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Gideon Mensah: Rejected stone turned cornerstone

Sensational Gideon Mensah is living up to his name in the new-look Black Stars set-up. Slowly but surely, the 23-year-old defender is establishing himself as a missing piece in the jigsaw of the Black Stars defense.

Last Wednesday, Mensah displayed a 24-carat gold performance in Ghana’s 3-0 thrashing of Madagascar in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Cape Coast to make the headlines. His ‘Cinderella story’ actually began in March when he was handed a great chance by Coach Otto Addo to prove himself back-to-back in the two-leg Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff against rivals Nigeria in Kumasi and Abuja respectively.

Stepping in as a substitute for injured left-back, Baba Abdul Rahman, the Red Bull Salzburg defender seized the moment to endear himself to the Black Stars technical team by neutralizing the threat of Super Eagles and Villareal dangerman, Samuel Chukwueze. He contributed immensely to Ghana’s fourth Mundial qualification following a barren draw in the first leg and a grueling 1-1 stalemate in the 60,000 capacity Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on March 29, 2021.

As if destined to run his luck during the tenure of the new Black Stars technical team headed by former Ghanaian international, Otto Addo, Gideon was on hand to repeat that superlative form last Wednesday to set tongues wagging, while cementing his position in the team’s favorite 3-4-3 formation.

Success story

That brief success story, which is akin to his parallel defensive partner, ‘Professor Denis Odoi, has transformed him from a fringe player into a regular starter to the delight of his fans. According to the statistics, all the passes supplied by Mensah with his cultured left foot in the Madagascar game were inch-perfect, while his combination with his defensive partners - Daniel Amartey and Odoi - was flawless.

Perhaps, the rise and rise of the rasta-haired wing-back at the national team level might influence the decision of relegated French Ligue 1 side, Bordeaux, to sign him on permanently after his one-year loan spell ended at the just-ended season. Mensah joined Bordeaux on loan from Red Bull Salzburg with the option of a permanent deal, but due to their relegation setback, Bordeaux are now torn between exercising the option to extend the deal or release the Ghanaian back to the Austrian side.

He has been with Salzburg since 2019 after joining them from FC Liefering in Austria. However, he has spent the last three seasons on loan. Mensah first went on a brief loan stint with Sturm Graz in Austria in 2019 and Belgian side, Zulte Waregem (2019/20), then moved to Vitória de Guimarães in Portugal (2020/21), before joining Bordeaux in France.

On their way to finishing bottom in the 2021/22 season, Bordeaux featured the Ghanaian youngster in 23 matches which saw him contributing two assists.

Considering his splendid form, Mensah, who is under contract with Salzburg till 2024, could again be loaned out to another top-flight club in Europe to keep him active ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in November-December in case Bordeaux fail to re-engage him.

The fine defender currently boasts eight senior national team caps in his modest international career.

Mensah’s blossoming career began in the 2015/2016 season with West Africa Football Academy (WAFA), one of the leading exporters of talents in Ghana.

He was born in Accra on July 18, 1998, and has an average height of 1.78m.

Ghana’s World Cup chances

As he focuses on his maiden FIFA World Cup appearance, Mensah fancies Ghana’s chances in Qatar, insisting that the Black Stars will not be overawed by their Group H opponents - Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea.

"These are players we are going to play against and we play with them in our various clubs so obviously, we know them and from time to time, we've been learning their system.

"We've been getting used to their system so I think it's just a matter of time for us to think of a plan and strategy to go against them," he noted.

"If we do it right, by God's grace, we are going to make it. That could be possible, why not,” he stated.

Ghana will open the Qatar 2022 campaign against Portugal on November 24, before facing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.

Source: Graphic Sports

source: https://footballghana.com/

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2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers: Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain to handle CAR vs Ghana game

Pierre Ghislain Atcho from Gabon has been appointed as the centre referee for Ghana’s Group E Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] Cote D’Ivoire 2023 qualifier against the Central African Republic.

Ghislain will be assisted by Marlaise Marlaise Ditsoga Boris (Assistant I), Urbain Ondo Ndong (Assistant II) and Tanguy Patrice Mebiame (Fourth Official).

