The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League (GPL)will resume on Friday, March 7, as announced by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The league was put on hold for three weeks following the tragic death of Asante Kotoko fan, Francis Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley, during a Matchday 19 game against Nsoatreman FC at Nana Kronmansah Park.
The GFA stated that the league’s return depends on ongoing security checks at all match venues, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the Ghana FA has trained key stakeholders on improving matchday safety.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNmg5-cyxZ8
Asante Kotoko, who had earlier threatened to pull out of all competitions until justice was served, have now agreed to return to action on March 6.
Additionally, Kotoko’s postponed MTN FA Cup game against Sekondi Eleven Wise has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
The FA has also released new dates for upcoming Premier League matches.
Matchday 20: Tuesday, March 18 – Thursday, March 20 Matchday 21: Tuesday, April 1 – Thursday, April 3 Matchday 22: Tuesday, April 15 – Thursday, April 17 With these adjustments, Ghanaian football fans can look forward to the league’s highly anticipated return under improved safety measures.
Asante Kotokohave started training again after the Ghana Premier League was suspended due to the sad death of Francis Frimpong also known as Nana Pooley at Nana Kronmansah Park. Initially, the team said they wouldn’t play until justice was served for Francis.
Now, the team is back to training at Adako Jachie with 19 players practicing under their coach, Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum. However, Samba O’Neil, Wisdom Fernando, Peter Amidu Acquah, Lord Amoah, and Kwesi Asante were present but did not join the training session.
Despite the team’s return to training at the Adako Jachie facility, the turnout of fans was notably low.
Asante Kotoko’s training sessions at the Adako Jachie facility typically attracted a significant number of fans. On average, around 200 to 300 fans would attend these sessions to support the team and watch their favorite players in action.
The recent low turnout is likely due to the ongoing grief and the team’s initial stance of not resuming competitive matches until justice was served for Pooley.
Full List of Players Who Trained:
Goalkeepers: Fredrick Asare, Mohammed Camara Defenders: Fatao Siedu, Benjamin Twum, Daniel Agyietey, Justice Blay Midfielders: Josep Ablorh, Baba Yahaya, Emmanuel Antwi, Sampson Eduku, Isaac Mintah, Henry Ansu, Samuel Tenedu, Patrick Asiedu, Ntim Maafo Forwards: Kwame Poku, Elvis Kyei Baffour, Kyei Dwamena, Michael Sefa
The club stated that this meeting is part of ongoing talks after the tragic death of supporter Francis Frimpong at Nana Koramansah Park during Kotoko’s Matchday 19 game against Nsoatreman FC.
Asante Kotoko is dedicated to seeking justice and pushing for changes to improve the safety and integrity of football in Ghana.
**“Asante Kotoko SC wishes to inform our supporters and the general public that the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr. Kurt Okraku, will pay a visit to the club’s leadership on Thursday at 1:00 PM at the club’s secretariat.
“This meeting forms part of ongoing engagements following the tragic events at the Nana Koramansah Park, and we welcome the GFA President’s visit as we continue to seek justice and meaningful reforms for the safety and integrity of Ghanaian football,”** Asante Kotoko said in its notice.
In the meantime,Asante Kotoko is expected to resume training in the coming days.
Asante Kotoko’s lawyer, Sarfo Duku, has announced that the police have identified Pooley’s killer. Duku revealed that police documents and statements from suspects point to a man named Braimah as the person responsible for the stabbing. Unfortunately, Braimah is still at large.
On February 2, 2025, a tragedy occurred in the football community when Nana Pooley, a loyal Asante Kotoko fan, was fatally stabbed during the club’s match against Nsoatreman. The incident began with a player altercation on the field and quickly spread to the stands, resulting in the tragic event.
After the stabbing, the Ghana Police Service launched an investigation to find justice for Pooley’s family. This led to the arrest of several suspects, including Nsoatreman owner Ignatius Baffour-Awuah.
“One person is still at large. He’s called Braimah, and according to the police, based on their findings, he is the one who actually stabbed the deceased,” Duku stated.
“In fact, according to the police, I’m speaking based on their official report, which is now a public document, all the accused persons have admitted that it was Braimah, who is currently on the run, that stabbed Pooley to death.”
While investigations are ongoing, Asante Kotoko hosted a memorial on Sunday, February 16, 2025, to honor their late supporter.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has addressed the tragic killing of Francis Frimpong, known as Nana Pooley, a devoted supporter of Kumasi Asante Kotoko. This is the first time the Asantehene has spoken publicly about the incident, which occurred nearly two weeks ago.
Nana Pooley was fatally stabbed during a match between the Porcupines and Nsoatreman in Nsoatre, in Week 19 of Ghana’s premier league. The tragic event has led to seven arrests, including that of Nsoatreman FC financier Ignatius Baffour-Awuah.
The former Employment and Labour Relations Minister is currently under a movement restriction order issued by District Court “B” in Sunyani.
In a video shared on social media, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is the owner and life patron of Asante Kotoko, called for the swift apprehension of Pooley’s killer.
The incident has deeply shaken the football community and brought attention to the need for enhanced security measures at sporting events.
“It is unfortunate that somebody was killed because of a football match. He was intentionally stabbed to death—this is unacceptable. So, I urge you to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Nobody can take the law into their own hands and kill another person. This death was needless, and the law must take its course.
“Whoever was responsible for the murder must be arrested and prosecuted. We live in a country governed by the rule of law. It is completely unacceptable that someone is killed just because of a football match. The person must be arrested immediately.
Whether it happened inside or outside the stadium, a human being has been killed, and the law must deal with the perpetrator.
A family has lost their loved one, who was a breadwinner. A thorough investigation must be carried out to get to the bottom of the case and ensure the culprit faces the full rigours of the law,”the Asantehene stated.
A sixth suspect has been arrested in connection with the violent clashes that erupted during the football match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC on February 2.
The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of Elizabeth Akosua Ntiriwaa, also known as Akosua Black Chinese, who is now in custody assisting with investigations.
Her arrest follows an ongoing intelligence-led operation aimed at apprehending all those responsible for the disturbances. So far, six individuals have been arrested as authorities intensify efforts to ensure justice is served.
The violent incident led to the tragic death of one person, prompting the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to suspend all Premier League matches while investigations continue. Security agencies have pledged to track down all remaining perpetrators and restore order in football-related activities.
Authorities have assured the public that efforts remain in place to bring all culprits to justice. The police continue to encourage anyone with useful information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigations.
The Ghana Police Service has intensified its crackdown on individuals involved in the violent disturbances that marred the football match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC, arresting two additional suspects.
The newly arrested individuals, identified as Isaac Ofosu and Yeboah Augustine, are currently in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations. Their arrests bring the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with the incident to five.
The violent clashes took place on February 2, 2025, at Nsoatre in the Bono Region, sparking widespread concern about safety at football events.
The incident, which resulted in the death of one person, led to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) suspending all Premier League matches as investigations continue.
Security agencies have since launched an intelligence-led operation to track down and apprehend all individuals involved in the disturbances.
Authorities have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to bring the remaining perpetrators to justice and restore order in football-related activities. The police continue to urge anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akufo Dampare, met with Asante Kotoko’s leadership on Tuesday to address the violent incidents that occurred during their match against Nsoatreman FC.
