Gyan rues unlucky night as Stars hand support

Asamoah Gyan is had a fantastic World Cup but his miss from the spot in the final second of extra time against Uruguay could be the talking point as Ghana exited from the competition via the penalty lottery.

The striker, so often the hero for the Black Stars could not hold back his tears with the South American side going on to win the dramatic game 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 deadlock scoreline over 120 minutes Friday night.

In the very last minute of extra time, Dominic Adiyiah headed what should have been the winner for Ghana but Suarez blocked with his hands as Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca awarded a penalty.

Asamoah Gyan stepped up to take the shot but saw his last kick of the game go off the crossbar as the tie went into the penalty shootout which the South American nation won.

“I’ve nothing to say, you know? It’s part of the game,” Gyan said.

And in his opinion, Adiyiah’s header should have been given.

“The ball went in, it did cross the line, and the referee disallowed it,” he said. “If it was our day, the referee would have seen it and whistled as a goal. Everything is hard luck.”

Gyan, who scored three goals in the competition and picked up two Man of the Match prizes has received the backing of John Paintsil and goalkeeper Richard Kingson as both mates cheer on the striker and insist no blame laid at the doorstep of their leading scorer. 

“We have been talking to him about it. Obviously he is feeling very bad and it is not easy to forget it,” Paintsil said.

“As a team mate, we have to keep him with us, talk to him about it so that he can forget it as soon as possible.

“It is penalty, anyone can miss it. It is part of football. It is not a mistake, it is not a mistake at all. He kicked it from his heart. We all wanted to win the game but, yeah, we will pick it from there.”

For Kingson, he doesn’t expect Gyan to take any flak for the miss.

“No, there will be nothing like that,” Kingson said. “I had a message from my wife. She said everybody is happy now. We did our best and everybody is cheering him.”

Source: Ghanafa.org

Gyan anticipates tough U.S clash

Ghana are not just satisfied with their berth in the last16 as the Black Stars aim to go a step better than they did in 2006 in their debut World Cup.

Striker Asamoah Gyan, who has so far been Ghana’s only goal scorer at the competition in South Africa with two goals, both coming from the spot, is targeting victory against the United States, in a game that he anticipates to be difficult.

A win over the Americans, who Ghana defeated 2-1 in the final group stage match of the World Cup four years ago would see the Black Stars become the first African country after Cameroon and Senegal to make it to the last eight of the competition.

Gyan is aware of the task ahead but is very confident of Ghana’s chances against the U.S at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

"We are very happy (to have qualified), even if we wanted to have other African teams come through as well," said Gyan. 

"We are on the right path and we are representing our continent, which makes us very happy.

"The Americans, though, are a very good team, they expend a lot of energy and are strong physically. But we too have good players, it is for that that we have so much self-confidence." 

Source: Ghanafa.org

Statement: GFA speaks on Sulley Muntari attitude

Press Statement

The Ghana Football Association confirms that player Sulley Muntari is still a member of the Black Stars team at the World Cup in South Africa.

We wish to state that Sulley Muntari reacted angrily and in a manner that was offensive to the team’s Code of Conduct in the aftermath of Ghana’s game against Australia on the 19th June 2010 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg.

He was accordingly reprimanded for his behaviour with the player explaining that, his actions were borne out of his frustration by the team’s inability to record a win.

Sulley has since recognised his misconduct and apologised to the Management, technical team and playing body of the Black Stars.

The player has also reiterated his commitment and loyalty to the team and his readiness to play and give off his utmost best to the team.


Source: Ghanafa.org

No pressure on Kevin against Germany

Milovan Rajevac believes the controversy that followed Kevin-Prince Boateng's unfortunate tackle on Michael Ballack will not affect the Ghanaian in the clash against the Germans at the World Cup.

Boateng's attempted tackle left Ballack with an ankle injury during the English FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Chelsea and it cost the Germany captain his place at the World Cup.

Ahead of the potential knockout match against a German side which includes Boateng’s junior brother, Jerome, Rajevac insists the Black Stars midfielder has put the incident behind him. 

