Muntari Issues Apology to Ghanaians

Every decision and action have consequences. Muntari, GFA and the coach's action all have consequences. However, the right thing is what has been done for the future of the Black Stars and the consequences need to be faced whatever it may be. It suffices to say that his apology has been long over due. Was he testing the pulse of the coach, FA and the nation? Anyway better late than never. He should be forgiving but his inclusion needs to be thought through because of his repeated indisciplinary records and the setting of precedence. Muntari might have erred, but he has apologized.. and that's what is needed most!




Inter midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari has issued a grovelling apology to the people of Ghana and vowed his commitment to the Black Stars in the wake of his recent axing from the team.

Muntari also expressed his contrition to the coach of Ghana Milovan Rajevac and the management of the Ghana Football Association following recent events.

But the enforcer insists the recent events leading to his exclusion from the Black Stars is as a result of a "break in communication" and is keen on setting the records straight.

"I must first and foremost apologise to the people of Ghana, the coach Mr. Rajevac and the Ghana Football Association," Muntari told Ghanasoccernet in an exclusive interview.

"As the child in this matter my first point to apologise before explaining recent events which have led to this misunderstanding.

"My commitment first is to my country and the people and I want to assure Ghanaians that I am fully committed to the country which has made me who I am.

"I also want to assure Ghanaians, the coach and the GFA that I am not disobedient as a section of the media has painted me.

“I accept that if I had been proactive by telling the media my side of the story this perception would not have pervaded among the public

"On the specific issues that have been raised in various quarters it is fair that I address it between the coach, myself and the Ghana FA.

“I will soon seek audience with my coach to hear his concerns about me and to bring the matter to a full closure.

“My concentration is to return to the national team as soon as possible and return to doing my utmost best for my country.”

Even though Muntari has been accused of unruly behaviour when on national team duty, the Inter Milan says he is completely misunderstood.

“I am a very private and quiet person. I don’t say much but I have realised that when rumours go unanswered people tend to believe,” he said.

“I give my coaches, my colleagues, the management and the people of Ghana my utmost respect. I am an obedient and God fearing person and would not veer into being a recalcitrant.”

Muntari insists he will continue to play for Ghana and will do everything to return to the fold of the Black Stars despite his recent axing.

“My country has given me a lot in my career and I will never turn up to play for my country half-heartedly,” Muntari said.

“As I have done in the past I will continue to play forGhana with my heart and soul to bring joy to the millions of our fans.”

Rajevac left out Muntari out of his 23-man squad for the tournament in Angola where they play Ivory Coast, Togo and Burkina Faso in Group B.

Ghana Squad for Nations Cup

Ghana squad

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Wigan, England), Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals, Ghana), Philemon McCarthy (Hearts of Oak, Ghana)

Defenders: John Paintsil (Fulham, England), Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Samuel Inkoom (Basel, Switzerland) Eric Addo (Roda JC, Holland) Isaac Vorsah (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany) John Mensah (Sunderland, England), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea, Ghana) Harrison Afful (Esperance, Tunisia)

Midfielders: Ibrahim Ayew (Zamalek, Egypt) Michael Essien (Chelsea, England) Anthony Annan (Rosenborg, Norway), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Sampdoria, Italy), Opoku Agyemang (Al Sadd, Qatar) Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy) Moussa Narry (Auxerre, France) Andre Ayew (Arles-Avagnon, France)

Attackers: Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda, Holland) Asamoah Gyan (Rennes, France), Dominic Adiyiah (Fredrikstad FK, Norway) Haminu Draman (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Absentees will lose CAF Awards

Absentees will lose CAF Awards? This is ridiculous if not pure, unadulterated, sour stupidity. This is an insult to the likes of Frederic Kanoute who won the award on basis that the actual winner did not pitch. Players who accept the accolade under such circumstances will never be fully acknowledged by soccer loving people since that dark cloud will always be hanging above their heads. As for what happened last year, my candid opinion is that CAF deliberately held the awards ceremony while the AFCON was taking place at a different country and expected players to leave their team camps to attend the awards. This is pure madness and is one of those ridiculous issues that make one to be ashamed of being an African.. That absentees who genuinely deserve their award will be stripped of their award is absolutely daft.

Absentee nominees from the CAF Awards Gala in February will automatically lose their awards, even if they win, CAF has said.
Director of Communications Suleiman Habuba reiterated the condition at the unveiling of the final shortlist of five for the 2009 awards ceremony.

