Sports
Do not spare anybody, GFA!
An unidentified person in Germany was reported to have called players of Ghana Premier League side, Elmina Sharks, to throw one of their league fixtures for a $5,000 reward.
This was disclosed to the media by the Deputy General Manager of Elmina Sharks, Aboagye Yeboah, who said he reported the matter to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) but no action was taken.
Sharks themselves are being accused of playing a match-of-convenience against Asante Kotoko to escape the drop on the final day of action. They denied the offence.
But clearly, it tells you how bad the situation is already; and the GFA is all-too aware of how disparaging things could be – and have responded to calls for a probe into the match-day 34 fixture played between Ashanti Gold SC and Inter Allies FC at the Len Clay stadium at Obuasi on Saturday, July 17, 2021.
The two teams have been accused of playing a fixed game after viral social media footage showed what looked like two deliberate own goals scored by Inter Allies defender Hashmin Musah in the 7-0 win for home side AshGold.
In that game, Musah came from the bench and bundled the ball into his own net within 12 minutes and substituted himself just before full-time. It was like saying ‘I have completed my mission so I can now go off the pitch peacefully.’
True to his flimsy defence, Musah claimed rumours were rife ahead of the game that the afternoon had been compromised with scores of 5-0 flying everywhere. His mission in the game was therefore to “spoil the bet.”
But eliciting information that a game is fixed – even when that is the case, does not warrant that negative act which, obviously, brought the game into huge disrepute.
Could it not be possible that he placed a bet on himself, or rather a bet was placed on him to score two own goals? Could it also not be a kind of cover up to do his own thing? Where is the spirit of Fair Play in competitive football when you deliberately score own goals?
Seriously speaking, Hashim is as duplicitous as all those who participated in the match and others outside it. But of course, we need painstaking investigation to get to the bottom of the case and the appropriate sanctions enforced – no matter who is caught in the web.
There are people who believe Hashim should rather be applauded and awarded; limpidly demonstrating that there a deeper lack of understanding of the issue at stake.
Perhaps, if the Inter Allies’ defender was amply educated about match fixing, he and his team would have promptly reported the matter to the GFA, who may have cancelled the match and immediately invite the police to open up an investigation.
Well, this is one aspect – education – that the GFA should be taking a closer look at when they are done with the case before them.
It is limpidly clear now that the betting syndicates have invaded our games and we better nip them in the bud now before our leagues slip into a nadir of international shame and embarrassment.
Former GFA Communications Director, Sannie Daara, could not have put it better.
“The betting syndicates are the real threat to the game because they arrange to compromise the matches so they can win against betting companies. The betting companies are the ones that can bring benefit and legal money to clubs and the league like it does for the EPL, La Liga and all the major competitions of the world.
“The syndicates in our case might include club owners, players, coaches, referees and their rogue agents who are mostly abroad. Armed with the pre-arranged result they visit websites of betting companies abroad to place huge bets to win big. And they use their funds to bribe their surrogates locally to further compromise future matches,” he said.
Indeed, it is true that such combined activities trickle down to the country when many get hold of fixed results to invade the betting companies in Ghana and win millions too.
It is against this saturnine backdrop that the GFA must be commended for collaborating with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to initiate a snake-pit inquisition into the matter – especially as regards the Inter Allies v AshantiGold game, in order to bring the perpetrators to book.
Truth is that, if we do not take draconian measures now we will witness this same sordid deed again next season. That is why we must not spare anybody caught up in the mesh. Our game must be cleansed!
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most thrilling matches in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Black Stars of Ghana lock horns with Croatia in a crucial encounter today.
With a place in the Round of 32 hanging in the balance, both teams know there will be no room for mistakes as 90 minutes of high drama awaits football fans, especially in Ghana and across the globe.
The Black Stars arrive at the Mundial with confidence running through the camp after earning four points from their opening two matches.
A last gasp victory over Panama and a disciplined draw against the Three Lions of England have placed the Black Stars in a strong position heading into the final group game.
Croatia, however, stand in the way after the European giants bounced back from a disappointing defeat to England by edging Panama 1-0, a result that has now placed their sights firmly on qualification.
The result has created a winner takes all atmosphere that is expected to produce fireworks from the first whistle to the last.
For Ghana, the mission is clear, as another positive result will bring the Black Stars closer to the knockout stage and could mark another memorable chapter in the country’s rich football history at the World Cup.
The Black Stars have shown courage, discipline and determination throughout the tournament.
They have defended bravely, battled fiercely and refused to be intimidated by bigger opponents.
Their impressive defensive record has become one of the talking points of the competition among many football fans after their last game against England where some fans and pundits described the performance as frustrating and called the approach as a ‘Haram football.’
After two matches, Ghana remain one of the few teams yet to concede a goal; shot stopper, Benjamin Asare, has been the best so far by keeping Ghana’s post safe.
Asare, along with his backline will face its toughest challenge yet against a Croatian side packed with quality and experience.
At the heart of Croatia’s challenge is veteran midfield maestro, Luka Modric.
Even at 40 years old, the Croatian captain continues to pull the strings with remarkable composure and intelligence.
His battle against Ghana’s midfield of Thomas Partey, youngster Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo could shape the outcome of the contest.
Thomas Partey and his cohorts will carry the responsibility of controlling the midfield battle and breaking up Croatia’s attacks.
In attack, the pace and power of Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah and Fatawu Issahaku will prove decisive when given the nod.
Their ability to burst past defenders and create danger on the counter-attack may become one of Ghana’s biggest weapons.
Captain Jordan Ayew is expected to provide leadership and experience in what promises to be a tense and emotional contest.
The tactical battle between the two coaches is equally fascinating.
Ghana coach, Carlos Queiroz, has built a disciplined side that values organisation and teamwork.
His approach has frustrated opponents to earn valuable results.
Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic, on the other hand, prefers possession based football and attacking movement.
His team will likely dominate the ball and attempt to dictate the tempo from midfield.
The clash of styles promises an exciting contest between patience and aggression, defence and attack, youth and experience.
History suggests Croatia have the advantage over the Black Stars with the Europeans finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and claimed third place in 2022.
They know what it takes to survive on football’s biggest stage yet Ghana have built a reputation for upsetting the odds when the stakes are highest.
The memories of the Black Stars’ historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010 continue to inspire a new generation of players.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
The confidence gained from holding England to a draw could also prove priceless.
Many football fans now believe the Black Stars are capable of going even further in this tournament.
Today’s clash is expected to attract millions of viewers eager to witness a battle between African adventure and determination and European experience.
Every tackle, every pass and every chance could prove decisive.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is expected to be electric as supporters from both nations create a colourful and passionate spectacle.
The high tension, the enormous stakes and the intense pressure. But these are the moments footballers dream about.
For Ghana, this is more than just a football match.
It is an opportunity to announce themselves as serious contenders and keep the nation’s World Cup dream alive.
When the referee blows the whistle today, fans should prepare for a night of drama, excitement and unforgettable moments.
If the opening two matches are anything to go by, this encounter has all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana will leave nothing on the pitch when they face England in today’s World Cup Group L decider at Gillette Stadium.
With both teams on 3 points, Ayew said his job is to ease pressure on the younger players and hold everyone accountable, himself included.
“I’m doing my best to guide the boys, make them comfortable, take pressure off them, and help us perform,” Ayew told reporters. “I have to perform too. They have to perform too. It’s teamwork. We’re helping each other.”
Ghana come into the Foxborough clash after a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener.
The captain’s message was simple, “We’re going to give our 100% and we’re going to fight. I’ll make sure when we come off that pitch, we have no regrets.”
The winner takes control of Group L. Kickoff is 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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