Category: Sports News Headline

Injured Inaki Williams pledges commitment to Black Stars

Ghana striker, Inaki Williams has pulled out of the Black Stars squad for the clash against Madagascar in the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

In an official statement on Monday, June 5, he said he is inured and wants to address the problem to be able to get back to his best for the next football season.

“Since a few weeks I’ve been playing with pain in my right knee. I decided to play until the end of the season, but after having spoken to the medical services, we’ve decided to stop and solve the problem to be 100% for the preseason,” Inaki Williams said in his statement.

The striker wants Ghanaians to trust that he is committed to the Black Stars and will honour the next call-up when he is fit again.

“This wasn’t an easy decision to make because I won’t be able to be with my national team, Ghana the next meeting.

“I want to say that I am fully committed and I will come back with the Black Stars if the coach deems it appropriate next calls. Thank you for your support,” Inaki Williams added.

The match between Madagascar and Ghana will be played on Sunday, June 18.

June 6, 2023
John Dramani Mahama Sends His Best Prayers to The Ghana Black Stars Vrs the Comoros

The former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama took to his Facebook page to extent his best wishes to the Ghana Black Stars. He said, Ghana plays Comoros today at the #AFCON2021 to fight for the third position in the group; in order to possibly qualify for the next stage of the tournament.

This is not the tight situation we expected, considering the pedigree of Ghana’s Black Stars in football history.But the Black Stars are our team and represent the symbol of our national pride.

We must support them with one heart and urge them to fly the flag of Ghana very high with utmost commitment, concentration and courage.I wish the Black Stars the very best outcome in today’s encounter with Comoros.

Go Black Stars! Go!

January 18, 2022
Hearts of Oak vs Wydad: Five things we learnt

Hearts of Oak vs Wydad: Five things we learnt

Supporters give the team extra energy

When the club announced the fees for the game at the Accra Sports Stadium, the supporters marched to the Hearts secretariat to buy the tickets.

The Ghana Premier League champions were granted their request of 2,000 supporters by CAF and GFA.

The jama at the stadium was very loud for the players to hear because of the empty seats around. The players fed off the vibrant songs from the supporters when the Moroccans looked like getting the upper hand in the game.

Daniel Afriyie Barnieh is a future star

The Africa U-20 gold medallist gave Wydad defenders severe headaches. Barnieh was involved in every attacking move by the Phobians.

His confidence on the ball, one-touch passing, and dribbling skills was very good. He was strong and did not allow his opponents to take the ball from him.

SEE ALSO: Akufo-Addo is one of the wisest in the world, a great erudite.

Richard Attah keeps getting better

The goalkeeper was instrumental in Accra Hearts of Oak’s double-winning season. He was called up by Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac for the FIFA World Cup double-header qualifiers against Zimbabwe.

Training with Black Stars goalkeepers trainer Olele and the other goalkeepers was a great time to pick up some tips. Attah was alert throughout the game preventing Wydad attackers from get a goal in the game.

Coach Samuel Boadu is still working magic

The Hearts of Oak coach has shown that he is the real deal and that his achievements last season were no fluke.

Samuel Boadu’s tactical revolution in the Hearts of Oak club is fantastic and the fans a loving Hearts now. Salifu, Kordzi, and Barnie’s energy and connections were a delight to watch throughout the game.

Defenders were solid in front of Goalkeeper Attah

Wydad are noted to have tricky attackers despite the team been hit by injuries. The defenders led by club captain Fatawu Mohammed organised his teammates at the back very well, which prevented the Wydad attackers from having any joy in the Hearts box.

This defending masterclass needs to be repeated when Hearts travel to Morocco for the second leg.

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October 18, 2021
GFA waiting on Sports Ministry to pay Akonnor’s 7-month salary arrears

GFA waiting on Sports Ministry to pay Akonnor’s 7-month salary arrears

Henry Asante Twum, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association, has disclosed that former Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor was owed seven months’ salary at the time of his dismissal.

Asante Twum is quoted to have said that the FA is collaborating with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Akonnor to ensure that the debt is settled.

In a JoyNews interview, Asante Twum said that the FA has held talks with Akonnor and is waiting on the Ministry to provide a roadmap for the payment of the salary arrears.

“We’ve met him and discussed with him. The Ministry will come back to us with the payment plan. Once that is made available to the FA, we will give it to him,” he said on Sunday.