The Matchday 19 game, held at Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre, was marred by chaos, leading to the tragic death of Francis Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley, a well-known Kotoko supporter.
Pooley was fatally stabbed by unknown individuals during the violence.
Present at the meeting were Nana Apinkra Akwasi Awua I, Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee chairman Kwasi Appiah, and both current and former Circles Chairmen.
Before this meeting, IGP Dampare had reached out to Pooley’s family on Monday to offer condolences and assure them of a thorough investigation to deliver justice.
Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the incident: former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations Ignatius Baffour Awuah, Agyemang Duah Owusu, and Kyeremeh Joseph.
A search of Owusu’s home uncovered two blood-stained clothes and an MP 23 pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition, raising further concerns about football-related violence.
Following the brawl, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has charged ten players for misconduct. Six players from Nsoatreman—Stephen Diyou, Abdul Rahaman Mohammed, Walid Neymar Fuseini, Mohammed Issaka, and Eric Osei Bonsu—along with four Kotoko players—Mohammed Camara, Gilbani O’Neil Ndongani Samba, Andres Ntim Manu, and Justice Blay—face charges under Section 12(1)(j) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019.
Due to these incidents, the GFAhas postponed the Matchday 20 fixtures of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League.
Additionally, the GFA will meet with Premier League clubs, stakeholders, and Supporters’ Groups on Thursday and Friday to discuss the situation.
A devoted Asante Kotoko supporter, Frimpong Yaw Francis, has tragically lost his life after being stabbed during violent clashes following the club’s Ghana Premier League Matchday 19 fixture against Nsoatreman FC at the Nana Koramansah Park.
The match, which ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat for Kotoko, was marred by heated confrontations both on and off the field. Tensions flared as players engaged in a physical altercation, forcing the referee to issue four red cards.
The situation deteriorated further after the final whistle when supporters from both sides clashed violently.
In a statement confirming the incident, Kotoko revealed that the fan suffered fatal injuries and was rushed to Sunyani Hospital, where he later passed away.
The club strongly condemned the violent scenes, lamenting the hostile treatment their players and officials endured upon arrival at the venue.
The clashes escalated when Kotoko’s Head of Media sustained a serious ear injury after being struck by an object. Additionally, a section of home supporters invaded the pitch and physically assaulted Kotoko’s goalkeeper, Mohammed Camara, pelting him with various objects.
With a heavy heart , we announce the untimely demise of our beloved supporter, Frimpong Yaw Francis, whose life was taken by some hooligans at the Nsoatre Park during our #GOLM19 game against Nsoatreman F.C
Reports indicate that travelling Kotoko fans and some media personnel from Kumasi also became targets of attacks during the chaotic scenes.
In response, Kotoko has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to launch an urgent investigation and ensure that those responsible face justice.
The club also expressed growing concern over recurring hooliganism in Ghanaian football, warning that such acts endanger the safety of players, officials, journalists, and fans.
Flashback of the late Francis Yaw Frimpong, affectionately called Nana Pooley, doing his usual pre-match ritual of beating the gong gong before Kotoko’s games.#3Sportspic.twitter.com/ioafYG7u8p
Beyond the tragic loss of life, Kotoko confirmed that the violence led to severe damage to crucial team equipment, including laptops, communication devices for the technical team, and other essential audio-visual gadgets.
Kotoko assured its full cooperation with the GFA’s investigations and called for stricter security measures at league venues to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Asante Kotoko SC has confirmed that two of its Sudanese players, Esmat AbdalHamid Mohamed and Obdoelkarem Yoouef Yagoub, have gone missing from the club’s camp in the United States.
The players were last seen on Friday, October 11, 2024, when they left the team’s hotel without permission, and all attempts to contact them since then have been unsuccessful.
In an official statement released by the club, Kotoko informed supporters and the public that law enforcement authorities in the United States have been notified, and the club is cooperating fully with them in efforts to locate the missing players.
“Asante Kotoko regrets to inform our supporters and the public that two players, Esmat AbdalHamid Mohamed and Obdoelkarem Yoouef Yagoub, both Sudanese nationals, are currently missing from the camp,” the statement read. “The players left the team’s hotel without permission on Friday, 11th October 2024, and all efforts to contact or locate them have been unsuccessful. The club has officially notified law enforcement authorities in the United States and is cooperating fully to ensure their safe return.”
The two players were part of a group of seven who traveled to the US following Kotoko’s victory over rivals Hearts of Oak in the Democracy Cup. The match was organized by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) as part of the Ghana Week DC 2024 festivities.
The rest of the team, including head coach Dr. Prosper Ogum Narteh, had been awaiting the arrival of additional players, who were in the process of securing their visas.
During Dr. Kofi K. Sarpong’s tenure as CEO, Nti served as his advisor and played a crucial role in the team’s success.
When Dr. Sarpong resigned, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II appointed Nti as the interim CEO until a permanent appointment could be made.
Nti explained, “You see, I took over from… even though I didn’t know it was going to happen, I took over from Dr. KK Sarpong. I was part of his management.
I was a special advisor to him, so when he resigned, Kotoko was about to get stuck because we needed to wait until a new appointment was made.
“So Otumfuo Osei Tutu II… I salute you, Nana. He called me and said I should steer the affairs until they put together the structures, which are the board and the management,” he said according to myjoyonline.com.
Nti held the position of interim CEO for three months, during which he had personal meetings with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II until a board was established.
He noted, “I did it for three months, I had meetings with him [Otumfuo] one-on-one and everything, until a board was constituted. The board was given to me [and] my job description up to now is a question mark.”
Asante Kotoko has kicked off an ambitious project to modernize the Adako Jachie training facility into a state-of-the-art sports complex.
While the existing facility has seen few upgrades, this new initiative, fully financed by the club’s life patron, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will be executed in multiple stages.
The first phase of the development started today, July 25.
The club shared the news on social media, showcasing their excitement about the upcoming enhancements.
“We are thrilled to announce that the transformation of Adako Jachie into a state-of-the-art training facility has officially begun,” the club stated.
“This ambitious venture, generously funded by His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will be carried out in phases, with today’s launch marking thestart of Phase One.”
🏠THE KING’S PROJECT
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE TRANSFORMATION OF ADAKO JACHIE INTO A STATE-OF-THE-ART TRAINING FACILITY. THIS AMBITIOUS PROJECT, FULLY FUNDED BY HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, OTUMFUO OSEI TUTU II, WILL BE EXECUTED IN MULTIPLE PHASES. TODAY MARKS… PIC.TWITTER.COM/LSZA3HP2VQ
Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara has emphasized that he views it as inefficient and costly to terminate players’ contracts and recruit replacements.
In contrast to rivals Asante Kotoko, who released 21 players after the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, Ouattara stated that Hearts of Oak will not follow suit.
Despite their lower league standings compared to Asante Kotoko, the coach believes it wouldn’t be wise to let go of players who underperformed in the previous season.
In an interview with SportsObama TV, the coach said, “We are friends, and their sacking of players is not my problem. We are Hearts of Oak; I have my agenda and my policies.”
