Appiah Pulls Out of Bamako game

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has pulled out of the Black Stars for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Mali next month after a family crisis in Italy.

The inspirational skipper sought clearance from coach Milovan Rajevac and the Black Stars management to excuse him for the match in Bamako following the personal problem.

However, the midfielder has assured the country that he should be ready for the clash against Sudan in Omdurman on 20 June if he is needed.

''I spoke to the GFA and the management team and they were very understanding,'' Appiah said on his personal website www.stepapp.com

''Once I have resolved this issue I am hoping to be in Ghana around the middle of June and if the management team are happy for me to return for the Sudan game then I will happily do so.

"However, I have asked them to exclude me from both games because it will be unfair on the other players if I just turn up for one game and not the other.

"I will like to say thanks to the GFA, Black Stars Coach and management team for understanding my situation and giving me permission to exclude myself.

"I will also like to thank them for having faith in me and I want to assure them that I will give my best whenever they call on me.

"I can assure fans that all things being equal and if called upon in the future I will always be available to play for Ghana," Appiah concluded

Appiah, who was named in the 32-man squad, was due to join his colleagues on 27 May but the unexplained personal problem has resulted in joining his family in Turin from his Brescia training base in Italy.

In a related development, Ex-Ghana defender Mohammed Gargo says incessant critcisms by a section of fans forced Stephen Appiah to pull out of next month's World Cup qualifiers.

The 28-year-old's match fitness has been constantly debated as he is yet to get a club since terminating his contract with Turkish giants Fenerbahce in June last year.

Despite being unattached, for former Juventus ace has been instrumental in Ghana's recent matches and was key when Ghana held Africa champions Egypt to a 2-2 draw.

Appiah scored one and set up the other in the Cairo game in February and played in the 1-0 win over Benin three weeks later.

He was named in the squad to play Mali and Sudan next month but announced his withdrawal from the 32-man squad citing family crisis in Italy.

Gargo mentored the Black Stars captain when he moved to his first club abroad, Udinese, in 1997 at the age of 15.

He claims his personal friend's reason to withdraw from the squad goes beyond family commitments.

"For me that is not the main issue here. I have been there before so I know what I am talking about. Gargo told an Accra-based radio station.

"Probably he is also tired hearing the comments of our own football lovers in this country.

"Football is such that when people don't like you, they try to paint you black no matter how good you are.

"So probably he's tired and he just wants to take a break and see what is going to happen. I will personally not plead with him but ask him to rethink his decision," he added.

" I think they need him even his advice. If he's always on the bench I will like it. The public will have to sympathize with him."

In a separate interview with Ghanasoccernet, Gargo insists the criticism levelled against Appiah is unfair given his performance on the pitch and commitment to the national cause.

"When we played Egypt he didn't have a club but he our best player and just two weeks later when we played Benin and the entire team had a bad day some people blamed him. This is sad!," Gargo told Ghanasoccernet.com.

"I have played for Ghana for many years but Appiah's commitment to the national team is beyond imagination,

"How many players have spent their own monies to buy jerseys for the national team when things were difficult for the country?

"How many player would risk their club careers and to play for their country at the Olympic Games? Appiah did it when he was at Juventus and he paid the price just for Ghana to gain glory.

"If we turn against him when he needs the support of the country and fans most, I think other young players will look at this treatment and advice themsleves."

My Ultimate Comment:

I was least expecting to hear the perisal withdrawal of Black Star captain, Stephen Appiah, from the matches against Mali in Bamako on July 7th.

The player is reported to have sought clearance from coach Milovan Rajevac and the Black Stars management to excuse him for the match in Bamako following the personal problem.

I doubt the action behind Appiah's decision to take a bow from what used to be his second home. I take the blame down to the doorsteps of our vociferous fans. They complained much about his inactions on club levels when other national teams had players even worst than Appiah's case involved. Fabrica Akwa played for the Palancas Negras of Angola at the 2006 World Cup mundial in Angola when he was unattached.

Lets all rally behind Appiah in our dream to be at the South Africa 2010 World Cup.

Milovan’s 32 Men for Bamako Battle (An Insight)

Goalkeepers:

Richard Kingston (Wigan Athletic, England): The continent’s number one goalkeeper undoubtedly would make up the squad for the match in Bamako and already a starter as the day grows near. A couple of English Premier League matches, most notably against Manchester United at the JJB Stadium, has shone the lights once more on the strengths and qualities of ‘’Olele’’. Quick dashes, brilliant reflex saves and a commanding figure in the Black Star team set-up made him a fan’s favorite during the 2006 Germany World Cup mundial and the African Cup of Nations in Accra last year. An assured start on Milo’s team sheet.


William Amamoo (Etasaalat, Egypt): The Etasaalat number one goalkeeper has been one the most consistent Ghanaian player playing his trade outside the shores of Ghana. Such have been his brilliant performances in the Egyptian League so much that his club is refusing to release in time for our crucial match against the Malians on July 7. A better goalkeeper than most people give him credit for.


George Owu (Al Masry, Egypt): The former Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold goalie has made promising strides in the Egyptians League this season. One of the most consistent players in the Al Masry team set-up and obviously one of the most experienced players in the Black Star team as well. Lots of team character under his belt and a commanding figure like Richard when is the posts except that he takes very little notice of his back four’s lapses.




Defenders:

John Pantsil (Fulham, England): Ghana’s best player this season. Pantsil has some bags of nerves to go the somewhat unachievable status of playing 37 English Premier League matches. Dynamic at the back, solid on the counter attack and very strong in his challenges and when on the ball. It’s no surprising news to hear Roy Hougson describe the former Berekum Arsenal lad as ‘’one of his highly rated stars this season’’. Obviously a much needed bite to the Black Star cherry.


Samuel Inkoom (Asante Kotoko, Ghana): To the legion of soccer-passionate fans especially in Kumasi, Inkoom makes another celebrated walk into the Black Star team. Inkoom, who is headed for the Swiss league to play for FC Basel next season, has shown not only to his peers and fans-alike that he is ready for the national cause. Plays his heart out every time he puts on the national colours. A commanding performance by the right back at the Under-20 African Championship in Rwanda.


Harrison Afful (Asante Kotoko, Ghana): The best left back in the country now. It’s no surprise that he has been included in the squad for the trip to Mali. The former Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord lad even though has fallen below the standards that saw him dispatch Hans Adu Sarpie, still has lots of playing time in him. A much-needed inclusion in the team.


John Mensah (Lyon, France): Sometime past, a hot commodity of the radar’s of English Premiership clubs especially Wigan Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur. A firm and loyal footballer, experienced, strong and increasingly confident on the pitch. The Black Star assistant skipper hasn’t enjoyed much playing time at Lyon not because they doubt his footballing techniques but due to his injury-plagued season. The ‘’Rock of Gibraltar’’ has a point to prove surely like Milo rightly said.


Jonathan Mensah (Free State Stars, South Africa): A superb performance from the young star when he played in the Under-20 team that won the gold medal at the Under-20 African Championship last year. A super-resistant player with unending tactical abilities which makes Milo’s back four a bit more balanced with his addition.


