Ghana Premier League club Hearts of Oak secured a resounding 4-0 victory against lower-tier team Dolphins FC in a pre-season friendly held at the Pobiman Football Academy on Wednesday afternoon.
The Phobians’ dominance was evident as Seidu Suraj found the net twice, first at the 12-minute mark and then again at the 20th minute, propelling them into a comfortable lead.
Cameroonian import Elbert Eonde further extended Hearts of Oak’s advantage, making it 3-0 with a goal just one minute before the close of the first half.
Heading into halftime with a solid 3-0 lead, the 2000 CAF Champions League winners maintained control of the match.
The second half saw no let-up from Hearts of Oak as they added a fourth goal. Albert Eonde, who had already scored once, netted his second of the afternoon in the 50th minute.
A chance to further increase their lead came when former Real Tamale United loanee Issah Kukah had an opportunity to score from the penalty spot. However, his attempt went wide in the 79th minute, leaving the scoreline at 4-0.
No additional goals were recorded, securing a convincing win for Hearts of Oak. This victory marks their third consecutive success in pre-season friendlies, following previous wins against Miracle Land FC (11-1), Lazio Spot (4-1), and Attram De Visser (6-1), all played at the Pobiman Football Academy.
During a thought leadership event organized by Joy Sports, Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, enthusiastically asserted that Ghanaian football fans have not lost their interest in theGhana Premier League.
Despite the declining attendance numbers in recent seasons, Ussif passionately emphasized that this does not indicate a decrease in the nation’s love for the sport.
To support his claim, Ussif highlighted the significant turnouts witnessed during matches between Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics just two years ago, showcasing the fervor and passion for football among Ghanaians, which he believes remain as vibrant as ever.
“I refuse to believe that Ghanaians have suddenly lost interest in football. No, the passion is still alive and vibrant.
“We must, therefore, delve deeper into the underlying factors responsible for this decline and take decisive actions to revive our beloved league,” declared Ussif.
“Two years ago, the fierce rivalry betweenHearts of Oak and Great Olympics drew an overwhelming crowd. Yet, we find ourselves grappling with a disheartening decline in attendance at recent fixtures.”
Former Ghana right-back, Samuel Inkoom, is facing scrutiny over his credibility following conflicting statements about his unsuccessful return to Asante Kotoko in 2022.
In April 2022, Inkoom surprised many by joining Accra Hearts of Oak, despite strong links suggesting a potential move to Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
In an interview soon after the transfer, Inkoom claimed that his move to Kotoko was hindered by the former Asante Kotoko CEO, Nana Yaw Amponsah.
“Don’t blame me for my proposed Hearts move, Kotoko CEO feels big to call me. So Kotoko fans should blame their CEO and not me,” Inkoom was reported to have told Onua Sports after training.
In a recent interview with Citi TV, Samuel Inkoom revealed that it was then Asante Kotoko coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum who blocked his move to the club.
This statement contradicted his earlier claim where he had blamed the former Asante Kotoko CEO, Nana Yaw Amponsah, for the failed transfer.
“I wanted to play for Kotoko…the CEO, Nana Yaw Amponsah, called me and invited me to the club. I was willing to play for free, but there was a misunderstanding between the coach and the CEO.”He stated.
This new claim by Samuel Inkoom has generated conversations on social media as Asante Kotoko fans are having a go at him for making false allegations against Nana Yaw Amponsah.
According to them, Samuel Inkoom courted unnecessary attacks for Nana Yaw Amponsah with his earlier claim that he stood between him and a move to Asante Kotoko.
Hearts of Oak is looking at former Ghana international Laryea Kingston for the coaching position ahead of the upcoming football season.
Currently the team is without a permanent head coach after parting ways with David Ocloo.
Reports suggest that talks are underway with the assistant coach of the Ghana U-17 team to take over as head coach for the 2023-24 season.
Laryea Kingston previously played for the Accra-based team for two seasons, in 2001-2003 and 2012-2013.
Earlier this year, he was selected to replace Paa Kwesi Fabin’s backroom staff as the Black Starlets’ assistant coach and led the team to victory in the UEFA four-nation tournament in 2023.
With the new season expected to begin in September, Hearts of Oak is looking to finalize the coaching position to prepare for the upcoming challenges.
Laryea Kingston’s experience as a former player and his coaching success make him a potential candidate to lead the team in the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.
Accra Hearts of Oak has made a significant addition to their squad during the ongoing transfer window, securing the services of Kelvin Osei Asibey for an undisclosed fee.
The club took to their official social media platforms to announce the signing, and fans are eagerly anticipating the impact of the new acquisition.
“A new member of the Phobia family. Phobians let’s welcome Kelvin Osei Asibey.
Phoooobia…..”
Asibey showcased his exceptional skills as a top defender while playing for Eleven Wonders in the Access Bank Division One League.
During the season, he made 25 appearances, impressively scoring two goals and providing seven assists. Asibey’s outstanding performances were recognized with six Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, highlighting his exceptional talent and contribution to his former team, including a notable display during the playoffs against Bofoakwa Tano.
His reputation as one of the best defenders in the Access Bank Division One League caught the attention of Hearts of Oak, who saw him as a valuable addition to their squad.
With aspirations to improve their performance, Hearts of Oak, who finished 12th on the league log last season, have high hopes for the upcoming 2023/24 season with Kelvin Osei Asibey on board.
Former Ghana international, Laryea Kingston, is being considered for the vacant coaching position at Hearts of Oak ahead of theupcoming football season.
The club is currently without a permanent head coach following the departure of Davis Ocloo, and the mutual agreement to part ways was confirmed by the club on Wednesday.
