by Silas Boahene | May 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghana international Augustine Arhinful has challenged the notion that Dreams FC’s performance in the CAF Confederation Cup signals an upward trend in Ghanaian football. Despite Dreams FC’s commendable journey to the semifinals, Arhinful believes that attributing their success solely to improved football standards oversimplifies the challenges faced by Ghanaian clubs. He acknowledged the team’s achievement while cautioning against overstating its impact on Ghanaian football. Arhinful emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issues plaguing football development in the country.
by Silas Boahene | May 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghana striker Augustine Arhinful has stressed the importance of not solely relying on locally based players for the Black Stars. While acknowledging the value of integrating local talent, Arhinful believes a balanced approach is necessary. He reminisced about past Black Stars generations, where the majority of the squad comprised local players, but he recognizes that football has evolved, with more players now abroad. Arhinful highlighted the maturity and experience of past local players, contrasting them with the current crop. He emphasized the need for players to gain experience but cautioned against depending solely on locals for international success. The Black Stars are gearing up for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic in June.
by Silas Boahene | May 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghana International, CK Akonnor, has offered advice to football players considering joining Hearts of Oak or Asante Kotoko, urging them to assess their own abilities thoroughly.
Akonnor highlighted the trend of players failing to meet expectations after joining these prestigious clubs in recent times. In an interview with Graphic Sports, he stressed the importance of players evaluating their skills and determining if they can handle the pressures associated with playing for Hearts of Oak or Asante Kotoko.
Encouraging personal development and preparedness, Akonnor emphasized the significance of players making informed decisions before committing to such significant career moves.
Despite significant recruitment efforts before the start of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season, both clubs find themselves outside the top four positions. Currently, Hearts of Oak occupies the 13th position on the Premier League table with 35 points, while Asante Kotoko sits in 10th place with 40 points.
by Silas Boahene | May 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Zakaria Fuseini, the captain of Berekum Chelsea, is steadfast in his belief that his team still has a chance in the Ghana Premier League title race this season.
Despite currently occupying the eighth position on the domestic top-flight table with 41 points, eleven points behind the league leaders, Samartex, Fuseini refuses to concede defeat.
With an upcoming match against Hearts of Oak on Wednesday for matchday 29 at the Golden City Park, a victory for Berekum Chelsea could significantly boost their standing in the league.
In an interview with Sportblog247.com, the former Black Meteors defender expressed his team’s determination and focus on securing maximum points against Hearts of Oak.
“It’s not over yet. There is still hope until the league concludes,” Fuseini asserted.
Regarding the postponed match against Hearts of Oak, originally scheduled for the previous weekend in Berekum due to a venue clash with a Durbar, Fuseini emphasized his team’s readiness and determination.
“We are well concentrated and determined ahead of the Hearts game. We are going all out to secure all three points,” he declared.
Both Berekum Chelsea and Hearts of Oak enter the anticipated clash on the back of defeats in their previous Premier League fixtures, with Chelsea suffering a 3-2 loss to Legon Cities, and Hearts of Oak falling short against Accra Lions in week 28.
by Silas Boahene | May 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Abukari Damba, the coach of Karela United, has openly acknowledged that his team’s victory over Nations FC was hard-earned rather than easily obtained.
In their recent fixture, Karela United secured a narrow 1-0 win against Nations FC at the Naa Sheriga Sports Complex. Giyasu Ibrahim’s goal proved to be the decisive moment, earning Karela United three valuable points in matchday 29 of the Premier League campaign.
Despite the win, Karela United remains in twelfth place on the domestic top-flight standings, with 27 points and five games left in the season.
Reflecting on the match, Coach Abukari Damba praised his players for their effort and resilience against a formidable opponent. He acknowledged Nations FC’s quality and momentum in the league, highlighting the challenge they posed to his team.
“I must congratulate my players for their commendable effort. They demonstrated great character, especially against a team as difficult to contend with as Nations,” Damba remarked.
He further emphasized the formidable nature of Nations FC, acknowledging the tough test they provided his team during the encounter.
“Our opponents showcased significant quality and played with momentum throughout the match. They truly gave us a difficult time, but I commend my players for rising to the challenge,” Damba added.
Karela United’s next Premier League fixture is against Bechem United at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.
