players are owed per diem of their last encounter in Mauritania against FC Nouadhibou where they drew 1-1.

    The second leg of that tie was called off following the disqualification of Nouadhibou.

    Qualification entitlements of the tie are yet to paid to players.

    Winning bonuses of their games against Legon Cities FC and Dreams FC in the Ghana Premier League have also not been paid coupled with the monthly salaries of December 2020.

    GHANAsoccernet.com understands the players refused to train at the scheduled time and were engaged in a meeting with the management.

    The first leg of this tie saw the Porcupine Warriors lose 1-0 to the Sudanese giants at the Accra Sports Stadium a fortnight ago.

    The second leg is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 9 January 2021 at the Al Hilal Stadium.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • How Ghanaian players fared in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup

    The CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup First Round 1st Leg ties were played across the continent on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    A lot of Ghanaian players were involved with their various clubs in the two competitions.

    GHANAsoccernet.com brings you up to speed of how the Ghanaian players fared on Tuesday and Wednesday with their clubs.

    CAF Confederation Cup

    Defender Nartey Polo lasted the entire duration for Burkina Faso side Salitas FC who recorded a vital 1-0 victory in Sudan against Alamal Atbara on Tuesday.

    Daniel Adoko played all minutes for Napsa Stars of Zambia as they were held to a scoreless draw by Mozambican giants UD Songo on Tuesday.

    Egyptian moneybags Pyramids FC began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Libyan side Al Ittihad Tripoli and it was striker John Antwi who netted the match winner in the 55th minute on Tuesday.

    Former AshantiGold SC captain Shafiu Mumuni was on target for Tunisian outfit US Monastir when they beat Al Ahli Tripoli from Libya 2-0 on Wednesday.

    Also, on Wednesday, striker Stephen Sey scored the second goal when Tanzania’s Namungo SC saw off Al Hilal Obeid with a 2-0 victory.

    Mohammed Saaba Gariba was the provider when Ivorian side FC San Pedro clinched a very essential 1-0 victory in Senegal against ASC Jaaraf on Wednesday.

    Central defender Desmond Agbekpornu was at the heart of defence of Nigerian side Rivers United who beat Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 at the Petrus Molemela Stadium in South Africa.

    CAF Champions League

    Daniel Darkwah and Farouk Mohammed saw 90 minutes of action when Nigerian giants Enyimba FC were handed a 3-0 defeat by Sudanese champions Al Merrikh SC on Wednesday.

    Centre back Richard Ocran enjoyed full throttle for Zambian champions Nkana FC as they were held by Petro Atletico of Angola a 1-1 drawn game.

    Former Hearts of Oak centre back Inusah Musah also played the entire duration of the game for Petro Atletico.

    Godfred Asante played 90 minutes for Guinean champions Horoya AC as they played out a 1-1 stalemate in Ivory Coast against Racing Club Abidjan.

    Enock Atta Agyei started for Horoya but made way for captain Ocansey Mandela in the 71st minute of the match.

    Brefo Mensah was an unused substitute for the Guinean giants.

    Ghanaian coach Mohammed Bashar Ogba was in charge of Niger champions AS SONIDEP when they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to giants Al Ahly SC in Niamey on Wednesday.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • CAF CL: Kotoko stunned by Al-Hilal

    Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sudanese top-flight side Al-Hilal in a second-round first leg of CAF Champions League encounter played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

    A second-half strike from substitute Vinny Bongonga gave the away side the advantage going into the second leg encounter in Omdurman.

    Both sides struggled to create any clear chances in opening minutes of the first half in an encounter which looked very cagey.

    The pace of the game was very slow as Kotoko seem content with keeping the ball making no incursions upfront.

    The clearest opportunity for Kotoko fell for Kwame Opoku who had a sight at goal but wasted much time as the Sudanese defence clear their lines.

    The very flat first ended in a stalemate.

    Kotoko started the second on the front foot as they searched for the lead and nearly did so in the 50th minute but goalkeeper for the Sudanese side did very well to deny Kotoko striker Kwame Poku.

    Wahab Mohammed’s sloppiness nearly gifted the away side the lead but good defensive work from Ibrahim Moro and a good save from Razak Abalora from the eventual corner-kick kept Kotoko in the game.

    Substitute Vinny Bongonga broke the deadlock for the away side in the 77th minute when he calmly tapped from close range after a delightful cross from Mohammed Quatarra.

    Al-Hilal looked the most likely of scoring again but the defence of Kotoko did very well to curtail further attacks.