“Who is losing? You are sacking 100 and bringing in 200; what are the results?” he asked.
“When I look at the results, we are struggling, and every time we are doing the same thing. Why haven’t we changed? If you are building a house and you demolish it and start all over again, aren’t you wasting money?” the Ivorian questioned.
Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak have parted ways with one of their key players, Salifu Ibrahim.
Patrick Osei Agyemang, known as Countryman Songo, a former member of Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s management committee under Nana Yaw Amponsah, has criticized coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, accusing him of political maneuvering and hypocrisy.
In response to the club’s decision to release over 18 players, Countryman Songo claimed that these players are being ‘punished’ due to their association with Nana Yaw Amponsah.
He alleged that Dr. Ogum is letting his personal issues with Nana Yaw Amponsah influence his treatment of the players, assuming their loyalty lies with Amponsah.
Countryman Songo cautioned Dr. Ogum to reconsider his actions, suggesting that karma will eventually catch up with the coach for his treatment of the players.
“Nana Yaw Amponsah brought him to Kotoko and made him a league winner as a coach. The players who have now been released were part of the squad that won him his first league title as a coach.
“He engaged in politics and ostracized them because he thought they were Nana Yaw Amponsah’s players and would not perform for the team, but these players are professionals.
He referred to them as senior players, yet they were signed by Nana Yaw Amponsah.
“Initially, he favored the players he brought to the club, but when he realized they were not performing, he reverted to the seasoned players signed by Nana Yaw. He has nothing to offer Kotoko.
“All he does is engage in politics and hypocrisy. Karma will deal with him. Kotoko endured a struggling season because of politics. The coach doesn’t have solid plans for the team, so they will continue to struggle,” he stated on his Adom TV show.
On June 18, 2024,Asante Kotoko announced the release of eleven players at the end of the 2023/2024 Ghana football season.
The following day, the club confirmed the dismissal of an additional seven players, raising the total number of players released to eighteen.
The Porcupine Warriors added to the Phobians’ woes with a commanding performance at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
Ugandan striker Steven Desse Mukwala netted a goal in each half, propelling the Porcupine Warriors to victory and granting them bragging rights.
Reflecting on the match, Prosper Narteh Ogum emphasized that securing back-to-back wins over Hearts of Oak serves as motivation for his team to finish the season strongly.
“Beating Hearts of Oak back-to-back is not an easy job, so I’m happy. I think it’s an honour for this group of players; it’s been a while since this happened.
I’m not very sure of when this actually happened, but it’s been a while, so we are all happy, and you could see that when the final whistle was blown.”
Following the victory, coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum’s team has ascended to 9th place in the league standings, while Hearts of Oak has slipped to 14th.
Asante Kotoko’s upcoming match is against Accra Great Olympics at theBaba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
Former Ghanaian football star Charles Kweku Bismark Taylor, known for his time with Hearts and Kotoko, has delighted fans by sharing a video of himself bonding with his beautiful daughter.
The video, which was spotted on YEN.com.gh, shows the Ghana Premier League legend visiting his daughter at the University of Ghana, Legon campus, where she is currently a student.
In the heartwarming clip, the duo is seen enjoying a meal of fried yam chips and meat while seated on a plastic chair.
Charles Taylor affectionately teases his daughter, calling her a foodie, and humorously warns viewers, “She likes food too much, this is my daughter if you don’t know. This is my daughter, don’t think bad for me. Look at the way she is chewing the meat, she no show like ewuraba koraa oo.” His daughter, in turn, laughs and playfully accuses her dad of being the one who loves food.
The video has garnered positive reactions from netizens, who praised Taylor for raising such a lovely daughter.
The resemblance between father and daughter was noted by many, with comments highlighting their striking similarity.
Watch video below:
Ghanaian footballer Charles Taylor hangs out with his daughter in Legon#sms Kasoa | #Medikal | tech in twi | King Promise| Laryea Kingston pic.twitter.com/UYaP2YzgQX
— THE SOCIAL MEDIA SHOW (@Tsocialshow) May 22, 2024
Former Asante Kotokodefender Eric Donkor has disclosed that he was once approached to participate in match-fixing during his tenure at the club.
Donkor revealed that the club involved was struggling to avoid relegation and sought to manipulate a match result in their favor.
However, he firmly rejected the offer. Speaking to Akoma FM, Donkor emphasised his integrity by refusing to engage in any form of match-fixing.
“During my playing days, I recall being asked to personally fix a match. It involved a team that was in the relegation zone and was an away game for Kotoko but I declined it. Based on the results I received, I’m sure they called a few other players as well.
I told them I wasn’t ready, so I didn’t interact with them too much. I did that because I value my integrity so much and those who know me personally know that.” Eric Donkor explained.
Eric Donkor contends that the involvement of betting companies with local teams inevitably influences outcomes. Additionally, he believes that inadequate player compensation increases susceptibilityto match-fixing proposals.
Frustrated Kumasi Asante Kotoko fans prevented head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum and his team from accessing the Club’s training field in Adako Jachie on Tuesday, April 16, intensifying tensions within the organization.
Disgruntled by a series of disappointing outcomes in the Ghana Premier League, the angry fans disrupted the team’s regular training session.
With the Porcupine Warriors plummeting to 11th on the league table, suffering seven defeats in nine matches, their once-solid position in the top half was relinquished torivals Hearts of Oak.
The discontented supporters demanded theremoval of head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum and his coaching staff, citing the team’s lacklustre performance as justification for their request.
The club has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident at the Adako Jachie in Kumasi.
Kotoko is scheduled to face league leaders Samartex 1996 in their next fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, April 21.
Assistant coach of Asante Kotoko, David Ocloo, has stated that there is no ‘pressure’ on the technical team despite the team’s recent defeat in the Ghana Premier League.
The Porcupine Warriors suffered their fifth defeat in their last six games on Thursday evening, losing to Nsoatreman at the Baba Yara Stadium on matchday 25. Mohammed Abdul Rahaman’s late winner sealed all three points for Maxwell Konadu’s side and extended Kotoko’s winless run to six games in the league.
While fans have begun to question the future of the coaching staff at the club, Ocloo remains confident that the technical team will be able to turn things around.
“When things are not going well, who do they blame? It’s always the technical team. We will take it in good faith, we are still working and we will turn things around,” he said.
“We are a work in progress, there is no pressure on us. We just have to go back and work hard, and try to turn things around.”
The challenge ahead doesn’t get any easier for Kotoko, as they are set to face Dreams FC, Samartex, and Medeama in their next three league games.
Wilberforce Mfum, a revered figure in thehistory of Asante Kotoko, has made a controversial suggestion regarding the team’s performance.
The 87-year-old advocate believes that Kotoko players should face the consequences of their poor results by enduring the wrath of their fans.
According to Mfum, such measures are necessary to motivate the players to improve their performance on the field.
He expressed deep disappointment with the team’s recent string of unfavourable outcomes, deeming them unacceptable for the loyal supporters of the club to endure.
As Kotoko continues to struggle, failing to secure victories in four of their most recent league matches during the 2023-24 season’s second round, Mfum’s remarks underscore the growing frustration among fans and stakeholders alike.
