Ghana Sports news

Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan will celebrate his 50th international goal for Ghana with a live band performance on Friday, June 16, at the Gold Coast Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in Airport City -Accra.

The Al Ahli Dubai Striker achieved the feat last Sunday when he scored Ghana's first goal against Ethiopia at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

This record makes Gyan Ghana’s all-time top scorer. He is already has the enviable title of the highest scoring African player at the FIFA World Cup with six goals.

Gyan was aiming at greatness when he scored in his debut against Somalia in 2003, a goal which he believes is his most memorable.

Asamoah Gyan will be supported by his ASA Band, and is expected to perform such songs as “African Girls”, and ” Odo Pa”‘, both of which he recorded with missing hip-liife musician Castro.

Southampton have sacked manager Claude Puel after one season.

The 55-year-old Frenchman's future had been in doubt despite Saints finishing eighth in the Premier League and reaching the EFL Cup final, having succeeded Ronald Koeman who left St Mary's for Everton last summer.

Sky Sports News HQ reported last week that Saints director of football Les Reed was considering potential replacements after concluding his end-of-season review for chairman Ralph Krueger.

And a club statement on Wednesday read: "Southampton can today confirm that it has terminated the contract of Claude Puel with immediate effect.

"Everyone at Southampton would like to express our thanks to Claude for his hard work and commitment this year. We wish Claude well for the future.

"The search for a new management team is underway. We are confident that we will find the right fit in line with the long-term vision of the club."

Puel, who was boss at Nice until he moved to England's south coast last summer, won only 12 of his 38 Premier League games last season and they finished only six points above 17th.

After reports Southampton were considering Marco Silva, who has taken over at Watford, Puel was backed by Chelsea's Eden Hazard as one of the world's top coaches, the Belgium star having worked with him at Lille.

Puel would not comment on persistent reports he could be replaced as the season drew to a close and said he wanted to continue as manager at St Mary's.

Credit:Skysports

Former boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather will fight UFC champion Conor McGregor in a light-middleweight boxing match in Las Vegas on 26 August.

The Black Stars B will play Premier League side Inter Allies in a friendly today as they continue preparation towards the CHAN qualifiers.

The match is scheduled for 3pm at the Ghanaman Soccer of Excellence in Prampram.

This game forms part of coach Kwesi Appiah's plans of building a formidable home-based team while preparing for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers and WAFU tournament later this year.

Coach Appiah has invited Maxwell Oppong of second tier side Asokwa Deportivo to join the Stars .

He spotted the player during Black Stars warm up game with the second division side in Kumasi.

Manchester United have announced the signing of 22-year old Benfica defender Victor Lindelof for 30.1 million pounds.

The Sweden International has signed a 4 year deal and becomes the first signing for Jose Mourinho as the club are seriously pushing for the signing of Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata.

United have had a long-standing interest in Lindelof, but decided against making a move for him in January due to the upturn in their form and the return to fitness of a number of their central defenders

Lindelof a full Sweden International will provide some stability in defence for Manchester United and his signing could spell the end for English defender Chris Smalling.

The former wife of Nii Odartey Lamptey has lost a claim for a 50% share of the fortunes of the former Ghana and Anderlecht star in a heart-wrenching infidelity drama which has dragged on for four years ago.

An Accra High Court has ruled on Wednesday Gloria Appiah committed 'adultery' when she gave birth to three children out of wedlock and subsequently quashed her motion to be awarded half of the property of the former footballer.

Justice Cecilia Don-Chebe Agbevey who put finality to the winding legal battle also ordered the wife to vacate the footballer's 7-bedroom apartment in East Legon within 30 days.

She was however allocated a property at Dome - a suburb of Accra as compensation - leaving the player with the clearance to keep majority of his wealth.

"I thank God for taking me through this fight successfully because I didn’t know how far I could go. I’m grateful that the toils that I have gone through for the past 21 years did not go in vain. Though I’ve lost a few properties, I’m very content that at the end of this case, I have retained most of them and I’m still alive too," he told Starr FM's Alexander Anyankwaa

“When I was informed that the [three] children were not mine, I know how I felt. Playing the role of a father to children I thought were mine for 21 years and realizing otherwise later, I nearly committed suicide. God gave me renewed energy and courage to withstand these pains and today, I can say I have gotten over them all.

