The More Sex The Better - Guardiola

Pep Guardiola saved the best for last at his Friday press conference, inviting a question on Samir Nasri’s ‘no sex before midnight' comments before insisting “the more sex, the better!”

Nasri, on loan from Manchester City at Sevilla this season, gave an interview earlier this week saying Guardiola had stopped his players having sex after midnight in a bid to cut out muscle injuries.

Somewhat surprisingly, Guardiola had not been asked about the topic throughout the pre-Crystal Palace media briefing but when he noticed a reporter wanted to ask a follow-up question only to be stopped by the club’s press officer, he invited one last inquiry.

“You can do that,” he offered, after talking up John Stones' quality. “It’s Samir Nasri, about the sex, the next question?”

After feigning disappointment that he would not be able to give a response, he was asked by another journalist if he himself would take part in the post-midnight sex ban “in the spirit of camaraderie”.

Guardiola then gave his humorous response, insisting “it’s impossible to play good football if you don’t make sex with your partner” and adding that he would ban his players from enjoying themselves.

FIFA Boss Infantino Wants 32-Team Club World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to expand the Club World Cup into a global event featuring 32 teams and move it from its current December time slot.

      A new World Cup for clubs should be created that "is interesting for the clubs but also for fans all over the world," Infantino said Friday in interviews with the Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo and Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport.

     "Modern football is not only Europe and South America," Infantino said. "The world has changed."

     The current Club World Cup takes place in December with each continental champion joining the league winner of the host country in a convoluted format of games. The 2016 edition takes place in Japan but is frequently of limited attraction to European clubs in the middle of their domestic seasons.

    Infantino said the current format was "not exactly inspiring.

    "But in summer, with the best 32 clubs in the world? Is it better to organize an itinerary or a tournament?," he asked.

    According to Infantino, the new tournament could take place from 2019 and run June 10-30.

     However, difficulties could arise from clashes with the 2019 Copa America held in Brazil and the women's World Cup, hosted in France, around the same time.

Black Princesses To Pocket $6,000 As Qualification Bonus

Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Elvis Agyei Baah has revealed the terms of bonus payment his outfit agreed with the Black Princesses before they embarked on the 2016 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea.

The Princesses are on the brink of elimination from the tournament after failure to record victory in any of their two games so far, where they lost to New Zealand in the opening fixture before they painfully drew 2-2 with in the second match.

However, the sports ministry’s spokesperson disclosed the terms of an agreement they had with them before they left the country.

“We agreed that this time round, we wouldn’t give bonus per match but rather qualification bonus. It will be $2,000 per match in the preliminary stage, and they agreed,” Elvis Agyei Baah exclusively told Football Ghana.com

“If happens that they progress to next stage, each player will be entitled to pocket $6,000.”

They will take on USA in the final group game on Monday at PNG Football stadium in Port Moresby.

Avram Grant’s Job Up For Grabs?

Italian coach, Fabio Lopez, has revealed that he fancies replacing under-fire Avram Grant as coach of Ghana.

The 43-year-old, who is of Spanish descent and currently in charge of Omani club, Al-Orouba, has nominated himself to take charge of the Black Stars should Ghana part ways with Grant.

The Israeli is coming under increasing pressure after Ghana’s recent poor results, including the collection of just one point from their first two Group E matches in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Grant is determined to, at least, stay on through the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, but the Ghana FA may well choose to change leadership sooner rather than later.

And Lopez is hoping to capitalise on the situation as he touts his credentials in an interview with Accra-based radio station Happy FM.

“I am an Italian coach, I have coached six clubs, I have managed one national team, I think I am young and will be happy to get the national team job of Ghana. I have watched the Ghana team for some time.

“As a professional coach, I don’t want to judge my compatriot, but I think we can improve the technical part [of the team]. The national team of Ghana is a good team but I think they can improve. I know two of the players play in Italy. One play in Torino and also Udinese,” Lopez touted.

Lopez has also worked in Italy, Lithuania, Malaysia, the Maldives and with the Bangladesh national tea

Nyantakyi's $2m Suit Against Songo, Abatay And Multimedia Adjourned To 29th Nov.

Kwesi Nyantakyi

The famous defamatory suit slapped against sports presenters Patrick Osei Agyemang (Songo), Kofi Asare Brako (Abatay) and Multimedia Group Limited has been adjourned again to the 29th of November following the defendants' counsel's refusal to file for defence after hearing was opened today.

According to the counsel for the defendants, his clients have apologised for defaming the Ghana FA Boss and FIFA Council member Kwesi Nyantakyi hence deciding not to file for defence.

He argued that the counsel for the plaintiff should read the apology along with the plaintiff and if they are dissatisfied, he will then file for defence for the full hearing of the case.

Counsel for the defendants (Songo, Abatay and Multimedia) pleaded with the court that the due process of issuing an apology to the Ghana FA Boss Kwesi Nyantakyi has been followed and that they expect the plaintiff's counsel to acknowledge that.