“The only advice I have for the players is that before wearing Kotoko’s jersey, they must be dedicated and have the team at heart, always play for the team with full commitment and not with a lazy attitude.”
He, however, believes that the fans should have beaten the players for losing those four games.
“I think the players have never been beaten before; they should have been beaten by the fans after a losing streak so they understood their worth. How can you be bought with a large sum of money and then given such a poor performance? he quizzed.
Asante Kotoko are ten points behind the leaders of the league; they face Bechem Utd in their next Ghana Premier League fixture at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem.
Assistant coachDavid Ocloo of Kotoko acknowledges that the team requires time to reverse their fortunes after a dismal performance in the Ghana Premier League.
The Porcupine Warriors suffered their fourth consecutive league defeat on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium, with Nations FC clinching a narrow victory.
This loss not only caused Kotoko to drop to ninth place but also marked their worst run in the competition in 14 years.
Asomaoh Boateng Afriyie's goal against Asante Kotoko. His 10th in the league. pic.twitter.com/NsXnS1CG1b
Ocloo, who remains confident in bouncing back believes the situation is difficult and may need some time to get things working again.
“I think we need some time; it [the results] will come. They should forgive us for such a result and they should keep supporting us. We we will not disappoint them. It’s not over yet. This is the time we need them the most so they shouldn’t neglect us. They should be with us and we will turn things around.”
Ocloo was, however, satisfied with the performance of the team, indicating that the players heeded instructions but were unlucky to get a goal.
“It was a very difficult game. A very difficult situation. I think today our boys came to the party. We were well organised, disciplined and they played according to our system and structure. Within the system, it was nice but it’s unfortunate we didn’t get the needed goal.
“It’s true [that luckhas deserted Kotoko] but I think with more hard work we will get that luck back,” he added.
Nations FC’s victory also intensified the pressure on league leaders FC Samarteex, who managed a crucial 2-1 win against Hearts of Oak, ending their unbeaten streak.
Given Kotoko’s dismal performance, there’s speculation that the club’s coaching staff has been granted a three-game ultimatum to salvage their positions amid the team’s poor form.
After 23 matches, the Porcupines have secured nine wins, five draws, and suffered nine defeats.
Reports from local media suggest that Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh Ogum is under increasing pressure, facing an ultimatum of three games to secure his position.
The team has faced notable challenges in the latter part of the ongoing 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.
With just one victory in five matches, Kotoko’s recent loss to Nations FC on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium during Matchday 23 has intensified scrutiny on Ogum’s future. This defeat has left the team in 9th place on the Premier League standings, with 32 points.
Speculations abound that Ogum has three upcoming games to reverse the team’s fortunes and secure his job. Kotoko will face Bechem United at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, followed by a home game against Nsoatreman FC at the Baba Yara Stadium. The final match in this crucial period will be against Dreams FC at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu.
Ogum’s return to Kotoko coincided with a shakeup in the club’s management structure, following the dissolution of the management committee and board of directors by the club’s life patron, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. This led to the establishment of the Interim Management Committee (IMC).
The pressure is on for Ogum to deliver results, as his future at the club hangs in the balance.
Samad Oppong, a former player for Asante Kotoko, is set to embark on a new chapter as a military officer in the United States of America, having graduated from the US Academy on November 22, 2023.
A beloved figure during his time at Ashanti Gold, Oppong, who is considered a cult hero, proudly received his graduation certificate in a video shared on GhanaWeb’s platform.
This achievement marks him as the second ex-Kotoko player to join the US Army, following in the footsteps of Michael Adu Amofa.
Oppong had two notable spells with Asante Kotoko, initially from 2009 to 2011 and later returning in 2014 for a brief period before his departure.
Known by the nickname “Okocha” due to his skillful play and resemblance to Nigerian legend Jay Jay Okocha, the 34-year-old retired from professional football and relocated to the USA.
Beyond his military pursuits, Oppong continues to stay connected with the Ghanaian community in Ohio, often participating in friendly games between the Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean communities.
Former Black Stars defender Samuel Inkoom has expressed his aspiration to make a comeback to his former club, Asante Kotoko, before concluding his football career.
Inkoom, who is currently without a club following his departure from Hearts of Oak at the conclusion of the previous season, has taken a step towards his post-football life by launching his football agency, the S-Inkoom Football Management Agency.
Nonetheless, the 34-year-old veteran defender harbours one final desire to fulfil before his retirement.
“I have always said that I will play for Kotoko again before I retire. It is my wish. I signed a one-year contract with Hearts and now the contract has ended. But I wish to play for Kotoko again before I quit the game,” he said on Fox FM.
Inkoom had a stint with Asante Kotoko and was a member of the 2008 squad that clinched the Ghana Premier League title. Subsequently, he made a move to the Swiss powerhouse, FC Basel, where he secured two league titles and the Swiss Cup.
On the international front, he achieved glory with the Ghanaian national team by winning the2009 FIFA U20 World Cup as part of the Black Satellites.
Prominent sports journalist Saddick Adams, known as Sports Obama, has revealed the cause of death of the revered Asante Kotoko icon, Robert Eshun, widely known as Ebo Electric, during his prime.
Saddick Adams reported that Eshun tragically suffered a cardiac arrest while en route to his workplace.
As previously reported by GhanaWeb, Robert Eshun passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023, in London, United Kingdom. In response to this sad news, Kumasi Asante Kotoko has issued a statement in which they have offered heartfelt tributes to their former player.
“We are saddened by the news of the passing of our 1990 FA Cup
winner, 1990 CAF Champions League semifinalist and ex-Black Stars skilled winger, Robert Eshun. Our heartfelt condolences to his family” wrote Kotoko on social media.
Eshun, affectionately known as ‘Ebo Electric,’ is fondly remembered for his remarkable goal in the 1990 FA Cup final. His reputation was built on nimble footwork and exceptional soccer skills, which catapulted him to prominence when he joined Asante Kotoko while still a student at T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School in Kumasi.
His extraordinary talent quickly endeared him to football enthusiasts throughout Ghana.
During his tenure at Asante Kotoko, he made a significant impact, contributing numerous goals to the club. One of his most unforgettable moments was his pivotal goal in the 1990 FA Cup final. Additionally, he played a vital role as a member of Kotoko’s squad in the CAF African Cup Championship.
Eshun’s dazzling performances didn’t escape the notice of European clubs, who expressed a strong interest in signing the young sensation after his outstanding performance for Ghana in a U-21 AFCON qualifier tournament held in Egypt.
He subsequently made the move to Europe, where he played for various clubs in Belgium and Turkey, including Turnhout, Tielen, Lommel, and Dessel.
Throughout his active football career, Eshun’s extraordinary dribbling skills consistently left opponents and fans alike in admiration. These exceptional abilities earned him the moniker ‘Ebo Electric’ among local football enthusiasts.
Member of Parliament for Mpraeso Constituency, Davis Opoku Ansah, has joined the ranks of football enthusiasts unimpressed by the Kumasi Asante Kotoko jersey unveiled for the 2023–2024Ghana Premier League season.
The Porcupines debuted this jersey on Sunday, September 17, 2023, during their season opener against the Hearts of Lions.