“I was in London to watch the FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Chelsea and I think the injury to Michael Ballack was not intentional. It’s become a big story but there are not enough reasons for that,” Rajevac said on Sunday.

The 23 year-old player, a former German youth international secured a nationality swap to enable him play for Ghana and is expected to be available for the game against the Germans at Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium on Wednesday.

Milovan Rajevac explains that the Ghana player would be freed from the tensions that such situations come with.

“We talk to him and he’s preparing for the match. It’s our responsibility to prepare him for such a game. He’s a professional and he would be ready.”

Ghana goes into the final group game with four points and on top of the table in Group D, one better than Germany.

Source: Ghanafa.org

Andre Ayew happy to fight for the team

Andre Ayew appears to be maturing game after game after another assured performance in Ghana’s opening World Cup game against Serbia.

Critics slammed the 20 year-old during his debut for the Black Stars at the 2008 Nations Cup for his inconsistent performances.

The youngster, son of Ghana legend, Abedi Pele has shown great signs of finally stepping out his father’s shadow to become a fine player in his own right.

Having played impressive roles, helping Ghana become the first African side to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup and runners up at 2010 African Nations Cup, the attacking midfielder insists that nothing has changed about his approach to the game.

“Nothing has changed about my approach to the game. I try to give my best everything. I was 17 at the time but now, I am 20. I have had time to progress,” Andre says as he talks about the gradual rise he has enjoyed his career.

“I always give 100% to the team. And I would be fighting for the team. The important thing it to stick to the coaches instructions and work for the team.”

Source: Ghanafa.org

World Cup fans executed in Somalia

Islamic miliants have executed two Somali football fans for watching Nigeria play Argentina on Saturday night.

The deaths happened in Central Somalia which is under strict Islamic law and forbids anyone in the region from watching World Cup matches.

Militants from Hizbul Islam arrested 10 fans who were also part of the group.

A further 30 people were arrested for watching the Australia vs Germany game the following night.

Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Aros, a spokesman for the militants, said that, "We are warning all the youth of Somalia not to dare watch these World Cup matches." He said that the people of Somalia should focus on pursuing jihad and not, "watching mad men jump up and down."

Hizbul Islam had previously invited Osama bin Laden to Somalia.


Source: Yahoo sports

Essien Weeps……As He Visits Colleagues In Camp

Grief-stricken Michael Essien has wished the Black Stars good luck in their preparations towards the World Cup finals in South Africa. The midfielder, who has been ruled out of next month’s competition after failing to recover from a knee injury, made an appearance at Ghana’s training camp in Paris.

Essien, who was in tears after a meeting between Ghana officials and some personnel from Chelsea over his injury situation, has since left the camp.

Ghana Football Association Spokesman, Randy Abbey, said it was an emotional scene at the team’s camp. “At the meeting, Michael Essien reiterated his commitment to the Black Stars and explained how he wished to have been part of the team preparing for the World Cup. “It was an emotional moment for him as he made his way upstairs to see his colleagues.

He visited every member of the squad in their rooms and wished them well. “Essien was close to tears,” Abbey said, adding that “after meeting with his teammates, he made his way out of the camp as he would be heading back to London to continue with his rehabilitation.”

Abbey said no decision had been taken yet, over whether Essien would be in South Africa in any capacity with Ghana. “We haven’t gotten to that state yet. No decision has been taken as to whether he will be there (World Cup) in any capacity. For now, the most important thing is to allow him to continue with his recovery programme which we are very concerned about.”

Meanwhile, Black Stars coach, Milovan Rajavac, has sent out a consoling and rallying cry to his players after the loss of influential midfielder, Michael Essien’s absence, and the Serbian Manager admits it is a blow to their aspirations. “I am really disappointed that Michael Essien will not be at the World Cup for Ghana as a player,” a broken Rajavac said. “He is an important player on and off field, but we can’t use him this time.

“Essien brings lots of advantages; he brings so many things to the team and always gives us options. “It’s most unfortunate. But I hope and believe that the other players would give of their best.”