Counsel for the plaintiff (Kwesi Nyantakyi) prayed to the court that his chamber has not seen the said apology as being alluded by the counsel for the defendants insisting the hearing must start but the counsel for the defendants rebutted that the apology was rendered with the full consent of a senior member in the chamber of the counsel for the Kwesi Nyantakyi.

Kwesi Nyantakyi's counsel then prayed to the court to give him some time to look for the said apology to read and then report back to the court on a set date.

Both parties agreed that the next date of sitting should be the 29th of November 2016.

Multimedia group issued an apology on the web portal myjoyonline just a week ago after the two, Songo and Abatay disappeared in court for the first hearing and want to use it as an exhibit in court.

This is the third time the case has been adjourned as the judge could not report to court on the first date (2nd November) as well as the two (Songo and Abatey) chickening out of court after showing up on the second hearing on 9th November..

Nyantakyi is adamant as he is keen on giving evidence in the case that will see over 100 tape recordings tendered in evidence to back his claim of libel.

He was ready to mount the witness box to open his case as he seeks to clear his name following persistent accusations of criminality and fraud on the radio station by the two presenters.

The GFA boss is suing Countryman Songo, Abatay and the media company for $2m in the defamation and libel lawsuit after 'years of consistent lies and calculated negative campaigns', Nyantakyi will tell on the court.

Ghana Players Can't Determine Avram Grant's Future - Jonathan Mensah

The defender has insisted that the Black Stars players are not part of the decision making body regarding Avram Grant's future.

Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah says the Black Stars are comfortable with coach Avram Grant but cannot determine his future at the helm of the team.

The 61-year-old former Chelsea manager is currently facing severe criticisms following the Black Stars’ 2-0 loss to Egypt in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers on Sunday.

The defeat leaves Ghana in third place in Group E with just one point, five behind Egypt. Ghana have now also gone five games without a win in all competitions since August, raising concerns about Grant's technical abilities.

"We [the players] don't deal with the coach in terms of contract. He is the leader of the team and he has people that deal with him at that level," Mensah was quoted as saying byMyjoyonline.com.

"So we will just leave that for the management and the federation. For us, looking at what we started with him in 2014, we are comfortable working with him but it is not for us the players to say he should go or stay on as the coach," he added

Grant joined Ghana in a two-and -half year deal in November 2014, guiding them to finish second at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations after losing on penalties to eventual winners Cote d'Ivoire.


His contract expires in February 2017 and may likely not to be extended.

Run Kotoko With Your Own Funds And Not Otumfuo’s – Herbert Mensah

Former Chief Executive Officer of Kumasi Asante Kotoko Herbert Kwadwo Amponsah Mensah says the newly appointed Executive Chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Dr. Kwame Kyei Baffour should be prepared to raise his own funds to run the club.

Dr. Kwame Kyei Baffour, a business mogul was over the weekend given a three year mandate to steer the affairs of Kotoko after the Lawyer Paul Adu Gyamfi led Board and Opoku Nti led management were dissolved by the life patron and owner of the club, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II .

His appointment has been hailed by the Kotoko fraternity as another opportunity to begin afresh but the former Kotoko leader has cautioned him to be ready for what is at stake in terms of the financial demands of the club.

Speaking to Kasapa Sports on Monday he described the Kotoko seat as one of the hot burning flames in football administration in the country and any occupant should be ready emotionally, physically and financially for it.

“I have long since thought that people who run Kotoko must have a business plan that shows how the club will be funded over the period of time, encourage an expansion and help grow the club. Therefore the newly appointed Executive Chairman Dr. Kwame Kyei Baffour must have the financial wherewithal to run the club and not to rely on Otumfuo for funding and I hope that there is a workable plan that will take Kotoko to the highest level”.

He also touched on the cause of the failure of the Opoku Nti led management.

“Opoku Nti’s administration failed because they did not have the financial power to run Kotoko therefore they lost the confidence of the fans”.

Manhyia Palace on Sunday announced that His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene had appointed Dr. Kwame Kyei, Group Chief Executive Officer of Unity Group of Companies to constitute a new administration for Asante Kotoko Sporting Club. Dr. Kyei has been given a three-year mandate to steer the affairs of the club and to raise it to new heights.

He will head an Executive Board members of which will be appointed by His Majesty on the advice of Dr. Kyei. Dr. Kyei has been mandated to reshape the administrative structure of the club to infuse professionalism and competence at all levels of its operations.

The ultimate objective of the mandate is to consolidate the position of the club at the top of the domestic league and advance further to take its rightful place among the elite clubs of Continental African Soccer.

Dr. Kwame Kyei, 55, hails from the royal house of Agona Wiamoase. He is one of the country’s outstanding entrepreneurs with a strong position in the downstream sector of petroleum and gas industry.