On various social media platforms, numerous Ghanaians who followed the game expressed their dissatisfaction with the jersey’s quality.
They also criticised the club’s Interim Management Committee for entering into a partnership with a company that, in their opinion, produces jerseys of substandard quality.
Taking to social media to register his disapproval of the jersey, Davis Opoku Mensah said “Never knew we had disposal jersey”.
The uninspiring nature of the jersey may have had an unintended effect on the players, potentially robbing them of the inspiration needed to deliver a commendable performance in their season opener.
At the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Asante Kotoko faced off againstHearts of Lions, and to the dismay of their fans, the match ended in a draw.
Nevertheless, Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum has called upon the fans to exercise patience and maintain their faith in the team. He expressed absolute confidence in the players’ ability to consistently perform at a level that will thrill the Porcupine family.
While Asante Kotoko dropped points at home, their rivals, Hearts of Oak, suffered a late defeat in their opening match against Real Tamale United on Friday, September 15.
A goalkeeper error by Richard Attah allowed RTU to secure their first win of the season at the Ali Mahama Sports Stadium.
There are reports that the players of Asante Kotoko, who clinched the 2020/21Ghana Premier League title, have not received any financial compensation despite promises made by the Board and Management.
This has been the case for two years since their championship win.
Sources within the club report that the Board had pledged to provide each player with $5,000, while the Management had assured the players of a special package. However, none of these promises have been fulfilled.
“The Board promised to give each player $5000 after we had won the title but Management did not make any promises. They only said there is a special package for us but to date, no player has received any of the above. I dare any player to come out and say otherwise. It caused most of the players to leave”, the source disclosed.
The source mentioned that, after months of travelling the length and breadth of Ghana to win Kotoko their 24th title, they have been treated poorly despite making loads of sacrifices for the club.
“After we won the league, we have not received a penny. We went to the residence of former President John Agyekum Kuffour and he offered us some cash. We had to share the money with the management at that same place. Each player got 600 cedis, which most of us used as transportation back to our homes”, the source added.
Explaining the unfair treatment by the club, the source disclosed, “When we came home after the season had ended, they still had salary arrears of two months. They called us to report for pre-season but we all declined and asked them to pay us.
“We went through hell before they deposited ouraccounts with our money. It was one of the seasons most of us left because the treatment was bad. They look good in the sight of many but they don’t treat players fairly”, the source further stated.
Prominent team in the Ghana Premier League, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, has officially introduced Prosper Narteh Ogum as their new head coach for the upcoming 2023/24 season.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Baba Yara Stadium on Monday, August 7.
Ogum is returning to the club after previously stepping down from his role before the commencement of the 2022/23 season, following a successful initial tenure with the team.
During his previous stint, Ogum guided the Porcupine Warriors to clinch the league title in the 2021/22 season. Despite this accomplishment, disagreements between Ogum and the club’s board regarding certain decisions ultimately prompted his resignation from the position.
Speaking at his unveiling, the former WAFA head coach said: “My first year is to put together a very formidable team that can compete both domestically and internationally. However, you can’t be at Kotoko and not think of bringing success.”
Following his departure from Hearts of Oak at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, David Ocloo is anticipated to take on the role of assistant coach at the club.
Former Ghana right-back, Samuel Inkoom, is facing scrutiny over his credibility following conflicting statements about his unsuccessful return to Asante Kotoko in 2022.
In April 2022, Inkoom surprised many by joining Accra Hearts of Oak, despite strong links suggesting a potential move to Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
In an interview soon after the transfer, Inkoom claimed that his move to Kotoko was hindered by the former Asante Kotoko CEO, Nana Yaw Amponsah.
“Don’t blame me for my proposed Hearts move, Kotoko CEO feels big to call me. So Kotoko fans should blame their CEO and not me,” Inkoom was reported to have told Onua Sports after training.
In a recent interview with Citi TV, Samuel Inkoom revealed that it was then Asante Kotoko coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum who blocked his move to the club.
This statement contradicted his earlier claim where he had blamed the former Asante Kotoko CEO, Nana Yaw Amponsah, for the failed transfer.
“I wanted to play for Kotoko…the CEO, Nana Yaw Amponsah, called me and invited me to the club. I was willing to play for free, but there was a misunderstanding between the coach and the CEO.”He stated.
This new claim by Samuel Inkoom has generated conversations on social media as Asante Kotoko fans are having a go at him for making false allegations against Nana Yaw Amponsah.
According to them, Samuel Inkoom courted unnecessary attacks for Nana Yaw Amponsah with his earlier claim that he stood between him and a move to Asante Kotoko.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the revered king, and owner of Asante Kotoko, has voiced his concern and disappointment with the current state of the club during an important meeting held on Friday at the Manhyia Palace.
The meeting, attended by supporters and former players, aimed to address the club’s situation following the conclusion of the Dr Kwame Kyei-led board’s three-year mandate.
At the gathering, various pressing issues were discussed, and crucial information was revealed, including the club’s staggering debt, which stands at over GH¢3 million.
The Asantehene expressed his dissatisfaction with the direction in which the club is heading, a sentiment that was acknowledged and shared by those present at the meeting.
Kotoko, once hailed as one of the biggest clubs in Africa, now faces challenges in competing on the domestic front, having gone trophyless last season.
Additionally, the club has not won an African title in four decades, a far cry from their dominant performances in the CAF Champions League during the 1970s and 1980s.
The Asantehene’s concerns about Kotoko’s current status highlight the need for a renewed approach and strategic planning to reclaim the club’s former glory.
The meeting at the Manhyia Palace served as a pivotal moment in charting a new course for Kotoko, as supporters and stakeholders acknowledged the need for change and improvement.
Legendary Ghanaian footballer, Ibrahim Sunday, has delivered a stern warning to Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, urging them to refrain from signing players lacking talent in their quest to improve their performance.
Drawing from his extensive experience and successful career, Sunday’s sincere advice serves as a call to action for both clubs to prioritize quality and wise decision-making when it comes to recruiting players.
“Asante Kotoko is not a club that any player at all should be signed. It is not a club that as soon as a player is good in a village then he is brought to Kotoko to play,” Ibrahim Sunday told Oyerepa FM.
“We have to see that the player is really talented and he has a future before he is taken to Kotoko or Hearts of Oak before he is called to the national team,”
“But not any player at all from any village then he is signed and fielded by Asante Kotoko or Hearts of Oak.”
There has been much speculation regarding the composition of a new board and management for Kumasi Asante Kotoko following the dissolution of the previous leadership by the club’s patron,Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
While initial reports suggested that a completely new board would be formed, recent credible sources indicate that some members from the dissolved board and management may be included in the new setup.
According to a report by Nhyira FM, it is likely that Kwame Kyei will retain his position as the executive board chairman of the club.
Furthermore, it is reported that Kwame Kyei favors Frederick Acheampong, a member of the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, to be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the club.
However, it should be noted that these reports are subject to change as Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is still finalizing the list of the new board, who will then select their own management committee.
It is also believed that former Ghana coach, Kwasi Appiah will be the next head coach of the club as he has already held talks with Otumfuo on the move.
Despite not being his appointment, Kwame Kyei is believed to be open to the appointment of Kwasi Appiah and has communicated that to Manhyia.
