Sports
Koopman’s sack; price for talking too much?

• Martin Koopman – fired
Embattled former Accra Hearts of Oak Head Coach, Martinus Koopman, made an emphatic statement on Sunday after playing a goalless encounter with Legon Cities in what proved to be his last adventure in the betPawa Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium.
It was his sixth drawn game in the 10-week old championship and as usual, fans indicated their remonstration over the outcome.
And, habitually at his very vocal and no-holds-barred post-match conference, Koopman clearly indicated that “I don’t fear the sack.”
Two days later, the axe fell on him heavily; becoming the 13th coach to be hired and fired by the Phobians since 2011.
A lot of commentaries have since followed his dismissal.
Some indicated that it was a decision which was inexplicably delayed by the management of Hearts after a series of relatively poor results.
Out of 10 games, Koopman boasts six draws, two losses and two wins, scoring a total of six goals and conceded five; leaving them with just a goal on the league log.
With such a result for a very ambitious club as Hearts, it was very certain that Koopman’s continuous stay in the helm of affairs would be determined by a change in outcomes.
Interestingly, management was very patient with him, having convinced the club with a wonderful preseason display that saw them score goals at will.
There is also a school of thought that the decision for the sack was self-inflicted.
This is because in spite of the performance, Koopman kept talking tough, stating some obvious truths and blaming management for some of the problems but never himself.
Before the ‘I don’t fear the sack’ comment that is believed to have broken the camel’s back, Koopman had enumerated a number of issues affecting the team which he was not responsible for.
After drawing with Dreams FC in Accra, Koopman told the media that he was yet to identify his best starting team and blamed Congolese striker Kashala Wanet for the team’s failure to win games because he missed their chances.
He again told the media after drawing with Samartex that neither he, nor his technical staff nor the playing body should be blamed for the lack of goals which he said was a general problem with Ghana football.
Then from nowhere, Koopman guided the Phobians to upset Medeama 3-1 in Accra and gave an assurance that the team would soon overcome the goal drought.
Coming from the back of that authoritative feat over high-flying Medeama, fans had high expectation to sustain that performance with a second consecutive win over the Royals.
However, they failed to score from the several chances they created as the fans intensified calls for his sack.
That may have prompted the boldest call of not been scared of a sack.
Definitely, Koopman’s exit, which Hearts explained as a move to restructure the team’s technical department, will surely prove whether he was right or wrong with his calls.
If he is proven right or wrong, it would still not erase the thinking that the sack was the price to pay for opening his mouth too wide.
However, it exposes Hearts as a team with the notoriety to hire and fire at will or a club living to the tagline associated with the coaching job.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
Pitch Invader in Ghana-Chad Game Sentenced to 100 Days Imprisonment

Mohammed Huzeinu, 21, has been sentenced to 100 days in prison by an Accra District Court for invading the pitch during Ghana’s match against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2022.
Huzeinu’s actions disrupted the game, an offense that has potential financial consequences for the Association (GFA), as the Association is likely to be fined whenever such incidents occur.
Pitch invasions are considered a serious breach of security and disrupt the smooth running of games.
The sentencing serves as a strong warning to fans to respect stadium regulations and maintain order during matches.
The FA has consistently urged fans to refrain from such actions, emphasising the importance of discipline and adherence to match day protocols to avoid fines and maintain Ghana’s reputation in international football.
Sports
Black Stars shine bright with dominant win over Madagascar in World Cup qualifier

Thomas Partey scored twice, once in each half, while Mohammed Kudus ended his goal drought, as Ghana defeated Madagascar 3-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I qualifier on Monday.
Seeking to solidify their lead, the Black Stars dominated the game, scoring three goals to secure a convincing win.
Coach Otto Addo made two changes to the starting lineup that thrashed Chad 5-0 on Friday, bringing in Francis Abu and Jerome Opoku in place of Ernest Nuamah and Inaki Williams.
Ghana asserted their control from the outset, dictating the pace and dominating possession.
Thomas Partey opened the scoring in the 12th minute, heading home a delightful Jordan Ayew free kick.
After the break, Madagascar made several substitutions, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to alter the game’s dynamics.
However, Ghana remained resolute. Thomas Partey scored his second goal in the 54th minute, courtesy of another impressive Jordan Ayew corner kick.
Mohammed Kudus added Ghana’s third goal in the 59th minute, providing a comfortable cushion. The West Ham United ace coolly slotted home after being put through by Jordan Ayew.
As the game progressed, Coach Addo made several substitutions, bringing on Ernest Nuamah, Razak Simpson, and Inaki Williams for Francis Abu, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo.
Gideon Mensah, who had a stellar game in the wingback position, was replaced by Ebenezer Annan, while Jonas Adjetey came on for Jerome Opoku.
Throughout the match, Ghana’s attacking trio Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus posed significant problems for Madagascar’s defense, creating scoring opportunities aplenty.
Ghana’s win solidifies their position at the top of Group I with 15 points. Madagascar has 10 points from five matches, with three wins, one draw, and one loss.
Ghana has scored 12 goals in the qualification group stage, averaging 2.40 goals per match.