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Mohammed Kudus will play no part in Ghana’s friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda during the March international break.
The midfielder has pulled out of the Black Stars squad for the game due to a shoulder injury.
Kudus was named in head coach Otto Addo’s squad for the upcoming games against Nigeria and Uganda but has had to pull out.
The 23-year-old featured for West Ham United during their last Premier League game last weekend where he played the entire duration of the game in the 1-1 draw.
Kudus was not named as one of the players to travel on the international break on West Ham’s website and hence will now stay in London to recover.
The Black Stars face Nigeria on March 22 before playing Uganda four days later.
Nigeria’s Fenerbahce defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, faces the possibility of a significant suspension following an altercation with a Trabzonspor fan over the weekend.
Fenerbahce secured a 3-2 victory against Trabzonspor on Sunday, narrowing the gap to league leaders Galatasaray to just two points.
After the match, chaos ensued as home supporters stormed the pitch.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Osayi-Samuel, the Super Eagles defender, was seen engaging in self-defence against a violent attack from a Trabzonspor fan, which involved him punching the assailant.
Reports from Turkey Leo Sports indicate that Osayi-Samuel could potentially face a suspension of up to 10 games as a consequence of his involvement in the altercation.
Furthermore, there’s a possibility he may be referred to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Disciplinary Committee, who will ultimately decide on the punishment.
Under Article 44 of the Turkish football discipline regulations, Osayi-Samuel could face a suspension ranging from several weeks to a year, with the disciplinary committee having the authority to make the final decision.
In an attempt to defend his actions, Osayi-Samuel is expected to plead self-defence during the upcoming hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 2nd. The outcome of the hearing will determine the extent of any penalties imposed on the 26-year-old defender.
Joma Smart Football Club won the maiden edition of the Nketiah Foundation Cup after beating Strong Heroes Academy in the final.
The one-day football competition, which was held at the Madina AstroTurf on March 16, 2024, saw the Teshie-based side lift the trophy and walk away with a cash prize at the end of the day.
Both Joma Smart and Strong Heroes made the final after a brilliant run in the group stage as well as the semifinal.
The winners topped Group A which also had Highest Academy as well as Aboma while Strong Heroes advanced from Group B which also consisted of Mercury Academy and Vassajan, who finished second in their group.
Victories in their semifinal ties meant Strong Heroes set up a mouthwatering encounter against Joma Smart with the latter scoring late in the second half to break the hearts of Strong Heroes, who are based in Kasoa Amanfro.
The tournament was put together by the Nketiah Foundation, a non-governmental organization set up by Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah, in partnership with Elite Project Sports Agency which is based in London.
Speaking to Joy Sports after the event, the father of the English-born Ghanaian, Eddie Nketiah Snr, said he was impressed with the success of the first edition despite the short notice.
“It’s been amazing. We called people at short notice but in terms of the quality of the football and the fun that was had by all of us, I think it’s been wonderful,” he said.
“The Foundation is simply trying to inspire people and the youth through football. Eddie [Nketiah] is a story that comes from a humble beginning and he has got into where he has gotten to.
“We want to use the platform to help people to move to a level where they have fun but also while having fun tackle some of the serious social issues such as poverty, isolation and try and have fun.”
He also added that his team will look to organize more of the football competition which will help unearth more talent.
Each participating team walked home with a cash prize as well as a football while the top three teams got medals in addition.
The first runner-up, Strong Heroes Academy, were rewarded with a GHS 1,000.00 while the winners, Joma Smart FC, also received a GHS 2,000.00 cash prize.
Individuals who walked away with accolades included:
Top scorer – McCauley Obeng Dochi (Joma Smart)
Best Goalkeeper – Obed Dwamena (Joma Smart)
TAG Nketiah Foundation
Immediate past Nigerian Minister for Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, has expressed surprise at Ghana’s ability to host the 13th African Games from an impossible situation ten months ago.
According to Dare, who was deeply involved with the process through an AU committee, said in an interview in Accra that ten months ago, when Ghana asked for an eight-month extension, hosting the Games in Ghana appeared impossible.
After demonstrating a strong commitment to develop some world-class facilities, Dare believes Ghana, President Akufo-Addo, and the Minister for Sports deserve commendations.
“I think we must commend the President of Ghana, the Minister for Youth and Sports of Ghana, Mustapha Ussif, because when you look back 10 months ago it was almost impossible that this would take place and Ghana requested for 8 months extra to be able to put everything in place,” said Dare, who is in Accra for the Games.
“We have seen what they (Ghana) have done. We have seen a brand new stadium at the University [of Ghana], we have seen the Games village, and we have seen on display the absolute commitment of the government of Ghana and the efforts of the Minister and his team,” he added.
“I have been to the games, and I think that this is commendable. I was the chairman of the African Union team last year when we took the decision to extend the time for Ghana to be able to prepare. I’m happy that in eight months, Ghana has been able to pull this together.’
Dare described the successful hosting of another African Games as “a pride for Africa that 54 countries are gathered here, 29 sports and 7 different venues for the 13th edition of the African Games.”
“It requires a lot to host the African Games. It requires the political will and support of the government of the country, it requires a minister and ministry of Sports that is up and running and has the political zeal to pull it through, it requires all the support of stakeholders in the sports architecture; the Athletics, the federations and all those involved coming together and work together to make this happen.”
Ghana is hosting the 54-country and 29-discipline sports festivals after building multi-purpose infrastructure in Accra.
Ghana is in contention to win three or more medals on day two of the track and field events in the ongoing African Games in Accra.
The county’s 100m record holder Benjamin Azamati was joined by Barnabas Aggerh in the men’s 100m final after both finished second in the semis.