In 2008, Frederick Kanoute was handed the African Player of the Year Award after Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who was believed to have received the most votes, opted against turning up.

"Anybody who does not show up, will not be given any award," Suleiman said at the unveiling ceremony on Thursday in Lagos.

This 2009 edition of the Awards Gala will hold in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, organisers announced on Thursday in Lagos.

Since being taken over by Nigerian telecommunications firm Globacom, the award has been held in Lagos, Accra and Lome.

Courtesy: kickoff.com

Mario Balotelli for Black Stars?

There is no doubt Ballotelli is a great player given his mercurial artifice, but he'll only be a great addition to the Black stars on the condition that he deals with his class indiscipline, and augment his egregious character with a touch of that saintly humility. If he is to play for Ghana then we must be ready to shoulder with him the uncouth braggadocios and criticisms that will ensue. We must remember he is young and a bit naive, and also stitched on the stench of the amalgam of arrogance and inglorious pride. We do not need more Muntari-like attitudes, but want passion, patriotism and ability. I like him as a footballer, but Ghana needs more than a footballer. We need the exemplary kind to kindle buoyancy and unity within the team and to uplift the spirit of Ghanaians and the hopes of Africans..


Ghana captain Stephen Appiah says he backs moves by head coach Milovan Rajevac to lure Italian-born Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli for their World Cup campaign, urging the youngster to answer the call.

The Bologna midfielder comments have confirmed an Italian newspaper report claiming the Serbian trainer had line-up talks with the burgeoning talent.



"I am very much in favour of it," the 29-year-old La Gazzetta dello Sport.



"Although I do have to say that I don’t know anything about this. And I am not aware that our manager Rajevac is set to travel to Bologna to speak about it with me nor that I am supposed to take him to Milan to persuade Mario.



"I have come to know about it in the press and I have no basis to confirm the news."



"Ghana are already strong, but they would be even more with Mario," continued Appiah.



"We want to do well in South Africa and why should we throw away the chance to have a player like Balotelli with us?



"We would be happy if Balotelli came in to give us a hand. He has already proved his worth around Europe and has developed an important experience despite his young age."

The Biggest Weekend

A weekend that will go a long way in determining just who will have the last laugh... For the very first time, lets do some foreign sports. FIFA does the preview

Two titanic clashes bristling with rivalry and prestige in Spain and England stand out from the rest of the weekend programme around Europe. Barcelona and Real Madrid go head-to-head in La Liga, while Premier League leaders Chelsea travel to the north of London for the showdown with Arsenal.

The top three in Germany face stern tests of their championship credentials. In France, high-flying Auxerre visit the capital, with the all-Genoa derby top of the Italian bill of fare. FIFA.com previews the weekend action around the continent.

La Liga: Battle of the giants
Everything else on Matchday 12 in Spain is overshadowed by El Clasico, when Barcelona entertain Real Madrid. The Catalans remain unbeaten in the league this term, but Madrid are top of the pile and aim to stay there despite the seething partisanship they will encounter at Camp Nou. The game should provide a first true pointer as to the relative strength of the league’s dominant two this season.

Madrid also face Barcelona elsewhere, as relegation strugglers Atletico host Espanyol, themselves performing below expectations in tenth place on 13 points. Third-placed Sevilla would favour a draw in El Clasico, as they can make up ground on the front two by beating tail-enders Malaga. Valencia and Mallorca, fourth and sixth respectively, both need the points to stay in touch with the UEFA Champions League qualifying spots.

The question: Can Real travel to Barcelona and hand the champions their first defeat of the campaign?
The big game: Barcelona–Real Madrid, Sunday, 19:00, Camp Nou
The quote: "I’m definitely ready to play in Barcelona. I’m feeling good and I want to play. Now it’s down to the coach whether I start." Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid

Premier League: Showdown in London
The 14th round of matches in the Premier League also includes a standout fixture, as leaders Chelsea make the short trip from west to north London determined to put distance between themselves and third-placed Arsenal. Something has to give when the meanest team Chelsea, with only eight goals against, meet the most prolific, the Gunners, who have scored 36.

Second-placed Manchester United appear to have a relatively simple task when they travel to bottom club Portsmouth. Fifth meet fourth in a battle between two clubs hoping to feature in next season’s Champions League: Aston Villa entertain Tottenham, the form team of the moment in the wake of last week’s 9-1 demolition job on Wigan.

