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Kurt Okraku motivates Nsoatreman FC ahead of debut CAF Confederation Cup

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The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has backed Nsoatreman FC to excel in their debut CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Nsoatreman, which clinched the 2023-24 MTN FA Cup, will host Chadian Premier League side, Elect Sport FC, in the preliminary round of the 2024-25 Total Energies CAF Confederation Cup competition, on Sunday August 18, 2024 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

President Simeon-Okraku, who also witnessed the Division One League (DOL) Super Cup final at the Nana Konamansah Park, motivated the players and technical team to keep their focus and write their names in letters of gold.

“You carry the aspirations of over 30 million Ghanaians and I will urge you to keep the focus and take your training seriously,” President Simeon-Okraku told the players and technical staff.

“Playing in Africa comes with enormous benefits. It is my fervent hope and prayer that you will raise the flag of our country high as you embark on this adventure.”

He said, “Medeama and Dreams did very well last time and we’re confident about your prospects in the CAF Confederation Cup.”

According to him, “The Football Association will continue to offer its support to you in the best way that we can to ensure you deliver for our people. On behalf of myself, the Executive Council and Ghanaians, we wish you well as you begin the journey to conquer Africa.”

The Ghanaian side will mark their debut appearance in African inter-club competition at home when they host Elect Sport in the first leg of the round before travelling away for the second leg.

The Nsoatre-based side will use the Accra Sports Stadium as their home venue for the preliminary round of matches after CAF granted both Nsoatreman FC and Samartex 1996 (Ghana’s Champions League representatives) approval for the use of the facility.

The preliminary round will commence between August 16-18, 2024, and the winner of the two-leg tie will face the winner of the matchup between Algerian side CS Constantine and Police FC of Rwanda in the second round in September.

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Ghana claims 5th place in Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations with thrilling 5-3 victory over Mozambique

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Ghana’s Black Sharks defeated Mozambique 5-3 in a fierce classification match to earn fifth place in the Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with an impressive display of talent and tenacity.

After placing seventh in the 2015 and 2016 Beach Soccer AFCONs, this is Ghana’s best performance in the competition.

The match, played on Thursday, showcased the prowess of Ghana’s star player, Alexander Adjei, who netted a remarkable hat-trick, bringing his tournament total to 11 goals and earning him the Man of the Match award.

From the outset, Ghana set the pace, with Wise Nyamadi opening the scoring early in the first period. His first goal came just two minutes in, capitalising on a defensive error from Mozambique.

The momentum continued as Ghana’s relentless offence pressured the Mozambican defence, leading to two more goals before the end of the first period.

Mozambique, undeterred by the early deficit, fought back valiantly. They found the net twice in quick succession during the second period, narrowing Ghana’s lead and igniting hopes of a comeback.

But Ghana’s two-goal lead was restored when Adjei, the tournament’s top scorer, scored again, displaying his outstanding form.

As the match progressed, both teams exchanged chances in a frenetic third period. Mozambique’s efforts to close the gap were met with staunch resistance from Ghana’s defence.

Ghana scored their fifth goal in the closing minutes with a spectacular long-range attempt that gave the Mozambican goalie no chance.

Ghana’s decisive victory at the end of the game cemented the country’s standing as a powerful force in African beach soccer.

In addition to showcasing his individual skill, Alexander Adjei’s outstanding performance in the competition emphasised the team’s concerted effort throughout the competition.

Daniel Kotey Neequaye, Ghana’s coach, commended the team’s skill and tenacity while highlighting the significance of the win as they aim to build on it in upcoming tournaments.

“This victory is a result of our diligence and hard work. We got here as a team, but Alex’s incredible performance was essential,” he said after the game.

As the tournament concludes, Ghana can take pride in their performance, with eyes now set on preparations for subsequent competitions, where the Black Sharks will aim to climb even higher in the ranks of African beach soccer.

Defending Champions Senegal will face Mauritania in the final match on Saturday, October 26, 2024 after the third-place playoff match between hosts Egypt and Morocco.

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Premier League: Legon Cities FC face Accra Lions in capital dderby today

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Legon Cities take on Accra Lions in a tantalising Accra derby in match day 8 of the Premier League on Friday October 25, 2024.

The two struggling sides will clash for redemption at the University of Ghana Stadium. Kick off 19:00 GMT (7pm local time).

Legon Cities remain winless since the start of the season, suffering five defeats and a draw with an outstanding match against Asante Kotoko, scheduled for Wednesday October 30, 2024.

The Royals remain at the bottom of the Premier League table with 1 point, scored 4 and conceded the most goals in the league so far (12).

Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin’s side will be aiming for their first win of the season after losing 3-1 at Berekum Chelsea last weekend.

Accra Lions are currently sitting just 5 points above the host in the league table, having won 1, drawn 3 and suffered 3 defeats. Lions have scored 5 and conceded 7.

Coach Ibrahim Tanko’s men also head into this game with just a single win this season and that came against Nsoatreman FC at home in match week 4.

They will be desperate to record their second win in the league after managing a goalless draw in their previous match against Young Apostles.

Legon Cities have played Accra Lions three times at home in the league since 2020/21 season with Legon Cities winning one, drawing one and losing one.

In 2020/21 season, Legon Cities lost 0-1 to Accra Lions, won 2-0 in the 2021/22 season and recorded a goalless draw in the 2023/24 season.

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Ghana fall to Sudan in TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

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Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat to Sudan in a crucial TotalEnergies 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Martyrs International Stadium in Libya on Tuesday.

The Black Stars were seeking their first win in the qualifiers, but Sudan showed greater determination in the second half, scoring two goals to secure the points.

Mohammed Kudus captained the team, with Inaki Williams leading the attack. Ibrahim Sulemana and Elisha Owusu operated in midfield, while the backline consisted of Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Mohammed Salisu, and Alexander Djiku.

After a goalless first half, Sudan broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute through Al Tash Mohammed. He scored from close range after Mohammed Salisu’s unsuccessful goal-line clearance.

Sudan doubled their lead three minutes later with Abdel-Rahaman’s precise shot, which beat Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

Ghana made several substitutions in pursuit of a goal. Mohammed Salisu was replaced by Jonas Adjetey due to injury, while Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku came on for Antoine Semenyo and Ernest Nuamah. Alidu Seidu and Ibrahim Sulemana made way for Tariq Lamptey and Michael Baidoo.

Despite creating a few chances, Ghana’s best opportunity fell to Inaki Williams in the 82nd minute, but he shot wide.

The Black Stars pressed for a consolation goal, but their efforts were insufficient as Sudan secured their second win in the qualifiers.

Ghana will face Niger and Angola in their remaining two matches in November.

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