Despite the absence of Essien, Rajevac says unity and hard work would make the Black Stars prevail in a difficult tournament. “We want to achieve with the team and must work hard. We will focus on the task ahead and hope we have a good World Cup,” the Serbian said.

“I hope the past experiences with injuries, though unfortunate, will help us stay united and fight for each other. Ghana will play Serbia, Australia and Germany in Group D of the tournament.

Michael Essien, after a review of his injury, is not expected to make full recovery until the end of July. He has been recovering from a knee injury picked up during training at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.


Source: The Ghanaian Times

Glo pull out threats, potential Ghana-Nigeria trade war?

The recent threats by mobile operator, Glo, to quit the country, appear to be sparking a potential trade war between Ghana and Nigeria.


This follows a publication in the Nigerian newspaper, Business Daily linking Glo’s frustrations to what Nigerian traders say is a grand scheme by the government to clamp down on their businesses in Ghana.


The President of the Nigerian Union of Traders in Ghana, Jasper Amenike alleged in the publication of a concerted effort between the Ministry of Trade and the Ghana Investment Promotion Council to ensure that Nigerian businesses do not succeed.

Mr. Amenike further cited the shutdown of 83 shops belonging to Nigerian traders in the past seven months with 550 others expected to follow soon.

Glo’s threat to pullout, Amenike noted, was a confirmation of government’s anti-Nigerian stance.

At the heart of the traders’ complaint however, is a clause in Ghana’s Investment code requiring all foreigners interested in engaging in the retail trade to have a minimum capital of at least $300,000.

They say this is in violation of the ECOWAS protocol on free trade and movement of people.

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According to the publication, a top level Nigerian delegation to Ghana on Monday led by its Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry was unable to workout an amicable solution.

Officials of the Trade Ministry approached by Joy Business were yet to comment on the matter.

Source: Joy Business/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Boateng: Bad boy label is a burden

Kevin-Prince Boateng has ridden a metaphorical roller-coaster this season. On the up-side, his club Portsmouth defied expectations to reach the FA Cup final, where they fell narrowly to Chelsea. On the down-side, the midfielder and his team-mates bade farewell to the English top flight after being docked nine points for entering administration.
The player, who insists he has moved on from the bad boy image beloved of the media, is now focusing all his attention on the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The 23-year-old was born in Berlin but has opted to play for Ghana, and in an ironic twist of fate, he is now set to face his country of birth at the finals.
The eagerly-awaited group fixture has even more of an edge to it now, after Boateng’s challenge on Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final caused the injury that forced the Germany captain to pull out of the FIFA World Cup™. Interviewed by FIFA.com, former Germany junior international Boateng spoke about his reputation, assessed Ghana’s chances in South Africa, and named his favourites for the global showdown.
FIFA.com: Kevin, you’ve faced a storm of criticism for the foul which put Germany captain Michael Ballack out of the FIFA World Cup. You’re still a young player, so how have you coped?
Kevin-Prince Boateng: Let me say first of all how sorry I am that Michael can’t play at the World Cup. I never meant to hurt him, and I apologised to him on the spot. It was just a late challenge, nothing more. I have this image as a bad boy and it was quite a laugh at the start. These things amuse you as an 18-year-old. But I’m 23 now, I’m married and I have a son. The image is a burden now. The media have given me this tag and they just sit and wait for me to do something stupid. But the people who know me realise I’m not like that. The most important things to me are my family and football, and I hope I can rid myself of this bad boy reputation over time.
Turning to football, let’s have a look back over your career to date, which began in Berlin.
When I was a little kid, I played in the Berlin streets with my brothers and my dad. I started at Hertha when I was just seven. I played for all the youth teams and eventually signed as a pro. I had a few problems at the start, mainly due to the pace and the hard tackling, but I was lucky enough to be playing alongside some really helpful older players. Niko Kovac, Dick van Burik and Fredi Bobic gave me a lot of support. I’m still really grateful to those guys.
At just 20, you switched to Tottenham Hotspur in England. Why did you opt for the Premier League?I became personally unhappy in Berlin, so I wanted to change clubs. Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur both came in for me, and at the end of the day I opted for Spurs, because I’d always wanted to play in the Premier League.