Marcelin Gaha Djiadeu from Cameroon will serve as the Match Commissioner while Angola’s Pedro Miguel Arcanjo Essaca works as COVID-19 Officer.

The match comes off at 11 de Novembro stadium in Luanda - Angola on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

The Black Stars will be hoping to continue their impressive form having opened their qualifiers with a 3-0 convincing win over Madagascar in their opener at the Cape Coast Stadium on Wednesday.

Ghana left the shores of the country on Friday afternoon with 25 man squad for the game leaving Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Augustine Okrah out of the squad.

source: https://footballghana.com/

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'It's an amazing feeling' - Kotoko playmaker Fabio Gama after winning Premier League title

Asante Kotoko playmaker, Fabio Gama has expressed his delight after winning the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League with the Reds.

The Porcupine Warriors following their 1-1 draw with AshantiGold SC in their outstanding game at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium on Thursday became champions of the season.

Kotoko won the Premier League with 60 points with three games to end the campaign.

However, Gama, whose contract with the club expires at the end of the season says it is a great feeling to win the title.

According to him, it was difficult but they manage their way out to win the title.

“Winning the Ghana Premier League is an amazing feeling and I am very happy," he said.

"The Ghana League is very tough and competitive but we have managed to win it," he added.

Asante Kotoko will be hosted by Great Olympics at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday in the matchday 32 games.

Kick-off is scheduled at 15:00GMT.

source: https://footballghana.com/

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Thomas Partey honored by Krobo Traditional Area with the title of "Mahefalor"

The Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Sakite II  has awarded Black Stars deputy captain Thomas Teye Partey with the title Mahefalor which means "Defender of Krobo Traditional Area", for his immense contribution to the area and the national football team.

Nene Sakite II presented Partey with a citation at the event which attracted a lot of people.

Specially mentioned in the citation was the classic goal he scored in Nigeria to qualify Ghana for Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, Partey has missed out on Ghana's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers against Madagascar and the away game against the Central African Republic [CAR] due to an injury he suffered against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

source: https://footballghana.com/

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2021/22 Ghana Premier League: Week 32 Match Preview - Accra Lions vs Berekum Chelsea

Accra Lions will be seeking to win against Berekum Chelsea in their matchday 32 of the Ghana Premier League on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Ghana Premier League newcomers will hope to return to winning ways after sharing the spoils in their last two games.

Ibrahim Tanko and his side have recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat in their last five games.

Accra Lions are 12th on the league table with 41 points and will hope to win to better their chances of maintaining their status in the league with three games to spare.

Berekum Chelsea will also go into the game with all seriousness knowing that a win for the club could propel them into the top four considering the points.

The Bibires are trailing Hearts of Oak who sits fourth on the league table with just two points.

The Berekum-based club are 5th on the table with 46 points and with three matches to end the season, they can finish in the top four with a little push.

source: https://footballghana.com/

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2021/22 Ghana Premier League: Week 32 Match Preview - Dreams FC vs Ashanti Gold

Dreams FC will host Ashantigold on Sunday in their matchday 32 of the Ghana Premier League encounter.

The host will hope to return to winning ways after failing to win any of their last five games in the league. They have drawn three and lost two in the process.

The Still Believe lads have the opportunity to back up from their slumber lately at their own backyard on Sunday afternoon.

Dreams FC will be looking for a win against the miners at the Theater of Dreams in the quest to maintain their status in the league at the end of the season.

The Dawu-based club sits 14th position with 35 points and could suffer relegation should they continue to drop points in their last three games of the season considering the points gap between the clubs.

Meanwhile, Ashantigold who have suffered just one defeat in their last five matches will go into the game with full confidence, having at the back of their minds that a win for them will send them to a better position on the log.

The miners will hope to return to winning ways having shared the spoils in their last two matches.

source: https://footballghana.com/

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2021/22 Ghana Premier League: Week 32 Match Preview - Elmina Sharks vs Medeama SC

Relegated Elmina Sharks will welcome Medeama SC to the Nduom Park on Sunday in the Ghana Premier League match week 32.

The Elmina-based club gloomy season has resulted in their relegation from the domestic top-flight.