Kotoko New Chief Kwame Kyei Reveals Ambitions For The Club

The business mogul has been named as the Porcupine Warriors new chief until 2019 and he claims he wants to take the club to the next level.

Newly appointed Asante Kotoko executive chairman Kwame Kyei, who replaced general manager Opoku Nti, has set sights on uplifting the standards of the club.

The 48-year-old, who is the owner of Unity Oil, Vision 1 Radio, Light TV and Light Radio was given a three-year mandate by the Manhyia Palace to run the club and he began his tenure by visiting the players at their camping base ahead of the 3-0 win over Bechem United on Monday in the Ghalca G6 tournament at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

"I want to develop this club to a higher level," Kyei told the club's website.

"I’ve a lot in store for the club. You will all marvel at what is to come. I don’t want to reveal all of them but I promise, you will feel proud being here if everything goes as planned."

He added: "I will plead with you the players to do your best. Don’t allow anyone to influence you negatively."

He also lauded the players after their victory over Bechem and promised them a big surprise should they defend the title successfully.

"I’m very happy with what I saw [against Bechem United]. I wondered if this was the team that people said it was bad."

Kyei is expected to announce his new management members that will help him steer the affairs of the club ahead of the new season.

However, reports suggest that caretaker coach Michael Osei, who guided the club to a fifth position finish in last season's Ghana Premier League will be replaced, with an expatriate.

Kenichi Yatshuhashi Officially Joins Nigerian Club Ifeanyi Ubah

Nigeria Premier League side Ifeanyi Ubah has appointed former Hearts of Oak trainer Kenichi Yatshuhashi as the new head coach for the side.

Yatshuhashi’s appointment was officially confirmed on Wednesday evening.

The Japanese will hence be introduced to the playing body of the Club tomorrow.

The former Aspire Academy Coach parted ways with Hearts of Oak prior to the start of the second round of the 2015/16 season.

The Coach won the hearts of many Phobian fans with his impressive performance for the Club especially in the first round of the season.

Hearts Seals 3-year Kits Sponsorship Deal With Pacific Football Ghana Limited

Ghana Premier League giants Accra Hearts of Oak have signed a three-year kits Sponsorship deal with Pacific Football Ghana Limited, the Club has confirmed.

The deal which was sealed on Thursday will see the former Ghana Champions receive products from the firm (Pacific Football Ghana Limited).

The Club meanwhile is expected to give details of the deal on Friday.

Hearts reached an agreement with Pacific Football Ghana Limited as part of the structures put in place for the new season.

Black Stars Won’t Be Intimidated By Massive Crowd In Egypt - Stephen Appiah

Stephen Appiah

Former Ghana skipper Stephen Appiah believes the Black Stars will not be intimidated by the expected crowd at the El-Borg Arabi Stadium in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Egypt.

Ghana will take on their North African counterparts in a much-anticipated clash as they seek to make another World Cup appearance.

The government of Egypt in its attempt to ensure massive support for the home team has decided to allow as many as 75,000 spectators to watch the epic clash.

Appiah in an interview with TV3 says the Black Stars will not be daunted by the crowd at the Stadium.

“I think we have players who have played in front of huge crowds. I don’t think the crowd in Egypt is going to intimidate them,” he said.

“I see that it is rather going to push them to work hard in the game because they will know that the home fans will be behind Egypt.

“Some of the players in the team played at the World Cup where the Stadium was always full so I don’t think that will be a problem.”

Coach Avram Grant and his team are expected to leave their camping base Dubai on Friday.

Asamoah Gyan Not Interested In Owning Liberty

A director of Ghana Premier League side Liberty Professionals, George Afriyie has disclosed that the Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has cooled his interest in taking-over the cash-strapped team.

Gyan was reported to be in advanced talks with the board of his boyhood team over claiming a majority stake in the team.

However, Afriyie insists that the on-loan Al Ahli striker is not interested in buying the team despite helping to pay outstanding salaries of the playing body last season.

“It’s important that when we are with players you also have to advise them because he won’t be playing forever.

“At a certain point he would want to go into administration or coaching or what he thinks the future can do for him. But some of us felt that why can’t we convince him to be a shareholder in the club so it was a suggestion,” Afriyie said in an interview on Starr FM.

He added: “But the truth is that I don’t know how some portion of the media picked it and so for now he has informed me that he is no more interested so I can’t say whether in future, he would want to come on board, but the last time I spoke to him, he is no more interested.”

Goalkeeper Daniel Agyei Leaves Medeama SC

Medeama SC goalkeeper Daniel Agyei has announced his departure from the Club.

The goalkeeper leaves the Mauves after less than a season.

The 24-year-old joined Medeama SC in the second half of the Ghana Premier League season after returning from a stint with South African Club Free State Stars.

Agyei took to Social Media to announce his departure from the Club.

