AFCON 2023: Kudus scores twice as Black Stars draw against Egypt

Published

3 months ago

January 18, 2024

Majesty

For the most of the first half, neither team posed much of a danger, but Egypt controlled the ball more. Rui Vitoria had to make a first-half substitution when Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was unable to continue due to what seemed to be a hamstring injury. Kudus made the difference shortly after coming off the bench, scoring his first goal in the continental tournament with a brilliant curler that beat the custodian and put Ghana ahead.

In their second group encounter against Egypt at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Black Stars twice gave away the lead to draw.

Mohammed Kudus scored twice in the game, but individual blunders cost the team three points, culminating in a 2-2 tie against the Pharaohs.

The Black Stars had a strong start, taking the game to the Egyptians, but were unable to open up their defence.

Kudus got his first opportunity at goal, but the custodian easily stopped his shot from just beyond the area.

For most of the first half, neither team posed much of a danger, but Egypt controlled the ball more.

Rui Vitoria had to make a first-half substitution when Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was unable to continue due to what seemed to be a hamstring injury.

Kudus made the difference shortly after coming off the bench, scoring his first goal in the continental tournament with a brilliant curler that beat the custodian and put Ghana ahead.

The West Ham United player received a feed from Salis Abdul Samed and beat his marker to open the score.

Egypt almost got back into the game minutes after the break, but their set-piece goal was called out for offside.

Richard Ofori was again called into action seconds later, but the Orlando Pirates’ custodian made an excellent stop.

Egypt finally equalised through Marmoush, who took advantage of Inaki Williams’ back pass, rounding off the custodian and playing the ball into an empty net.

However, their pleasure was short-lived, as Kudus scored again, this time off a ball from Denis Odoi.

He restored the team’s lead, but Ghana failed to capitalise on it for the second time.

Trezeguet stripped replacement Osman Bukari of the ball before sending up a teammate for the equaliser, making it 2-2.

Despite a late effort from both sides, there was no winner at the end of regulation time, with the points split.

The Black Stars will now be banking on their final game against Mozambique to advance to the next stage of the competition.

Related Topics:Black Stars Kudus Mohammed Kudus

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Black Stars fitness coach Ricky Roy reportedly dead

Published

4 hours ago

April 29, 2024

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Romeo Ricky Roy, the fitness coach for Ghana’s senior national team, has died.

According to Ghana Football Association president Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku’s Facebook post, he died in Accra on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

Roy joined the Black Stars’ backroom staff in 2021, during Milovan Rajevac’s second spell as coach.

He remained with the national squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the current Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Roy rose to prominence as a member of the coaching staff for Division One League club Vision FC in February 2020, before joining the national squad.

Veteran Sports Commentator Joe Lartey dies at 96

Published

2 days ago

April 27, 2024

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Joe Lartey was born on June 6, 1927, in Accra and attended Accra Academy. Lartey, often known as "Over to You," was a well-known broadcaster and SWAG's founding president. Lartey began his media career as a football commentator with the Ghana Broadcasting Cooperation (GBC) in 1961. He grew to be a popular figure in Ghana's sports community. He subsequently spent a decade at Radio Nigeria before returning to GBC in 1990. During his stint, he presented shows including Sports Digest on GTV.

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has reported the death of Joe Lartey, a veteran Ghanaian football pundit and sports writer.

He passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the age of 96.

Joe Lartey was born on June 6, 1927, in Accra and attended Accra Academy. Lartey, often known as “Over to You,” was a well-known broadcaster and SWAG’s founding president.

Lartey began his media career as a football commentator with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in 1961.

He grew to be a popular figure in Ghana’s sports community.

He subsequently spent a decade at Radio Nigeria before returning to GBC in 1990. During his stint, he presented shows including Sports Digest on GTV.

In appreciation of his achievements in sports journalism, Lartey received the coveted “A Life in Sport” award from the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) during the AIPS Sport Media Awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar, in June 2022.

Lartey’s impact stretched well beyond Ghana, with numerous Ghanaian football analysts praising him for moulding their careers.

Fans and colleagues alike will remember him warmly for his pioneering work in sports broadcasting.

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Xavi to stay as Barcelona’s coach until at least June 2025

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2024

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Xavi took over as manager of Barcelona in November 2021, after leaving Qatari club Al Sadd, and led the team to the Spanish title in his first full season in charge in 2022–23. However, they are 11 points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid with six games remaining in the current season. Barcelona was eliminated from the Champions League last week after losing to Paris St. Germain in the quarterfinals.

Barcelona coach Xavi will stay with the club until at least the end of his contract in June 2025, having changed his mind about this being his final season.

The 44-year-old stated in January that he will stand down as manager this summer.

However, with president Joan Laporta desperate for him to stay, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder has made a U-turn.

Xavi took over as manager of Barcelona in November 2021, after leaving Qatari club Al Sadd, and led the team to the Spanish title in his first full season in charge in 2022–23.

However, they are 11 points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid with six games remaining in the current season.

Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League last week after losing to PSG in the quarterfinals.

Xavi, who won 25 honours during his brilliant playing career at Barcelona, said he felt “liberated” with the revelation that he would leave the position at the conclusion of the season.

When he announced his departure following the defeat to Villarreal, he felt he was not being safeguarded by the club and there was no clear direction.

However, the team’s fortunes have improved since Xavi felt comfortable taking a more casual attitude.

They went ten games undefeated in the league before falling 3-2 to Real Madrid on Sunday.

On Wednesday, there was a meeting at Laporta’s residence, and the club’s desire for him to stay was clear.

If Xavi is unable to strengthen the squad before the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, Barcelona will attempt to persuade one of the high-profile managers out of contract, including Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, and Mikel Arteta.