Essien Certain of Bamako Victory

Maximum respect to the ''Bison''.

A true warrior and a soccer soldier for Ghana.For this single act of patriotism, God will enlarge his coast. He could have easily opted out of this match due to the court issue, but he has moved on and put all behind him for the sake of our land.

When others are just giving all sorts of excuses, he has not done so though he would have been justified to do so. Lets all rally behind the team.

Just hear the Deputy Minister of Sports on radio commenting about some dirty tactics being employed by the Malians to frustrate the Stars' mandatory training on the match venue. They should watch their dubious acts, because they will pay dearly for it. God bless GH.



Ghana midfielder Michael Essien says the Black Stars are going all outfor maximum points when they take on Mali in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

The Chelsea ace joined his Black Stars colleagues on early on Friday morning after a court appearance in Accra over his ex-girlfriend.

Despite his court appearance for two days, the midfielder was spotted in East Legon, a suburb of Accra, jogging at night to keep him fit for the Mali tie.

Essien insists that he is mentally focused for the crucial clash and he is confident the Black Stars can rake all three points in the game in Bamako.

“I have put behind me everything as we are all firmly focused for this game,” Essien told Ghanasoccernet.com.

“We are all ready to die for our country and I know we will succeed.

“We are not going for draw as we want the maximum three points in Mali. We have been to the World Cup and we want to go there again.”

Ghana will maintain top spot in Group Four if they beat the Malians at their own backyard.

Fans Blast Sulley's Decision

It seems Muntari has moved on as far as his commitment and future with the Black Stars and Ghana as a whole is concerned. Ghana, the Black Stars and their coach have also moved on, and we will move on all the way the world cup!

Muntari's mother said, "No Muntari no Black Stars,". Well she is wrong because Black Stars are now in Mali. She and her son should bow down their heads in shame. And no matter the out come of the match, the sacrifice by these new guys is enough for most Ghanaians!

What Muntari should ask himself is that,will players like lampard,Gerrard or any world class player come up with such a silly injury excuse just to avoid a national call up?

I personally believe Kwadwo Asamoah and the other guys will do a good job in his absence but if because of his stupid decision Ghana don't qualify then he'll have only himself to blame if the best players in the world parade in South Africa to showcase their talent whilst he will be home alone. Muntari your a disgrace to your nation!



Ghanaian football Fans have descended heavily on Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari for absenting himself for the Ghana-Mali joint 2010 qualifier which will be played on Sunday.

The 24-year-old sent a medical report to the Black Stars management committee stating his inability to feature in the crucial qualifier.

But fans believe his excuse is implausible and a deliberate attempt to ruin Ghana's world cup qualification campaign.

Muntari dropped hint of ending his international future after his girl-friend had a scuffle with a policeman during the Benin game in March this year at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Fans vented their spleen on all radio phone-in sports programmes in Accra questioning his commitment level.

Some fans also lambasted his mum who once granted an interview with a local radio station and said:" No Muntari, no Black Stars."

The former Liberty Professionals player hogged the headlines after playing for Ghana at the Fifa Youth Championship in 2001.

Abedi Trusts Milo's Work

I like that spirit. Although Abedi Pele's son Andre Ayew is not in the squad, he has no hard feelings against the coach nor the team. This is what we need. Lets expect the best on Sunday especially from the youngsters Kwadwo Asamoah and Prince Tagoe
We need someone who can inspire the confidence of the players in the wake of the withdrawal of some of the notable players of the national team through injuries and so call personal problems. Abedi has shown the way.

The task ahead is tortuous but with support and prayers, it is surmountable


Ghana football legend Abedi Ayew Pele has expressed full confidence in Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac to get a favourable result in their combined 2010 qualifier against Mali on Sunday in Bamako. The three-time African footballer of the year believes the Serbian can hatch up a game plan to keep the Malian side at bay.

Ayew says the team can overcame their patchy build up with the withdrawal of Captain Stephen Appiah and injured Asamoah Gyan, Laryea Kingston and Sulley Muntari.