“Words can not vividly described the extent to which I am emotionally saying goodbye to my darling club Medeama Sc, he posted on facebook.

“I want to thank the management, the technical team, the playing body and the fans for their wonderful support they gave me during my short stay with the club. Medeama will forever remain in my Heart.”

The former Ghana U20 gloves-man has been linked with a move to Aduana Stars.

Michael Essien On The Brink Of Signing For Thai Giants Muangthong United

Michael Essien

Chelsea legend Michael Essien is on the verge of completing a shock move to Thai powerhouse Muangthong United, GHANAsoccernet.com understands.

Essien, 33 is reported to have reached an agreement with the Thai powerhouse after his move to Australian side Melbourne Victory fell through two months ago.

GHANAsoccernet.com understands the Ghana international is on the brink of joining the side with just personal terms to be agreed with both parties likely to sign the dotted lines before Thursday.

The Ghanaian midfielder has been without a club throughout the summer after leaving Greek side Panathinaikos.

If he does complete his move, he will undoubtedly become one of the biggest names ever to play in Thailand.

Essien, nicknamed the ‘Bison’ for his physical presence on the pitch, was one of Roman Abramovich’s most successful signings at Stamford Bridge.

Muangthong United have won the Thai League six times and the potential capture of the former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder will help shore its brand in the Asian region.

Egyptians Jubilate Over Gyan, Kwadwo Asamoah Exclusion From Black Stars

There was massive jubilation in Egypt on Thursday evening after Ghana coach Avram Grant named his final 23-man squad to play the Pharaohs on November 13 without skipper Asamoah Gyan and Juventus star Kwadwo Asamoah, according to reports.

The former Chelsea boss named his squad for the World Cup qualifier without the duo who have been battling injuries.

Famous Egyptian sports website Yallakora revealed that many Egyptians were in a jubilant mood when the two were not part of the squad.

Grant named Andre Ayew who is making an injury return as well as Mubarak Wakaso and Afriyie Acquah but the Egyptians think these players cannot intimidate their side.

Gyan who has been the country’s all-time top scorer with 48 goals from 98 matches suffered an injury while wrapping up training with Al Ahli in the UAE League.

But Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah was left out of the squad by Grant to take time off to recover fully from his injury.

The locally-dominated Egypt side is looking to avenge a 6-1 defeat suffered in the hand of the Black Stars in 201 in Kumasi.

Ghana will play the Egyptians in Alexandria in the second group game of the World Cup qualifier after drawing goalless with lowly-ranked Uganda in the opening group game.

While Egypt want to win the game to cement their chances of qualifying the World Cup in Russia, Ghana only needs to avoid defeat to keep hopes alive of making it to their fourth consecutive World Cup.

Ho Sports Stadium Project To Commence By February 2017

Work on the Ho Sports Stadium to transform it into a modern facility is expected to begin by January or February 2017.

The Minister for Youth and Sports Hon Nii Lantey Vanderpuiye announced this today at Ho in an interview with journalists after a health walk led by the Chief of staff Mr Julius Debrah and the Volta regional Minister Hon Helen Adjoa Ntoso.

Nii Lantey Vanderpuiye said the contractor for the project will begin feasibility studies on the project by next week but could not tell how much it will cost.

He said President Mahama has given approval for the project.

According to the minister, government had planned to construct a modern Stadium for the people in the region at a different location but has now decided to transfer the design for that project for the reconstruction of the Ho Sports Stadium where they believe patronage by football fans will be more encouraging.

Black Stars Begins Preparation Today Ahead of Egypt Clash

The Black Stars of Ghana will officially open camp today in Dubai ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Egypt.

Coach Avram Grant is expecting a full house today as the team begins preparation for the big clash.

The Israeli trainer has already named his 23-man squad for the game against the Pharaohs.

The Black Stars is expected to record a favorable result against Egypt to enhance their chances of making another World Cup appearance after a disappointing stalemate with Uganda in Tamale.

Call Me Too If You Call KP Boateng - Sam Johnson To Avram And Ghana FA

Former Ghana international Samuel Johnson has thrown down the gauntlet to the Ghana FA and head coach of the Ghana national team, Avram Grant on his readiness to join the team if there is still a place for Kevin Prince Boateng after his Brazil 2014 World Cup fiasco.

Kevin Prince Boateng in a recent interview expressed his readiness to feature for the Black Stars if the issues surrounding his suspension are resolved but this has provoked the ire of a section of the Ghanaian populace.

Speaking with Kasapa Sports on Tuesday, Sam Johnson cautioned the Technical handlers and Management of the Ghana national team not to entertain KP Boateng anywhere around the team because of his gross insubordination.

I am also ready to play for the Black Stars if anybody at all can wake up and say he is ready for him to get a call up. We should not throw our culture to the dogs. We have our way of doing things and in our setting respect is key. Please do not get me wrong I do not have a problem with Kevin because he is a player and has every right to avail himself for a call up but I am cautioning those who have the power to call him. Those who have the power to call him should look at our culture and do what is right.