Reports suggest that Kingston, who serves as the assistant coach of the Ghana U-17 team, is engaged in discussions with Hearts of Oak to potentially assume the role of head coach for the 2023/24 season.
Kingston has previously had two spells as a player with the Accra-based club, first from 2001 to 2003 and then during the 2012/13 league season towards the end of his career.
Earlier this year, he was appointed as the assistant coach of the Black Starlets, taking over from the previous backroom staff led by Paa Kwesi Fabin.
He was in charge of the team during their participation at the 2023 UEFA four-nation tournament where they ended up as winners, winning all of their games.
David Ocloo who initially joined the side as an assistant coach was named the interim coach after Slavko Matic was forced to resign midway through the 2022/23 betPawa Ghana Premier League campaign.
Hearts of Oak finished 12th, only escaping relegation on the season’s final day.
The 2023/24 Ghana Premier League is expected to get underway in September.
In response to media reports about a case filed against the club at FIFA by former head coach Hearts of Oak, Slavko Matic, the club has issued a press release to set the records straight.
Contrary to the $50,000 amount reported in the Ghanaian media for contract termination and unpaid salary arrears, the club clarified that the accurate figure is $14,000. FIFA directed Hearts of Oak to settle the owed amount to the former coach.
“Accra Hearts of Oak has received a ruling from FIFA regarding a case brought against it by its former Coach, Slavko Matic.
”The ruling directed that the Club pay USD 14,002 as amounts outstanding for remuneration (prorated), reimbursable and 2 months breach of contract (after the supporters forcibly prevented him from training),” the Hearts of Oak release noted.
It added, ”All other claims by Matic were rejected by FIFA. We wish to state that, the position of FIFA agrees with the Club’s own position and thus the club had already proceeded to pay Mr Matic weeks ago the amount (less loans he took which he did not mention to FIFA).
”We have referred the matter to our Lawyers and will update the public on any further developments.”
Member of theGhana Football Association’s (GFA) Executive Committee, Dr. Randy Abbey, has reacted to those who accuse the GFA of being responsible for the collapse of once-dominant local football teams Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
Both clubs have had severe declines in their domestic achievements in recent years as a result of their struggles in Africa’s main interclub competitions. Last season, neither team won a title.
Abbey vehemently rejected the idea that the GFA was to blame for the two legendary teams’ sad status. He emphasised that the GFA has no influence over Kotoko’s and Hearts’ daily activities, including the selection of their boards of directors or CEOs.
Responding to questions from sports journalists, Abbey defended the GFA’s position, saying, “Sometimes people ask questions, and we must help them understand. Does the GFA run Kotoko and Hearts? Is the GFA responsible for appointing the Board of directors for the clubs or CEOs for the clubs?
“Is the GFA responsible for the Circles and the Chapters? So what are we talking about? If the clubs are not doing well, what has that got to do with the GFA? I’m asking you, you live here.”
Fans and analysts are concerned about the struggles of these two successful clubs, believing that they are contributing to the country’s overall decline in football.
In a surprising turn of events, coach Annor Walker has made a comeback to his former team, Great Olympics, following a season away in Samreboi.
After leaving the Accra-based club to join newly promoted team FC Samartex 1996 in the Ghana Premier League, the 62-year-old has now signed a two-year contract to rejoin his former outfit, returning to a familiar environment.
During his time at FC Samartex, Walker led the team to a commendable 10th place finish in the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League.
Despite this achievement, both parties agreed to part ways, leading to his departure from Samreboi.
Walker’s return to Great Olympics, a team he had previously caused distress for, has generated excitement among the club’s fans.
Following successful negotiations on July 3, 2023, the veteran coach finalized a two-year contract with the Blue and White team.
His decision to return came as Great Olympics faced the threat of relegation in the recently concluded season.
Despite rumors of a potential move to prominent club Accra Hearts of Oak SC, Walker opted to rejoin his former team instead.
Charles Taylor, a former player of Accra Hearts of Oak, has raised doubts about Annor Walker’s suitability as the head coach of the club.
Taylor expressed his belief that Walker will not be able to sustain his position for more than six months at Hearts of Oak.
Walker, previously associated with Great Olympics and recently departed from Samartex, has been linked to the Ghanaian giants.
Despite these connections, Taylor questions Walker’s capability to handle the pressure that comes with managing Hearts of Oak, suggesting a short tenure for him in the role.
“Annor Walker can’t contain the pressure at Hearts of Oak. He won’t last even six months.”
The Ghana Premier League legend proposed that ex-Hearts coach Samuel Boadu or former Asante Kotoko gaffer Prosper Ogum be considered for the position.
“He can’t coach Hearts of Oak, Togbe should bring Samuel Boadu or Prosper Ogum,” he said.
Hearts of Oak had a difficult season, finishing in 12th place with 46 points.
Hearts of Oak captain, Gladson Awako, has joined his teammates to train after sustaining an injury.
It has been over a month since he picked up an injury while on international duty with the Black Meteors during the opening game against Madagascar at the 2023 Championship for African Nations (CHAN) tournament in Algeria early this year.
But after making recovery, the former Ghana U20 player resumed full training on Thursday.
It is possible that Gladson Awako could be named in the team for the GPL game against Nsoatreman FC on Sunday.
His return come as a huge boost for David Ocloo with nine games remaining to end the 2022/23 campaign.
Hearts of Oak 5th on the league standings with 39 points after 25 matches into the campaign.
After a goalless game against Dreams FC, Hearts of Oak assistant coach David Ocloo is optimistic that his team can win the Ghana Premier League.