Jonathan Quartey (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa): I watched him play Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes during the Vodafone Tournament in the off-season last year which Manchester United was a part. He struck to his instructions and made a lasting impression on the minds of every Ghanaian soccer-loving fan who had the chance to watch the match. A quality inclusion to the team.


Eric Addo (Roda JC, Holland): The most experienced player in this current Black Star team. A vastly traveled player and his inclusion bring a bit of stability to the Bamako squad. The former PSV Eindhoven player even though isn’t a defender has played hit hearts out any time that he has been asked to fill the void that’s left behind. A far better player to keep the likes of Seydou Keita and Frederic Kanoute at bay.



Midfielders:

Daniel Yeboah (Heart of Lions, Ghana): He made the headlines of every newspaper and was the top of every news item on the airwaves after his commanding performance against Lesotho in the joint 2010 South Africa World Cup and Angola Qualifiers at the Essipong Stadium in Takoradi. The former Liberty Professional midfielder is a Milo’s sure bet for the squad. I admire most his charming resilience in the middle of the park.

Rahim Ayew (Eleven Wise, Ghana): What more needs to be said about this chap? A combination of electric pace and an eye for the killer pass. Rahim’s driving runs being a different element, his ball winning adds to his solidity and his passes, which rarely leave the ground, can be devastation. The Eleven Wise player made strong head waves during and after the maiden CHAN Tournament in Cote D’Ivoire because of his instincts to knowing where to run with the ball.


Isaac Vorsah (Hoffeinham, Germany): Isaac Vorsah has been the package of the season in as much as Hoffeinham has been the revelation of the Bundes Liga season. A truly committed player whose footballing skills could have a telling effect on the Black Star team.

Moussa Narry (Auxerre, France): After a short stint in the Egyptian League, Narry has become the backbone of the Auxerre team in the Ligue 1 Championship this year. A combination of class and talent. Wonderful addition to our soccer national team.

Stephen Appiah (Unattached): The sheer quality of this man’s passes and team commitment is what has kept him in the team even though he is club less at the moment. He is renowned for being a master on the field who shows no reticence in bossing his team around. He is the nucleus of the team irrespective of the impressions you might have of him now. Appiah indeed is the Black Star enforcer. He might lack match fitness but his training sessions with Brescia must do him a lot of good.

Michael Essien (Chelsea, England): The winner of Chelsea’s Goal of the Season would have a large part to play in the ‘’Battle of Bamako’’. Obviously, the strongest link in the much celebrate trio (Sulley and Appiah being the others) at the World Cup. Charismatic and unordinary gifted, Essien has drawn a lot of adoration from a fan base that is not restricted to men nor sports fans. He is one of those rare individuals whose play on the field no one begrudges.

Anthony Annan (Rosenborg, Norway): A debut against the Brazil national team in Stockholm, Sweden was the running point of the former Hearts of Oak and Hasaacas diminutive midfielder. A much-improved player and a sure of a starting berth in the Bamako contest.

Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan, Italy): The former Pompey player has turned out worthy of the 13 million pounds Jose Mourinho slashed out to get him on the Inter Milan team sheet last year. The quality of his free kicks and his unending ability to wrestle for any loose balls makes him a favourite to start in the match on July 7.

Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy): Started off the bench prior to the start of the Serie A season but has made modest strides in the Udinese team ever since. A quick feet and more of the Ghanaian-version of Joe Cole.

Bernard Kumordzi (Panionios FC, Greece): The former Meteors’ assistant skipper has proven a worthy call up concerning his team out put in the Greece Super League.

Prince Buabeng (Dundee United, Scotland): Glad to finally have Buabeng back to the team after he had short stint with the senior national team. A starter in the Dundee United set-up and a wonderful chap to watch. Milo heard of my cry for his inclusion I guess.

Yusif Chibsah (Gefle, Sweden): Once the midfield general of a growing Ghanaian generation of stars. After skippering the Black Meteors’ at the Athens Olympic Games in Greece, Chibsah fell off the pedal a bit but is back to his best after a couple of decent performances for Gefle SC in the Swedish League.


Derek Boateng (FC Koln, Germany): Sheer luck eluded Derek as he is injured and so cant feature in our two matches.

Opoku Agyemang (Al Sadd, Qatar) : Little knowledge about him but hear he is a wonderful chap.


Haminu Draman (FC Locomotive Moskva, Russia): A good addition as always. Remember the horror and torture he went through prior to the mundial in Germany? Now he is a much-improved player and a worthy inclusion to the team.

Strikers:


Asamoah Gyan (Rennes, France): If there is any Ghanaian sports personality who has been worst hit by injuries much more than Asamoah, I would love to know. His first season with Ligue 1 club Rennes hasn’t been the best. Hoping that he comes back with a bang to make all of us proud.

Mathew Amoah (NAC Breda, Holland): The NAC Breda striker was before the Junary transfer session Ghana’s most brilliant footballer. A good part of the cherry now I guess.

Samuel Yeboah (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel): A great addition. After proving to all that he was a quality player during his days with Hearts of Lions, Sam has held high the flag of Ghana on the Israeli league

Prince Tagoe (Al-Ittifaq, Saudi Arabia) : His goal scoring rate in the Saudi League leaves Milo with little option than to include the ‘’prince of goals’’ in his squad. Getting the fans to scream and shout his name hasnt come on a silver platter. Prince has worked hi way through and he deserves every bit of the call up.

Joe Tex Frimpong (BSC Young Boys, Switzerland): Quality addition. After winning two CAF Champions League with Enyimba of Nigeria, Joe Tex hasnt been the fearsome striker we know him to be. But trust that he would make the best out of this situation.

Papa Arko (El Geish, Egypt): After winning the goal-king this season with El Geish in the Egyptian League, former Liberty Professional’s player, Papa Arko had every right to be in this team. A wonderful inclusion, Milo.

Glo Premier League Table- Week 20

Club P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Hearts 20 13 5 2 29 16 13 44
King Faisal 20 9 7 4 18 14 4 34
Lions 20 9 5 6 21 12 9 32
All Stars 20 8 8 4 17 11 6 32
Arsenals 20 8 6 7 17 21 -4 29
Tema Youth 20 8 4 8 27 25 2 28
Chelsea 20 7 7 6 20 13 7 28
Kotoko 20 8 4 8 27 23 4 28
Eleven Wise 20 7 7 6 21 22 -2 28
Kessben FC 20 7 6 6 23 23 0 27
RTU 20 7 4 9 21 25 -4 25
Liberty 20 5 7 8 22 25 -3 22
AshantiGold 20 6 3 11 16 20 -4 21
Hasaacas 20 5 5 10 17 24 -7 20
All Blacks 20 5 5 10 14 11 -3 20
Sp. Mirren 20 4 6 10 16 22 -6 18

Glo Premier League- Week 20

Here with results of Week 20 Glo Premier League matches played on Sunday, May 24, 2009:













Accra: Hearts 2 Tema Youth 1
Kpando: Lions 1 RTU 1
Berekum: Arsenal 1 All Stars 0
Abrankese: Kessben 3 Chelsea 2
Obuasi: Ashgold 2 Hasaacas 0
Swedru: All Blacks 0 Sporting Mirren 1
Kumasi: Faisal 1 Liberty 0
Sekondi: Eleven Wise 1 vs. Kotoko 2


Herbert Addo masterminded Asante Kotoko's revival in the league as the Porcupine Warriors ended their four-match winless run at Sekondi Stadium against Eleven Wise on Sunday night.