"It was just a late challenge, nothing more. I have this image as a bad boy and it was quite a laugh at the start... But I’m 23 now, I’m married and I have a son. The image is a burden now."

Kevin-Prince Boateng on the Michael Ballack controversy

It didn’t work out in north London though and you only made a handful of appearances, so you went out on loan to Borussia Dortmund.It was a difficult time for me. Spurs boss Martin Jol told me he thought I was a good player, but there was no place for me in his system, so I lost a year-and-a-half when I hardly played. By contrast, I had a very positive time in Dortmund. I had six terrific months there. I fitted in really well with the club, the coach and the team.
You maintained your good form for Portsmouth last season. Were you satisfied with yourself?You can always do better, but I had a decent season and learned a lot. We gave it everything we had as a team, and I’m really upset about what’s happened to the club. I’ve yet to think through my future at club level. I have two more years on my contract, but I’m concentrating totally on South Africa now. We’ll see what happens after that. But obviously, the eyes of the world are on the World Cup, so it can always be a showcase for a player.
You played for Germany as a youth, but you’re a member of the Ghana squad for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. What are the reasons behind your choice?I really enjoyed playing for Germany. It was recognition for all the work I put in, and the German FA really helped me develop as a player. But I made mistakes. I had a feeling the German FA wasn’t prepared to forgive me and I wouldn’t be given another chance for the national team. I delivered for my clubs, but I was never mentioned in connection with the Germany set-up. By comparison, I could have turned out for Ghana at the 2006 World Cup and at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. I was still holding out hopes of being picked for Germany and playing alongside my brother Jerome, so I turned Ghana down. But now I’ve made a rational decision, with my head rather than my heart.
Ghana have landed in a tough group. How would you rate Germany, Serbia and Australia?I think Germany are favourites, although you have to fancy the Serbs too. But I know we have quality in the team, and I’m convinced we can spring a surprise.
On 23 June, you’re very likely to face your country of birth and probably your brother too, as he’s in the Germany squad.Obviously, the Germany game is a special one for me. But I can promise the Ghana fans this: I play to win, even against my brother – or my father or mother, for that matter.
This is the first FIFA World Cup in Africa. What does it mean for the African people?This World Cup is incredibly important for the continent as a whole. I’m expecting a tournament full of joy and excitement, like four years ago in Germany. Everyone in Africa’s looking forward to the finals.
Finally, who are favourites to win the FIFA World Cup?Côte d’Ivoire are there or thereabouts. They have a superstar in almost every position. They’ve again been drawn in a tough group, but the time has come for them to make their mark. All their players are at top European clubs. If they can play well as a team, they could go a long way. Spain are also very strong contenders, and I see them in the final. And you can never discount Brazil and Germany.

Source: FIFA.COM

Glo Mobile to quit?

Major telecommunications operator, Glo Mobile, intends to pull out of Ghana, an authoritative source close to the company has disclosed.

The Daily Graphic gathered over the weekend that the telecommunications giant had decided to divest its investment in the country and exit Ghana as it faced several challenges from some interests bent on sabotaging the company's nation-wide take-off plan.

A source close to the company disclosed that some of the challenges the company had faced since it was awarded a GSM licence by the National Communications Authority (NCA) included an encroachment on the frequency allocated to it by the NCA, the repeated sabotage of its billboards and the delay in securing approval for the swift deployment of its infrastructure, such as base stations.

It said officials of the company were concerned that while the company had been working at a frenetic pace to formally roll out the network, some forces had been deliberately working around the clock to cripple its operation and prevent it from rolling out quickly, to the detriment of the Ghanaian society.

Another source close to the company said the operator’s management felt that its infrastructure in the country was not getting adequate protection from the law enforcement agencies.

Efforts to get the official reaction from the company to the development proved abortive, but it was gathered that the company would soon serve the government with its notice to quit.

