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Our clubs need their scoring boots on
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Ghana’s two representatives are battling for continental honours in a COVID-19 season. Like the rest of their opponents, it is the first time they are all playing through a pandemic – and without fans, too.
Asante Kotoko got their CAF Champions League Cup campaign to a somewhat stimulating start away last weekend after holding off Mauritanian side FC Nouadhibou to an animated 1-1 draw in the first leg of the preliminary round.
According to reports, Kotoko gave an imposing account of themselves, although they could have fetched maximum points on the afternoon had it not been for their profligacy in front the Mauritanian goal.
However, it was also said that Kotoko were hard-done by as the FC Nouadhibou 21st-minute equalising penalty was highly unfair. The incident was reported as “a one-on-one tackle – with Kotoko Yusif Mubarik’s hands folded at his back.” In the befuddled milieu, the ball hit his belly but the referee – who was not close to the incident, stunningly pointed to the spot for a penalty. It was one of dark spots of the continental game.
The Asanteman Warriors, perhaps, should take some praise for holding off the final incessant raids by the home side to share the spoils. However, the Reds must as a matter of urgency put the result behind them and dash for the jugular in the return slated for the Accra Sports Stadium this weekend.
It is a good thing Kotoko have managed to scoop a vital away point, but it is not over at all. We have seen the club snatch some great results away only to see them crumble in front of their pet crowd like a pack of cards. This must not be the case this time around.
Seven years ago, Kotoko got their CAF Champions League competition campaign off to a sparkler after drawing goalless in an energy-sapping tie with Algeria’s JSM Bejaia away.
Spirits were very high for the return fixture. Predictions of 2-0 and 3-0 were emblazoned on the lips of fans. Sadly, a different story was told at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as the Asanteman club could only manage 1-1 scoreline to crash out on the away-goal rule. Enough lessons are there to learn from, not so?
Just like their compatriots, AshantiGold also drew against their Burkinabe counterparts – Salitas FC, in the prelims of the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday. The tie ended in a scoreless stalemate at the Len Clay Stadium.
According to reports, the Miners failed to make the numerous opportunities that decanted their way count, particularly in the second stanza. It does not look good in the return for the Ghanaians unless they change their goal-shy disposition and take Ouagadougou by storm. They must be fully-loaded for bear. They must be prepared to die out of exhaustion rather than give up. That is the most possible way to get the result.
What makes the return more of an arduous undertaking is the fact that Salitas missed three of their top stars for the game after Sami Hien, Ibrahim Barry and Captain Youssouf Barro all tested positive for COVID-19.
If the trio is fit, then AshantiGold have to dig deep into their rich reservoir to be able to survive in enemy territory. It is a massive task, doubtless.
In football, though, anything is possible. Ashantigold must take the bull by the horn, storm Ouagadougou and deliver. Good thing is that the Miners – just like Kotoko, were able to create very decent gilt-edged chances, but let them go begging. It means that they are likely to churn out the desired result should they exploit home the avalanche of opportunities that pour their path.
The same message goes to the Porcupine Warriors, Asante Kotoko. They must go for broke, but at the same time ensure some level of cautiousness.
Having said that goal-scoring is increasingly becoming a Himalayan issue for Ghana football and the earliest we found the panacea to it, the better for our football. Let our clubs put on their scoring boots on, now!
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
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