    The Sudanese side held on to their slim advantage as the game ended in a win for them and would clearly fancy their chances of making it into the group stages.

    Kotoko who have failed to make to the group stages in the CAF Champions League since 2006 would have a stern task knocking out the Sudanese side following the outcome of the first leg.
    Source: GNA

  • Kotoko reverse decision to play CAF Champions League games in Tamale

    Asante Kotoko has officially written to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to notify the Association of their decision to maintain Accra Sports Stadium as their home ground in the CAF Champions League.

    The move is a swift turnaround after the Porcupine wrote to the FA of their willingness to rather use the Tamale stadium as their adopted home ground. Kotoko initially wrote to the GFA to use Tamale Sports Stadium as their home venue for their game against Al Hilal of Sudan in the CAF Champions League which is scheduled for December 23, 2020.

    But after careful consideration, the Porcupine Warriors have agreed that the Accra Sports stadium will serve them best, especially because the government has refused to open the various stadia to spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Due to renovation works at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Kotoko opted for the Accra Sports Stadium the same home venue for four other teams including rivals Hearts of Oak.

    The earlier decision to go to Tamale was conceived because the venue was seen as closer to Kumasi (the original home of Kotoko) than Accra and would have made financial sense to cut down the travel expenditure of the team.

    The GFA had reached the final stages of approval the Tamale Stadium for use by Kotoko before the club wrote back to reverse their earlier request.

    The Porcupine Warriors progressed from the preliminary round to this stage without kicking a ball after Mauritanian side FC Noaudibou failed to raise a team for the second leg encounter due to coronavirus infections.

    CAF in a statement stated Asante Kotoko progressed at the expense of FC Nouadibou because the latter failed to raise a team.

    “The match was not played because the Mauritanian team could not meet the minimum number of players required by CAF due to the positive cases of COVID in the team. As a result, FC Nouadhibou were disqualified and Asante Kotoko automatically qualifies for the next round to meet Al Hilal”.

    Asante Kotoko will first host the Sudanese giants here in Ghana at the Accra Sports Stadium in the first leg before heading to North Africa for the second leg next year.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Round Up of Ghanaian players in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup this weekend

    The CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup entered the round four with TP Mazembe, Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC only sides to book their spot in the quarter-finals.

    Here is a wrap of how Ghanaian players fared in the two continental competitions.

    CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

    ISAAC AMOAH was an unused substitute for TP Mazembe when they came from a goal down to beat Angolan champions Primeiro de Agosto 2-1 in Lubumbashi on Saturday.

    The DR Congo have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the competition after the win.

    Read:Performance of Ghanaian players: Andre Ayew bags seventh goal, Kudus on target

    Former Hearts of Oak star ISAAC MENSAH played 68 minutes as Petro Atletico drew 2-2 with Moroccan giants Wydad AC at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Angola on Saturday.

    AS Vita Club suffered another home defeat at the Stade des Martyrs in when they were beaten 2-0 by defending champions Espérance de Tunis.

    ZAKARIA MUMUNI started and played 66 minutes for the DR Congo giants on Saturday.

    CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

    Striker JOHN ANTWI came on as a substitute in the 65th minute for Pyramids FC to help the Egyptian moneybags to be the first side to secure a place in the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Al Masry SC in Cairo on Sunday.

    Read:Performance of Ghanaian players abroad wrap-up

    Defender KEVIN OWUSU AMOH played full throttle for Zambian side Zanaco FC in their 3-0 thrashing of ESAE FC of Benin in Lusaka on Sunday.

    EMMANUEL OKUTU lasted all the minutes of the game on the bench for the Zambian side.

    DANIEL DARKWAH put in a 74 minutes shift for Enyimba International FC as they mauled Algerian side Paradou AC 4-1 in Aba on Sunday.

    NANA BONSU kept the posts for Enugu Rangers FC when they were held by Mauritanian giants FC Nouadhibou to a 1-1 stalemate in Enugu on Sunday.

    GODFRED ASANTE and ENOCK ATTA AGYEI enjoyed 90 minutes for Horoya AC as they travelled to Mali to hold Djoliba AC to a scoreless draw.

    Read:Performance of Ghanaian players abroad: Schlupp, Kudus score for clubs

    HUDU YAKUBU was an unused substitute for the Guinean giants on Sunday.

    MOHAMMED SAABA GARIBA played all minutes for FC San Pedro but that wasn’t enough for Ivorian side to avoid a 3-0 defeat in the hands of Hassania Agadir in Morocco on Sunday night.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com