“I think the coach has done a good job so far, I believe he should be given confidence and time to carry on with his work, and I am sure he can make,” Ayew told All Sports.

The football maestro insists the current set-up can withstand the intimidating atmosphere in Bamako.

Milovan's 22 Bamako Battle Crusaders.

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.


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.


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.


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.


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.



Opoku Agyemang (Al Sadd, Qatar) : Little knowledge about him after he left Ashanti Gold to play in the Qatar League. He was a delight to watch in the Ugandan game at the Tamale Stadium.


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.

Samuel Kyere: A great inclusion

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.

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.

Junior Agogo (unattached): A great inclusion after a sour season with Zamalek in the Egytian League. Has always found his foot in the national colours and I am tempted to believe that he would do same in Bamako.

Painstil Rues Appiah's Absence

My Ultimate Comment:
Every Ghanaian admires and appreciates what Appiah has done for Ghana and it sure didnt help my pride and ego as a Ghanaian with this news.

Hoping the star player gets back to the team for the Sudan match.


The Fulham and Black Stars defender says it will be difficult to beat Mali in the joint World and Nations Cup qualifier next month without skipper Stephen Appiah.

The skipper pulled out of the game citing personal reasons, but Joy Sports checks indicate the decision is in reaction to criticisms that he is inactive.

But for call-ups for national duties, Appiah has not played competitive football for nearly two years, having been sidelined for injuries.

His failure to sign for Tottenham and a Russian side has not helped matters either.

Paintsil in an interview with Joy Sports said Appiah's absence is a big blow to the team.

“It is going to be difficult without Appiah. If there is anything to bring him back that will be better."

The Stars play Mali on June 7 in Bamako and will play as guests of Sudan two weeks later in two crucial qualifiers.

As part of preparations towards the games the Black Stars played Division Two side King Solomom FC in a pulsating 2-2 game at the Elwak Sports Stadium.

Opoku Agyemang and Bernard Yao Kumordzi scored for the Stars.

Essien to Miss Mali Clash?

My Ultimate Comment:

Surely not the best piece of news we would have loved to hear prior to our Mali game. Reports suggest that he is headed for court this morning and we hope it all ends up there.

He is a key player in Milo's squad and his absence in the team invariably would cause a huge space.

Get on a private plane and head for Tamale, The Bison!


Ghana midfielder Michael Essien remains a doubt for the Black Stars 2010 joint Nations Cup/World Cup qualifier against Mali in Bamako on 7 June due to an outstanding legal dispute with her ex-girlfriend.

The Chelsea ace is battling a suit by his ex-lover Dela Ackumey who is seeking huge divorce compensation after a failed attempt in England.

Essien is contesting Mrs Ackumey claims that she was married to the 26-year-old after a traditional ceremony was performed.

But Ackumey, who started the case in Ghana in 2007, realised that he was not having her way and the compensation package she wanted, travelled to England as a student and pursued the case where divorce settlements are huge.

But after her attempts failed in England she has returned to Ghana as her last resort which led to yesterday's hearing.

"It will depend what happens in court but i will try and do my maximum best to get everything quick. As it stands now, it's 50-50," Essien told the media.

"It's been going on for years now. I still try to put it behind me and go on the pitch and do my best. It's not going to take any effect.

"I have got some two or three days in court. I have to go and sort everything out and once I'm done i will go and join the team in Tamale," he added.

"I want to be in camp with my team mates but as I said I need to sort my court case out before I can join the team and the fans should not worry because am here for Ghana and I will everything possible to join the team."

Essien for AC Milan?

You want to hear my views about this?

Its sheer disbelief. Lets see what happens on the 1st of August.
Milan have been linked with a move for Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien in a deal which would see Andrea Pirlo move in the other direction, according to Il Corriere Dello Sport.