Their relegation was confirmed last Sunday when they were defeated by Berekum Chelsea 3-0 at the Golden City Park.

This means Elmina Sharks will have to play against the Yellow and Mauves and the other two games just for pride.

Elmina-Sharks have managed three defeats and two draws in their last five matches in the Ghana Premier League.

They sit bottom on the league log with 22 points.

Meanwhile, Medeama who are keen to finish among the top four clubs at the end of the season will go into the game with all seriousness, knowing that a win for them will keep the club in the race.

Coach Abdul Umar Rabi and his charges have won two, drawn two and lost one in their last five matches.

The Yellow and Mauves are 3rd on the league standings with 50 points after 31 matches into the season.

With three games to spare, the Tarkwa-based club could finish in the top four with a little push.

source: https://footballghana.com/

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2021/22 Ghana Premier League matchday 32: Eleven Wonders vs Legon Cities preview

Eleven Wonders will host Legon Cities in a match week 32 encounter on Sunday afternoon at the Ohene Ameyaw Park in Techiman.

Eleven Wonders game with Accra Hearts of Oak was postponed by the Ghana Football Association. The game will be played on Wednesday, June 8th at the Ohene Ameyaw Park.

Eleven Wonders are 16th on the Ghana Premier League table with 33 points after 31 games.

On the other hand, Legon Cities also drew 1-1 with Bibiani Gold Stars at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in their last game in the league. Augustine Dosu (90th minute) scored for Legon Cities while Michael Enu (90 +10 minute) scored for Bibiani Gold Stars.

Legon Cities are 8th on the Ghana Premier League table with 44 points after 31 games.

Eleven Wonders last five games: two draws, two defeats, one win.

Legon Cities last five games: two draws, one defeat, two draws.

source: https://footballghana.com/

[footballghana]

2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers: CAR look to bring Ghana down to earth

Central African Republic (CAR) will clash with Ghana in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group E match at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Angola on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

The Wild Beats are disappointed after they let a lead slip in their 2-1 defeat to Angola in their opening Group E match on Wednesday with Samuel Nlend having opened the scoring.

With Barthelemy Boganda Stadium having been deemed unfit by CAF, CAR will host Ghana in Angola and a win will revive their hopes alive of qualifying for the Afcon finals for the first time.

Raoul Savoy, the CAR head coach, expects Ghana to win Group E, but the Spanish-Swiss tactician warned that his side has what it takes to stun the Black Stars.

"Of course, Ghana are the powerhouse, They are going to the [2022 Fifa) World Cup finals," Savoy said on Assh FM.

"I think they will top the group. The battle will be great and it will be between the other three teams to finish second and qualify. We are not going to lay down to be the victim for Ghana, we are going to fight.

"I can remind you that we have defeated Nigeria in Lagos [during the 2022 World Cup qualifier]. We can beat anyone in the group."

Meanwhile, Ghana proved to be too strong for Madagascar at home in their first Group E on Wednesday as they secured an emphatic 3-0 win with Mohammed Kudus opening the scoring.

The Black Stars are coming into this encounter as the favourites as the four-time African champions look to win Group E convincingly and reach the finals for the 24th time.

Otto Addo, the Ghana head coach, praised his charges following their clash with Madagascar and he refused to discuss the legacy he would like to create while in charge of the national team.

“The Black Stars dominated play and did not only create chances but also scored three classic goals against the Barea of Madagascar," Addo said.

"It’s too early for me to talk about the type of legacy I want to leave for football fans as a coach. They [players] proved that they were hungry for goals by not only playing as a team with good runs, tackling and creating chances.

"But they also converted three classic goals, so their performance is really commendable."

Source: ©Backpage TXT

source: https://footballghana.com/

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2021/22 Ghana Premier League matchday 32: Karela United vs RTU preview

Karela United will host Real Tamale United (RTU) in a match week 32 encounter on Sunday afternoon.

Karela United drew 1-1 with Accra Hearts of Oak in their last game in the Ghana Premier League. Benjamin York (45 +2 minute) scored for Accra Hearts of Oak while Emmanuel Boakye Owusu (84th minute) scored for Karela United.

