Ghana Football
Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum criticises older players for lack of dedication
Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum has expressed disappointment with his team’s dismal performance this season, blaming it on a lack of commitment from senior players.
Due to the dismal performances of the squad’s older members, Ogum indicated that he had no choice but to depend on younger, less experienced players.
“Most of the senior players are not putting in much effort at training, and that’s why I start the young guys who originally are not supposed to start,” he said.
Kotoko have failed to establish form, with only two victories in nine games, three defeats, and four ties. Their most recent defeat occurred against Dreams FC, as spectators booed the players off the pitch.
Ogum recognised that the club’s inability to score goals has been a serious concern, with the team scoring just one goal in their last three games and seven in total this season.
“Our problem is goalscoring, and that is a fact. We even play better than our opponents, and create chances, but at the end of the day, how to put the ball in the net has been the problem.”
Despite these obstacles, Ogum remains optimistic that his squad will be able to turn things around in their forthcoming encounter against Samartex. He highlighted the need of his players stepping up and accepting responsibility for their performances.
“I believe we have the quality, but it’s time for the players to take their destiny into their own hands and prove themselves,” he said.
Ernest Papa Arko, former captain of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, has died, according to the club.
Following a brief illness, the Ghana international died in the early hours of Sunday.
Arko played for Asante Kotoko in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and he was also the team’s captain.
They went on to be finalists in the 1982 African Cup of Champions Clubs, losing to Al Ahly SC of Egypt.
He led the squad again in 1983, the year they last won the CAF Champions League.
Kotoko stated in a statement, ”Everyone at Asante Kotoko is devastated by the news that our 1983 Champions League winning Captain, Papa Arkoh has passed away in Accra. Our thoughts are with his family and his former mates.”
Arko participated in Ghana’s failure to defend its African Cup of Nations title in 1980. He was also a member of the team that competed in the 1984 African Nations Cup.
He is the third Kotoko icon to die in the last month, following Joe Debrah and Robert Eshun.
Asante Kotoko is facing a GHC 80,000 fine from the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee for their disruptive behaviour during a match against Nations FC.
The disciplinary punishment is the result of actions that occurred during their matchday 6 match at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Dissatisfied with a penalty call by the referee in the last stages of the game, a group of irate supporters resorted to violent behaviour. In protest, chairs were allegedly smashed, and items were hurled into the pitch. Despite the fact that the game ended in a 2-2 tie, supporters proceeded to vent their rage by destroying artefacts at the stadium.
The inquiry by the Disciplinary Committee revealed a ‘breach of Article 16(c) and Article 16(2)(f) of the GFA Disciplinary Code 2019.’ As a result, Asante Kotoko has been fined heavily, and the money will be given to Nations FC to compensate for the damages caused by the alleged Kotoko fans.
Meanwhile, Kotoko returned to winning ways on Sunday, defeating Medeama SC at the Baba Yara Stadium due to Sherif Mohammed’s penalty kick in the 60th minute.
Ghana Football
Hearts of Oak to play home games in Kumasi following the closure of Accra Sports Stadium
According to Onua Sports, Hearts of Oak have opted to transfer their home games to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium following the shutdown of the Accra Sports Stadium due to scheduled Christmas celebrations.
The highly anticipated Ghana Premier League match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, which was originally scheduled for Accra on December 8, will now be played in Kumasi, with Hearts of Oak designated as the home team.
The temporary location change was caused by the Accra Sports Stadium, which was overseen by event organisers for the Christmas festivities. Alhaji Brimah Moro Akambi, a Hearts of Oak Board Member, confirmed the decision, indicating that the Phobians will play their home games at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the rest of the year. However, beginning in 2023, the club is open to evaluating alternative locations.
Hearts of Oak are currently 14th in the league rankings with 12 points. Following the resignation of coach Martinus Koopman, assistant Abdul Rahim Bashiru has been named to handle the squad until a permanent replacement is found.
On Tuesday, they meet the Accra Lions, looking to get back on track after three straight draws.
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