Substitute striker Kwabena Yaro snatched the winner in a 2-1 win over the plucky home side.

AshantiGold pulled away from the drop for the first time this term after a 2-0 win over fellow relegation candidates Hasaacas at the Len Clay Stadium on Sunday.

Captain struck on the 10-minute mark and substitute Abdul Yusif sealed the win after 70 minutes for the Miners second straight win.

The Miners are now one point above the relegation mark.

Hearts of Oak stayed on top despite an unconvincing 2-1 victory against Tema Youth at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

Francis Bossman struck twice in match and Emmanuel Baffoe had drawn level for the Tema-based in the first half.

Kessben FC emerged 3-2 winners over Chelsea of Bechem in seesawing contest at the Anane Boateng Stadium in Abrankese.

Anim Lankwei opened the scoring for the Kessben but Nana Eshun drew level for the Bechem-side.

Kessben substitute Yofa Zigah grabbed a double, first from the spot 51st minute and third on the hour mark. Eshun got a 70th minute equalizer.

Hearts of Lion failed to pick up the maximum points at the Kpando Park by drawing one-all with Real Tamale United.

Isaac Acquaye put Lions ahead in the 31st minute but in-form striker Kabiru Imoro equalized for RTU after 55 minutes.

Berekum Arsenals retained their unbeaten home run after a solitary 1-0 win over All Stars at the Golden City Park.

Sporting Mirren stole a vital away win at the Swedru Park against Gamba All Blacks but stayed at the foot of the table.

Richard Boateng's free kick picked the points for Mirren.

King Faisal stayed second after a 1-0 win over Liberty Professionals at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Bashiru Osman was on target for Faisal on the 85th minute mark.

Juventus to Poach Mensah?

Free State Stars defender Jonathan Mensah has claimed that representatives have approached him from Juventus.

The Ghana defender enjoyed a memorable season in South Africa and played an influential role in helping Ea Lla Koto to finishing fourth in the Premiership.

Although still just 18, Mensah told Football365.co.za that he has ambitions of moving abroad.

The Ghana Under-20 international also revealed there has been interest from rival PSL clubs.

"I am already seeing the signs of it as there is interest from several clubs not only in South Africa but also from foreign countries in me," Mensah said.

"Teams are keen on signing and I hope I will not play in the South African league by the start of next season."

"I can say that I have had offers from agents claiming to represent the Italian side Juventus, two clubs in Greece - I don't know their names and all the big clubs in South Africa have also made enquiries about me and they all need my services."


My Ultimate Comment:

Surprised? Bewildered? Stunned? You should the least be. A great chap whom I see as a clear replacement for John ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ Mensah.

A move to Juventus would be just the start of a great footballing career.

Pantsil Hits European Heights with Fulham

Ghana defender John Pantsil has proven to be one of the most instrumental players who helped to send Fulham to Europe this season.

The English side finished seventh in the Premier League, which ended on Sunday despite a 2-0 loss to Everton on the final day.

The defender has played all but one of the 38 matches of the league season and missed the single game because of suspension.

Pantsil, who suffered lack of playing time at rivals West Ham, joined Fulham at the start of the season and has won the hearts of the fans because of his commitment to the club

He played constantly as the rightwing back for the club and made the club's defense one of the feared this season.

After surviving on the last day in season 2007/08, the Cottagers made great inroads this season.


My Ultimate Comment:

Was the any Ghanaian soccer player who played better than John Pantsil in Europe and around the world? Was there any sporting personality who performed better on the elite stage than Fulham’s right back? Was there a much more consistent sporting character over the season that Pantsil?

The point of these questions are that I am desperate to have my non-cynicism (at least that is what my pals say about my objectiveness to this issue) thrown back in my throat.

It’s a major landmark chalked if not a superb achievement for a player to hit the height of 37 Barclaycard Premier League matches.

Try out a quick check on the various websites of the EPL clubs and you would arrive at the firm facts that only a finger-full of players have enjoyed this feat. What it means is that, you have been over-consistent and one of the most celebrated player that particular season.

Kudos to the former Berekum Arsenal lad and hoping he brings his experience to bear when we play the Malians in Bamako on June 7.

Derek Boateng’s Hopes Dashed By Injury

Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng hopes of returning to the national team has been dealt a severe blow because of injury.

The Germany-based player was last week handed his first Black Stars call-up since 2006 to play in next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

But according to his club FC Cologne, Boateng suffered a shoulder injury in their game against Bochum on Saturday.

The German club said in a statement that Boateng had undergone a successful operation the same day on the shoulder.

He is expected to be fit again in June, which means he will miss the matches against Mali and Sudan all scheduled for next month.

A replacement for the midfielder is unlikely to be named, as there are many players in his position from the 32-man team named by Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac.


My Ultimate Comment:

I must admit that I am the saddest Ghanaian at present following this news. After being of the militant activists who long chanted for his name to be included in the ‘Bamako Battle’, sorrow and grief could clearly be told from the look on my face.

He sure would have added a bit of dynamism in the Black Star set-up by way of replacing club-less captain, Stephen Appiah.

He sure could have formed a better partnership with midfield maestro, Michael Essien like they one they formed, which gave defenders a hell of a time at the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina in 2001.

He sure could have added a bit of chic and defensive aptitude like the one he is doing with Bundes Liga side FC Koln.

The whole of the country wish him well as much as I do. Lets not rest on our shores but work harder in the absence of Derek.

Glo Premier League - Week 20 Fixtures

Eleven Wise - Asante Kotoko
King Faisal - Liberty Professionals
Lions - Real Tamale United
Arsenals - Wa All Stars
Kessben - Chelsea
All Blacks - Sporting Mirren
AshantoGold - Hasaacas
Hearts - Tema Youth

Champions Asante Kotoko's clash with Eleven Wise at the Essipong stadium could prove the catalyst for a turn-over.

Kotoko will avoiding a third straight defeat and also attempt to pick their first maximum points in the second half of the season.

Would-be head coach of Kotoko Herbert Addo has held talks with the club's new management team but it's unlikely if the former Hearts of Oak boss will be on the bench on Sunday.

Wise have gone two consecutive matches without a win and want to get a double over Kotoko which they beat 1-2 in the corresponding fixture.

They have garnered 28 points, three more than Kotoko which lie 9th on the league table.

Elsewhere, Hearts of Oak with a nine point advantage at the top of the table must consolidate that against Tema Youth at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

Hearts have endured a three-match win less run in the league and it is expected that anything apart from a win will be tolerated.

Liberty Professionals are aware another defeat on the road could slip them to close to the trapdoor.

The Dansoman-based side have been far from best this term and last week's home loss to struggling AshGold underlined their tottering form.

They play as guests of King Faisal who have enjoyed a somewhat good run in the campaign so far at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Liberty Coach George Lamptey has admitted time is running out for his side to get results.

''Time is not our side at all. We need to get start winning matches both home and away otherwise it will not be good for us.''

Third-placed Heart of Lions face Real Tamale United at the Kpando Park after their silky win against Kotoko last weekend.