In the women’s sprint, Mary Boakye was the only Ghanaian woman to reach the final after finishing third in her semi-final event at the University of Ghana stadium on Monday night.
A podium finish for all three would guarantee Ghana medals in athletics.
The women’s high jump final would be taking place at 16:05 GMT, and Ghana would hope Rose Yeboah, defending champion of this discipline would continue her fine form by winning gold tonight.
Rose is currently the West African country’s high jump record holder (1.94m) which was set in August 2023.
William Amponsah will be competing in the men’s 10,000m final at 19:45 GMT. The mixed 4×400m relay would also have Team Ghana participating. The other countries are Nigeria, Botswana, and Kenya.
Other events happening on Day Two of the track and field are men’s javelin, women’s 100m hurdles where former world champion, Tobi Amusan would be in the lineup, and men’s 100m hurdles final.
Men’s shot put final, women’s pole vault final, women’s triple jump final, women’s hammer throw, men’s 1,500m and women’s 800m final, with Uganda’s Halima Nakaayi being the star attraction.
In the men’s 4×100m relay, defending champions, Ghana is in Heat 2 with Nigeria and Botswana.
Ghana won gold in the Rabat Games in 2019 and would be hoping to book a final ticket to defend its crown.
Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda will battle it out in Heat 1 at 20:45 GMT before Ghana races at 20:52 GMT.
Ghanaian forward Bernard Tekpetey showcased his prowess once again, netting his seventh goal of the season for Ludogorets Razgrad in their resounding 6-0 victory against Lokomotiv Sofia.
Tekpetey, a key figure for the Bulgarian champions, played a crucial role in securing their 12th consecutive league success.
The match started with a bang as Kwadwo Duah opened the scoring just two minutes into the game, igniting wild celebrations among the home fans.
Availo Chochev doubled Ludogorets’ lead on the 38th minute before Tekpetey further extended their advantage with a goal on the 43rd minute, taking his tally to seven league goals for the season.
Ludogorets didn’t stop there, adding more goals to their tally to seal a comprehensive 6-0 victory on Saturday.
Tekpetey’s contribution extends beyond his goal-scoring prowess, as he has also provided three assists in his 21 appearances for the Green and Whites Eagles this season.
With his consistent performances, Tekpetey continues to be a pivotal figure for Ludogorets, showcasing his ability to make a significant impact on the pitch.
In Saturday’s match between SM Caen and AJ Auxerre in the French Ligue 2, Godson Kyeremeh, the French-born Ghanaian midfielder, showcased his prowess by scoring for the visitors.
Despite his early goal putting his team ahead 1-0 with just 10 minutes into the game, Caen couldn’t secure a victory at the Stade de l’Abbé Deschamps.
Madagascar international Rayan Raveloson levelled the score 14 minutes for Auxerre before the final whistle, and Brazilian attacker Jubal sealed the win for the home team eight minutes later.
Kyeremeh’s goal, marked by an impressive buildup and intelligent finish, wasn’t enough to salvage the match for his team.
Kyeremeh, at 23 years old, has proven to be a valuable asset for his team throughout the season, contributing six assists and three goals in 29 appearances.
Despite his individual success, the outcome of the match against Auxerre underscores the challenges faced by Stade Malherbe Caen.
Despite their efforts and Kyeremeh’s contributions, they fell short against a determined Auxerre side.
Brighton-bound Ibrahim Osman has received his inaugural call-up to the Ghana national team ahead of the forthcoming international friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda next week.
The 19-year-old sensation is one of the debutants summoned by Ghana coach Otto Addo for the two friendly matches set to take place in Morocco.
Hailing from the esteemed Right to Dream Academy, Osman’s remarkable performances and exceptional talent have paved the way for a lucrative move to English Premier League outfit Brighton.
The winger will officially join Brighton in the summer, following an agreement between the club and Danish side FC Nordsjaelland for a fee reported to be approximately £16 million.
Osman will reunite with former teammates Mohammed Kudus and Ernest Nuamah in the Ghana national team, where he is anticipated to compete for a spot.
The Black Stars are scheduled to confront 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finalist Nigeria on March 22 before clashing with Uganda four days later.
These matches mark the senior national team’s first fixtures since their disappointing campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast, which ultimately led to the dismissal of Chris Hughton as the Black Stars’ coach.
By Ekow Sam Awotwe
Accra Lions shocked Asante Kotoko in Kumasi after securing a historic 3-2 victory at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on matchday 21 of the Ghana Premier League.
Red-hot teen sensation Blessing Asuman netted a brace to add to forward Dominic Amponsah’s thunderous strike as the young Lions edged the Porcupine Warriors in their own backyard despite consolation goals from Kalo Ouattara and Benard Somuah.
Having torn apart Berekum Chelsea in Sogakope on Sunday, Accra Lions came into the game beaming with confidence and under just ten minutes broke the deadlock following a quick counter attack, with Daniel Awuni serving Asuman on the left, who neatly controlled before firing past the Kotoko goalie.
The Kumasi-based giants responded twenty minutes later after Ouattara, who netted against the same side in the first round, majestically controlled an Andrews Appau cross before unleashing a left-footed strike.
With the scores at 1-1 before half time, Lions started the same way they began the game with a defense splitting pass from Seidu Saday finding Auman who fired home to restore the lead in the 49th minute.
Accra Lions maintained their composure as Asante Kotoko chased an equalizer and from a well-defended corner, the visitors started another counter attacker with second-half substitute Bernard Kesse finding Amponsah, who unleased a powerful strike to beat Moise Pouaty.
Bernard Somuah, who came on in the second half for Asante Kotoko, grabbed a late consolation but it was too late as Accra Lions recorded back-to-back victories in the Ghana Premier League.
