Sports
Samartex up for Raja challenge
Coach Nurudeen Amadu
CAF Champions League campaigners, Samartex FC, will tomorrow face Moroccan giants, Raja Casablanca, in the second round preliminary stage first leg match at the Accra Sports Stadium at 3pm.
Samartex secured passage to the second round after beating Cameroonian champions, Victoria United, 1-0 in both home and away fixtures.
Raja qualified to this stage after ‘dismantling’ Nigerien side, Association Sportive de la Garde Nationale Nigérienne, (AS GNN) 7-1 on aggregate.
Samartex is reminiscing a chance to battle one of Africa’s greatest sides en route to playing at the group stages of the competition.
Ghanaians are well aware of the daunting task that face the current league champions but remain hopeful Samartex has what it takes to combat Raja.
Coach Amadu says they are unfased by the fire power of the visitors and has a plan to deal with the visitors.
Speaking ahead of the game, coach Amadu stated that, “Raja Casablanca scoring seven goals does not scare us; this is football and anything can happened. We know that it is going to be a very tough game, but we are ready for the task.”
Having drawn blank in their first league game which served as preparation for tomorrow’s game, Coach Amadu would be hoping Baba Hamadu Musa, Emmanuel Mamah, Michael Ephson and Isaac Afful have a good day in front of goal to take their chances.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
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.