“And today, with the final judgement, I thank God that my properties, my school and others I have kept them. She can take the little awarded her. Today the divorce has been granted and that burden that was on me is gone. Now, I’m a free and happy man, ready to start life again.

DNA results revealed the 42-year-old never fathered any of his three children after 20-years of marriage in a chilling expose' which marked a dramatic end to the relationship.

Lamptey has insisted he never asked his estranged wife to sleep with other men to get pregnant for him over claims he was 'impotent'.

The ex-Ghana star, who now has two children with movie star Ruweida Yakubu, endured an emotional breakdown and needed therapy.

Credit:Ghanasoccernet

German giants Bayern Munich have completed the signing of French midfielder Corentin Tolisso from French side Olympique Lyon.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko will play host to Accra Hearts of Oak in this year’s President Cup at the Baba Yara Stadium on July 2nd.

The annual one-off game organized by the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) will see the two giants of Ghana football go head-to head.

Kotoko and Hearts have already met twice this season, with the Phobians emerging victorious in both games.

A 1-0 scoreline at the Accra Sports Stadium saw Hearts win a Premier League first leg and followed it up with a 3-1 first leg win in the Ghana@60 anniversary Cup.

The 2nd Leg of the Ghana@60 match is yet to be played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium

 

Black Stars defender John Boye has been named in the CAF best eleven players for the Opening matches.

The defender who currently plays for Sivasspor in the Turkish League was at his very best when the Black Stars beat Ethiopia 5-0 last Sunday in the AFCON qualifiers.

He was on the score sheet as he grabbed Ghana's 2nd goal of the day with a top notch finish.

 

Using the latest computerized system's showing the performance of players, CAF selected the Ghanaian defender among the best players.

Other players included are Ali Maudal of Tunisia,Betrand Troare of Burkina Faso,Guinea’s Naby Kaita Seydou Doumbia of the Ivory Coast, Senegal’s Moussa Sow, Knowlede Musona of Zimbabwe, Pajlun Voavy from Seychelles, DR Congo midfielder Cedric Bakanbu and Uganda’s Dennis Oyango.

 

Black Stars Captain Asamoah Gyan has reiterated his desire to play for Kumasi Asante Kotoko before he hangs his boots as a professional footballer.

The former Liberty Professional player once again made this known in an interview today at Accra based radio station Hot FM.

"I have always said i will play for Kotoko before i retire,even if it is just a game, i have been a Kotoko fan since i was young and my dad too is a strong Kotoko fan."

Asamoah Gyan reached a milestone with the Senior National team by scoring his 50th goal against Ethiopia last Sunday in the 2019 AFCON qualifier.

Gyan has had spells with Italian side Udinese, French side Rennes, Sunderland in England, Al Ain in Dubai, Shanghai SIPG in China and currently with Al Ahli Dubai.

The media has been advised to desist from sewing seeds of separation within the senior national team the Black Stars by spreading unsubstantiated rumours.

Chelsea will begin their title defence at home to Burnley when the 2017-18 Premier League season kicks off on the weekend of 12-13 August.

Mayweather Promotions have booked the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for a 'boxing event' on August 26. 

For months Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor's mooted cross-over fight has been speculated over, but this is the strongest indicator yet that the blockbuster clash will go ahead.

There are no further details of the fight to take place, sparking rumours that this could finally be the time and location of what promises to be one of the most lucrative bouts in history.

The only other information of note is in the booking on the Nevada Athletic Commission's website which states that the bout will be televised on ShowTime.

ShowTime have enjoyed a deal with the unbeaten American to film his fights, further fuelling the speculation.

McGregor and the UFC made it clear in recent weeks that their side of the agreement was confirmed whilst Mayweather and his chief representative Al Haymon were yet to agree terms.

But the Dubliner teased fans with an impending announcement on his Instagram earlier as he said: 'Something big is coming.'