The Berekum Arsenals-Wa All Stars clash at the Golden City part has been dubbed 'explosive'.

All Stars meteoric rise in the league has been amazing and they will attempt to halt the home invincibility of the Gunners.

All Stars occupy the second position on the league table, nine points adrift of leaders Hearts of Oak.

But Arsenals are yet to lose at home since 2007.

The Anane Boateng stadium at Abrankese will host an enthralling encounter between Kessben FC and fast improved Bechem Chelsea.

Chelsea produced an incredible come-from-behind display to draw 2-2 with All Blacks and Kessben lost 1-0 loss at Wa.

All Blacks and Sporting Mirren meet in the battle for survival at the Swedru Stadium.

AshantiGold's bizarre season seems to take a different dimension after two successive wins in the second half of the campaign.

The miners play at home against Hasaacas who have also enjoyed a torrid campaign so far.

A win for AshGold would aid their fight against relegation.

Keshi Leaves Diarra out of Mali Squad

Mali coach Stephen Keshi has left out Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra of his 25-man squad released for next month's 2010 joint qualifiers against Ghana and Benin.

The list also excludes experienced duo Soumaïla Coulibaly (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Cédric Kanté of OG Nice due to injuries.

The Eagles host the Black Stars on 7 June in Bamako before playing Benin in a fortnight.

Keshi has invited defender Cheick Oumar Bello of local side ASKO and Olympique Marseille striker Mahamadou Samassi.

Making a return to the team is Juventus midfielder Mohamed Lamine Sissoko, who just returned to action from a long lay off.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mahamadou Sidibé (Etnikos, Greece), Oumar Sissoko (Metz,France), Soumbeyla Diakité (Stade Malien)

Defenders: Adama Coulibaly, Amadou Sidibé (Auxerre, France), Adama Tamboura (Helsingborg, Suède), Souleymane Diamouténé (AS Rome, Italy), Cheick Oumar Ballo (ASKO, Mali), Boubacar Sidiki Koné (Fes, Morocco), Drissa Diakité (Nice, France), Bakary Soumaré (Chicago Fire, USA).

Midfielders: Souleymane Dembélé (Djoliba AC), Lassana Fané (El Merrikh,Sudan), Mohamed Lamine Sissoko (Juventus, Italy), Djimi Boubou Kébé (Reading, England), Seydou Keïta (FC Barcelona, Spain), El Hadj MahamaneTraoré (Nice, France), Sambou Yattabaré (Caen, France).

Attackers: Frédéric Kanouté (Séville, Spain), Mamadou Diallo (Le Havre,France), Moustaph Yattabaré (Clermont Foot, France), Cheick Tidiane Diabaté (Ajaccio, France), Mahamadou Samassa (Marseille, France), Modibo Maïga (Le Mans, France), Bakaye Traoré (Amiens, France).


My Ultimate Comment:

Pure and genuine smile on my face! You might be quick to say football isnt played with respect to players again.

But one player can change the course of the game. Remember what Andres Iniesta did to the Blue faithfuls at the Bridge?

Better be adviced. Thank goodness that he is out. Anthony Annan and Michael Essien would have the go ahead to inflict the best of pains.

Arko Crowned Goal King in Egypt

Ghanaian Ernest Papa Arko emerged top scorer for 2008/2009 Egyptian Premier League season which ended on Thursday with 12 goals.

The El-Gaish striker failed to score in their last match on Wednesday as they slipped 3-1 at the Cairo International Stadium against Al Ahly.

The 28-year-old beat competition from Ahli's Flavio Amado and Ahmed Gaafar of Telecom Egypt who finished joint second with 11 goals.

El-Gaish battled with relegation for the first half of the season but overhauled themselves to finish seventh on the league table.

Meanwhile, Eric Bekoe's Petrojet secured a last day 3-2 win over ENPPI to finish third and 12 points behind joint leaders Ahli and Ismaili.

Petroject will play in next year's Caf Confederation Cup.

My Ultimate Comment:

He was a wonderful chap to watch during his hay days with Liberty Professionals and is sure going to be a wonderful squad member.

On thoughts whether he holds the key to our goal scoring problems is another topic for discussion on another day.

Why was Obed not invited? We are left with 11 Glo Premier League matches to play and he heads the chart with 12 goals yet he has not been invited. Papa Arko has played the whole of the season with El-Gaish and scored a respectable 12 goals.

You see the difference? One might ask whats the essense of attending matches when the players on dispaly would not be invited into the local team.

I rest my case!

Essien Wins CFC Goal of The Season

Michael Essien's thunderous left-foot volley at home to Barcelona this term was voted Chelsea Goal of the Season by the supporters on Thursday night.

It's the second time in the three years that the Ghanaian has won the accolade.

In 2007 another rocket at the Bridge, this time at home to Arsenal, gained the most votes for Essien.

Last season Juliano Belletti's strike v Tottenham was the winner.

The trophy was presented to Essien by the club's former striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

"It is always good to win something," Essien told Chelseafc.com.

"We put effort in to win trophies and win personal trophies, so it is great.

"I meant to do it because when I saw the ball coming that was the only option that came to my mind, I tried to take it and I had a bit of luck.

"It is difficult to score those kinds of goals and you need a bit of luck."


My Ultimate Comment:

That was a fabulous strike. It sure would have won Goal of the Season at my darling club (name withheld) Lol:d.

Keep it Up the Bison!

Tagoe's Hoffenheim Move Not Done Deal

Black Stars striker Prince Tagoe has denied media reports claiming he has sealed a two-year-deal with German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.

Tagoe told Ghanasoccernet.com that the Hoffenheim deal is not cut-and-dried.

Early this week, the player was quoted by Sky Sports as saying:"I am delighted to join a young club, this club is giving an opportunity to youngsters to express themselves and I am happy to be part of it,"

But the 22-year-old said: "It's not true that I have signed for Hoffenheim. They are talking to me but nothing concrete has been reached.

"I'm still a player of Ettifaq and want to see through my contract. For now I can tell you I haven't signed for them.

"I can't still be under contract with Ettifaq and be signed to another team. It is illegal.

"Hoffenheim are still talking to me but nothing has come out. I have other offers too and so my options are wide open. Let's just wait and see."

The Al Ettifaq player has been linked with some European clubs and could leave the Saudi side for Europe this summer.

My Ultimate Comment:

My only prayers this week for Prince has been to get a better deal with Hoffenheim.

Prove to them you are a better player!

Abedi Debanks Mali's Squad

Ghana football legend Abedi Ayew Pele believes Mali lack the team strength to wreck the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign of the Black Stars but admitted that the Eagles have a rich stock of players.

The three-time African footballer has predicted a hard-fought victory for Milovan Rajevac and his charges in next month's combined qualifier in Bamako.

He believes Mali with performers like Frederic Kanoute(Sevilla), Mahamadou Diarra(Real Madrid), Momo Sissoko(Juventus) and Seidu Kaita (Barcelona) have failed to gel as a team.

Abedi Pele is confident that the Black Stars have a balanced team as compared to Mali to shock them in their backyard.

"Let me tell you, they have excellent players but do not have a team and we have a team that can shock them. I believe so much in this current Black Stars," Ayew disclosed on a TV show, Football N All.