The Las Palmas striker was thrown out of Ghana’s camp ahead of their final Group match against Portugal for throwing tantrums and using abusive language on then head coach Kwesi Appiah at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Hearts Players Paid Outstanding Salaries

Hearts of Oak have settled all outstanding salaries of its players paving way for pre season to start on Saturday.

GHANASoccernet.com can confirm players were paid three months arrears and are each owed a month's salary.

The unsettled delayed the start of training for the upcoming season which will start with the G6 tournament.

Newly-appointment assistant coach Henry Wellington will supervise training.

Hearts Coaching Job Is A Death Trap – J.E. Sarpong

Former Ghana coach J.E. Sarpong says it is only a senseless coach who will accept Hearts of Oak’s coaching job since it is a death trap.

The former Dwarfs head coach explains that the side is currently run by poor leadership who are managerially bankrupt and anyone who accepts to work with them is digging his own grave.

“No, I’ll never accept to coach Hearts. You think I am senseless? At this point in time, the club is boiling and anyone who accepts to coach them will be in trouble,” J.E Sarpong told Happy FM.

“All the coaches are running away so why do you think I should go for it? He questioned.

“Do you think I am a fool who washes his face upwards?

“During Attoquayefio’s era, Harry Zakour, Nii Ayi Bonte and Ernest Thompson were all there. But not now that the club is a death trap. I’ll not go there to meet my death,” he added.

The Odotei-Sowah led management has seen the departure but one of the technical team members including Kenichi Yatsuhashi, Yaw Preko, Nassamu Yakubu and Joe Addo.

And the veteran coach thinks the job has metamorphosed into a death trap.

2016/2017 Ghana Premier League to kick off December 18

The 2016/2017 Ghana Premier League season will commence on December 18, 2016, the PLB has confirmed.

The commencement of the Ghana Premier League, will however be preceded by the season-opening Super Cup between winners of the league and FA Cup champions on December 4, 2016.

Premier League champions Wa All Stars will face MTN FA Cup winners, Bechem United to determine the "champion of champions".

Meanwhile, registration for the first transfer window of the season will open from November 14th 2016 to February 13th 2017.

GFA

No Special Security For Avram Grant - Egypt FA

Coach Avram Grant

The North African country's football association chief has rubbished reports that they are planning on special measures to protect the Israeli coach.

Egyptian Football Association executive director, Tharwat Sweilam, has denied reports of accepting an offer from Ghana FA to beef up security for Black Stars coach Avram Grant ahead of their 2018 World Cup qualifying clash of November 13.

Reports claimed that some Egyptian fans were arrested by Police earlier this week following plots to attack the Black Stars coach before, during and after the game at Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

Israel and Egypt have a long-standing rivalry dated back to the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, which culminated in the Yom Kippur War in 1973, making it unsafe for citizens of both countries to make reverse travels.

“Ghana is a normal team just like any other opponents that visit Egypt. The security measures will not see any changes,” Sweilam told DMC Sports TV.

“We don’t care about the nationality of their manager [Avram Grant] or any other thing. We know well the capabilities of our security forces and their ability to guard any national team. We don’t want to dispel our concentration, we know well what Ghana are attempting to do but we don’t want to keep reiterating these statements in the media.

“The most important thing for us is winning against Ghana in order to move closer towardsWorld Cup qualification after the qualifiers,” he added.

The game is expected to attract a record number of 75,000 spectators, who will be allowed entry to the match venue.

 Uganda will host Congo at the Namboole Stadium in the other group game on November 12.

Dede Ayew To Make Injury Return Next Week Against Chelsea

West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has stated on social networking site Twitter that Andre Ayew could feature against Chelsea next week.

The faltering Hammers will take on English Premier League rivals Chelsea at the London Stadium in the fourth round of the EFL Cup next Wednesday evening.

Gold said on Twitter that the deputy Black Stars captain Ayew could feature against the Blues.

Head of Medical and Sports Science, Stijn Vandenbroucke, wrote on West Ham’s official website on Wednesday that Ayew has returned to training.

Vandenbroucke also stated that Sakho will start training in controlled Under-23 sessions on Monday and will then join the first-team squad the following week.

AFCON 2017: Avram Grant 'Intimidated' By Ghana's Group Opponents

Ghana coach Avram Grant

Ghana coach Avram Grant says his side face a daunting task at next year's Africa Cup of Nations finals after drawing Egypt, Uganda and Mali.

Grant is expected to meet expectations after reaching the final of the last tournament in Equatorial Guinea.

His first Group D match will be against Uganda-whom they drew 0-0 with at home in their opening 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier-on 17 January in Port Gentil.

Grant is under pressure to put up an improved against Egypt next month in their second World Cup qualifier.

