Sports
Starting ahead of Kufuor at 2006 World Cup was a surprise – Shilla lliasu
Former Ghana defender Shilla lliasu Alhassan says he never thought he would get the opportunity to play ahead of Bayern legend Sammy Kufuor and Issah Ahmed at the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany.
Iliasu saw his breakthrough after he was handed a starting berth by then Ghana coach Ratomir Dujković ahead of Bayern star Sammy Kufuor in the second group game against the Czech Republic.
Kufuor had committed an error in Ghana’s opening game against Italy which saw the Black Stars lose their opening game 2-0 to the Italians in a very difficult encounter.
“I never believed I would get the opportunity to play at the World Cup. At my position, there was Sammy Kufuor who was the first choice followed by Issah Ahmed. Maybe the coach knew something I didn’t. Maybe at training, he saw some qualities, Shilla Iliasu told Happy FM.
“I played in the pre-tournament game against Korea which I excelled; so I had that confidence that I could play so I grabbed that opportunity to prove myself when I had the chance”.
Iliasu said he was praised by his teammates after making his debut against the Czech Republic.
“It was a big moment for me. The 2006 FIFA World Cup was our first at that stage and we were a bit nervous. And playing in the same position that has an experienced player like Kuffour and Issah Ahmed, I least expected that breakthrough.
“Like I said, it came to me as a surprise but I took it as my chance to show myself and skill to the world. Playing a Czech Republic side with very good players also didn’t make easy at all but we played one of our best games to win 2-0 to brighten our chances in the group.
“After the game, Sammy Kufuor and some players also commended me for my performance. It was a special feeling to hear the players motivate me”.
According to Illiasu, that marked a turning point in his career which saw him go on to play for several clubs in Ghana and outside.
“The World Cup is a bigger platform that every player hopes to feature in. We had our opportunity and we made the best out of it. It was unfortunate we didn’t go that far.”
The former Asante Kotoko defender was among the local-based players who were named in the Black Stars squad for the tournament.
Source: Ghanaian Times
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and all the clubs participating in this weekend’s competitions will pay special tribute in honour of the memory of the late Dominic Frimpong of Berekum Chelsea FC (on loan from Aduana FC).
The GFA has in a statement announced that all the players and team officials of the 6 clubs playing this weekend competitions will wear black armbands on their jerseys as a mark of respect during their respective matches.
In addition, a minute of silence will be observed before the commencement of each game in his honour. This tribute will take place during the MTN FA Cup semi-final matches as well as the Women’s Premier League final scheduled for this weekend.
“The GFA counts on the full cooperation of all clubs and the fans in respectfully observing these arrangements as we collectively pay tribute to Dominic Frimpong,” the statement added.
The FA expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their understanding and support in these times.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Daniel Laryea will handle the MTN FA Cup semifinal clash between Aduana FC and Nations FC at the Swedru Stadium on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Roland Addy will serve as Assistant I, with Seth Abletor as Assistant II, while Adaari Abdul Lattif works as 4th Referee.
The match is scheduled for a 3:00pm kick-off at the Swedru Stadium on Friday, April 17, 2026.
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