Karela United are 7th on the Ghana Premier League table with 45 points after 31 games.

On the other hand, Real Tamale United (RTU) also drew 0-0 with Eleven Wonders at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in their last game in the league.

The match week 32 encounter is a crucial one for Real Tamale United who are closer to the relegation zone with three matches remaining.

Real Tamale United are 15th on the Ghana Premier League table with 35 points after 31 games.

Karela United's last five games: two draws, two wins, one defeat.

Real Tamale United (RTU) last five games: three draws, one defeats, one draw.

source: https://footballghana.com/

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2021/22 Ghana Premier League matchday 32: Bibiani Gold Stars vs WAFA preview

Bibiani Gold Stars will host West African Football Academy (WAFA) in a match week 32 encounter on Sunday afternoon.

Bibiani Gold Stars drew 1-1 with Legon Cities in their last game in the Ghana Premier League. Augustine Dosu (90th minute) scored for Legon Cities while  Michael Enu (90 +10 minute) scored for Bibiani Gold Stars.

Bibiani Gold Stars are 11th on the Ghana Premier League table with 42 points after 31 games.

On the other hand, West African Football Academy (WAFA) also drew 1-1 with Bechem United in their last game in the league. Foster Appiah (17th minute) scored for Bechem United while Godwin Segla (24th minute) scored for WAFA.

West African Football Academy are 17th on the Ghana Premier League table with 29 points after 31 games.

West African Football Academy's last five games: three draws, two defeats.

Bibiani Gold Star last five games: two wins, two defeats, one draw.

source: https://footballghana.com/

[footballghana]

Hannover 96 interested in defender Jan Gyamerah

Hannover 09 is interested in signing Hamburg SV defender Jan Gyamerah according to reports in Germany.

Jan Gyamerah had a promising start for HSV in the Volksparkstadion, but then he was sidelined by injury.

A broken fibula sidelined the ex-Bochumer at HSV, who is being pursued by a number of teams, for an extended period of time. Jan Gyamerah has played frequently for HSV since then. Whether under current HSV coach Tim Walter or previous coaches Horst Hrubesch, Daniel Thioune, and Dieter Hecking.

Nonetheless, under Tim Walter, Jan Gyamerah has gradually dropped out of the starting eleven.

Tim Walter has lost interest in Jan Gyamerah. Last season, the first transfer rumors circulated. Spanish teams were originally interested in the HSV defender.

Then, out of nowhere, another transfer rumor surfaced regarding a first division team interested in the defender's services. Jan Gyamerah is still contracted at HSV until June 30, 2022.

source: https://footballghana.com/

[footballghana]

Gerald Asamoah has faith in coach Otto Addo's ability

Schalke 04 team manager Gerald Asamoah has shown faith in Black Stars coach Otto Addo ahead of the 2022 World Cup which will be held in Qatar in November.

Coach Otto Addo helped Ghana book a ticket to the global showpiece brushing off West African rivals Nigeria in a 2022 World Cup playoff doubleheader. The Black Stars of Ghana have begun their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with a 3-0 victory against Madagascar.

Ghana will play the Central African Republic in their next group E game which will be played in Luanda.

“Otto is a very good friend and I believe in what he is doing with the Black Stars. I think he is gradually building a good team and if he is able to get the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tariq Lamptey, and Eddie Nketiah they can make an impact at the World Cup. Of course, winning the World Cup would be difficult, but I believe with his technical abilities, Ghana can get out of the group," Asamoah told GNA Sports.

He urged the Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tariq Lamptey and Eddie Nketiah to play for Ghana.

“I was faced with the same situation back then, but it worked for me with the German National Team, having played at two World Cups,"

“I will advise them to play for Ghana because things have changed now and also because it will be difficult for them to get into the England squad for the World Cup. It is every player’s dream to play at the World Cup, so they should opt to play for the motherland,” he concluded.

source: https://footballghana.com/

[footballghana]

Kusi Kwame joins ETSV Hamburg from 1. FC Phonix

From the Regionalliga to the Landesliga Hamburg. Kusi Kwame, who has been with 1. FC Phonix Lubeck for the past two seasons will move this summer.