''We played against Uganda and we draw at home and we are facing important game in Egypt and we will face them again in African Cup and there are two more games against them,'' Grant said on Sky Sports on Thursday.

''But the African Cup is different. The draw is very difficult. Anyway, every group is difficult but this group is very difficult.

''As you know, African countries are better all the time. I was very surprised by the level of the quality of the football at the last African Cup so I think it will be very tight. Lots of teams teams that can do well in this tournament.''

Playing Ghana Is ‘Most Important In Our History’ – Egypt Coach

Egypt assistant coach Osama Nabil says his country’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Ghana is the ‘most important’ fixture in the history of the North African giants.

The Pharaohs are desperate to avenge the 2014 World Cup qualifying headache and are mapping out strategies to undo the Ghanaians next month.

The seven-time African champions host the Black Stars in Alexandria on November 13 with a massive 50,000 spectators expected to watch the mouth-watering encounter at the Borg El Arab stadium.

The focus of an entire nation has shifted to the cracking showdown with the North Africans eager to avenge the painful 7-2 aggregate defeat to the West Africans in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

And Egypt assistant coach Osama Nabil has underlined the importance of the big game

“Our match against Ghana is the most important in history of Egyptian football, we want to win the game in order to move a step closer to the World Cup,” he said.

The two powerhouses have been drawn again in group D of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Gabon which also houses Uganda and Mali.

Avram Grant Snubs AFCON Draw To Sit On Skysports

  Avram Grant Snubs AFCON Draw To Sit On Skysports

 Avram Grant

 

Ghana’s coach Avram Grant refused to be in Gabon for the 2017 AFCON draw to enjoy studio discussions on Skysports as a pundit on English Premier League upcoming matches.

Ghana has been paired in group D alongside Egypt, Uganda and Mali for the continental showpiece scheduled for 14 January to 5 February 2017 in the Gabonese cities of Libreville, Franceville, Oyem and Port Gentil.

But the former Chelsea trainer has been busy sharing his views on the English Premier League matches this weekend as his opposite numbers and group contenders get firsthand knowledge of conditions in Gabon.

Uganda coach Micho was present at the draw to inspect the city of Port Gentil and Hotel de Parc where both team will be lodging during the tourney.

According to a close source to the Ghana FA, he defied every directive from management to leave for London after the South Africa friendly and he is believed to return in the first week of November.

The former West Ham United and Portsmouth manager is under pressure to win the hearts of fans after Ghana's shaky goalless start in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Tamale against the Cranes of Uganda.

Ghana Sports Is Dead – Akpaloo

Ghana’s sports sector is dead and a future Independent People’s Party (IPP) government will resurrect it, Kofi Akpaloo, the presidential candidate of the IPP, has said.

According to him, if he is cleared to contest in the elections and eventually wins to become the next president of Ghana, he will invest $600 million each year in the sector in order to restore its glory days.

Mr Akpaloo is one of 13 flag bearers disqualified by the Electoral Commission from contesting in the elections but he has asked the EC to rescind the decision to disqualify him.

He told Class Sports on Tuesday October 18 that: “I will say they (government) have done nothing in terms of sports development because it is very shameful to hear that the Black Queens and even the Black Maidens [were] in their hotel because of money.

“I mean Ghana football is dead and now if you want to assemble players, you will have to go abroad and all that. The football is totally dead.”

He added: “I will invest 600 million dollars every year in the development of sports in the country. And we are going to build stadia in the regions without one.

All Is Not Lost In World Cup Qualifiers - Sports Minister

 Minister of Sports, Nii Lante Vanderpuye

 

Minister of Sports, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, is certain the Black Stars can still qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia despite the team’s slow start to the qualifiers.

The Black Stars drew goalless with the Cranes of Uganda in their qualifier opener at the Tamale sports stadium, result which has raised Ghana’s qualification doubt for in Russia 2018.

But the Sports Minister believes the draw was only a minor blip and the side has enough quality to still sail through.

According to Nii Lante all is not lost for Ghana.

“When the World Cup draw was released I said, Egypt is not a threat but I see Uganda as threat to us because anytime they play with us, it is always difficult match,” he told Asempa Sports.

“I think the draw with Uganda was good because it was meant to happen but all is not lost because I strongly believe that we can go to Alexandrea and win against them and win all our remaining matches and qualify for the world cup.”

AFCON 2017: Ghana Handed Tough Draw With Egypt, Uganda And Mali in Group D

 

 AFCON 2017: Ghana Handed Tough Draw With Egypt, Uganda And Mali in Group D

The Black Stars

 

Ghana have been handed a tough draw for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations including two World Cup qualifying opponents Uganda and Egypt in Group D.


West African rivals and recent tournament nemesis Mali are also the last team in the pool.

The Black Stars played the Cranes at the Tamale Sports early this month in the qualifiers to Russia and failed to meet expectations in a dull 0-0 draw.

