Sports
Can Chelsea bounce back against Kotoko?
Berekum Chelsea suffered, perhaps, their biggest home defeat in the hands of struggling Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) last week.
That outcome came as a shock to fans considering Hearts struggles in recent times.
As painful as that defeat was, Chelsea fans remain unconvinced about attempt by the players and technical team to blame proficiency in front of goal for the defeat.
They will hope to bounce back today in their match day 30 top fixture against a resurgent Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Golden City Park in Berekum.
But Kotoko appear to have halted the bad patch that made them relegation prospect and would count on their attack spearheaded by Stephen Mukwala to hand the home team a second defeat in a row.
Today at the Dawu Theatre of Dreams, Legon Cities would also oblige relegation threatened Accra Great Olympics in a game both sides would need the points at stake to avoid a drop.
It may be considered a game of equals, judging from the way the two sides are battling hard to avoid a relegation dogfight.
Their games have produced the usual thrills associated with local rivalries and this will be no exception although Cities look comfortable at their adopted home ground to pull a surprise.
However, Olympics who suffered a painful late minute goal against Medeama last week are more than angry to snatch the second win of their campaign.
The Accra Hearts of Oak versus Aduana Stars clash at the Accra Sports Stadium would headline tomorrow’s round of matches with the Phobians under pressure to prove their win over Chelsea was no fluke.
Both sides were among the favourites for the season but they failed to meet those expectations, churning out inconsistent outcomes.
Currently, they are out of contention for any silverware but finishing in the Top- Four remains a motivation that could drive them to put up a very good performance.
At the Prof. Nana Amoah Koronmansah II Park, Nsoatreman will engage Goldstars while Bechem United come face-to-face with Karela United at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.
In other games, Medeama return to the Akoon Park to face Real Tamale United while FC Samartex slug it out with Bofoakwa Tano.
By Spectator Sports Reporter
Sports
Black Satellites intensity training ahead of WAFU B Championship
The Black Satellites are gearing up for the WAFU B Under-20 Championship in style.
They played two friendlies on Thursday, as part of their preparations, taking on Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities and winning 2-1, thanks to Jerry Afriyie’s double.
The team also defeated SMAC Soccer Club 2-1, with Ali Umar and Yussif Musah scoring the goals.
Coach Desmond Ofei is leaving no stone unturned as he intensifies preparations for the WAFU B Championship.
The team’s ultimate goal is to make a return to the U-20 Cup of Nations, a feat they last achieved in 2021 in Mauritania.
The Black Satellites have been on a roll, having won the 2023 African Games men’s tournament by defeating Uganda at the Accra Sports Stadium.
With momentum on their side, they’re poised to make a strong showing in the WAFU B Championship.
As the technical team finalizes their squad selection, the players are surely feeling the pressure to perform.
The competition for spots will be fierce, but it’s exactly what the team needs to stay motivated and focused on their objective.
The WAFU U-20 Championship is scheduled to take place in Togo from October 17 to 31, 2024.
Sports
Former Ghana Coach Oko Aryee goes home on October 12
Former Ghanaian football coach Oko Aryee will be laid to rest on October 12, 2024, at the Resurrection Methodist Church in Adenta, Accra.
He passed away on August 12, 2024, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy as one of Ghana’s best football coaches.
Coach Aryee made history by becoming the first Ghanaian coach to qualify a national team for the FIFA World Cup not once, but twice.
His impressive career milestones include qualifying the Under 16 team for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 1991, alongside Sudan and Congo Brazzaville, and masterminding the Senior Women’s national team’s (Black Queens) second appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United States in 2003.
Throughout his coaching career, Aryee also led several prominent Ghanaian football clubs, including Accra Hearts of Oak, Tema Ghapoha, Real Tamale United, and AshantiGold SC.
The Ghana Football Association and the entire football community have extended their heartfelt condolences to his family, widow, and children.
Some of Coach Aryee’s notable achievements include:
· First Ghanaian coach to qualify a national team for the FIFA World Cup
· Qualified the Under 16 team for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 1991
· Led the Black Queens to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2003
· Coached prominent Ghanaian football clubs, including Accra Hearts of Oak and AshantiGold SC
Coach Oko Aryee’s legacy extends beyond his impressive achievements, as he played a pivotal role in nurturing and developing some of Ghana’s most talented footballers.
His exceptional coaching skills and guidance helped shape the careers of:
· Samuel Osei Kuffour (Bayern Munich and Ghana legend)
· Mohammed Gargo (former Black Stars player)
· Nii Odartey Lamptey (former Aston Villa and Ghana player)
· Yaw Preko (former Ghana international)
Among others, these talented players benefited from Coach Aryee’s expertise, mentorship, and vision. Under his guidance, they honed their skills, gained valuable experience, and went on to achieve great success in their careers.
Coach Aryee’s Impact on Ghanaian Football:
· Developed talented players who became pillars of Ghana’s national teams
· Inspired a generation of coaches and players with his innovative coaching methods
· Contributed significantly to Ghana’s football growth and international recognition
· Left an enduring legacy that continues to influence Ghanaian football
The Ghanaian football community will forever be grateful for Coach Aryee’s dedication, passion, and commitment to developing the sport. His influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
May his soul Rest In Peace!
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