Sports
Hand over Kumasi Asante Kotoko to Otumfuo and focus on Nations FC-Ali Maradona
Former Management member of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Ali Maradona has asked the board chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Dr, Kwame Kyei to hand over the club to the owner, Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
According to him, with the promotion of Nations FC which belongs to his (Dr.Kwame Kyei) son to the Ghana Premier League, he is of the view that Dr.Kwame Kyei’s interest would be divided.
Speaking to Oyerepa Sports, “Dr Kwame Kyei is my mentor and someone I so much adore but he must humbly go to Otumfour, thank him for giving him the opportunity to lead the club and hand the club back to him.”
Ali Maradona believes that “There is no way the interest of Kotoko, a club he is the board chairman will supersede the interest of his own club or a club that belongs to his son.”
He added that “This situation has happened to Herbert Mensah, Mr Kwabena Kesse, and the likes so I am advising him to go to Otumfour together with Ankobeahene to thank him and hand back the club to him.”
“I wish I were in Ghana, I would have woefully gone to Otumfour and plead with him to speak on the future of Kotoko because there is limited time for the club,” he said.
“At this point, only rumours will prevail on the future of the leadership of the club.”-Ali Maradona on Oyerepa,” he disclosed.
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has been named on the official eight-man shortlist for the 2025/26 Premier League Player of the Season award.
The Ghana international is nominated alongside his City teammate Erling Haaland, Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal trio Gabriel Magalhães, David Raya, and Declan Rice, Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, and Brentford striker Igor Thiago.
A season of high-profile excellence, Semenyo earns his spot on the prestigious shortlist following a stunning breakthrough year where he registered 16 goals and four assists in 35 Premier League appearances.
The 26-year-old split his highly productive campaign between two clubs, starting the season in electric form for AFC Bournemouth before securing a high-profile £64 million transfer to Manchester City in January 2026.
The versatile attacker adapted instantly to life under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
He won the February EA SPORTS Player of the Month award after netting three goals in his first five games for City, and most recently opened the scoring in a 3-0 midweek victory over Crystal Palace.
Elite Competition for the Top PrizeThe Premier League confirmed that the winner will be decided by combining a public fan vote with the choices of an expert football panel.
Semenyo faces incredibly stiff competition from the other seven nominees who have dominated the 2025/26 landscape:
The Black Starlets will begin their 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign today, Thursday May 14, 2026 with a highly anticipated Group D clash against Algeria in Rabat.
Ghana heads into the tournament determined to make a strong statement after an impressive qualifying campaign in the WAFU Zone B Championship.
The Black Starlets secured qualification to the continental showpiece after finishing second in the regional tournament, narrowly losing to Ivory Coast on penalties in the final after an intense contest between the two West African rivals.
As part of preparations for the AFCON, the Black Starlets engaged in a series of international friendly matches aimed at sharpening the squad ahead of the tournament.
Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum and his technical team tested the side against Ivory Coast on two occasions before concluding preparations with another competitive game against Mali in Morocco.
The technical handlers believe the preparatory matches have given the team the right exposure and tactical discipline required for the challenges ahead.
Algeria, meanwhile, also booked their place at the tournament after finishing runners-up in the North African qualifying tournament, UNAF.
The North Africans fell to hosts Morocco in their final qualifying match but demonstrated quality and resilience throughout the competition to secure qualification.
Thursday’s encounter is expected to be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams eager to begin their campaign on a positive note in a difficult group.
Speaking ahead of the game, Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum expressed confidence in the readiness of his players and praised their commitment during preparations.
“The boys have prepared very well for this tournament. We have worked hard over the past few weeks, played competitive friendly matches, and I believe the team is mentally and tactically ready for the Algeria game,” he said.
Dr. Ogum acknowledged the quality of the Algerian side but insisted his players are fully focused on executing their game plan.
“Algeria is a good side and qualifying from the North African zone is never easy. We respect them, but we are also confident in our own abilities. The players understand what is at stake and they are eager to make Ghana proud.”
He also emphasized the importance of a strong start to the tournament.
“Opening games are always very important in competitions like this. A positive result can give you confidence and momentum, so we are going into the match with determination and belief.”
The Black Starlets have looked sharp in training since arriving in Rabat, with all players available for selection and no injury concerns reported by the technical team.
Ghana will be aiming not only for success at the AFCON but also qualification to the FIFA U17 World Cup later this year, making every group stage game crucial in their quest for continental glory.