The report suggests current coach Carlo Ancelotti will take the Italian midfielder to Chelsea at the end of the season if he joins the club, which, according to Italian press, looks likely to happen. Neither club have made an official announcement on that, but there is widespread belief that Pirlo will follow the Italian to Stamford Bridge.

Milan are preparing themselves for the possible change and they will attempt to swap Pirlo for Chelsea's Ghana international. Leonardo is being tipped to take the reins at Milanello, and voices suggest the Brazilian is keen on Essien who would be comfortable playing in any position around the middle of the park. In addition, the Chelsea man can play in front of the defence, giving the team extra options tactically.

The Rossoneri are expected to make an official announcement regarding Ancelotti's future on Monday, where they will have a clearer idea of possible transfer movements for the summer.

Ghana Thrash Uganda

Congratulation!

However, we need to improve our performance before the giant Mali comes in because this performance in our own home ground can never give us a good result in our next coming away game.

I take delight in one fact. Frederic Kanouté of Mali is injured and will not play against Ghana. He was injured on the 22 may while playing for Sevilla against Osasuna. He didnt played their last match against CD Numancia in which they won 2-0 for UEFA Europa League spot.

Hoping the ''big boys'', Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Kwadwo Asamoah bring on board their loyalty and commitment to help me have a beautiful 2010. Lol:d


A second string Black Stars gave their preparations for next week's World Cup qualifier against Mali a boost with a 2-1 win over Uganda at the Tamale Stadium on Sunday night.

Egypt-based striker Ernest Papa Arko scored after 31 minutes when he profited from a mix-up by Uganda's back line and fired a shot which was guided into the net by a defender.

Yusif Chibsah turned home the second goal from close range in the 75th minute but the Cranes got a consolation in the 86th minute.

Line-up:

George Owu, John Paintsil, Harrison Afful, Jonthan Mensah, Jonathan Quartey- Bernard Kumordzi, Yusif Chibsah, Samuel Kyere/ Haminu Draman- Opoku Agyemang/Prince Buaben, Joetex frimpong, Papa Arko/Samuel Inkoom

My Ultimate Comment:
This is not the best piece of news you would want to hear about our foreign based players prior to the biggest game in our group. Hoping that Suller has recovered from this and is fired up for the match I dub ''Bamako Battle''.

That punch would serve the robber right for robbing no other than Muntari himself!


Good Luck Buddy


Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari was robbed two hours after the end of Inter Milan's final Serie A match against Atalanta on Sunday.

The 25-year-old was driving along Via Monte Rosa and stopped at a traffic light when he was approached by two men on a scooter.

One of them was wearing an Inter scarf and walked up to Muntari’s car after getting off the scooter.

Muntari had his window rolled down and the man snatched his Big Bang Hublot watch worth €17,000.

The ex-Udinese and Portsmouth player jumped out of his car and hit one of the thieves with a punch, but the duo eventually managed to drive away.

Muntari netted the opener for champions Inter in a thrilling 4-3 win over Atalanta.

Amoah sends Breda to Europe

My Ultimate Comment:

A smile I am certain just got its way onto your face. It always a nice act to see our foreign players do what they know best- play football and win games.

I am also elated with Michael Essien and Matthew Amoah's output over the weekend. Hoping that we have something to cheer about in the subsequent matches.

Black Stars striker Mathew Amoah scored the opener as NAC Breda booked a place in next season's Europa League following a 0-2 victory at Groningen on Sunday.

Amoah passed a late fitness test after missing last Thursday's 1-1 first leg draw and underlined his importance in the Breda set-up.

Breda were denied an opening goal on 19 minutes when Jonaas Kolkka saw his shot come back off the crossbar.

Breda broke the deadlock just past the hour mark when Amoah headed home Kolkka's cross.

Feher made sure of the victory for Breda with a second goal four minutes from time to end Groningen's European dreams.

Csaba Feher scored from the rebound after Fouad Idabdelhay his attempt was stopped even by Luciano.

Amoah was substituted in the 89th minute and he is fully fit to play in next week's crucial world cup qualifier against Mali in Bamako.