Another member of the old hierarchy who is likely to retain her role is Akosua Dentaa Amonteng as the International Relations Manager of the club.
Though there has been no mention of the number of appointees, it is believed that it will take the same shape as the previous one.
The 12-memberboard ofAsante Kotoko which was constituted by the Manhyia Palace in May 2020 has ended its three-year mandate, winning only the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League during their tenure.
The board comprised Dr. Kwame Kyei, as Board Chairman; Mr. Jude Arthur- Vice Chairman, Kwadwo Boateng Gyamfi, Kwasi Osei Ofori, Kwamena Mensah, Miss Evelyn Nsiah Asare, Mr. Kofi Amoah Abban, Mr Martin Osei Kwaku Brobbey.
The rest are; Mr. James Osei Brown, Mr. Kofi Amoah Abban, MD of Rickworld Oil Group, Mr. Martin Osei Kwaku Brobbey, CEO of Lexta Ghana Limited, Mr. James Osei Brown, CEO of Joshob Construction Company, Nana Ankobeahene of Asanteman – Baffour Kwame Kusi, Alhaji Lamin and Joseph Yaw Adu.
The Asante Kotoko management led by Nana Yaw Amponsah of which Akosua Dentaa Amoateng was also dissolved.
In the 2022/2023 season, Kumasi Asante Kotoko finished fourth with 52points.
The Asantehene Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II has issued a directive to dissolve both the board and management of Asante Kotoko, a Ghanaian football club.
The board, which was established in 2020, was chaired by businessman Dr. Kwame Kyei, with Mr. Jude Arthur serving as vice-chair.
Other members included Kwadwo Boateng Gyamfi, Kwasi Osei Ofori, Kwamena Mensah, Evelyn Nsiah Asare, Kofi Amoah Abban (MD of RigWorld Oil Group), Martin Osei Kwaku Brobbey (CEO of Lexta Ghana Limited), James Osei Brown (CEO of Joshob Construction Company), Nana Ankobeahene of Asanteman – Baffour Kwame Kusi, Alhaji Lamin, and Joseph Yaw Adu.
Despite having a board composed of knowledgeable and experienced individuals, the inability to resolve significant conflicts led to limited success.
One of the key issues was the persistent conflicts between board chair Dr. Kwame Kyei and Chief Executive Officer Yaw Amponsah over the past three years.
In a recent interview with Kumasi-based Wontumi FM, Nana Yaw Amponsah acknowledged that the relationship between himself and Dr. Kwame Kyei had deteriorated.
“I don’t have any issue with Dr. Kwame Kyei as I sit. I give him the maximum respect wherever and whenever I meet him, but our relationship and how to communicate as CEO and his board chairman is not good like the beginning.”
While the fractious relationship between the pair and the divisiveness among board members are said to have displeased theAsantehene, sources say, in the owner’s assessment, the board and its management failed mandate, which, among many things, was to create a commercial viable entity.
A new direction for the club will be communicated in due course.
Saddick Adams, a former striker of Asante Kotoko, has expressed that he holds a deep grudge against the club for the dismal treatment he experienced in the aftermath of the team’s tragic accident in 2017.
Adams, who was a former youth star at Atletico Madrid, stated that both he and the other victims were neglected and not provided with the compensation they were owed.
He revealed that the management, after neglecting the players, went ahead and placed the on transfer with no reason, hence, he will never forgive the club.
“For me, I feel very bad. I always talk about it. I will never forgive them and It’s not only me, the whole team. It’s part of the story of why we left Kotoko because they thought maybe we were complaining too much. It was our right because it happened and you told us this is what you are going to do.
That time, even if they had given us 1 cedi or 2 cedis no one would be complaining now. They took like ‘Who are you, people? You came to sign a contract and maybe after the contract you will go.’ We didn’t even finish our contract.
“You see how they just put us on transfer without any reason. All the players, so that we won’t complain again,” he told Sports Journalist Saddick Adams in an interview.
In a previous interview, former Kotoko midfielder, Michael Akuffo, who sustained injuries in the accident, said the incident left him with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and that he gets frightened every time he steps onto the pitch.
He stated that his PTSD has caused him to lose interest in playing football.
“Two days ago I was reading something about our goalkeeper’s coach, Sampson Appiah( a victim) that he’s been neglected. I felt bad about it and it is something I pray shouldn’t happen to any team because it was a horrible scene. It is part of the reason I lost my love for playing football,” he told Angel FM.
He further asserted that not only does he gets scared when he steps on the pitch but also gets petrified whenever he is in a car.
“Because I get terrified when I step on the pitch due to the injury I sustained and also I get scared when I’m in a car. Mentally I was down, so it took somebody to psyche me up to come to my senses,” he added.
Asante Kotoko team bus was involved in a fatal accident on Wednesday, July 13, 2017, on their way back to Kumasi after their game against Inter Allies in Accra, resulting in the death of Deputy Equipment Officer, Thomas Kofi Obeng Asare.
Other players who sustained injuries include Ollenu Ashitey, and Baba Mahama alongside some players and officials.
Saddick Adams spent two years at Asante Kotoko. His most memorable moment was scoring a hattrick against the Porcupines’ fierce rivalHearts of Oak in the MTN FA Cup final in 2017.
Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the worst stadium disaster in Africa and the third-deadliest in the world. On May 9, 2001, about 126 football fans died in a stampede after a match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
This tragedy revealed the weaknesses of Ghana’s stadia security and management. It sent shock waves through the nation and the world.
In this article, we will look back at the disaster and its aftermath, and how it has affected Ghana’s football culture. We will also consider the lessons learned and the challenges that still remain.
The Event On May 9, 2001, a football match between Ghana’s two most successful teams, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, took place at the Accra Sports Stadium, also known as the Ohene Djan Stadium. The match was expected to be tense and exciting, as both teams were competing for the league title. Officials had taken extra security measures to prevent crowd disturbances.
The match was goalless until the 80th minute when Hearts scored two goals in quick succession. This angered the Kotoko fans, who felt that the referee was biased and unfair.
They started throwing plastic seats and bottles onto the pitch, protesting the result. The police responded by firing tear gas into the crowd, hoping to disperse them. However, this caused more panic and chaos, as fans tried to escape the gas and the stadium.
Accra Sports Stadium disaster
The stadium had a compromised design, with fewer exits than originally planned. Some gates were locked, preventing fans from leaving. The Ghana Institute of Architects later called the stadium a “death trap”.
As fans rushed to the exits, they trampled on each other, creating a deadly stampede and crush. Some fans suffocated from the tear gas, while others died from trauma.
The incident lasted for about an hour, leaving behind a horrific scene of bodies piled up on the floors and stairs of the stadium.
Some fans who had passed out from the gas were mistakenly taken to the morgue, where one of them regained consciousness after someone stepped on his foot. Medical staff had already left the stadium, as the incident happened near the end of the match.
The official death toll was 126, making it the worst stadium disaster in Africa and the third-deadliest in the world.
Most of the victims were young men and women who had gone to watch their favourite teams play.
The Aftermath The Accra Sports Stadium disaster shocked and saddened the nation and the world. Ghana’s president, John Agyekum Kufuor, declared three days of national mourning and ordered an official inquiry into the incident.