"You can mention their players and where they play but trust this Black Stars to do it. I don't mean that victory will come easy. No not at all.

"In this qualifiers I expect you to struggle and face tough challenges but you have to be strong to get the necessary results."

The Black Stars are Group D leaders and will play Mali on 06 June before another trip to Khartoum to play Sudan after two weeks.


My Ultimate Comment:

Played at the African Nations Cup, UEFA Champions League and World Cup Qualifiers. Been voted three-time African Player of the Year and arguably Ghana's best player till date. A better advice doesnt come any more than this.

Thanks Abedi Pele. I hope Milovan has a listening ear to this piece of news.

Agogo Teams with Lleyton Orient

Ghana striker Manuel Junior Agogo is keeping shape with English League One outfit Lleyton Orient as he seeks to return to full time action.

The unattached striker who walked out on Egyptian giants, Zamalek last March citing inhuman treatment has been training with the East London-club to maintain his form with a view of joining a club next season.

Kwesi Appiah, Deputy Black Stars' trainer told GNA Sports in Accra about his meeting with Agogo in London during his monitoring tour of Great Britain recently.

"We met up and Agogo told me he is training with Lleyton Orient to keep his form. He also trains daily under the guidance of his personal trainer."

For the second successive time, Agogo who rose to local fame with his goal scoring exploits during the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations has now been left out of the Stars squad, but Coach Milovan Rajevac insists he remains in his plans.

"Agogo remains in my plans. For now he must sort himself out, and I will consider him for future games."

The striker, who turns 30 on August 1, surprisingly joined five-times Africa champions, Zamalek after guiding Nottingham Forest to promotion to the Championship (second tier of English football).

Agogo has scored 11 times in 25 appearances for the Stars since making his debut in 2006.


My Ultimate Comment:

25 caps 11 goals for the senior national team, the Black Stars? That is really impressive record. Even Cristiano Ronaldo would envy this record.

I think he is very strong ,but needs a little bit more of speed. That would be like Tony Yeboah in the making. We definately need a strong striker especially when we play only one striker .

Plealse keep up with the training. Ghana definately needs you.

Keshi Dismisses Black Stars' Bluff

Mali coach Stephen Keshi has cast doubt over Ghana's survival chances in Bamako when the two sides clash in a crucial 2010 World Cup next month.

The Black Stars top Group D on three points, two than the Eagles ahead of the game on 7 June.

But Keshi insists Ghana's lead will be halted in the encounter seen to be a defining moment for both teams.

"I respect Ghana, it is a great team. But I do not see how Ghanaians could get a draw here or let alone win the game," Keshi told GNA.

"I just do not see how Mali could lose against Ghana here because I trust my players and they are ready to wet the shirt and die for the county."

"We have the quality, the means to win this match and I trust we will do just that. We will prove our capabilities."

The Nigerian is credited for qualifying Togo to the last World Cup in Germany in 2006 and yearns to be the first African coach to qualify two different countries to the Mundial.

The Eagles drew 1-1 with Sudan in Omdurman in the opener.

The top placed team qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa while the second-placed side join the group winners for Angola 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.


My Ultimate Comment:

You heard Milovan? Watch Your guards.

Sedick Adam banned by FIFA

Football's world governing body Fifa has banned Ghanaian striker Saddick Adam for four months for abandoning his contract with Etoile du Sahel to sign for Spanish club Atletico Madrid.

The youngster was also handed a fine of US$120,000 for his abrupt decision of leaving the Tunisian side, according to reports in the Tunisian media.

If the ban takes effect from this month, he should be available for the Black Satellites during the World Youth Championship in September if he is selected.

However, after four months he will be able to join any team he would like and it is widely expected that Atletico will keep him thereafter.

FIFA's board has ruled in favour of Etoile Sportive du Sahel after the striker's defection following the 2007 Under-17 World Cup in South Korea.

The Ghana youth player had originally signed a contract with the Tunisian side prior to the tournament but his stock rose so high off his strong performances that he decided to breach it in favour of joining Atletico Madrid in Spain.

The decision comes more than a year after Etoile deposited their official complaint over the matter.

Adams' fine is double the amount of money spent by the Sousse-based side at the time of his signing.

It is unclear whether Atletico Madrid will cover the fine or if the player will be expected to procure the money himself.

The ruling from Fifa raises serious questions about the agents who advised the then minor to break his contract with Etoile to sign for the Spanish side.

Adams is said to have received advice from a Nigerian agent and his Ghanaian accomplice over the botched deal.

In a related development, The agent, who coaxed Saddick Adams into illegally abrogating his contract with Etoile du Sahel which resulted in a ban and fine by Fifa, has bizarrely claimed that decision favors the Ghanaian striker!

Football's world governing body banned Adams for four months for abandoning his contract with the Tunisian side to sign for Spanish club Atletico Madrid.

According to the Tunisian media, the youngster was also handed a fine of US$120,000 by Fifa for his abrupt decision of leaving Etoile.

Adams' two-year fight with Etoile at Fifa means he has not been able to play any competitive club matches during the period while the career of his peers has taken off.

But in a strange spin to the tragedy that has affected the career of the young striker, Jones Abu Alhassan, the Ghana FA member who acted on behalf of the player during the illegal deal, says it is a positive decision even though they are yet to receive a copy of FIFA's ruling.

"The player has sat out for a really long time so the four months I imagine will have taken care of itself," Alhassan told KickOffGhana.

"The bottom line is that Saddick will be the one who benefits.

"He will be free to play for one of the best clubs in the world, AshantiGold will earn more money and the player himself will have a contract far better than what Etoile had offered."

FIFA's board ruled in favor of Etoile after the striker's defection following the 2007 Under-17 World Cupin South Korea.

The Ghana youth player had originally signed a contract with the Tunisian side prior to the tournament but his stock rose so high off his strong performances that he decided to breach it in favour of joining Atletico Madrid in Spain.

The decision comes more than a year after Etoile deposited their official complaint over the matter.

Adams' fine is double the amount of money spent by the Sousse-based side at the time of his signing.

It is unclear whether Atletico Madrid will cover the fine or if the player will be expected to procure the money himself.

The ruling from FIFA raises serious questions about the agents who advised the then minor to break his contract with Etoile to sign for the Spanish side.

Adams received advice from a Nigerian agent and his Ghanaian accomplice Alhassan in the botched deal.

My Ultimate Comment:

This surely should be an advice too the young and up coming sporting personalities. You just don't take things for granted. Agents must have a certified document from FIFA before you end up dealing with them

Better be advised next time, Sedick.

Tagoe Hits Another Landmark

Ghana striker Prince Tagoe has been named among the top eleven players in the Asian Champions League so far this season.

The forward, who plays for Saudi side Al Ettifaq, is the tournament's leading scorer with after scoring seven goals in three group matches.

His performance for the club has gone unnoticed and was named in Goal's best eleven players for the competition.

He will play in the first leg of the quarter final on Tuesday before bowing out of the competition for a move to Europe.

Below are the names of players selected:

Goalkeeper

Shahril Jantan (Singapore Armed Forces,Singapore): The S-League team may have finished bottom of their group but they improved game-by-game. Shahril was consistently impressive in Group Gand made save after save. Although it ended with a last-minute sending off, it was a very good first stage overall for the Singaporean shot-stopper.