The question: Can Arsenal maintain their perfect home record and make it six wins out of six when leaders Chelsea come calling?
The big game: Arsenal–Chelsea, Sunday, 17:00, Emirates Stadium
The quote: "We look confident, and we're playing with confidence. We've got some tough games coming up, we need to regroup now and make sure we're sharp for Arsenal." John Terry, Chelsea

Bundesliga: Toughies for table-toppers
The top three in the Bundesliga would probably have preferred easier fixtures on Matchday 14. Undefeated leaders Bayer Leverkusen entertain Champions League contenders Stuttgart, whose unimpressive league form sees them a lowly 16th, but who have every chance of making the last 16 in Europe’s elite club competition. Second-placed Werder Bremen, defeated only on opening day, also meet Champions League-class opponents with the visit of eighth-placed Wolfsburg.

Third-placed Schalke travel to mid-table Borussia Monchengladbach, who look a lot more stable now after taking eight points from their last four matches. Hoffenheim and Hamburg in fourth and fifth face intriguing fixtures against Borussia Dortmund (9th) and high-flying Mainz (6th), with all four clubs keen for points to remain there or thereabouts at the top.

The question: Can resurgent Stuttgart inflict a first league defeat of term on Bayer Leverkusen?
The big game: Werder Bremen–Wolfsburg, Saturday, 15:30, Weserstadion
The quote: "We have no reason to be scared. We’re especially strong away from home right now, although you can’t expect us to win all our away games." Heiko Westermann, Schalke

Serie A: Derby time in Genoa
The biggest game on Matchday 14 takes place in Milan, but the edgiest duel sees seventh-placed Genoa take on city rivals Sampdoria, three places above them in the standings. The home team are only four points off Samp and would re-enter contention for a Champions League finish if they win. For their part, Sampdoria need the points to stay within touching distance of top trio Inter, Juventus and AC Milan.

The leaders meet Fiorentina, arguably the surprise package of the campaign to date. The men from Tuscany not only lie a creditable sixth in the table, they sealed a berth in the Champions League first knockout round during the week. Juve visit eighth-placed Cagliari, while Milan take on second-from-bottom Catania.

The question: Can promoted Parma maintain or improve on fifth spot by beating Napoli?
The big game: Inter-Fiorentina, Sunday, 15:00, San Siro
The quote: "I’m delighted about Totti’s hat-trick last weekend, because he’s proved yet again his ability to come back from serious injury." Marcello Lippi, Italy coach

Ligue 1: Depleted Auxerre seek capital gains
In-form Auxerre, French champions back in 1996, currently top the standings on the back of seven straight wins, although Polish marksman Ireneusz Jelen is out of the trip to Paris Saint-Germain with injury. Closest pursuers Bordeaux visit twelfth-placed Nancy, where coach Laurent Blanc will doubtless expect his Girondins side to pick up maximum points. Third-placed Lyon will be chasing the same reward against mid-table Rennes. Eighth-placed Monaco’s meeting with Montpellier, who are fifth but a mere two points off the lead, has been called off due to an outbreak of swine flu at the promoted club.

The question: Can leaders Auxerre make it eight wins on the bounce when they travel to face Paris Saint-Germain?
The big game: Paris Saint-Germain–Auxerre, Saturday, 19:00, Parc des Princes
The quote: "It’s easier for us all when he (Ireneusz Jelen) plays. He’s the driving force behind our play. Without him, we’ll have the same problems we had back in the summer." Jean Fernandez, Auxerre coach

Elsewhere
Bundesliga fans in Austria are licking their lips at the prospect of the nation’s biggest showdown when second-placed RB Salzburg meet leaders Rapid Vienna. The clubs are level on points, so top spot is the prize on offer for the winners on Matchday 17. A draw would benefit third-placed Austria Vienna, provided the men from the capital overcome bottom club Austria Karnten.

Similar excitement is on the cards in Greece. Champions and cup holders Olympiakos are second in the Super League, but entertain leaders Panathinaikos this weekend and can leapfrog their way to the top of the pile with a win.

Ghana Held By Mali

Those people who were raving, ranting and boasting of an easy ride for Ghana have now got eggs splashed on their faces. It is clear these people did not give much thought to the cavalier preparations by the Black Stars as if there was nothing important at stake. We will be living in delusion if we think we can beat any team any how on any day with shoddy preparations.