The UFC phenomenon had been quiet in recent weeks as talk of his next move subsided and he spent time with his partner Dee Devlin and newborn son.

That famous left hand could be tested against one of the finest boxers ever should his hiatus end with a meeting in the squared circle with Mayweather.

But 40-year-old Mayweather's signature is still required for the go ahead which would surely capture the imagination of fight fans everywhere as the worlds of boxing and MMA collide.

Credit:Dailymail

 

Accra Hearts of Oak have denied reports that they were denied access to the Accra Sports Stadium for training on Tuesday.

The Phobians through their twitter page made it clear that the team was at the Staduim for a photoshoot with Premier League sponsors StarTimes.

Reports earlier in the day had indicated that the club wanted to train but were denied entry because the National Sports Authority demanded some money from them.

Hearts of Oak will play second teir side Young Wise this Saturday in the round of 16 of the MTN FA Cup.

 

Sports Journalist Patrick Osei Agyemang popularly known as Countryman Songo has hit out once again at Black Stars Captain Asamoah Gyan, for customizing the Captain's arm band of the National team in their recent AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia.

Former Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri is the new boss of French side Nantes.

Benni McCarthy was announced as the new head coach of Cape Town City, with the Bafana Bafana legend putting pen to paper on a long-term deal with the club.

A memorial service is being held in Beijing for late Ivorian footballer Cheick Tiote who passed on last week after collapsing in training.

The players and coach of Accra Hearts of Oak were left frustrated this morning after they were locked out and denied entry to the playing field of the Accra Sports Stadium.

According to sources close to Footballghana.com the team planned to train from 7:30 am today but the inner perimeter of the stadium was locked by the National Sports Authority.

Further checks revealed the NSA was demanding money before they grant the team access to the field.

The Phobians are preparing for their MTN FA Cup round of 16 clash against Young Wise slated for this weekend in Kasoa.

Credit:Footballghana.com

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann has extended his contract by a year, with his new deal expiring in 2022.

The 26-year-old France forward had been heavily linked with Manchester United, and said last month there was a "6/10" chance he could move to Old Trafford this summer.

But he agreed to stay at Atletico after the club had a transfer ban upheld.

"The first thing I want to do is apologise to people who misunderstood my statements," Griezmann said.

"Since I have arrived, I have given everything for my club, my colleagues and my coaching staff."

Atletico cannot sign anyone until January after failing in an appeal against a ban imposed in July 2016 for breaching Fifa rules over the signing of youth players.

Griezmann, capped 41 times, scored 26 goals in 2016-17 as Atletico finished third in La Liga behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.

He was named the third best player in the world, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in January.

Griezmann, who played in France's 2-1 defeat by Sweden in World Cup qualifying on Friday, is in the squad to face England in a friendly on Tuesday.

Credit:BBC Sports

Iran became the second team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup as they beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in Tehran.

Goals from Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi ensured Iran, coached by Carlos Queiroz, will appear at successive World Cups for the first time.

Victory meant they opened an eight-point advantage over their opponents, who are third in the table.

Five-time winners Brazil were the first team to join hosts Russia at next year's tournament.

The top two teams in each of Asia's two qualifying groups progress to the World Cup, while the teams in third place go into a series of play-offs.

 

Former American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr has confirmed on twitter that his visit to Ghana and Nigeria will come off in the fall (September).

The undefeated world boxing champion was expected to visit Nigeria and then Ghana on the 15th of June but postponed the trip for reasons best known to him.

Mayweather announced he would arrive in Africa in September on Twitter.

“Motherland Africa, Nigeria & Ghana, my Undefeated Africa Tour has been pushed to the fall @RnBAllStarsEnt @ONEbrentTMT 4 more event info.”

The exact date for the arrival and activities lined up were, however, not disclosed and boxing lovers will be counting on the Organizers Upscale Entertainment to brief Ghanaians later on the new development.

The Ghana Netball Federation has announced Acehonor, as its new kits sponsor as part of efforts to develop the sports in Accra.

Spain's Prosecutor's Office in Madrid has filed a tax fraud lawsuit against Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is alleged to have defrauded Spanish authorities of 14.7m euros between 2011 and 2014.