In the Theatre of Dreams Park in Dawu on Saturday, the Still Believe team held the Phobians to a scoreless draw.
Although both sides had chances to score goals, they were unable to do so and were forced to settle for a draw.
Hearts of Oak had the majority of the possession and numerous opportunities, but they were unable to penetrate the Dreams FC defense. Ocloo acknowledged that his squad was unlucky not to have won, particularly in the game’s closing moments.
“This was a game we finished very strongly. Towards the end, you could see that my players were giving their all and were very determined to win it, but unfortunately, we couldn’t score the needed goal,” Ocloo said.
“I still believe that we can win the GPL.”
Hearts of Oak are 4th on the Ghana Premier League table with 39 points after 25 matches.
David Ocloo, the interim head coach of Hearts of Oak, has unveiled his 20-man roster for their upcoming match at Dun’s Park versus Bibiani GoldStars.
The Phobians are hoping to continue their winning streak in the Ghana Premier League after their 1-0 triumph over Asante Kotoko last weekend.
A number of players have been named to the team for the match, including Linda Mtange, Samuel Inkoom, Caleb Amankwah, Konadu Yiadom, Glid Otanga, Eric Esso, Salifu Ibrabim, and Kwadwo Obeng Jr.
However, Richmond Ayi, the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, has been replaced by Richard Attah for the match. Attah hasn’t featured for the team since Week 8 against Dreams FC.
Dennis Korsah, Victor Aidoo, and Yassan Ouatching were all excluded from the squad for the game. Additionally, Gladson Awako remains sidelined due to an injury.
The match is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 10, 2023, and will kick off at 3:00 pm.
David Ocloo has been named the club’s interim manager by the Phobians, according to Accra Hearts of Oak board member Dr. Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe.
The seasoned football official made it clear that Slavko Matic, the manager of Serbia’s national team, had not been fired but rather that a decision had not yet been made regarding his future.
In an interview with Asempa FM, Nyaho Tamakloe stated that the board will decide the Serbian’s future, and that the decision will be made public when it is appropriate.
“The future of Slavko Matic will be determined by the board. I cannot confirm if he is staying or not because we [the board] have not met to make a decision on that. If we meet and make a decision on the future of Matic, the fans and the public will be informed.”
He went on to disclose the appointment of David Ocloo is now the acting manager for the team.
“For now, the assistant coach, David Ocloo is in charge of the team now,” he added.
Matic has come under pressure following the club’s recent poor run of form that triggered some fans to sack him from the training grounds.
He penned a two-year contract with Hearts of Oak in October 2022, taking over from Samuel Boadu.
Hearts of Oak were at the bottom half of the table at the time of Matic’s appointment. At the moment, the Phobians are 4th with 31 points.
Nana Kwame Dankwah, the first vice chairman of Asante Kotoko’s National Circles Council, has said that the team won’t think twice about sacking Seydou Zerbo as head coach if the situation calls for it.
But he has made it clear that the fate of the gaffer won’t be decided until his performance has been fairly evaluated.
“Let’s review coach Zerbo performance if there is no improvement in his performance we must let him go,” the first vice chairman of the Asante Kotoko NCC said.
Meanwhile, Nana Kwame Dankwa has apoligised on behalf of the supporter’s leadership of the club for the defeat to Hearts of Oak on Sunday evening.
“We apologise to our fans for not winning over Hearts of Oak yesterday,” Nana Kwame Dankwah stressed.
“Organization was not at its best in this year’s edition president cup,” he continued to lament.
Asante Kotoko lost to Hearts of Oak on Sunday, which prevented the Kumasi-based team from winning the 2023 President’s Cup and cost them three points in Week 20 of the Ghana Premier League.
Hearts of Oak won the 2023 President’s Cup by defeating Asante Kotoko.
A game between the Phobians and the Porcupine Warriors was played today at the Accra Sports Stadium in honor of H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the president of the nation.
The 2022–23 Ghana Premier League season’s Week 20 matchup was also played during the President’s Cup contest.
After a closely contested game between the two clubs, Konadu Yiadom’s lone goal gave Hearts of Oak a slender 1-0 victory after 90 minutes.
After winning the 2023 President’s Cup, Hearts of Oak have been awarded GHS50,000 as their cash prize.
For the losers, Asante Kotoko are receiving a GHS20,000 cash sum.
Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak’s win means that the team merits three points in Week 20 of the ongoing Ghana Premier League season.
The team now has moved to 4th on the Ghana Premier League standings.
Slavko Matic, the head coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, was seen at the police headquarters in Accra after receiving threats from the team’s supporters.
Following a string of disappointing results in the current season, Accra Hearts of Oak supporters have been on the management and board’s tail to fire the Serbian manager, whom they believe is not the right fit for their club.
On Sunday, March 5, 2023, the Accra Sports Stadium will host the Super Clash match between rivals Asante Kotoko and the fans have threatened him not to attend.
Though Accra Hearts of Oak issued a statement on the morning of Friday, March 3, 2023, telling them to refrain from any violent act targeted towards their manager Slavko Matic, the fans ignored the directive.
The directive from the club didn’t work as the fans trooped to the training facility at Pobiman and prevented the coach from supervising the training session.
In response to the team’s dismal run, Accra Hearts of Oak have pleaded with their supporters to abstain from any acts of violence directed at Slavko Matic, their manager.
The club noted that it had observed comments made in the media to incite the supporters against the manager in a statement issued on March 3, 2023.
Heart of Oak begged the supporters to keep their composure and take their complaints to the management for resolution.
“The management of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club PLC has taken notice of comments made in the media inciting supporters to stop the Head Coach Slavko Matic from performing his duties.