2-2? Pathetic. We went for a stroll in the park but ended up fighting for our lives. I think the formation that we played the second half should start against Angola. Like I always say, "we have to get our passes together." And one very IMPORTANT thing. We play long balls to our strikers. Then you will see only one or at most both strikers fighting against the 4 or more defenders. The midfield doesn't join in the attack till the forwards loose the ball. We need to rectify these two mistakes very fast before the World Cup. Even before the ACN. By the way, I now believe what most people have been saying for a long time. Sulley is loosing his quality!!! Asamoah should have come on a long time ago. Sorry Sulley, I have always been your number 1 fan. I hope things change at the next match. Am glad we kept our high prided status though.

Ghana ended their World Cup qualifying campaign in an unimpressive fashion as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Mali in Kumasi on Sunday.

The Black Stars were expected to dominate the Group D game as they had already secured the group's sole ticket to the tournament in South Africa next year.

But the Malians had revenge on their minds as they were looking to avenge the defeat they suffered at the hands of their opponents in the first group meeting in Bamako in June.

Ghana used all their key players available including captain Stehpen Appiah, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari while the Malian were without key stars Fredi Kanoute, Seydou Keita and Mahamadou Diarra.

The Black Stars looked confident and dominated the early exchanges but strikers Asamoah Gyan and Matthew Amoah fluffed good scoring opportunities set up by Appiah and Essien respectively.

Mali took the lead against the run of play when 's cross was met with a fierce drive from Lassana Fane that gave Ghana keeper Ricahrd Kingson on chance.

Ghana responded immediately but Amoah's header came off the bar while Muntari grazed the post.

Matthew Amoah drew the Black Stars level in the 64th minute when the Malian goalkeeper failed to handle a long-range drive from Asamoah Gyan.

The Holland-based forward followed up with another drive that left the Malian shot stopper sprawling.

But the Eagles were not to be cowed by the reinvigorated home side as they went in the lead once again.

The Ghanaian defence was caught napping and a diving header from went unchallenge and beat goalkeeper Richard Kingson.

THe Black Stars revived themselves and in the 83rd Anthony Annan headed in Eric Addo's free-kick to save the blushes of the Black Stars.

Ghana finished top of the group with 13 points from their six matches, while Mali had to be satisfied with third spot with nine points, one behind second-placed Benin.

Mali finished in third place - one point adrift of Benin - but they will still play in January's African Nations Cup. Ghana will plunge into their Nations Cup prepapration from Wednesday when they play Angola in a friendly in Luanda.

The Black Stars had already secured their place at next year's World Cup having sealed Group D's top spot two months ago.

Dede Ayew Seeks Marseille Exit Door

Excellent decision by DEDE. Marseille treated him like no-body, he must stick to his decision and leave the club after his loan expires. shame on Marseille for this kind of cheap tactics to deny DEDE bright future. I would opine for Ayew to leave before they mess-up his dreams because he is such an unbelievable quality and has got a bright future.

Ghanaian youngster Andre Ayew has told Marseille that he wants to leave the club in order to boost his international hopes even though the giants are keen for him to stay now.

The 19-year-old forward won the Under-20 World Cup with Ghana earlier this month and is pushing for a place back in the senior squad having already won 15 caps.

The African Nations Cup is in January while Ghana have already qualified for next summer's World Cup, which will be the first to be held on African soil.

Son of legendary Marseille winger Abedi Pele, Ayew feels that he is no longer wanted at the Stade Velodrome having had an unsuccessful trial at Hertha Berlin this summer before joining second division side Arles-Avagnon on loan until the end of the season.

But Ayew is angling for a permanent move in the January transfer window to a more high-profile club which can also offer him regular first-team football.

"For me, Marseille gave me permission to leave in August," he told skysports.com.

"I'm an ambitious player and playing on loan at Arles-Avignon has not brought my playing level down, even if it is Ligue 2.

"I'm really excited about this year and I want to be involved in the African Nations Cup and the World Cup, where my country has a great chance of doing very well.

"If I don't play week-in, week-out I can't go to those two tournaments, which are huge for my young career."

Ayew has so far made nine appearances for Marseille and spent last season on loan at fellow Ligue 1 side Lorient, scoring three times in 22 games.

But Marseille's sport director, Jose Anigo, insists that Ayew is still part of their plans and they are only willing to let him go for good money.

"He is a very good player and he can't be transferred unless we receive an exceptional offer for him," said Anigo.

"He is part of a great future for Marseille and will be part of the team in June."