The Ghana Premier Football League suspended play for a month. FIFA and CAF expressed their condolences and solidarity with Ghana.
Many people donated blood and money to help the survivors and families of the victims.
The official inquiry blamed the police for overreacting with reckless behaviour and indiscriminate firing of plastic bullets and tear gas.
It also accused some officers of dishonesty and indefensible laxity.
Six police officers were charged with 127 counts of manslaughter, but they were later acquitted by a court that ruled that the prosecution had failed to make a case and that the asphyxia may have been caused by the stampede and not the tear gas.
The inquiry also recommended improvements to stadium security and first aid facilities, and that nationwide rapid response teams should be set up. It also called for better training and supervision of police officers deployed at public events.
It urged football authorities to enforce discipline and fair play among players, officials and fans.It suggested that plastic seats should be replaced with metal ones that could not be easily removed or thrown.
The Accra Sports Stadium was renovated in 2007 according to FIFA standards, with new seats, gates, lights and turf installed.
However, some critics argued that politics may have deferred the attention of the National Sports Council to maintain the stadium properly and that it was again in disrepair 15 years after the disaster.
The Memorial Since 2001, various corporations and philanthropists have memorialized the tragedy with donations, events and campaigns to raise awareness and prevent future disasters. One of them is Herbert Mensah, who was Asante Kotoko chairman from 1999 to 2003.
He established the Stadium Disaster Fund to support the survivors and families of the victims, and organized annual memorial services in Kumasi.
He also initiated a peace walk between Hearts and Kotoko fans to promote unity and harmony among rival supporters.
A bronze statue was erected outside the stadium depicting a fan carrying another fan to safety with the inscription title, “I Am My Brother’s Keeper” in honour of the victims of the tragedy.
A memorial was set up for the deceased
The statue serves as a reminder of the human cost of the disaster and the need for solidarity and compassion among football fans.
The Accra Sports Stadium disaster remains a dark and painful chapter in Ghana’s football history, but also a catalyst for change and improvement in stadium safety and security.
It also shows the resilience and spirit of the Ghanaian people, who have not given up on their love for the beautiful game, despite the tragedy.
Ignatius Osei-Fosu, the new head coach of King Faisal Football Club, presided over his debut game on Wednesday night as the squad squared off against Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League.
The coach made a successful debut after leading his new squad to a scoreless draw with the opponent in Week 21.
Ignatius Osei-Fosu, the coach, remarked in his post-game interview that although his squad was prepared to win, they met a challenging opponent that complicated matters for them.
“It was a difficult game. Considering I had one session with the team. And we also went down by a man down. So we had to defend and not concede. We wanted to win, trust me, we wanted to win. But it’s football,” coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu.
After the Ghana Premier League game on Wednesday, coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu must now prepare his team for the MTN FA Cup quarter-final clash against Aduana Stars on Sunday, April 9.
Asante Kotoko, one of the top teams in the Ghana Premier League, will host King Faisal later tonight to complete the league’s final scheduled game.
The match is a Round 21 contest that ought to have taken place a month ago.
The game was postponed, though, because the Black Stars of Ghana needed to utilize the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for their AFCON qualifier match against Angola.
The GFA has cleared the way for the pending encounter to be played in midweek due to the Ghana Premier League taking a brief break during Easter this weekend.
Asante Kotoko heads into the derby knowing that a win will boost the team’s chances of winning this season’s Ghana Premier League title.
In addition, victory will immediately propel Asante Kotoko to break into the top four by going past rivals Hearts of Oak.
The crucial game in the league is scheduled to kick off at 19:00GMT.
Hearts of Oak won the 2023 President’s Cup by defeating Asante Kotoko.
A game between the Phobians and the Porcupine Warriors was played today at the Accra Sports Stadium in honor of H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the president of the nation.
The 2022–23 Ghana Premier League season’s Week 20 matchup was also played during the President’s Cup contest.
After a closely contested game between the two clubs, Konadu Yiadom’s lone goal gave Hearts of Oak a slender 1-0 victory after 90 minutes.
After winning the 2023 President’s Cup, Hearts of Oak have been awarded GHS50,000 as their cash prize.
For the losers, Asante Kotoko are receiving a GHS20,000 cash sum.
Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak’s win means that the team merits three points in Week 20 of the ongoing Ghana Premier League season.
The team now has moved to 4th on the Ghana Premier League standings.
The head coach of Aduana Stars, Paa Kwasi Fabin, has credited hard work and prayer for his team’s MTN FA Cup victory over Asante Kotoko.
On Sunday, February 26, the 2022/2023 Ghana Premier League’s top team advanced to the MTN FA Cup quarterfinals by eliminating Asante Kotoko with a 1-0 victory.
The penalty decision tainted the game, and many Asante Kotoko supporters blamed referee Amadu Ibrahim for their team’s loss.
At the post-game press conference, Paa Kwasi Fabin congratulated his team on a well-earned win.
“Like I told you it is hard work and a lot of prayer one game at a time. They understand each other it is not that it came by way of playing we have worked on it in training severally now they have understood it and it is working for us.”
“We will keep working Obeng just joined us from Chelsea, Mintah is now coming up so it will be up and down until it stabilizes. So we are still working on it,” Paa Kwasi Fabin said at the post-match conference.
Aduana Stars are currently leading theGhana Premier League table with 35 points while Asante Kotoko sit at the 3rd position with 28 points after 18 games.
Supporters of Asante Kotoko have accused referee Amadu Ibrahim of being to blame for their MTN FA Cup Round of 16 loss to Aduana Stars on February 26, 2023, on various social media platforms.
Aduana Stars defeated the Porcupine Warrior at the Nana Agyemang Badu II in Dormaa Ahenkro, ending their chances of winning a second consecutive championship in the ongoing 2022–2023 football season.
Aduana Stars took the lead in the 57th minute after Mohammed Alhassan was ruled to have fouled his defender by the referee. The game was closely contested, and both teams missed opportunities.
Sam Adams converted the penalty kick to score the game’s lone goal, sending goalkeeper Fred Asare the wrong way.
The decision didn’t go down well with Asante Kotoko fans, including coach Seydou Zerbo, who laid the blame at the doorstep of referee Amadu Ibrahim.
Following their convincing victory at the Baba Yara Stadium, Asante Kotoko emerged as the big winners from the matchday 14 matches in the betPawa Ghana Premier League.
On January 29, The Porcupine Warriors defeated Kotoku Royals by a score of 5-1. They had mastered their own game.
After Richmond Lamptey had given Seydou Zerbo’s team the lead with a stunning goal, Steven Mukwala scored twice. Francis Andy Kumi scored the lone goal for the Akyem-based club while Eric Zeze and Solomon Sarfo Taylor scored the other goals.
Over the weekend, Hearts of Oak traveled to Tarkwa, where they defeated Medeama for the first time since 2007 while away from home.
The game’s lone goal, scored by Kwadwo Obeng Junior in the 33rd minute, gave Slavko Matic’s team all three points.
Legon Cities fell to Bechem United at home despite scoring the game’s opening goal at the Accra Sports Stadium.