Uganda qualified for the tournament for the first time in 32 years and have a good coach Milutin Sredojevic who can cause havoc.

Ghana will play Pharaohs next month in the second World Cup qualifier ahead of the tournament.

Defending champions Ivory Coast have DR Congo, Morocco and Togo in Group C with hosts Gabon paired with Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Guinea Bissau.

In Group B, top seed Algeria face Tunisa, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will run from 15 January to 05 February.

Group A: Gabon, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau

Group B: Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Zimbabwe

Group C: Ivory coast, DRC, Morocco, Togo

Group D: Ghana, Mali, Egypt and Uganda

Kwesi Appiah picks coach of the year award in Sudan

Kwesi Appiah picks coach of the year award in Sudan

Former Black Stars coach James Kwesi Appiah has won the Coach of the Season award in Sudan.

The ex- Black Stars defender is currently the head coach of Sudanese Premier League side Al Khartoum Wataani and came up against Al Hilal Coach Fawzy Al Mardy but beat him to the award.

Appiah placed fifth on the ladder with Al Khartoum Wataani after 34 matches and accrued 65 points behind league leaders Al Hilal Omdurman, Al Merriekh, Al Ahly Shendi and Hilal Obayed following in that order.

‘Mayele’ as he was popularly known in his playing days with Kotoko and the Black Stars was the first indigenous trainer to have qualified the Black Stars to the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

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Black Maidens Given Part Payment Of Per Diem

Black Maidens Given Part Payment Of Per Diem

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has given each member of the black Maidens $1,000 as part of payment of their per diem, after finishing at the quarter-final stage of the ongoing FIFA U-17 world cup.

The Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr Ottor Plaha who confirmed this said the remaining per diem will be paid next week.

The per diem was 2,800 dollars meaning the girls will get additional $1,800 as promised next week.

Also technical directors as well as management members will also receive $1,000

Accounts Of Sports Ministry Frozen...

 The bank accounts of the Ministry of Youth and Sports have been frozen by a court order over a $20-million debt it accrued from the organisation of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

Debtors who provided services to the government for the hosting of the CAN 2008 secured a court order to slam on the coffers of the Sports Ministry.

The outstanding debt has rendered the Sports outfit cashless since the appointment of Nii Lantey Vanderpuije as the Minister, therefore making it difficult to remunerate stakeholders.

The development prevented the Ministry from meeting the financial demands of the Black Maidens in Jordan, brewing some brouhaha till Tuesday morning when each member was paid $1000.

Speaking to Starr Sports, the Ministry's Public Relations Officer, Ottor Plaha, assured the issue will be resolved soon.

“Yes our accounts have been frozen due to an accrued debt by the LOC because a lot of service providers had not been paid for providing the following; accommodation, flights, tickets et al.

"Upon settling the Maidens’ arrears the order was served the bank to prevent us from redrawing due to the $20 million debt we owe,” Plaha told Starr Sports.

“Meanwhile, we are working around the clock to get our legal team on board to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” he added.

North Korea Coach To Replace Avram Grant As Ghana Coach - Agent

North Korea Coach To Replace Avram Grant As Ghana Coach - Agent

 

The Ghana Football Association is close to concluding talks with North Korea coach Jorn Andersen to replace Avram Grant as Ghana coach, according to his agent Sofian Soltani.

The former Norway international could replace the under-fire Israeli gaffer whose Black Stars side geared off to a false start to the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Grant has come under intensed public scrutiny in the country but the Ghana Football Association has backed for the former Chelsea manager.

Black Stars Management Committee vice chairman Winfried Osei Kwaku is quoted in the media as saying Grant is enjoying 100% support from the federation. Grant is contracted to Ghana until next February, approximately at the end of the 2017 AFCON in Gabon.

The Ghana FA would have to cough up to $300,000 in compensation to the former West Ham United boss if they are to prematurely terminate the running contract. Despite the unlikely circumstances due the current fracas between and the Ghana FA and the Ghanaian Sports Ministry, Sofian has claimed his client would replace Grant. "Jorn Anderson is going to become the new Ghana head coach but it would take a while because Grant is asking for big money," he told GHANASoccernet.com in an exclusive chat.

Andersen's career resume includes spells with clubs like Mainz 05 and assistant managerial role at Borussia M'gladbach.

A former Norwegian international Andersen played as a striker for Hamburg, Nurnberg and Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring over 190 league goals during his career spell.

Ghana FA's Deputy General Secretary in charge of communications Ibrahim Sannie Daara has watered down widespread media claims the GFA is engaging other coaches to replace Grant.

Isaac Dogbe Named WBO African Boxer of The Year in Puerto Rico

WBO Africa, WBO Oriental and WBC featherweight Youth World Champion Isaac Dogboe (15-0, 9 KO’s) has been awarded as the WBO African Boxer of the Year 2016.