Kwame, who has played in the third and fourth divisions, will join the ETSV Hamburg next season, the club said on Wednesday.

Kwame transferred from the HSV second team to Travemunder Allee in the summer of 2020, having previously played for Holstein Kiel, SC Fortuna Koln, and Rot-Weib Erfurt, among others, and played 34 games for the Adler in two years, serving as vice-skipper behind skipper Nico Fischer.

Kwame had declined the role of assistant coach at 1. FC Phonix that had been offered to him before leaving.

Kwame was in the starting lineup for the second time in a relegation round after a short injury break in the Adler's final game of the season on Sunday. The 32-year-old may encounter a club that was just promoted to the state level as the indisputable winners at ETSV Hamburg.

source: https://footballghana.com/

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Ghana's George Attram scores in Selangor 2's heavy defeat against Kuching City

Ghana's George Attram scored Selangor 2's only goal in their heavy defeat to Kuching City in Malaysia.

The big win propelled Kuching City coached by Irfan Bakti Abu Salim to fourth place after nine matches and in position for promotion to the Super League next season.

Kuching City opened their scoring account in the 35th minute. Kamara headed in a freekick from Mohamed Alif Hassan.

The 25-year-old striker from Liberia scored again before halftime.

After halftime Selangor 2 poured men forward and scored through Ghanaian player George Attram in the 73rd minute. Five minute later Kuching City scored a quick goal this time through Shafizi Iqmal in the 78th minute.

Four minutes later Liberian striker Kamara scored his third goal for Kuching City with a lob over the keeper in the 82nd minute.

The fifth goal went in through Japanese defender Yuki Tanigawa.

source: https://footballghana.com/

[footballghana]

Exclusive: Hertha Berlin offers Kevin-Prince Boateng one year contract

Former Black Stars midfielder has been offered a one year contract by Hertha Berlin footballghana.com can exclusively report.

A sporting director role after the expiration of the one year contract has also been tabled by the Bundesliga club.

Kevin-Prince Boateng was heavily involved in Hertha Berlin's stay in the Bundesliga. During the second leg of the playoff against Hamburg, the midfielder was given the opportunity to select the line up. He also started the game and was substituted in the 89th minute.

Next week will be a new chapter for Kevin-Prince Boateng. The former AC Milan midfielder will be marrying his fiance Valentina.

He did not play often during the 2021/22 Bundesliga season due to injuries. Kevin-Prince Boateng made 18 appearances for Hertha Berlin. Coach Felix Magath praised the midfielder for his leadership role during the club's fight to stay in the Bundesliga.

His former teammate and Hertha captain Dick van Burik also praised Boateng for his strong performance against Hamburg.

"You could see his class in Hamburg, he didn't lose a ball. The way he took the team by the hand and showed them where to go shows his character and quality. But he has to be physically fit – then he is always an asset.”

source: https://footballghana.com/

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2021/22 Ghana Premier League matchday 32: Bechem United vs Aduana Stars preview

It’s another weekend and another series of action to look forward to in the Ghana Premier League.

The 2021/22 Ghanaian top-flight league has been decided following Asante Kotoko’s 1-1 draw against Ashanti Gold SC that saw the team winning the league title.

With three matches left to play in the league, teams are set to fight for points to finish in the top four or avoid relegation.

This weekend, Bechem United will host Aduana Stars in one of the three big games of matchday 31 of the Ghana Premier League season.

The Hunters are second on the league table with 50 points, 10 behind champions Asante Kotoko.

While winning all remaining three matches will not change what is already known, it will be a reward for Bechem United for the efforts displayed this season.

The team from Bechem goes into this weekend with a five-game winless run. Keen on putting an end to that run, the team should be seen putting in extra work to secure victory.

The opponent, Aduana Stars travel to Bechem on the back of the same form, with no win in the last five matches.

Sitting sixth on the league table with 45 points, there is still a chance for Aduana Stars to finish in the top four.

With that motivation, this weekend’s clash has been set up nicely to excite the neutrals.

The encounter between Bechem United and Aduana Stars will be played on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

  source: https://footballghana.com/