by Silas Boahene | Sep 25, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Kumasi Asante Kotoko head coach, Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, expressed satisfaction with his team’s ability to maintain their shape after conceding a goal in a 1-1 draw against Young Apostles FC. Speaking in a post-match interview, Dr. Ogum highlighted his team’s solid structure and resilience after falling behind in the 51st minute. Despite Daniel Lomotey’s goal for the Premier League debutants, Kotoko equalized through Emmanuel Antwi’s long-range strike in the 76th minute. Dr. Ogum emphasized that his team’s energy and hunger to equalize were key factors in securing the draw.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Athletic Bilbao winger Alvaro Djalo expressed his gratitude to Black Stars forward Inaki Williams after scoring his debut goal in Bilbao’s 3-1 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga. Djalo, who scored in the 80th minute, described the assist from Williams as a “gift” after the Ghanaian used his speed to beat a defender and deliver a perfect cross for Djalo to head home. Djalo thanked Williams for the assist and celebrated scoring for his childhood club. This assist marked Williams’ fourth in three games, following three assists in Bilbao’s 3-2 win over Las Palmas.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 25, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has disclosed that $3 million was spent on per diems, flights, and logistics for Ghana’s contingent at the 2023 AFCON. Speaking before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Culture, and Tourism, Ussif explained that the expenses covered the Black Stars’ travel, including chartering flights for the team to and from CĂ´te d’Ivoire. The funds also covered logistics and the Black Stars’ friendly match against Namibia in Kumasi, which ended in a goalless draw. Despite significant spending, Ghana exited the tournament at the group stage without a win.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 25, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has called out some Ghana National Football Team coaches for their complaints about salary payments, deeming their stance unfair. Speaking to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Culture, and Tourism, Ussif addressed concerns over unpaid salaries and allowances, reminding coaches that they had signed performance-based contracts. He explained that these contracts offer coaches substantial bonuses for tournament qualifications and victories, and are not structured around regular monthly salaries. Ussif emphasized that it is unreasonable for coaches to expect monthly pay, especially when their contracts differ from those of senior national team coaches.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 25, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports, Soccer
Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has firmly rejected accusations labeling him as the worst Sports Minister during a Parliamentary Select Committee session on Sports, Culture, and Tourism. Responding to criticism surrounding Ghana’s $3 million expenditure at the 2023 AFCON, despite an early group-stage exit, and the Baba Yara Stadium’s CAF ban due to poor conditions, Ussif defended his performance. He challenged the basis of the claims, asking for specific data to justify the narrative of his tenure being the worst. Ussif’s term has seen Ghana fail to progress beyond the group stage at both the 2021 and 2023 AFCON tournaments.