The ceremony which was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico was the 29th WBO Convention to award deserving boxers throughout the year.

The boxer was adjudged the Most Outstanding African boxer and claimed the award.

Dogboe’s mission at the ongoing convention was also aimed at meeting WBO executives regarding his readiness to challenge Oscar Valdez who will be defending his WBO featherweight belt against Hiroshige Osawa.

Dogboe will fight for the fourth time this year on November 26th against a Russian opponent yet to be named.

Ghana can Qualify to the World Cup Under Grant - Adams

Ghana can Qualify to the World Cup Under Grant - Adams 

Aduana Stars shot stopper, Stephen Adams has said he is confident Ghana will book a place at the 2018 World Cup (WC) in Russia, under current coach Avram Grant despite the initial step back.

 

Grant has come under a lot of criticisms for being technically inept and others calling for his sack but the Aduana goalie thinks otherwise.

 

Ghana drew 0-0 in her opening match against Uganda and Adams, a member of the 2014 squad that played in the last edition in Brazil believes, despite the Black Stars draw and Egypt securing a 2-1 win over Congo in an away match, says Ghana will qualify for the biggest football festival in the globe.

 

Ghana lies second with a point behind Egypt and must avoid defeat in the encounter involving the Pharaohs of Egypt to brighten her chances of qualification and the goalie states that, ‘‘Ghana will beat Egypt’’. 

 

He told the GNA Sports that, ‘‘of course, they can qualify to the World Cup under Avram Grant. It’s possible, besides we have the qualities in the team because it was the same players that qualified for the AFCON next year. We can beat Egypt. It’s possible because we have defeated them before’’.

 

Ghana will travel to Egypt next month and Adams is optimistic Grant’s charges will pick the maximum points.

 

Ghana is in Group E alongside Uganda, Egypt and Congo.

 

Ghanaian Football Hit By Another Match-Fixing Scandal.

  Ghanaian Football Hit By Another Match-Fixing Scandal.

Ghana's second-tier league has become embroiled in another match-rigging crisis after newly-promoted Premier League side Bolga All Stars allegedly fixed their penultimate match against BA United in the Division One League.

Officials of both teams have been apparently caught on tape given details on how their Division One League clash at the Sunyanyi Coronation Park was tempered with after All Stars secured a famous 2-0 win away from home.

Accra-based Atinka FM replayed the scandalous tape on Friday in a latest twist to the perceived massive rot in the Ghanaian game.

An official of BA United was heard complaining bitterly about being side-stepped in the share of an amount of GHC4,000 paid by Bolga All Stars.

Allegation of match-rigging rocked the country's football last season with several clubs accused of influencing matches.

Bechem United, Kotoko, Wa All Stars and Techiman City,  were caught in the web of allegation of match fixing last season.

GHANAsoccernet.com revealed last month that several referees are in the pockets of top club owners in Ghana.

The Ghana FA is expected to open investigation into the cancerous episode which threatens the game in the West African nation.

Ayew To Miss Ghana-Egypt Clash.

Ghana's hopes of having injured West Ham United winger Andre Ayew back in time for the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Egypt in November appears to have been dashed, with latest update from his club indicating that the 26-year-old will not completely recover before the Cairo meeting.

The former Marseille man has been on the sidelines since injuring his hamstring in an English Premier League match against Chelsea in August.

Initially expected back in the New Year, the forward is now set for a return by the end of the year after making significant progress ahead of schedule, and the news had prompted reports that he could make Ghana's squad for the all-important game on November 13.

"We have suffered a number of injuries since the start of the season," West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan told the club's official website on their injury situation.

"It will be a big boost to see Aaron Cresswell back in first team contention.

"We hope that both Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll will also be back in action in the next few weeks.

"We also need our club record signing Andre Ayew, but he could still be a month away from making a first-team return."

Ghana sit two points below Egypt on the table after matchday one.

The Black Stars were held to a goalless stalemate by Uganda on Friday while the Pharaohs picked a valuable 2-1 away win against Congo on Sunday

Black Maidens Miss Out On FIFA U17 World Cup Semi-Final.

Ghana collapsed in the final minute of injury time to lose 2-1 to Korea DPR to miss out on a semi-final berth at the 2016 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup final.

Substitute Ja Un Yong connected home on the 94th-minute mark after the Ghana defence failed to clear a free-kick flighted into the box.

Yong poked in clincher from close range as the Black Maidens were made to pay dearly.

Korea DPR scored first in the 31st minute from the penalty spot after Grace Acheampong was adjudged to have fouled Pyon Un Gong and Kim Po Ui made no mistake from the spot.

But Ghana persevered and equalized nine minutes from time through Gifty Acheampong who nipped in to glance a delicate header past Ok Kum Ju.

This was after Philicity Asuako had lofted the ball into the Korea DPR box with an acrobatic overhead kick.