Sports
Champions league clash: FC Samartex held at home by Raja Casablanca
Premier League champions FC Samartex 1996 were held at home by Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second round clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The thrilling encounter leaves FC Samartex 1996 needing a win in the return leg to advance to the group stages of the competition.
Raja Casablanca started strong, taking the lead in the 20th minute through a well-placed effort from Mohamed Azrida.
However, FC Samartex 1996 responded in the 37th minute when Francis Gyetua acrobatic kick was too strong for the Raja goalkeeper to handle, securing the equalizer.
Just before halftime, Michael Ephson put Samartex in front with a stunning strike, giving the Ghanaian club a 2-1 lead at the break.
Raja came back fighting in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Mohamed Boulacscout levelled the score with a clinical finish.
Despite efforts from both teams, neither side could find a winning goal, and the match ended 2-2.
Samartex now faces the daunting task of traveling to Morocco for the second leg, where they will need a victory to secure their place in the prestigious group stages of the CAF Champions League.
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!
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
Sports
PL: Vision FC records first-ever win after beating Accra Lions
Vision FC recorded their first ever victory in the Premier League after a 2-0 win at Accra Lions FC to conclude matchweek-2 of the Ghanaian top-flight on Monday September 16, 2024.
A goal in each half propelled the ‘Eewo’ lads to their first win in their debut campaign in the domestic elite division.
Elijah Addai put the visitors in front with a sublime finish in the 44th minute at the Accra Sports Stadium before Emmanuel Kyei doubled the lead for the Premier League new boys.
It’s a big result for coach Nana Agyemang, who is in his first season at the ambitious Ghanaian club.
Vision FC were held to a goalless draw at home by Berekum Chelsea, while Accra Lions are still without a win after losing 1-0 at Medeama SC last weekend.
