Sports
Congrats, Dede Ayew! …but keep the focus
Andre Morgan Dede Ayew needs no introduction. He is a house-hold name in Ghana and world football. Such an enchantingly alluring character!
Popularly known as Dede, the Ghana attacking midfielder and Black Stars captain marked his 100th appearance for the senior national team at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
And, what a magnificent fashion to cap it in the Central Region – scoring a crucial spot-kick for Ghana against South Africa that catapulted the Stars to the final phase (play-off) of the Qatar 2022 World Cup tournament.
Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey had been ‘soiled’ in the area by defender Rushine de Reuck. The visitors protested the offence, but Referee Maguette Ndiaye, stuck to his gun.
It was a big moment for Ghana who only needed a goal to sail through. Who was going to effect the crucial kick? But before anyone could stretch it further, Dede stepped up to that onerous responsibility and sent the goalie the wrong way, firing the Cape Coast Stadium into raptures. It happened to be the only goal of the night.
Three days earlier, the Qatar-based Ghana captain had sublimely curled home a free-kick against Ethiopia in a 1-1 stalemate played at the FNB Stadium in South Africa. The Ethiopians say they had chosen that venue of all places, following a state of insecurity in their country.
From the records, Dede is the second most-capped player for Ghana – only nine caps short of legend Asamoah Gyan.
In appreciation of the centennial feat, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports celebrated Dede for reaching his latest milestone, honouring him with a special customised Ghana jersey with his name and the number 100 emblazoned on it. It was an enthralling splendor!
“It’s been an honour of a lifetime to play for my country and a blessing to be able to get 100 caps. Thanks to all players and coaches who have helped me all the way. Thanks also to the GFA and the Minister of Sports. God bless our homeland Ghana and make us Great and Strong,” Dede posted on social media.
Highest goal-poacher in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with nine goals, the now 31-year-old Dede carved his Ghana debut in 2007, and has presently bundled home 22 goals for the Black Stars.
The former Swansea City and West Ham star is well loved by Ghanaians, having captained the national Under-20 team (Black Satellites) to gold at the World Youth Tournament in Egypt, 2009.
That bravura of a feat, is still Africa’s solitary gold at that level.
Dede’s unparalleled sense of commitment, dedication, discipline and valour on the pitch has won him numerous fans across the world.
He once said: “It is a huge honour to play for your country, and once you get the opportunity, you have go all out, kill yourself and bring smiles on the faces of the fans.”
Presently, Dede is faced with the mammoth task of leading the nation to the Qatar World Cup. It is a Herculean challenge, but it is surmountable with a single, unwavering sense of purpose and hardwork.
The play-offs among 10 countries to determine the five teams to represent Africa in Qatar is scheduled for March, 2022.
From the teams that have made it to the last phase, it is very likely Ghana could meet the likes of DR Congo, Mali, Egypt and Senegal to make it to their fourth World Cup, after the glories of Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014.
Until then, we congratulate Andre Dede Ayew for chalking the centenary feat. We know it has not been an easy journey since his maiden appearance when invited by Claude Le Roy for the Black Stars’ friendly against Senegal and later the 2008 AFCON that Ghana hosted.
By John Vigah
Sports
S-Inkoom Football Academy eyes Division Two promotion, European opportunities for young talents
Former Ghana Black Stars and FC Basel defender, Samuel Inkoom, has expressed confidence in the future of Ghanaian football as his S-Inkoom Football Academy continues to nurture young talents and create pathways to professional football both locally and abroad.
Speaking after his academy’s successful qualification for the Middle League, Inkoom praised the commitment and discipline of his players, describing their progress as a testament to hard work and dedication.
“First of all, I give thanks to God. These kids mean a lot to me. The most important thing is that they are learning and moving in the right direction,” he said.
According to him, the academy’s immediate target is to secure promotion to Division Two when the team competes in the Middle League this week.
“We are playing on Wednesday and we are hoping for the best. If they perform the same way they did today, they can qualify for Division Two,” he stated.
Inkoom revealed that the academy’s broader objective extends beyond winning matches, focusing instead on transforming the lives of talented young footballers, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds.
“Some of these boys come from families that struggle to provide even basic necessities. I tell them that money may not be there today, but if they remain focused, success will come tomorrow,” he explained.
The former Ghana international also disclosed that several academy players are attracting interest from clubs in Europe.
He said three players who recently underwent trials had been invited back to complete permanent transfers later this month, while four additional players are expected to travel abroad soon.
“When I see these opportunities for the boys, it makes me happy. It shows that we are doing something right,” he noted.
He appealed to corporate organisations and individuals to support the academy’s efforts in developing future national team players.
“If corporate bodies can come on board and support us, the door is open. This project is for Ghana. Together, we can bring out these talents and help build a stronger national team,” he said.
The academy currently has more than 80 players within its development system, providing a steady pipeline of talent to replace players who progress to opportunities abroad.
“We have about 81 players in our system. We are giving everyone a chance because football is about opportunities and timing. New talents are always emerging,” Inkoom added.
Captain Samuel Owusu also expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the upcoming Division Two qualifiers, stating that the players had quickly shifted their focus after learning of their qualification.
“We were surprised at first, but now we are fully prepared mentally and physically for the challenge ahead,” he said.
Midfielder Elijah echoed the optimism within the camp, indicating that the squad was determined to prove itself in the next stage of competition.
The academy’s management further revealed plans to organise youth tournaments involving international scouts and representatives from leading European clubs, creating additional exposure opportunities for young Ghanaian footballers.
With preparations intensifying ahead of Wednesday’s crucial fixtures, the S-Inkoom Football Academy remains hopeful of achieving promotion while continuing its mission of producing the next generation of football stars for Ghana and beyond.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
The world over, the FA Cup is noted as a competition that produces winners whose pedigree can always be called into question.
This year in particular when many predicted an all-conquering Arsenal to win the English version of the championship, they were beaten by a struggling Manchester City side to win the trophy.
The season before, a dominant Manchester City side also surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace in a final many expected the east Manchester side to triumph.
The Ghana version of the competition is not spared of the surprises and uncertainties about the competition.
On Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Nations FC walked a path that only defunct Ho Voradep treaded on 34 years ago when they suffered relegation in the 1992 edition but won the FA Cup competition.
Having faced the ignominy of relegation, Nations FC put up a strong fight to beat Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the MTN FA Cup after drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Joseph Effah put Nations FC ahead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before Abdul Razak Salifu levelled for Dreams FC on the stroke of halftime.
Both sides had good chances in the second half and extra time, but all failed to find the back of the net again until the shoot-outs.
It was not just historic. It is the biggest silverware in their trophy cabinet. Though they would campaign from the lower tier of Ghana football, they would hoist Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederations Cup competition in the next season.
It was a dramatic and memorable season, leaving huge responsibility on the tiny shoulders of Dr Kwame Kyei’s Nations FC.
The focus is now on the future for the winners considering the financial challenge that comes with participation for the continental championship others to arise regarding the acceptance of their home venue.
While commending the FA Cup committee and MTN Ghana, the headline sponsors, one hopes that corporate sectors consider that difficulty and rush to the aid of the club. Ayekoo, Nations FC.
By Andrew Nortey