SEE ALSO: WATCH: GFA president Kurt Okraku blasts Premier League coaches over poor dressing

Akonnor was sacked earlier this month by the Ghana Football Association after the Black Stars lost 1-0 to South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers.

Akonnor’s Black Stars played 10 games, won four, lost four, and drew two with the performance against Ethiopia and South Africa, earning the team criticism from some Ghanaians.

Akonnor has meanwhile been replaced with Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac who was unveiled on Friday, September 26, 2021, by the FA.

Milovan who is on a one-year deal will receive a monthly salary of $30,000 and a signing-on fee of $100,000.

He has been tasked with qualifying for the 2022 World Cup and winning the 2021 AFCON which will be held in Cameroon.

Milo will pocket a sum total of $600,000 if he achieves the two objectives as well as a contract renewal.

He will be assisted by Maxwell Konadu and former Ghana winger Otto Addo.

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September 28, 2021
WATCH: GFA president Kurt Okraku blasts Premier League coaches over poor dressing

WATCH: GFA president Kurt Okraku blasts Premier League coaches over poor dressing

GFA president Kurt Okraku

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has charged Ghana Premier League coaches to endeavor to dress well in the upcoming 2021/2022 football season.

According to him, some coaches dressed poorly for match and post-match interviews during the last Premier League campaign.

“Let’s be mindful of our post-match interviews, the way some of you coaches dress to appear for games is terrible,” Kurt Okraku said while speaking at the Uefa Assist programme organised for coaches last week.

SEE ALSO: WATCH: Black Stars in high spirits during ‘jama’ session.

The Ghana FA President continued, “Please, we are here to speak about the brand position and brand reposition, we are here speaking about adding value to the product we offer our consumers and you come to the game not well dress, you come to the game not properly dressed, please I will plead to you coaches to dress properly henceforth.”

Listen to Kurt Okraku in the attachment below:

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September 13, 2021
WATCH: Black Stars in high spirits during ‘jama’ session.

WATCH: Black Stars in high spirits during ‘jama’ session

The Black Stars held a spirited Jama session after their last training session on Thursday evening at the Cape Coast Stadium.

The 32 players in the camp looked supercharged as they sang songs to motivate themselves for tonight’s game.

The Black Stars have a date with Group G opponents Ethiopia on Friday, September 3 at the Cape Coast stadium.

None of the players were left out in the JAMA session as the likes of Jefferey Schlupp, Daniel Kofi Kyere, Braydon Manu who couldn’t sing the songs joined with claps and dancing.

SEE ALSO: Delay breaks down in tears in an emotional interview +Video

The JAMA session is always a fun moment for the Black Stars which sums up their final training session a night before their games.

Watch the JAMA session in the video below

https://youtube.com/watch?v=yGnTyeZMGB8

Source: ghanaweb // Torsaa

September 3, 2021
Andre Ayew names Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah and Essien among his best XI players

Andre Ayew names Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah and Essien among his best XI players

Ghana star Andrew Ayew has named compatriots Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah and Michael Essien among his best XI players.

Ayew, who currently ply his trade in Qatar for Al Sadd included the former Ghana captain, Gyan despite claims of rift between them.

Ghana star Andrew Ayew has named compatriots Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah and Michael Essien among his best XI players.

SEE ALSO: Kevin-Prince Boateng congratulates Manuel Locatelli after sealing Juventus move

Ayew, who currently ply his trade in Qatar for Al Sadd included the former Ghana captain, Gyan despite claims of rift between them

The former Swansea City Star list comprises of Black Stars players and his former Marseille teammates.

Meanwhile, Ayew named two other former Marseille players, Mathieu Valbuena and Mamadou Niang on the bench.

Below is Andre Ayew’s dream XI:

Steve Mandanda

Cesar Azpilivueta

Gabriel Heinze

Benjamin Mendy

John Mensah

Michael Essien

Dimitri Payet

Hatem Ben Arfa

Samir Nasri

Lucho Gonzalez

Asamoah Gyan

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August 28, 2021
Kevin-Prince Boateng congratulates Manuel Locatelli after sealing Juventus move
Ghanaian midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng took some time to congratulate Italian midfielder Manuel Locatelli after the latter sealed a move to Juventus.

Locatelli was linked to multiple clubs including Arsenal but maintained his preference as Juventus and finally got the move he wanted.
Kelvin Boateng
After hearing the news, Boateng congratulated the former Sassuolo man.

“Happy and very proud of you Manuel Locatelli. Deserved,” he stated on Instagram.