Defenders

Osama Hawsawi (Al Hilal, KSA): Osama is the rock on which Al Hilal’s defenceis built. Consistently impressive, the sometime Saudi Arabian internationa lbarely put a foot wrong.

Hamad Al Montashari (Al Ittihad, KSA): The 2006 Asian Player of the Year is a cultured defender and a good number of Al Ittihad attacks stem from this source. Great positioning and anticipation make him one of Asia’s best.

Li Weifeng (Suwon, South Korea): The Chinese star picked up his obligatory red card (though in mystifying circumstances), scored two goals and threw himself in front of a number of shots. Not the most refined performances but the passion of the player is impressive.

Midfielders

Mirel Radoi (Al Hilal, KSA): The Romanian is a cool customer. Rarely gives the ball away, a great eye for a pass and not a bad one for goal either. He keeps the Saudi team ticking.

Yoshizumi Ogawa (Nagoya Grampus, Japan): The 24-year-old was named in the 2008 J-League team of the year and has carried last year’s domestic form onto the continental stage. A tidy player who also helps out in the goalscoring department.

Mitsuo Ogasawara (Kashima Antlers, Japan): It is perhaps no surprise that the one defeat suffered by the Japanese champions came when their skipper was on the bench and still returning to fitness. After that hiccup,Ogasawara helped to make sure that Kashima breezed into the second round with as eries of composed performances.

Darko Markovic (Pahktakor, Uzbekistan): The Montenegrin midfielder was a lynchpin of the Pahktakor midfield, busy in both defence and attack. An unsung and effective player in an unsung an effective team.

Forwards

Prince Tagoe (Ettifaq, KSA): It is no wonder that the Ghanaian hitman has been linked with a Premier League move to Fulham. A blastof seven goals in three games sent the Damman club hurtling into the next stage.

Nassir Al Shamrani (Al Shabab, KSA): The Saudi striker has scored in four of the team’s five games and his consistency in front of goal is a big reason why the Riyadh club made it to the last 16.

Leandro (Gamba Osaka, Japan): Eight goals is an impressive achievement and the Brazilian’s goalscoring instincts meant that Gamba’s group turned out to be much smoother than some had feared.

My Ultimate Comment:

Prince has yet again proven that given the right sort of technical direction, he well could evolve as one of the best strikers the world has ever known.

Lets rally behind the flag of Prince and make him a much better player.

Watch our Mali!

Opeele To Be Ousted?

The interim management team of Asante Kotoko has told current coach Isaac Opeele Boateng they cannot guarantee his stay at the club if a new coach is appointed.

Kotoko have intensified a search for a new coach and some experienced coaches have been contacted by the new management.

Opeele in a letter to the ex-management team stated his desire to revert to his original position as assistant coach.

"If we find out that he's not capable or maybe his not confident and needs help from us we will help him," club legend Reverend Osei Kofi told Ghanasoccernet.com
"He is asking not to be the head coach. If you bring in a new head coach and he decides to bring in his own assistant, what will be the outcome?

"We have just contacted some coaches and we are yet to get a response. We don't know whether we can just ask them to come without an assistant until the end of the season."


My Ultimate Comment:

You sure must have been fed-up with this whole Kotoko conundrum and riddle.

I am even more fed-up with Coach Isaac Opeele who claims to be the ''Mourinho'' of Ghanaian football. This was a coach who sometime past wanted to vacate his post as head coach of Tema-based club Tema Youth because his Mom was conversant with the bashing and insults involved in the worth ethics of a manager.

For a coach who studied and acquired his license in the UK, he sure must have had a fair idea on the sort of invective squalls that are hailed towards coaches when the waves go way ward. Arsene Wenger is the most successful manager in the history of Arsenal FC yet he came under the media spotlight a few weeks ago after 5 trophy less season's. You want to either face this occupational hazard or use your degree you obtained from UCC in a chosen field.

This same coach wanted to divert into the area of politics forgetting that even came with a higher price. Here we are today and all we hear on our various TV and radio stations, newspapers and the internet about his decision to revert to his original position as assistant coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

As a passionate Liverpool supporter, I expect Isaac Boateng to learn from Rafa Benitez (with whom he always brags about tactics and soccer knowledge). He never had the backing of Parry yet he stood on his toes and delivered when it mattered. The sooner Opeele becomes organized the better it would be for his career else labeled as a... One word on your lips I guess: ignominy!

In as much as we want Coach Opeele to be au fait with the hazards of coaching, a bigger amount of Kotoko's free fall from glory should be channeled into the managerial set up.

What’s the gauge set for a coach everywhere in this world? The major request is to win trophies. Abdul Razak. E.K Afranie and Bashiru Hayford after winning trophies for Kotoko were shown the exit door. That’s the Ghanaian version of gratitude. A bit of the blame has to go on the shoulders of the playing body. Like Opeele insinuated, its probable that the players aren’t playing for him because they have been asked not to give off their best on the field of play. Like an inoperable disease, Kotoko's inability to hold down their own against visiting teams in crucial encounters at their favorite Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi came staring at them as they watched a more resolute Swedru All Blacks and Kpando Hearts of Lions grab all the three points in the ongoing Glo Premier League to the displeasure of their swarming fans a few weeks ago.

Unlike Accra Hearts of Oak abandon the club in the midst of seeming difficulties, Kotoko continue to enjoy the unflinching support of their cohorts even in the face of telling challenges and heart breaking results. However, is this religious support to blame for the seeming apathy on the part of the management and playing staff towards must-win encounters?

The seeming lack of job security for the technical team has in no small contributed to the discrepancy in the performance of the team. Why would Opeele want to leave the much more lucrative job as head coach of Kotoko to a dumpy one like the assistant coach? You guess!

Lets see Kotoko rise up and up the standards of the Glo Premier League!

Addo For Kotoko Seat?

Former Hearts of Oak coach Herbert Addo has emerged as the frontrunner to take over struggling Asante Kotoko for the remainder of the season.Addo who has previously coached AshantiGold is reported to have agreed in principle to help turn the declining fortunes of the defending league champions.

The position became vacant after Isaac Opeele Boateng abdicated the role.

If Addo's appointment is confirmed, it could throw the future of the former Tema Youth coach into uncertainty.

Addo joined Kotoko's rivals Hearts of Oak in 2002 and led them to a sixth straight league title in his first campaign.

But the club failed to go beyond the Group stages of the Champions League the following year and subsequently relinquished the domestic title to arch-rivals Asante Kotoko.

The 51-year-old is reported to have resigned his position with second-tier side Pure Joy Football Club.

"Am also hearing he will be joining Kotoko and somebody told me he will leave us soon," Pure Joy Chief Executive Isaac Tetteh told Ghanasocernet.com

"I will not be disappointed if he leaves us to help Kotoko, we had an understanding and it will be ok with us.

"Kotoko is a much bigger club than mine and if he wants to coach them, that shouldn't be a problem."

Kotoko have struggled for form this season and currently lie at a parlous 9th position on the league table.

Herbert Addo could be on the bench when Kotoko travel to Essipong to play Eleven Wise on Sunday.


