Sports
Black Stars through to play-off stages of 2022 World Cup qualifiers
The Black Stars of Ghana have advanced to the play-off stages of the 2022 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup qualifiers after beating South Africa by a lone goal at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
A 33rd-minute penalty converted by Captain Andre Ayew was the minimum requirement by Ghana to make the progress, as they topped the group with a superior goal difference, though they have tied 13 points apiece with South Africa.
It was a game South Africa needed just a draw to make progress whilst Ghana needed at least a lone goal victory to make progress, saw the two sides starting a very busy note announcing their intention to win the game.
Coach Milovan Rajevac made two changes to the set that played against Ethiopia last Thursday, by pairing Alexander Djiku with Daniel Amartey in the center of defence, ahead of Joseph Aidoo, and introduced Mubarak Wakaso in the midfield to partner Baba Iddrissu to provide enough cover to the defence.
Jordan Ayew reverted to his arrowhead role as the lead striker, taking over from Richmond Boakye Yiadom.
Percy Tau led South Africa were more possessive, and also came closer to the goal line of Ghana but Djiku and Amartey were resolute.
Ghana was however dealt with a big blow when Kudu Mohammed took an early shower due to injury and his position was taken by Daniel Kyere.
Both teams failed to create any clear-cut chance from open play apart from corner-kicks and free-kicks that came the way of the stars which were utilized especially in the first half.
But the Stars opened the scoring in the 33rd minute through a penalty converted by Andre Ayew, after Daniel Amartey was pushed in the vital area.
Ayew’s penalty took the stars into the dressing room with the needed one-goal advantage after 45 minutes.
On return from recess, both sides continue to create opportunities but failed, but the closest came on the way of Kamaldeen Suleyman in the 78th minute when he took on the defence of South Africa with goalkeeper Ronuwen Williams completely beaten but his kick missed the target narrowly.
South Africa recovered and threw in everything in search of the equalizer but the Ghanaian stood firm and maintained the lone goal lead.
Ghana would be among the ten countries that would slug it out in the play-offs.
Line Up: Jojo Wollacot, Andy Yiadom, Baba Rahman, Alexander Djiku, Daniel Amartey, Baba Iddrisu, Mubarak Wakaso, Andre Ayew, Kudu Mohamed/Daniel Kyere, Jordan Ayew, Kamaldeen Suleman/Richmond Boakye-Yiadom. -GNA
Sports
A walk to honour memory of late Nana Kwesi Gyan-Apenteng
A rare occasion to stay away from the air-conditioned offices, screens and other work demands was presented to journalists and staff of MTN on Saturday when they hit the streets of the capital for its annual health walk.
The participants who form the MTN Media Republic walked and worked out, climaxing it with an intense aerobic session. The entire exercise lasted for close to three hours.
The exercise is held bi-yearly for members of the Republic to make time out of their hectic schedules.
Saturday’s edition had the numbers in hundreds and was dedicated to the memory of a late member of the Republic, Nana Kwesi Gyan-Apenteng, a former Editor, National Media Commission chairman and a Communication Consultant.
He was the Apagyahene of Tafo Eti in the Eastern Region.
Under a decent weather, the members walked from the MTN Ghana office near Ridge and passed through areas such as the National Theatre, Ministries Police Station, Accra Sports Stadium, State House, and Police Headquarters and back to the starting point.
In separate interviews, members welcomed the initiative and called for its sustenance while paying tribute to the late member who showed loyalty and commitment to the group’s activities.
By Spectator Reporter
Sports
A final determined by Adaari?
Analysing an Asante Kotoko goal or penalty with a Phobian lense. It would surely be an exercise in futility. This is because no explanation would sound convincing to a Phobian.
That is an apt description of the scene witnessed after a controversial penalty was awarded Asante Kotoko late in their MTN FA Cup win over Division One League (DOL) side, Golden Kick last Sunday.
That is not to say that fans of the Oak tree are not reasonable, no, far from that; but followers of the game in Ghana would appreciate this analogy, owing to the huge rivalry that exists between them.
Let it also be on record that a few Red fans also expressed reservations over the decision.
Surrounded by numerous Golden Kick fans most of whom were genuine supporters of Hearts of Oak, bitter rivals of Asante Kotoko, referee Latif Abdul Adaari’s decision generated so much debates between them and the Reds faithful.
Interestingly, supporters put up sound arguments with different angles of the action that led to the penalty. Some shared the same videos but saw them differently.
But without a Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Adaari’s decision stood and Kotoko smiled home with a 10th FA Cup victory.
Had there been a VAR intervention, leading to a review and subsequent overturn of the decision, Kotoko fans would have definitely been up in arms, protesting vehemently like the Golden Kick disguised fans did.
But that is the beauty of football; momentarily dividing and the next moment uniting.
But for the controversy which is ongoing, Sunday’s game was by far the finest in the FA Cup finals witnessed in the last decade.
Kotoko were overwhelming favourites and Golden Kick massive underdogs.
However, the winners would be the first to admit that they were involved in a game of their lives.
Coach Karim Zito did not hide this fact. In a post-match interview, he stated “I am not surprised at all. I actually predicted it because it would have been better and more comfortable with a top division side. This is a DOL side with nothing to lose. Getting to the finals of the FA Cup is already an achievement. Playing Kotoko is another motivation. They have nothing to lose but have all to gain if they win.”
But in celebrating Kotoko, it is equally important to commend the effort of the Golden Kick side for their gallantry.
They proved that the class between the GPL and DOL is only vast on paper but slender on the pitch.
The likes of Kelvin Kofi Saaba, Roland Gripman, Owusu Dacosta, Paul Yeboah, Abdulai Zakari and Bless Ege clearly outshone their more experienced Kotoko stars.
Their pace, athleticism, control, dexterity and composure were superb, forcing the Porcupine Warriors to be unnecessarily physical to contain them.
While brooding over a lost opportunity to lay hand on a major silverware, Coach Fiifi Parker Hanson should feel worthy about the good work he is doing with this young generation of talents.
\He may have been undone by a contentious decision but what was seen from his charges will remain in the memory of football fans for a long time.
But the debate as to whether Adaari’s call was precise or erroneous would continue for a long time without answer
By Andrew Nortey