“We kindly entreat All Phobians to desist from any act of violence but remain calm.
“We urge all Phobians to rather channel their petitions and or grievances if any, through the management to the Board for redress,” part of the statement reads.
The fans got triggered after Hearts lost 1-0 to their local rivals Great Olympics, who are positioned mid-table.
The club has been inconsistent in their last five matches winning two, losing two, and drawing one.
Disgruntled fans threatened to lock up the gates of their training ground to their coach Slavko Matic ahead of their game against Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Sunday, March 4, 2023.
The fans have sent word of caution to the Serbian trainer to stay away from their training ground and the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
They believe that the club’s poor run in the league is due to the coach’s poor tactical tweaks and that they will not allow him to handle the game against Asante Kotoko.
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a board memberof Hearts of Oak, has taken a shot at the club’s supporters, saying they can leave in peace if they are sick of supporting the team because the club is bigger than them.
His remarks come after a recording surfaced accusing the management of pressuring Slavko Matic, the head coach, by imposing players.
Fans have urged the club hierarchy to fire management, which consists of Vincent Sowah Odotei and Alhaji Akanbi, due to their interference and the club’s patchy performance.
However, Dr Nyaho reacting to the demands of fans insisted the club is bigger than any fan adding that the club is even bigger than their rivals, Asante Kotoko.
According to him, the fans must focus on the positives rather than the negatives, but he reiterated that the fans can stop supporting the club if they’re tired.
“Look at the project the club is working on. Asante Kotoko does not come close to what we are doing, but all their fans are calm,” he told Asempa FM, as monitored by Footballghana.com.
“You don’t hear their fans agitating and demanding for the sack of a management member but Hearts of Oak fans are fond of doing that.
“Hearts of Oak is a bigger club compared to Asante Kotoko and the records are there.
“What stops them from writing to the board to express their worries? The board are always ready to welcome their suggestions and criticisms from the fans but not to go on the radio to demand the sacking of a management member.
“Any supporter who is tired of supporting can leave,” he added.
The two-time champions of the Ghana Premier League played in the matchday 18 games on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Dormaa-based team left the capital with all three points thanks to a brace from Isaac Mintah.
Aduana Stars have increased their lead on the league log as a result of the victory.
Speaking to StarTimes after the game, Fabin applauded the performance of his players stating they listened to the instructions he gave and added this is their best game of the season. He said;
“The boys did well. I told you if they play to the things that we’ve rehearsed at training. It will be difficult for Hearts of Oak to beat us and they played to the instructions so things worked for us.
“I think this is our best performance so far this season,” the former Asante Kotoko coach added.
In the Accra Sports Stadium, Aduana Stars defeated Accra Hearts of Oak 2-0 to extend their lead top the 2022–23 Ghana Premier League standings.
Early on, with the action taking place in the centre of the park, both teams attempted to seize control of the situation.
Hearts of Oak’s Cameroonian attacker Albert Dieudonne Eonde nearly scored in the 11th minute, but Alex Boakye’s quick goal-line clearance stopped him.
Hearts of Oak continued to press for an early goal before the half-hour mark, but the Aduana Stars defense held firm to keep the visitors from conceding.
In the 47th minute of the game, Isaac Mintah opened the scoring for Aduana Stars with a cool finish from a cross given by Sam Adams.
Isaac Mintah completed the memorable victory for Aduana Stars in the 64th minute with a solo run into the back of Richmond Ayi’s goal.
Hearts of Oak is currently 4th on the league table with 28 points and Aduana Stars remains first with 35 points.
The Phobians will play Accra Great Olympics in their next league game while Aduana Stars will take on King Faisal.
Unfortunately, no Ghanaian club will participate in the inaugural edition of the Africa Super League organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Super League will be staged later this year in August after numerous conversations since last year.
Today, sources have indicated that the Super League, which was slated to begin with 24 teams from 16 countries, has undergone some alterations.
Information gathered indicates that the two most glamorous Ghanaian clubs, Hearts of Oak, and Asante Kotoko were not invited to the inaugural CAF Super League.
Meanwhile, the competition will feature clubs such as Petro de Luanda (Angola), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Horoya (Guinea), Wydad Atheltic Club (Morocco), Simba SC (Tanzania), and Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia).
Egyptian giants Al Ahly and FC Zamalek will also be there to compete for glory.
It must be noted that the format for the CAF Super League is yet to be finalised.
Details will be reported as and when they become available.
Dan Quaye, a former defender for Ghana, has attacked the Hearts of Oak administration for failing to handle several key and experienced players and ultimately letting them go.
The most recent player released by the Phobians, Mohammed Alhassan, has joined rivals Asante Kotoko on a free transfer.
Mohammed Alhassan played with The Phobians for four seasons, winning the Ghana Premier League and two MTN FA Cup championships.
He is expected to help Asante Kotoko defend the Ghana Premier League title with his experience in the game.
In an interview on Happy FM, Dan Quaye, questioned the decision by Hearts of Oak to release certain players like Mo. Alhassan and Manaf Umar who currently play for RTU.
“Look at the way they treated Manaf at RTU, it’s just sad with the way they let go of certain key players.
“What I don’t understand is that, why would Hearts let a good player like Mohammed Alhassan and go for a player in the second or first division player who you would now need to nature?
“Mohammed Alhassan is an experienced player and sometimes the young ones need to learn from such players,” he said.
“Alhassan’s move to is a good one for the player himself because he is not wanted by Hearts of Oak and also with the kind of experience he has, I’m convinced he can help Kotoko in their title contention” he added.