My Ultimate Comment:


Already the hurricane of change, characterized in John Evans Atta Mill's and Barrack Obama's electioneering campaign last year, sweeps through the top hierarchy of the technical team of Kotoko with a better name: ''over-hauling''.


Names are going to make head waves on the various radio stations in Kumasi and trust that most of the followers could converge at Bantama to vet out their opinion about these names. In a country where superstition enjoys the pride on football, several reasons can be given to the Kotoko's inability to hold down their own fort with regards to technical direction in the most alluring manner.

The choice of a coach to wither the storm with or devoid of Opeele must be master class. He should have a big heart to contend with the surly crowd in the midst of seeming difficulties and a cool head n order not to sink down the slippery slopes of self-centeredness and narcissism in the face of countless adulation. He should be able to bait in his rope players who are ready to go the superfluous mile in their quest to see Kotoko win laurels.

Herbert Addo is a fine gentleman who would be surely have an impact on any team he decided to coach in this country taking into consideration his expertise and experience. But I doubt if he has the bite to Kotoko's cherry. Wish him all the best if this news is anything to go by!

All Stars Stunned by Media Snub

Officials of Ghanaian Premier League side Wa All Stars are surprised by the media "black-out"received despite their meteoric rise in the league, lying nine points behind leaders Hearts of Oak in second place.

The Wa-based side are playing in their second season in the top flight and have laid down their credentials of maintaining their premiership status.

All Stars, owned by Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi, have received negative publicity for their surge but always in the news for the wrong reasons.

"I'm surprised at the way we have been neglected by the media. Some are even saying we are helped by referees because we choose the best for our away and home matches," Chief Executive Oduro Nyarko told Ghanasoccernet.com

"We have won four games in a row and still we're not in the spotlight. This is shocking and the media are bias.

"Clubs like King Faisal, Tema Youth, Heart of Lions and lately Chelsea have been covered well but we are yet to enjoy the same positive media coverage," he added.

Wa All Stars have amassed 10 points from a possible 12 in the second half of the league which include a win and an away draw.

"I think our away record is reflective of our strength in the league and we believe complaints by clubs are blown out of proportion," he continued.

"Maybe you can say sour grapes but Ghana is not the only country that the FA President owns.

"Even in Cameroon, Coton Sport is owned by the FA President so what is the big deal. The media will have to be fair to us.

"Anyway, the low publicity has been helpful because the players are not under-pressure but i feel the spotlight will help boost the morale of the young players we have."

All Stars face a difficult task at Berekum Arsenals on Sunday.


My Ultimate Comment:

Obviously, Mr. Oduro Nyarko hasn’t been in this country for long to notice that all news make waves when they evolve around Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

Mr. Nyarko has made a great point in this regard and I think its fair enough for journalists like us to give them their fair share of the media spotlight.

I hope my other colleagues would heed to this call because its a Glo Premier League and not one meant for Heart and Kotoko.

Mensah Suits SA Scouts

Ghana youth international Jonathan Mensah has confirmed that he has been approached by South Africa duo Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs after a successful debut season for Free State Stars.

The 20-year-old arrived in Accra on Monday after playing a pivotal role in Free State Stars tremendous performance of battling relegation to finish fourth.

He enjoyed regular playing time at the club and scored two goals as a central defender.

The former AshantiGold player has also attracted interests from some high profile European clubs and was reported to have gone on trial at Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev.

"I think I played one of my best seasons for the club and am grateful to God I did well," Mensah told Ghanasoccernet.com

"I really enjoyed my stay in South Africa and I miss the fans. Because of my performance a lot of other South African side like Sundowns and Kaiser Chiefs are interested in me.

"But I have told them I will decide my future that in the next days."

Mensah has joined the local components of the Black Satellites preparing for a four nation tournament in Venezuela next month.


My Ultimate Comment:


A wonderful chap. Least suprised he is grabbing all the attention in South Africa. If his performance at the Under-20 tournment in Rwanda is anything to go by, then he surely is ready to feature in Europe.

Go Joe!

Chibsah Proves His' Worth The Call-Up

Ghana midfielder Yussif Chibsah has given an indication of what he is capable of doing for the country by hitting top form in Sweden on the night he was handed a return to the Black Stars after a three-year absence.

Chibsah, who plays for top flight Swedish side Gefle, scored all the goals as his club defeated Hamstad 2-0 in the league on Wednesday night, the same night he was called to the national team for the first time in three years.

The former Kotoko player opened the scoring for Gefle on 38 minutes before sealing the victory with a strike just after the hour mark.

The win took Gefle to sixth on the table and the Ghanaian player was named Man of the Match, his third of the season.

Chibsah was among the 32 players called by Ghana coach Milovan Rajeavc ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Sudan next month.

His performance in the Swedish top-flight is what has resulted in his return to the national team since he last played for the country during a friendly in 2006 ahead of the World Cup.

Last season he was among the top-performers in the Swedish league and was monitored by Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac.


My Ultimate Comment:

You had a clue Chibsah would be recalled into the national team?

Your guess for the goose is as good as mine for the gander. The former national Under-23 skipper has proven critics erroneous about his style of play. He was the chastised one in the Ghanaian team after we failed to qualify from the group stages at the Athens Olympic Games in Greece when the whole team was misfiring.

I am certain he is on a ''redeem'' mission just like Team USA were at the Beijing Olympic Games.

I wish Chibsah all the best in is pursuit to help the national cause.

Laryea and Agogo dropped from 32-man squad

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has recalled eight players for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Sudan with Germany-based Dereck Boateng's call as the most-anticipated return for the Black Stars.


Also making a return to the national team are goalkeeping duo of William Amamoo and George Owu as well as Bernard Kumordzi, Prince Buaben and Sweden-based Yusif Chibsah in the large 32-man squad.

In-form Russia-based midfielder Haminu Dramani earns a recall after his absence in the previous World Cup qualifier against Benin.

Egyptian league's leading scorer Papa Arko gets his first call-up to the national team while Qatar-based forward Opoku Agyemang also earns his maiden.

Rajevac retained all the key players of the Black Stars including captain Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, John Pantsil, Richard Kingston, John Mensah and Kwadwo Asamoah.

Striker Junior Agogo has once again been left out of the squad as well as Laryea Kingston who is expected to recover before the clash with Sudan on 20 June in Omdurman.

The Serbian coach called the large squad to enable him see some of the new players and absentees at first hand before a final squad is named for the two WOrld Cup qualifiers next month.

The friendly against Uganda will be used to judge whether some of the new and old faces can make the trip Mali.