The pair played together in Milan in the early 2010’s. Boateng now plays for German side Hertha Berlin.
August 24, 2021
Ghanaian midfielder Yaw Yeboah makes Polish league team of the week
Wisla Krakow midfielder Yaw Yeboah has made it to the Ekstraklasa team of the week for matchday 5 after a stellar performance against Leczna.
midfielder, Yaw Yeboah
The 24-year-old found the net in spectacular fashion during the encounter, leaving several defenders for dead before beating the opposition goalkeeper.

His performance was seen by officials who have rewarded him with a place in the best 11 for matchday 5.
Yaw Yeboah
Yeboah has been fantastic so far this campaign, netting three goals in five appearances for his club.

He is yet to feature for the Black Stars. However, he led the Black Meteors to 4th in the U-23 AFCON.
August 24, 2021
Asante Kotoko set to land bumper deal with National Lottery Authority
Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko, are close to landing a big deal with National Lottery Authority according to reports.

The NLA could join a growing list of Kotoko’s partners before the new season begins after CEO Nana Yaw Amponsah paid a courtesy call to the premises of the NLA.
NLA Team with Asante Kotoko
Sammy Awuku, the Director General of NLA, received the Kotoko delegation with open arms and it has been revealed that collaborations were discussed.

“Earlier today, the Asante Kotoko Executive Management paid a courtesy call on me at the National Lottery Authority. We had a successful discussion on contributions and collaborations to increase revenue for the Authority”. Sammy Awuku wrote on his social media page.

If a deal is done, Kotoko will have a top sponsor alongside Adonko Next Level and others for the new season.
August 24, 2021
FA Must Add Asamoah Gyan to the 2021 AFCON Squad- Seasoned Journalist
Seasoned journalist, Kwabena Yeboah thinks Asamoah Gyan should be added to the 2021 AFCON squad.

The competition is set to come off on 9th January 2022 in Cameroon with Ghana set to battle Morocco, Comoros and Gabon in Group C.

Gyan, who now plays for Legon Cities, has been away from the Black Stars for two years. But, Yeboah believes that his experience will be needed.
Asamoah Gyan
“I would want to urge the FA to make Asamoah Gyan part of Ghana’s team for the 2021 AFCON. If not to play, he has a wealth of experience and has a lot of inspiration to give the players. His presence alone can serve as great inspiration for the players so I want the FA to make him part of team Ghana,” Kwabena Yeboah told Joy Sports.

Gyan is Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals to his name.
August 24, 2021
GFA set to hold DTMS training for RFA clubs ahead of 2021/22 season
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) will organize a training session on the use of Domestic Transfer Matching System [DTMS] for all TMS managers from clubs in the Regional Football Associations namely the Second Division League, Regional Women’s Division One League, Regional Women’s Second Division League, Third Division League, and the Juvenile League clubs.

Over the years, some clubs have had issues regarding domestic player transfer and this move by the IT Department of the GFA has come in handy to eliminate all barriers regarding transfer activities.
GFA
It would be recalled that a year ago, the GFA organized training programmes on the use of Domestic Transfer Matching System [DTMS] for all TMS managers from the Premier League, Division One League, and the Women’s Elite clubs and it is now the turn of the Regional League clubs to complete the training for all Ghanaian clubs per FIFA’s requirement.

“Regional football clubs will soon be transferring players domestically and it is important to be abreast with tips on the use of this transfer system. This will give the football authorities first-hand information on domestic player transfers and help clubs transfer players more quickly and easily”, said GFA I.T. Director Francis Adu.

The training which is web-based also serves as a data storage system whose main objective is to simplify the transfer process of players as well as to improve transparency and flow of information.

As part of measures to improve the Ghanaian game and ensure transparency, the DTMS will help the Association and its clubs to manage and supervise national player transfers, generate statistics to help reduce the duration of the transfer process and store the required documents online securely.

The DTMS is mandatory for domestic transfer of professional and amateur soccer players of both male and female players in football competitions.

The Ghana Football Association remains a pacesetter in football and modern technology and serves as a hub for training for neighbouring Africa football associations for FIFA.

“The Association will continue to invest in Information and Technology to build the capacity of our clubs and members to advance the frontiers of our game to the highest international standards” said General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq.) as he urges all the clubs to take advantage of the money invested in the training by sending competent and trustworthy officials to be trained by the GFA.

The Regional training will start in September 2021.
August 24, 2021
Orlando Pirates complete signing of King Faisal captain Kwame Peprah
South African giants Orlando Pirates have completed the signing of King Faisal captain Kwame Peprah in the ongoing transfer window.