However, Accra Hearts of Oak supporters, legends, and previous management members are yet to accept that Mohammed Alhassan, their former deputy captain, is now a porcupine. Mohammed Alhassan has yet to kick a ball for Asante Kotoko.
Hearts of Oak supporters have criticised their board members for cancelling the contract of their most seasoned defender over trivial matters and allowed him to sign with Kotoko as being highly incompetent.
Mohammed Alhassan signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with Asante Kotoko as a free agent after Slavko Matic, the coach of Hearts, deemed him surplus to requirements.
His transfer has now joined the tall list of controversial transfers that have happened between the two most successful clubs in the history of Ghana football.
More than 20 players have crossed carpets between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko but not all the transfers generated controversies as some made their move at the twilight of their careers.
In this episode of the GhanaWeb feature, we bring you a list of five most controversial transfers between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko including Mohammed Alhassan.
Charles Taylor
Charles Asampong Taylor made the most controversial transfer move in the history of Ghana football in the 21st century.
Charles Taylor in 2003, after winning the Champions League, Super Cup, FA Cup, and Ghana Premier League (3 times) made his dream move by joining his beloved Asante Kotoko.
The move was so controversial that he was cursed by many Hearts of Oak fans and despite returning to the club in 2006, many Phobians still consider him to be a traitor.
Ollenu Ashitey
The striker is on the tall list of players who also joined Asante Kotoko directly from Accra Hearts of Oak.
The Techiman Eleven Wonders marksman joined Asante Kotoko in 2018 after spending a year with Accra Hearts of Oak.
Ollenu Ashitey was a Porcupine when Kotoko’s team bus run into a stationary vehicle on the Accra-Kumasi highway while returning to Kumasi after a Ghana Premier League game.
Reverend Osei Kofi
Osei Kofi is regarded as one of the country’s best footballers and his record bears witness to that.
Osei Kofi is remembered for his role in Ghana’s AFCON success but his exploits at club level also contributed to his legendary status.
He became one of the early players who moved between the sworn rivals when he joined Kotoko from Hearts of Oak.
Osei Kofi made his name at Kotoko as a diminutive and nimble-footed winger with goals but he still credits Hearts for giving him the platform to showcase his talent.
Opoku Afriyie
Nicknamed Bayie, the former Black Stars striker left Asante Kotoko after being labelled an old man to join rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the 1982 season.
According to reports, Opoku Afriyie was threatened not to join Accra Hearts of Oak but he was eager to prove a point so he left.
Asante Kotoko fans felt his absence when he led Accra Hearts of Oak to beat Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
He retired at Accra Hearts of Oak but came back to work as the team manager of Asante Kotoko in 2003.
Hearts of Oak earned a crucial 3-1 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
The game was marked by a flurry of goals, all of which were scored after the 80th minute.
Defender Zakaria Fuseini scored an unfortunate own goal in the 82nd minute, giving Hearts of Oak the lead. This was followed by Benjamin York’s goal in the 87th minute, which doubled the lead for Hearts of Oak.
Berekum Chelsea managed to pull one back through forward Kusi Pandrous in the 92nd minute, but their efforts were in vain as Victor Aidoo sealed the win for Hearts of Oak with the third goal in the 93rd minute.
The victory for Hearts of Oak brought an end to a two-game winless run, which saw them drop out of the top four in the standings.
With the win, Hearts of Oak are now back in second position, but they could still potentially lose their place depending on the outcome of other matches on Sunday.
Asante Kotoko deputy Supporters chief Nana Kwame Dankwah has welcomed former Hearts of Oak defender Mohammed Alhassan to the club.
The 30-year-old completed his move to the Porcupine Warriors on Thursday afternoon and is expected to play a huge in the second half of the season.
Alhassan parted ways with Hearts of Oak earlier this year due to a disagreement with the club’s management.
In an interview with Koforidua-based Bryt FM, Nana Kwame Dankwah asserted the defender has joined the soccer university in the country and is hopeful he will prove to Ghanaians he is national team material.
“Let look at Mohammed Alhassan, is he a good player or a bad player? Until his issues with Hearts of Oak, he was part of the CHAN team. On a good day, he is one of the best defenders you can talk about in Ghana today”
“I know Mohammed Alhassan and I am only praying he picks his form and improve at Kotoko. In Ghana, we have premier universities, I won’t mention names to create any argument but then, if you are sacked from a particular university and you get opportunity at Legon, it means you’ve gotten a better place to go”
“So if he has been rejected at Hearts of Oak and has been accepted at Kotoko, he will prove to Ghanaians that he is a national team material. Mo Alhassan has joined the soccer university”
During his time with the Phobians, he was a key contributor to the team’s successes, helping them to win two FA Cup titles and ending their long wait for a Ghana Premier League championship in 2021.
The Mauve and Yellow are struggling for consistency having lost half of their 14 Premier League matches.
On Saturday, the Phobians inflicted a 1-0 win over the Tarkwa-based club to end their winless run at the Akoon Park since 2016.
After the game, Umar Rabi admitted his attack has not been clinical enough in the ongoing campaign.
“Our problem is the attacking third. We’ve introduced two players (Jonathan Sowah and Nana Benyin Quayson) but still it is not happening. We will keep working to see whether we can also go elsewhere like King Faisal and get a results” he said.
Medeama are currently placed 11th on the league standings with 17 points.
Ghana Premier League, Hearts of Oak have completed the signing of Cameroonian forward, Diego Albert Eonde
Diego has been one of the most sought-after wingers in the Zimbabwean elite league and scored 12 goals in 17 games for his club, Platinum FC.
The 24-year-old penned a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Phobians.
