by Silas Boahene | Sep 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Tensions erupted at the Accra Sports Stadium following Hearts of Oak’s 1-0 defeat to newly promoted Basake Holy Stars in their 2024/25 Ghana Premier League opener on Sunday.
The Phobians conceded an early goal in the second minute from Prince Tweneboah and struggled to recover, resulting in a surprising home loss. This poor performance triggered an outburst among Hearts of Oak supporters, who expressed their frustration loudly at full-time.
The situation worsened during the post-match conference, where angry fans disrupted proceedings, forcing the police to intervene and end the event prematurely for safety reasons.
Head coach Aboubakar Ouattara did not attend the press briefing, leaving assistant Yaw Amankwah to address the media. Amankwah had to leave swiftly as irate supporters surrounded the team’s car, demanding answers.
Fans, disillusioned with the team’s performance, booed the players and called for Coach Ouattara’s dismissal after just one game of the new season.
The pressure on Hearts of Oak’s technical staff is mounting, with supporters questioning the club’s direction following their struggles last season. The Phobians now face a crucial task to regroup ahead of their next match against Heart of Lions while the club’s leadership addresses the growing unrest among fans.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Accra United Sporting Club CEO, Stephanie Sedinam Quarshie, is confident that her team has the potential to secure a spot in the middle league promotional playoffs for the upcoming season.
Despite a promising start in the 2023/24 campaign, the Accra West district-based club narrowly missed out on qualification. Several key players, including Rasco London, Inusah Abubakar, and Adu Kwabena Meider, have since transferred to Premier League sides, but Quarshie remains optimistic.
“We still have a lot of quality in the squad, despite the departure of some key players,” Quarshie stated. “Our goal is to achieve middle league qualification, and we are committed to doing everything possible to reach that target.”
Accra United continues to prepare for the new season, with renewed focus on securing their promotion.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
The Ghana Rugby Club Championship, which concluded on August 31, 2024, has been celebrated as a tremendous success. The month-long event featured ten men’s teams and four women’s teams, sparking renewed passion and enthusiasm for rugby across the country.
In the men’s division, Accra Rugby Club emerged as champions, while the Conquerors Ladies claimed the women’s title. Both teams displayed exceptional talent and sportsmanship, serving as an inspiration for the entire rugby community in Ghana.
The participating men’s teams included Accra Rugby Club, Conquerors SC Men, Oguaa Warriors RFC, Northern Lions RC, Hunters Rugby Club, Accra Majesty Rugby Club, Melike Rugby Club, Idas Sporting Rugby Club, African Warriors RFC, and Dansoman Hurricanes RFC.
The women’s teams featured Conquerors RC Ladies, Oguaa Warriors Ladies, Melike Ladies, and Anenya Community Rugby Club.
A standout mention goes to the Northern Lions from Tamale, who impressed with their inspiring and improved performance, giving hope to the expansion of rugby in the northern part of the country.
Held over four weekends, the championship not only provided exciting rugby matches but also fostered a sense of unity among teams and supporters, further boosting the development of rugby in Ghana.
Sincere thanks are extended to all teams, coaches, officials, volunteers, the National Sports Authority, fans, and sponsors for their invaluable contributions. Their dedication and support were essential in making the championship a memorable event.
As we look to the future, we anticipate the continued growth of rugby in Ghana and more thrilling competitions ahead.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
FC Samartex 1996 head coach, Nurudeen Amadu, described his team’s goalless draw with Dreams FC at the Accra Sports Stadium as a fair outcome, though he acknowledged his side should have capitalized on their chances, particularly after gaining a numerical advantage in the 70th minute.
Despite Dreams’ Collins Buah receiving a second yellow card, Samartex struggled to break the deadlock. Amadu admitted his team needed to improve their attacking play and finishing, as they created more opportunities but lacked clinical execution.
Samartex, the reigning Ghana Premier League champions, will now shift focus to their CAF Champions League second-round clash against Raja Casablanca on September 15.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 9, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Besiktas fans have intensified calls for Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey to leave the club as tensions rise over his future. Amartey, who joined Besiktas in July 2023 after Leicester City’s relegation, is among a few players, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, facing backlash for underperforming.
The 29-year-old defender has played 27 games in the 2023-2024 season, but recent comments by Besiktas spokesperson Huseyin Yucel about a failed transfer have added fuel to the situation. Yucel described Amartey as a “strange person” who rejected a Saudi Arabian club move, allegedly “escaping through the back door” of Besiktas’ facilities.
Amartey has denied the claims, calling them “completely untrue,” but Besiktas fans have voiced their frustration on social media, pushing for his departure.