The 20-year-old has penned a three-year deal and is set to be unveiled in the coming days.

Peprah was one of the standout players last season in the Ghana Premier League as helped King Faisal escape relegation after a slow start to the season.

He made 32 league appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists in the process.
Kwame Preprah
The highly-rated forward joins Black Stars choice goalkeeper Richard Ofori at Orlando Pirates.

According to Kickoff, Peprah was previously only in possession of a single entry visa and returned to his homeland to reapply for an updated visa and to complete the necessary additional arrangements to relocate to South Africa.

The process to secure his relevant paperwork will be completed in the next ‘day to two’ and he will return to Johannesburg ‘by the end of the week.’
August 24, 2021
Nana Akuffo Addo Gifts Samuel Takyi(Tokyo Olympics) a Car and $10,000
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced that bronze medalist at the just-ended Olympics in Tokyo, Samuel Takyi will receive a cash reward of $10,000, a car and a further $20,000 to be put in a career development fund for him.

In addition, each member of Ghana’s 14-athlete contingent will also receive an amount of $5,000 for their efforts at the games.

All the athletes and officials for the games were also given medals by the president in appreciation of their performance at the games. However, the President announced that government has spent $150,000 in bonuses for Team Ghana’s athletes at the Tokyo Olympics.
The President of the Republic of Ghana and Samuel Takyi
“For the first time ever, a Ghanaian athlete, Samuel Takyi, was selected to represent Africa at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games. For the first time in the history of the 4th Republic, Ghana won a medal at the Olympics.

“Out of the 52 African countries that participated at the Olympics, Ghana placed 10th on the continent. This should spur us on to even greater heights in future competitions,” he noted.

“On behalf of the people of Ghana, I say a big hearty ayekoo to all of you. You made the country proud,” President Akufo-Addo added.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has stated that Takyi would be included in the $5,000 package meant for athletes and officials at the Olympics in Tokyo.

That means the 20-year-old boxer could bag $15,000 cash reward for participating and winning bronze at the games.
another Victory for Samuel Takyi
“What the President meant was that each athlete and official that represented Team Ghana at the Olympics will receive $5,000 with the $10,000 being a reward for winning the bronze medal,” Ben Nunoo Mensah, GOC president explained.

Takyi’s bronze medal in boxing ended the country’s Olympics medal drought since 1992, and ended a 49-year wait for an individual medal at the multi-sport event.

Team Ghana’s 4x100m relay team also set a national record to book a spot in the finals of the event while Joseph Paul Amoah ran the fastest 200m time of any Ghanaian athlete at the games.
August 21, 2021
Lionel Messi change unchangeable rules in french Ligue 1

Lionel Messi change unchangeable rules in french Ligue 1

n French Ligue 1, The number 1, 16, and 30 are strictly reserved for goalkeepers for decades.

Messi’s appearance in French Ligue 1 has made it possible for French Ligue to accept him to take the number 30.

Lionel Messi who was expected by the footballing world to take the number 10 from Neymar, his former team mate, surprised the footballing world this time.

Neymar Jr. with much respect for Messi who wear the iconic number 10 at PSG though lay down the number for his best friend and former team mate Messi to wear the icon number at PSG since that is Messi’s number at his former team Barcelona and national Argentina, but Messi refused to take the number 10 from his best friend and former team and rather chose to wear one of his youthful numbers like 15, 18, 30 and 19.

Lionel Messi

SEE ALSO: BREAKING NEWS: Hearts of Oak reach agreement with Great Olympics for Gladson Awake; set for medical

But the footballing world hearing the story of Messi refusing to take the number 10 from his best friend, came to conclusion that he will definitely take the number 19 since that was one of his magic number among his youthful numbers at Barcelona.

Messi during his contract signing for PSG yesterday, selected the number 30 above all his youthful numbers at PSG. So is now confirmed that the greatest no.10 will don the number 30 at Paris Saint Germain.

In my deepest and final analysis, I came to realise that Messi first don the number 30 at Barca before the 19 and later settled in the icon no.10 at Barcelona when Ronaldinho left in 2008 to AC Milan and that is exactly how Messi want to start for Paris Stain Germain just like he started at Barca. Messi will play his first match for Paris Saint Germain coming August 15, 202 at home for PSG against Strasbourg at Le Parc Des Princes.

By: Michael Agyenim Boateng // Shop@torsaa

August 11, 2021