In a statement, the prosecutor's office said Ronaldo had knowingly used a "business structure" created in 2010 to hide his income in Spain from his image rights.

The lawsuit is based on a report sent to the prosecutor's office from Spain's tax agency AEAT, it said.

Credit:Skysports

The postponement of Floyd Mayweather’s visit to Ghana will not affect the WBO Middleweight World Title Eliminator between Ghanaian Obodia Sai and undefeated Walter Kautondokwa scheduled for June 16 at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

The Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 to win their second NBA championship in three seasons with a 4-1 finals series victory.

The Warriors, who beat Cleveland in the 2015 Finals only to lose to them last year after squandering a 3-1 series lead, went a record-setting 15-1 in the playoffs, their only loss coming in Game Four of the best-of-seven championship.

Kevin Durant led the way for the Warriors with 39 points, with Stephen Curry contributing 34.

But it took a team effort for the Warriors to overcome a determined Cavaliers' squad, including contributions from 33-year-old veteran Andre Iguodala and 21-year-old Patrick McCaw.

Though the Cavaliers led 37-33 at the end of the first quarter, Golden State soon reasserted their dominance by winning the second 38-23 to lead 71-60 at half-time.

The Cavs narrowed the gap slightly in the third, with LeBron James hitting a game-high 41 points, but defensive breakdowns by Cleveland led to easy baskets late in the game for the Warriors as they sealed victory at the Oracle Arena in Oakland.

Durant was named finals MVP after scoring over 30 points in each of the five games as he averaged 35.2 per game across the series.

Credit:Skysports

The deputy minister of youth and sports Pious Enam Hadzide says the bonus of players in the senior national team has been fixed at $5,000 because of the current economic situation in the country.

This he attributed to the dept accumulated by the previous NDC government and claiming the ministry of youth sports has a dept total of over GHC 50,000000.

"We have decided that for every qualifying or tounament game whether AFCON or World Cup the players will receive is $5,000".

The Deputy Minister added that, the government is making plans to adress the bonus issues of all the other sporting disciplines and will soon let Ghanaians know what every team, be it boxing, taekwado and athletics will earn as bonus.

Black Stars were previously taking $10,000 winning bonus and that figure was later slahed to $ 8,000 under the NDC administration.

They later agreed a new bonus structure ahead of the 2017 AFCON in Gabon which saw the team earn $5,000 per win in the group stage, $6,000 in the quarterfinal and $7,500 for the semi-final.

The Black Star bonus issue became the talk of town when the team demanded $100,000 as appearance fee during the 2014 World Cup.

Captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan has said, his 50th goal for the country came rather late as he was hoping to achieve that feat in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

Aduana Stars and Kumasi Asante Kotoko drew 1:1 in a week 18 game of the Ghana Premier league.

The match which was touted as the game of the week ended in a disappointing goalless draw as chances were few in the entire 90 minutes.

The epic clash was not shown on TV because Aduana fans denied StarTimes and GBC from telecasting the game.

The game came to life when Kotoko midfielder Jackson Owusu was shown his 2nd yellow card of the day in the 72nd minute and Kotoko ended the game with ten me.

This draw means Aduana Stars remain 2nd on the league table with 34 points, 2 points behind leaders WAFA who are on 36.

Kotoko on the other hand are 5th on the league table with 26 points.

Black Stars Captain Asmoah Gyan has again denied there is a rift between himself and deputy Captain Andre Ayew.

There have been several speculation in the media claiming that the pair do not get on well in the National camp.

"Sometimes people see things and conclude, I was in the National team before Andre came, his father likes me so much but from what i know there is no problem between us."

These claims were however intensified yesterday when Gyan walked off the pitch when he was being substituted and did not hand over the captains arm band.

Gyan together with Coach Kwesi Appiah have since explained the issue as an intentional act because the arm band was specially customized for Gyan by kit sponsor Puma in anticipation of his 50th goal for the team.

Gyan begun the demolition of Ethiopia by getting the first goal for the Black Stars in a game that ended 5-0.