While the Royals took an early lead thanks to Alex Aso, the Hunters countered with goals from Emmanuel Avornyo, Clinton Duodu, and Hafiz Konkoni.
Abednego Tetteh scored twice on his Bibiani GldStars debut to help the Miners defeat Tamale City, who are still having trouble in the league, 3-2 away from home.
Berekum Aduana FC, who are now leading the league, came from behind to draw with Accra Lions, while Chelsea also required a goal from Kusi Pandrous in the first half to defeat Dreams FC.
Great Olympics defeated Karela United 1-0, and Samartex defeated King Faisal by a slim margin.
Real Tamale United’s midfielder Abdul Manaf Umar continued his good play by scoring in the team’s 2-0 victory over Nsoatreman.
Hearts and Kotoko are only one point behind Aduana, who have 25 points, following the matchday 14 results, while Bechem United enters the Top Four.
On Tuesday, he underwent medical tests, which he completed successfully.
During his stay with his Algerian side, the 23-year-old scored just one goal and assisted two goals last season in the Algerian Premiership where he was featured in 17 matches.
Danlad Ibrahim has extended his stay with Asante Kotoko after signing a contract with the club.
The goalkeeper’s contract was supposed to have ended in December 2022.
It is claimed that the 19-year-old has extended his deal until the end of the 2022/23 football season.
Ibrahimwas phenomenal last season as he kept 12 clean sheets in the Ghana Premier League and conceded 12 goals.
The talented shot-stopper was a star for the Porcupine Warriors club last season when he finally became the first-choice goalie.
His performance in the post was key as Asante Kotoko marched on to emerge as Champions of the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League season.
Next season, the former Ghana U20 goalkeeper will be the first choice for the reds when the team fights for trophies not only on the domestic stage but in the CAF inter-club competitions.
He says that it’s time to move on and took the chance to thank his former club for the opportunity claiming it’s the hardest thing for him to say goodbye.
“I take this opportunity to thank the URA Football Club for the Chance it gave me to be part of its project. Saying goodbye is always the hardest thing for me. But I guess it’s time to move on.” he tweeted
New Kotoko capture Steven Mukwala has arrived in Ghana and is currently in Kumasi where he has undergone his medical examination with the club.
Kotoko has in principle agreed to sign 2019/2020 Ugandan Premier League top scorer Steven Mukwala from Ugandan top flight side Revenue Authority (URA FC).
The porcupine warriors nearly signed the striker two seasons ago but they were unable to agree on terms with the striker’s club at the time before he joined Revenue Authority FC.
He has agreed to sign a two-year contract with the reds after departing his former club Revenue Authority FC as a free agent.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko has set its sights on assembling a formidable squad that is capable of challenging for honours ahead of the 2022/2023 season.
Former Black Stars striker, Asamoah Gyan has insisted Asante Kotoko remains the only club he will like to play before he retires.
The 36-year-old before his move to Legon Cities before the start of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League season was linked to the Porcupine Warriors but the move could not materialize.
The former Al Ain and Sunderland ace is now clubless after parting ways with the Royals after the expiration of his one-year contract.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, the former Liberty Professionals forward insisted he has plans of playing for the club but must first regain fitness before the move could be materialized.
“I support Kotoko, It’s in my plans to join Kotoko but as I always say I have to be fit,” Gyan said.
“You cannot have the talent and not be ready. Talent-wise, I am sure everybody will agree with me but the most important thing is to get back in shape and make sure there is no injury then I can decide,” he added.
Gyan remains the country’s all-time leading goal scorer with 51 goals for the senior national team, the Black Stars.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko are set to announce a deal with former Atalanta prodigy Patrick Asmah in the coming days.
The deal is expected to be announced after the player passes medical later this week.
The 24-year-old signed for Atalanta from B A United in 2015. However, injuries in the early days of career affected his chances of a smooth progression through the ranks in the Bergamo side.
Asmah had loan spells at Avellino and Salernitana and recently played in the Slovakia top flight for FC Senica where he figured prominently with three goals and five assists in 25 matches.
He was a key component of the Ghana U20 that participated at the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand in 2015. Patrick is under the management of ArthurLegacy Sports Agency.
Angel 102.9FM can exclusively reveal that Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has made an initial demand of around half a million dollars from Asante Kotoko in order to join them.
Conversations around where the “Baby Jet” is headed has intensified following his unfruitful stay with Indian Super League side NorthEast United.
The former Sunderland forward made eight appearances and scored 4 goals for NorthEast United. He has since returned to Ghana.
The Ghana all-time goalscorer has made several public pronouncements about his willingness to feature for the record Ghana Premier League Champions and it is believed that contact has been made between the two.
With the Ghana premier league nearing commencement for the 2020/2021 season, a price tag of $500,000 is what will possibly be the distance between Kotoko and the former Liberty Professionals player.
The time may just be right for the Gyan – Kotoko love affair but of course, at a cost of half a million dollars, Kotoko may struggle to seal the deal. Speaking on Floodlight Sports with Saddick Adams on Angel 102.9, Samuel Anim Addo, manager for the 34-year-old striker justified his client’s asking price.
He asserts that Asamoah Gyan‘s value is above the reported $500,000 figure, saying even his off the pitch value is immense.
“With proper marketing, promotion and branding the impact of Asamoah Gyan on Kumasi Asante will be huge. So where from this agenda that the money is too much? That is very wrong. The man is ten times valuable than the figure which has been quoted. There are so many avenues Kotoko can get Gyan to raise revenue for the club to protect his image and the brand”.
The Ghana premier league returns in November.
But for Kotoko three competitions await them. As they will participate in the CAF Champions league, Ghana Premier League and the FA Cup. Kotoko will be hoping to name the squad for these tournaments soon.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nana Yaw Amponsah has revealed that his long-term plan for the Porcupine Warriors is to make the club like fellow Ghana Premier League side, West African Football Academy (WAFA).
The former Phar Rangers president has been tipped by pundits to restore the club’s lost glories.
According to him, despite his desire to take Africa by storm and also make the club attractive to sponsors, his long-term plan is to replicate the WAFA model in Kotoko.
“In the long-term, I want to make Kotoko like WAFA in the next five years,†he stated.
He stressed the need for the club to boast standard facilities and quality players who can be marketed for good money to help transform the club.
Board member of Asante Kotoko, Evelyn Asare, has giving her full backing to newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Nana Yaw Amponsah.
Nana Yaw Amponsah was confirmed the new CEO of the club on Friday at a mammoth ceremony in Kumasi.
The former GFA Presidential candidate has been given a three-year mandate to lead and transform the club into one of the best on the continent.
Madam Asare, the head of sports at the Sunyani Polytechnic entreated the fans to remain solidly behind their choice for the CEO job.
“Giving my full support to him to do the needful, this current Asante Kotoko SC has moved from just value for money to sustainability,” she posted on Twitter.
“We only entreat our cherished fans to pray and support the Board and the newly appointed CEO to succeed and lift the club to greater height,” she added.
“Giving my full support to him to do the needful, this current Asante Kotoko SC has moved from just value for money to sustainability. We only entreat our cherished fans to pray and support the Board and the newly appointed CEO to succeed and lift the club to greater height,” Evelyn Asare noted.