Diego is expected to hit the ground running with the Phobians hoping to clinch this season’s Premier League title having exited the FA Cup already after losing to Dreams FC in Accra.
Hearts of Oak meanwhile, will face Legon Cities in the matchday 15 games on Wednesday.
Kwadwo Obeng Junior’s goal was enough as Hearts of Oak returned to winning ways over beleaguered Medeama SC at Akoon Park on Saturday.
The win keeps the phobian’s title hopes alive as they go level on points with Aduana Stars who are yet to play.
It has been six years that was in 2016 since Hearts of Oak last won a game against Medeama in Tarkwa.
The game swung like a pendulum in the early exchanges as each side took control briefly with neither team able to establish a grip on the game and neither side able to score.
Hearts established a firm grip on the game after the half-hour mark and it paid dividends as Kwadwo Obeng Junior slotted home what turned out to be the winner in the 33rd minute after a defensive lapse from Medeama.
After recess, the home side Medeama made a handful of changes in search of the leveler as the likes of Jonathan Sowah, Joshua Agyemang and Kwasi Donsu were all brought on.
The home side went closest in the 56th minute as Nana Bayin Quanson could only find the post with his effort that looked goalbound.
Isaac Gyamfi also had a good chance saved by Hearts goalie Richmond Ayi who also saved Kwesi Donsu’s piledriver from range to keep a clean sheet.
Hearts of Oak held on despite the Medeama pressure as they sealed a narrow 1-0 victory.
Medeama coach Abdul Umar Rabi has set sights on beating Hearts of Oak in their Ghana Premier League clash this weekend.
On Sunday, the Tarkwa-based club will play host to Hearts of Oak in matchday 14 of the top-flight.
“Is a game that is not going to be easy but we are preparing very well to clinch the day. Last year we beat them here, I know they will come for a revenge but we will go again and beat them”
“As we lost away from home, we will not stay here to even draw the game, we want to win and get all the maximum three points because Akoon is Akoon” he said.
The Yellow and Mauves are 11th on the table with 17 points after 13 matches into the season.
They have managed five wins, two draws and six defeats in the 2022/23 domestic top-flight campaign.
The Yellow and Mauves are 11th on the table with 17 points after 13 matches into the season.
They have managed five wins, two draws and six defeats in the 2022/23 domestic top-flight campaign.
On Sunday, the Tarkwa-based club will play host to Hearts of Oak in matchday 14 of the top-flight.
Ahead of their clash, the enterprising midfielder says his outfit season has been up and down.
“We take each game serious so the approach for Hearts of Oak is not different. As the leader of the club, the season has been up and down for us which is not pleasant for us. One win at home and away can push us to the top and that is why we are working hard for the Hearts game”
“We have a target as a team but we are not there so we will always fight to achieve our target” he said.
Medeama SC defender, Vincent Atinga has assured that his side will deepen the woes of Hearts of Oak this weekend.
The Yellow and Mauve will host the Phobians at Akoon Park in the matchday 14 games of the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League on Saturday.
Hearts of Oak were eliminated from the FA Cup over the weekend. The Rainbow Club have failed to record a win in their last two Premier League games.
Atinga, who played for Hearts of Oak between 2015 and 2017, is prepared to overcome the pressure of facing the Phobians adding that his side will pick up all the three points.
“As a footballer, definitely there will be pressure but you need to absorb it because that is your work,” he told Medeama TV.
“We are well prepared for Hearts of Oak. We know we lost our last game so we need to make amends on Sunday against Hearts. We need to win the game for our supporters in Tarkwa.
“The supporters should come and see good football and we promise them a convincing win,” he added.
The two teams are separated by a four-point gap, with Medeama occupying the 11th position on the league table with 17 points whilst Hearts Oak ranks 4th position on the league log with 21 points.
The game has been scheduled to kick off at 15:00GMT.
Ghana forward, Razak Yusif is hoping to recover fully from his injury to be able to feature in the clash against Niger.
The Black Galaxies of Ghana will face their counterpart from Niger on Saturday in the quarter-finals of the 2022 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament.
Ahead of what will be a tough match, Ghana head coach Annor Walker will hope to have his best players to be available for the game.
Fortunately, captain Gladson Awako has fully recovered from his injury. The Hearts of Oak midfielder missed the Sudan game through injury but is now fully fit and available for selection in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, attacker Razak Yusif who is also injured is yet to get back to full fitness.
He is expected to recover before the quarter-final game on Saturday but is now racing with time.
If he is unable to fully train with his teammates by Friday, he will miss the Niger game.
Medeama SC striker Jonathan Sowah is confident that his team will beat Hearts of Oak in their Ghana Premier League clash this weekend.
The Yellow and Mauves will play host to the Phobians in matchday 14 of the domestic top-flight on Saturday at the Akoon Park.
Ahead of the clash, the newly signed forward has targeted Hearts of Oak scalp as they seek to secure all points at stake.
“We are preparing to surprise Hearts of Oak on Saturday. Everyone knows they are champions but I promise the people of Tarkwa that we will beat Hearts of Oak hands down” he said.
Medeama SC are 11th on the league table with 17 points whiles Hearts of Oak occupies 4th spot with 21 points after 13matches into the campaign.
Slavko Mati, the head coach of Hearts of Oak, has made an application to lead the Black Stars, Ghana’s national football team.
Even though he only agreed to a two-year deal with Hearts of Oak in October of last year, Mati is prepared to quit his current job in order to compete for the national team role.
According to reports, Mati is unconcerned about any potential criticism from the Hearts of Oak Board of Directors because he kept them in the dark about his plan to apply for the position with the national team. Mati has guided the Phobians to six victories, four ties, and two losses since taking over as coach.