Goalkeepers: Richard Kingston (Wigan Athletic, England), William Amamoo (Etasaalat, Egypt) and George Owu (Al Masry, Egypt)

Defenders : John Paintsil (Fulham, England), Samuel Inkoom (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Harrison Afful (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), John Mensah (Lyon, France) Jonathan Mensah (Free State Stars, South Africa), Jonathan Quartey (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Eric Addo (Roda JC, Holland)

Midfielders : Daniel Yeboah (Heart of Lions, Ghana), Rahim Ayew (Eleven Wise, Ghana), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffeinham, Germany),Moussa Narry (Auxerre, France), Stephen Appiah (Unattached), Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg, Norway), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan, Italy) Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy), Bernard Kumordzi (Panionios FC, Greece) Rahim Ayew (Eleven Wise, Ghana) Prince Buabeng (Dundee United, Scotland) Yusif Chibsah (Gefle, Sweden) Dereck Boateng (FC Koln, Germany) Opoku Agyemang (Al Sadd, Qatar) Haminu Draman (FC Locomotiv Moskva, Russia)

Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Rennes, France), Mathew Amoah (NAC Breda, Holland), Samuel Yeboah (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Prince Tagoe (Al-Ittifaq, Saudi Arabia) Joe Tex Frimpong (BSC Young Boys, Switzerland), Papa Arko (El Geish, Egypt)


My Ultimate Comment:

I can afford a smile, sit back in the sofa in my living room and be content with the players coach Milovan Rajevac has called up to face our difficult encounters with Mali in Bamako and Sudan in Khartoum in the South Africa 2010 World Cup and Angola 2010 Qualifiers.

Some of the calls were long anticipated and its only proper that we welcome them in our national football pride again. Derek Boateng has proved not just on a single occasion how effective his partnership with Michael Essien in the middle of the field but on several occasions. You might be quick to remind me that he isn’t on form like he did when he played in the 2001 Under-21 World Cup in Argentina but watch his last couple of matches in Israel and for FC Koln in the German Bundes Liga. Quick feet, a great eye for the killer passes and a startling idea about the game.


My bets for this squad would be Rahim Ayew who plays for Sekondi based Eleven Wise and Kwadwo Asamoah who is fast turning to be the most sought after player in the Italian Serie A. They have shown immense talent on the ball and I am only hoping that Milo gives them much playing to prove to the nation that they are valuable assets.

I have my own doubts over certain players but its only proper that I give my support to the national cause towards the ''South African 2010 Dream''.

Guess you are happy with this squad, Yaw Obeng!

Mensah To Fight For Stars Place

Black Stars Deputy captain, John Mensah will have to battle for a place in the team when invited for subsequent matches.

The 28-year old has been plagued by consistent hamstrings since featuring for the Stars in a 2010 World Cup/African Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho last October, and Stars coach Milovan Rajevac maintains he will have to fight his way through.

Coach Milovan told GNA Sports that Mensah's place in the team is not automatic but dependent on his output at training. "He has not played for sometime as he's been in and out. I will therefore have to observe his current form before making a final decision.

"I have not seen him for sometime and need to observe him critically."

In the Olympique Lyon defender's absence, South Africa-based Jonathan Mensah have served a seemingly perfect replacement through his partnership with Eric Addo.

Milovan was however specific that Mensah still remains a key figure in his plans for the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with his vast knowledge and experience.

Mensah has not played at his favorite central defense role at the Stade Gerland-outfit, but Milovan remains coy on a similar fate in the Black Stars.

"I have no intentions of trying him for other positions in the Black Stars. His place in the Black Stars will remain in central defense."

The well-built defender nicknamed "Rock of Gibralter" is expected to be part of the squad for the Mali and Sudan clashes next month.



My Ultimate Comment:

He sure must up his game after a poor first season with Lyon, which sees them not winning the French Ligue 1 title for the first time in 8 years.

His vigor level obviously is a big concern to all soccer loving fans as such we urge the medical team of the Black Stars to treat him well to give Seville’s Frederic Kanoute a hell of a time.

I guess John needs a cup of Jago!

Glo Premier League

Here with the standings of the Glo Premier League after final Week 19 matches played over the weekend.

Club P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Hearts 19 12 5 2 27 15 12 41
All Stars 19 8 8 3 17 10 7 32
Lions 19 9 4 6 20 11 9 31
King Faisal 19 8 7 4 17 14 3 31
Tema Youth 19 8 4 7 26 23 3 28
Chelsea 19 7 7 5 18 16 2 28
Eleven Wise 19 7 7 5 20 20 0 28
Arsenals 19 7 6 7 16 21 -5 26
Kotoko 19 7 4 8 25 22 3 25
Kessben FC 19 6 6 6 20 21 -1 24
RTU 19 7 3 9 20 24 -4 24
Liberty 19 5 7 7 21 25 -4 22
Hasaacas 19 5 5 9 17 22 -5 20
All Blacks 19 5 5 9 14 9 -5 20
Ashanti Gold 19 5 3 11 14 20 -6 18
Sp. Mirren 19 3 6 10 14 22 -8 15

Nana Kwesi Asare Snubbed?

According to Sporza, Eredivisie outfits Utrecht have completed the transfer of highly rated left back Nana Asare. The Ghanaian youngster currently plays for Belgian side Mechelen.

The Domstedelingen will part company with current left back Etienne Shew Atjon at the end of this season and were therefore in the market for a replacement. Asare will join Utrecht this summer. The 22-year-old started his professional career at Feyenoord, but never made it to the first team in Rotterdam. He was farmed out on loan to Antwerp and eventually joined his current team Mechelen in 2005.

He quickly developed into an important first team player at Mechelen and his impressive performances didn’t go unnoticed. Belgian giants Anderlecht were also closely monitoring his situation, but Asare preferred Utrecht to the Brussels side. Utrecht reportedly pay €1.3 million for the defender, who has signed a four-year deal at his new club. Nana Kwasi Asare’s joy at clinching a move to Dutch side Utrecht FC has been dampened by coach Milovan Rajevac’s decision to leave him out of the squad that will play Mali in a world cup qualifier.

The left back had a fine season in Belgium, earning a nomination for best African player there in the process before forcing his way into Rajevac’s squads for friendlies against Egypt in Cairo and Benin in a 2010 World Cup qualifier. But the Serbian says he has no plans for Asare in Ghana’s World Cup qualifier against Mali which could invariably also mean he will miss the other game against Sudan two weeks after the Mali game.

“He is a good player but Asare is an attacking left back and for this match, you need a different type of player,” Rajevac told Citi FM. “He is part of the future but not in my plans for Mali.”

Ironically, Rajevac could fall on back to base Asante Kotoko left back Harrison Afful or Samuel Inkoom, two players who have made their name in the game on the back of their attacking qualities from the full back positions rather than their defending.


My Ultimate Comment:

I am not astounded with regards to the calculated improvement of Nana Kwesi Asare.

A fine chap who has the ball obviously glued to his tiny legs and who paces down the left flank as though he is an embodied soul of Madrista legend Roberto Carlos. I am taken aback though by Coach Milovan’s comments. It sure does not help matters when such comments drop out of the mouth of our national gaffe.

On a much lighter side, did he use his interpreter during his chat with Citi? I was just wondering. Anyways, Nana Asare isn’t just one of the brightest spots we have in Ghana but worldwide. He was included in the list of 100 Promising Young Talents by the Italian tabloid ‘Cozza Italia’ not to make up for the numbers but because of his great soccer skills and aptitude. That tells you his maturity with the saint-like game.

What Milovan tells me here is that the Greeks are the dumbest when they laid down the adage ‘the best way to defend is to attack’ during the colonial era. Harrison Afful is having a hard time trying to settle into the Kotoko team after he came back from his parent club, Feyenoord where as Samuel Inkoom has been a poor shadow of himself ever since he made the move to FC Basel.

Milo is surely left with picking Nan, else, we are white washed down the left flank.