With a UEFA Pro Licence, Mati has had a varied coaching career, working in China, Qatar, Slovenia, as well as his own Serbia. Prior to joining Hearts of Oak, his most recent position was as manager of Bulgarian top-flight team Septemvri Sofia, where he served until October 9, 2022.
Mati’s application will be taken into consideration along with others when the Ghana Football Association (GFA) selects a new coach for the Black Stars.
Although Mati’s selection as the new coach of the Black Stars is still uncertain, his application demonstrates his drive and enthusiasm for the position.
The GFA is expected to make a decision on the new coach in the coming weeks.
Medeama SC defender, Vincent Atinga, has promised fans of the club they will win convincingly against Hearts of Oak in their 2022/23 Ghana Premier League match week 14 clash.
The Yellow and Mauves will host the Phobians in, arguably, the fixture of the round in Tarkwa.
The former Hearts of Oak player admits there is pressure with such a big game but he believes they are ready for the task.
“As a footballer and a team, definitely pressure will come (with such a game coming up) but you need to soak it because that is you work, that is what you do,” he told the club’s media team in an interview.
“We are well prepared . We lost our last game, we need to make amends on Sunday against Hearts of Oak.
“What I can tell them (fans) is that they should come to the park and see good football. We promise them a convincing win, they should come to the stadium.”
Karim Zito has lauded his Dreams FC players following their win over Hearts of Oak on Sunday.
The Still Believe lads defeated the Phobians in their Round of 32 games at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Agyenim Boateng scored the only goal of the game as Dreams FC progressed to the Round of 16.
The ‘Phobians’ astonishingly were handed a penalty in the dying embers but couldn’t equalize despite hitting it on two occasions, first from Benjamin Yorke but goalkeeper Augustine Koomson got penalized for coming off the line hence called for a retake.
However, Samuel Inkoom stepped up for the second but also had it gathered
Speaking after the game, Zito lauded his players following the hard-fought win.
“Words cannot describe today’s feeling,” the former Black Satellites gaffer said.
“I said before the game that we have never won here before but we will break that jinx and we did it against such a team like Hearts of oak.
“I am really proud of my boys for making history,” the head coach added.
Hearts of Oak recorded a draw against King Faisal in their match day 12 Ghana Premier League clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday evening.
There was nothing to separate both sides in a pulsating drawn game that was full of action with the only missing piece being a goal.
Hearts of Oak started the game on the front foot but rarely breached the resolute King Faisal back line.
The phobians went closest in the 6th minute with a strike from Isaac Mensah but the chance was comfortably saved by King goalie Benjamin Asiedu.
King Faisal showed that there is life in them as Baba Yahaya sent a rasping shot against the crossbar.
Hearts youngster Yaw Amankwah Baafi was a constant threat to King Faisal but there were no goals as the first half ended 0-0.
With the introduction of Linda Mtange and Kwadwo Obeng Junior, the threat increased but it was not enough for the breakthrough.
There were no goals in the second half as Hearts of Oak tried in vain to seek the breakthrough with the clearest opportunity falling to King Faisal’s Gabriel Osei while Abednego Tetteh also had his chance saved by goalkeeper Richmond Ayi.
The game ended 0-0 as there was nothing to separate both sides.
A former Ghanaian referee Emmanuel Okoampah has opened a can of worms about how a former Minister of state under erstwhile President Jerry John Rawlings’s regime instructed him to officiate a cup game in favour of Hearts of Oak.
He shockingly revealed in an interview that the said minister met him and his assistant referees before the game and told them to do all within their power o ensure that Hearts of Oak wins the Cup game.
The former CAF/ FIFA referee disclosed that it was a President’s Cup game but since it did not sit well with him he told his assistants that they should be fair so that the better team on the day wins.
He failed to mention the name of the said minister but quickly added that it was not E.T. Mensah who served as a Sports Minister for a long time under the late Jerry Rawlings.
“I handled a game between them (Hearts) and Kotoko and they won. Two weeks after I was assigned to a game between them and Kotoko again. It was an anniversary cup. We were in the dressing room when a minister came. It wasn’t ET Mensah,” the retired referee told Dan Kwaku Yeboah on YouTube.
“He told us that the cup must stay in Accra which means Hearts had to win. We responded in the affirmative but once he left I told the linesmen that our reputation was at stake and that we should handle the game without any bias.”
He added: “I told them to be fair but they were tensed. In the first half, the Hearts players were falling apart looking for a penalty but I ignored them.
“After the first half break, the man (Minister) came into the dressing room protesting that some big men were not happy with our decisions. He was a minister under Rawlings but I won’t mention his name.”
Hearts had their glory days in the late 90s to early 2000s when they won multiple domestic titles, the elusive CAF Champions League trophy, CAF Confederations Cup among others.
Great Olympics defender Solomon Adomako was in fine form when the Black Galaxies shared the spoils with Algeria in a pre-CHAN tournament friendly.
The enterprising defender was delight to watch in the Black Galaxies 0-0 stalemate against the North African country at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
The 21-year-old was handed a starting role and put up an impressive show to propel the home-based national team to share spoils with Algeria, the host country for the upcoming CHAN tournament.
The encounter was expected to access the readiness of the lads ahead of the tournament.
With Great Olympics versatile defender, Solomon Adomako leaving no stone unturned at the backline when he was paired at the heart of defence with Hearts of Oak’s Konadu Yiadom.
Adomako excelled to receive applause from the Algerian fans who visited the stadium.
The former Young Apostle star made six brilliant interceptions which got many talking about. His stand out performance ensured Black Galaxies keep cleansheet with Danlad Ibrahim in post.
Having already, being tipped for greatness Solomon Adomako is expected to command a place in Annor Walker’s team when the 2022 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship starts few days to come.
Though, Adomako is not a well-established center-back or right-back in the Ghana Premier League but has proven his standard with Great Olympics, which merit his inclusion in Black Galaxies.
He is expected to maintain his calm and sterling performance for the tournament as Ghana hope to clinch the title after many years of absence.
The two-time finalist will open their campaign on 15 January against Madagascar before taking on Sudan four days later.
Their final Group C match will be against tournament-favourites Morocco on 23 January 23. Ghana’s all three matches will be played in the city of Constantine.
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on January 13, 2023.
Former WAFA defender Mohammed Alhassan, had his contract amicably terminated after the parties were unable to come to terms on an extension.
The Accra Hearts of Oak player was let go despite having almost a year left on his deal.
“With reference to the mutual termination of the employment contract agreement between the player (Mohammed Alhassan) and the club; The player is free to join any club of his choice,” a portion of the letter sent to the player read.
Alhassan signed for Hearts in December 2018 after leaving WAFA SC and has spent the last four seasons as an integral member of the Hearts of Oak team where he featured in over 90 games.
The 30-year-old was instrumental for the Rainbow club when they won a double, the Ghana Premier League and FA Cup in the 2020-21 season under coach Samuel Boadu.
He also contributed immensely to retaining the FA Cup title the following season.
Alhassan was part of the Ghana home-based national team that eliminated Benin and Nigeria to secure qualification to the 2022 CHAN tournament in Algeria.
However, he didn’t make the final squad for the tournament which kicks off in few days time.
Suraj Seidu and Maxwell Arthur of Dreams FC and a midfielder for Hearts of Oak have joined the Black Galaxies at their base in Cairo, Egypt.
The two players landed in Cairo early on Friday, December 30, and immediately joined their teammates to prepare for their second friendly game.
The 2022 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), will be held in Algeria from January 13 to February 4, 2023.
The Black Galaxies brush off Egypt’s U20 team in a friendly game. Kofi Kordzi and Sylvester Simba scored for the Black Galaxies in the 15th and 57th minutes of the match, which was held behind closed doors at the Cairo International Stadium.
The Black Galaxies are set to take on Egyptian giants Al Ahly in a friendly match on Saturday, December 31, 2022.
After competing in the tournament in Cote D’Ivoire, Sudan, and South Africa in 2009, 2011, and 2014, respectively, Ghana will be making a record-breaking fourth CHAN participation.
Group C contains the Black Galaxies along with Madagascar, Sudan, and Morocco. Ghana’s squad for the CHAN tournament is captained by Accra Hearts of Oak midfielder Gladson Awako.
The forward for Hearts of Oak, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, declined a sizable transfer offer from an unnamed Sudanese powerhouse.
Ghanasoccernet reports that the Sudanese team is prepared to pay Hearts of Oak a hefty transfer price of $1 million for their top player.
However, the forward and his agent do not believe that the player’s future lies in Sudan because there are other, more opulent options on the table.
Hearts have opened contract talks with the talented forward for months now but no compromise has been reached between the pair.
Barnieh was part of the Black Stars squad that played at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar although he did not play a single minute but featured in Ghana’s last preparatory game against Switzerland where he shone.
Hearts have tabled a new proposal before the player but he and his representatives have rejected it with a move away on the cards.
The club has been in talks with the player about extending his contract with them for a while but no agreement has been reached with reports claiming that the player has now decided against renewing his contract with Hearts.
Barnieh’s contract is due to expire at the end of this month and the player has refused to pen his signature to a new deal as reports indicate that several foreign clubs are pursuing him.
Afriyie Barnieh has received a lot of offers from European and African clubs which are currently being weighed by him and his representatives as they look for the best option for a move next month.
The Ghana U23 player has been in great form for the home-based Ghana national team as he contributed immensely to their qualification for the 2022 CHAN tournament.
Afriyie Barnieh scored three goals in four matches in the qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria, earning in place in the Black Star’s final squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
The former Ghana U20 captain attracted a lot of attention at home and abroad when he excelled in the last warm-up friendly match against Switzerland in Abu Dhabi on November 17, 2022.
The young attacker was handed his very first start for Ghana at the senior level as the Black Stars beat the Swiss team by a 2-0 scoreline.
Afriyie Barnieh was impressive for the Ghana U23 side when they eliminated Mozambique from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with him scoring in each of the two-legged t
Asante Kotoko will try to reclaim second place on the league table when they face Berekum Chelsea in Kumasi on Wednesday afternoon.
The Porcupine Warriors are currently fifth, and a win would propel them back to second, which fierce rivals Hearts of Oak currently hold after defeating Nsoatreman FC on Tuesday.
Kotoko went into the World Cup break without a win in two games, which cost them the top spot in the league. They’ve most likely used the four-week break to get back to their best and would be eager to show it against Berekum Chelsea in Kumasi.
Berekum Chelsea have been hot and cold this season, but they earned a great win before the break. They’ve had enough rest to be able to build on it.
They have the potential to cause problems for Kotoko in their pursuit of their first away win of the season.
The Blues won all three points in their last visit to Kumasi in May, thanks to a late goal by Kelvin Obeng. They haven’t won an away game since, so they’re hoping for a repeat performance.
Chelsea must be at their best, as Kotoko are unbeaten at home, and the Porcupine Warriors feel more at ease when they play in front of their fans.