The source, which was privy to the outcome of a recent meeting held by senior management staff of the company on the issues, said Glo was displeased with the various acts of vandalism and would be relieved if the law enforcement agencies apprehended the perpetrators and exposed them.

When contacted, a senior official of Glo Mobile Ghana, Mr Derek Obuobi, said he would not comment on the matter now.

Glo Mobile Ghana recently embarked on a massive deployment of outdoor advertising structures, comprising billboards, light boxes, lamp post signs and brand marks (branded lit globes), throughout Accra as part of the build-up towards the nation-wide launch of its operations in Ghana.

However, immediately after the deployment of the outdoor advertising materials, which generated a lot of positive remarks, a number of the structures were vandalised by unknown persons.

In February, about 15 light boxes mounted from the Airport Traffic Light median to the Opeibea House Traffic Light were destroyed with the flexi materials used on both sides of the units torn. One of the Glo brand marks mounted in Accra was also destroyed.

About two weeks ago, about 16 light boxes installed by Glo from the King Tackie Tawiah Overpass to Busy Internet were also vandalised.

"Every single unit, with materials made from top grade flexi was defaced with a sharp object, suspected to be a knife or a razor blade," the source said.

"It was curious that light boxes belonging to another telecom operator deployed within the same stretch continuing from Busy Internet to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle were left unscathed," it said.

In December last year, some people were apprehended and handed to the police while they were attempting to sabotage a Glo mast located at the Baatsona area of Accra.

“It is clear that these acts of lawlessness are being perpetrated to frustrate Glo's roll-out plans," the source said.

Another major area of concern for Glo is the ban on the erection of telecom masts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The development is said to have affected Glo the most, it being the only network building a nationwide telecoms company from scratch.

"Glo is losing the opportunity to make revenue, for every day there is a delay in launching its network. I believe that is why it is worried," the source said.

Since Glo was granted a licence to operate in Ghana, it has invested huge resources to deploy a nationwide state-of-the-art infrastructure. It has also devoted millions of dollars to the sponsorship of the Ghana Premier League., the national football teams, and the Ghana National Supporters Union.

An investment expert who preferred anonymity said it would be a major setback to the efforts of the government to attract foreign direct investment, generate employment and stimulate economic growth should Glo pull out of Ghana. He urged the government to intervene on the issue.

At the recent presentation of cheques by Glo to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the impressive performance of the Black Stars at the last edition of the African Cup of Nations, the Minister of Communications gave the assurance that the government would give Glo all the support it required to enable it to roll out its services.


Source: Daily Graphic/Ghana

Report: Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City Eye £46 million Swoop For Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Barcelona superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be set for a £46 million switch to Manchester United, Chelsea or Manchester City after David Villa's arrival at the Nou Camp.

The Catalan giants have agreed a £34.2 million deal with Valencia to bring the lethal centre forward to the club. Sport has reported this has pushed Ibrahimovic towards the Premier League as Barcelona look to balance the books.

United have been linked all summer with a move for a top-line centre forward to support Wayne Rooney. City's billions and the presence of Ibrahimovic's ex-Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini makes them a possible destination, while Chelsea are in the market for a "marquee signing".

Ibrahimovic has struggled to win over the fans at the Nou Camp since his £60 million move last summer. Despite grabbing 21 goals in all competitions, he could be forced out after just one campaign.

Fifa admit World Cup sales in Africa 'poor'

   Mr Valcke previously said the event was a "real African World Cup"

A senior Fifa official has said he was "disappointed" by the number of World Cup tickets sold to fans in African countries.

Jerome Valcke said only 40,000 tickets have been sold in countries in the continent outside of South Africa.
The football body has faced criticism for not making tickets accessible to Africans, as most tickets were being sold via the internet.
It is the first time the World Cup is being held on African soil.
'Priced out' Mr Valcke - who has previously billed the event as a "real African World Cup" - said that African sales were "poor" and that Fifa would have to re-think its strategy towards Brazil, hosts of the 2014 Cup.
"It's really not a lot of tickets when you think that we have so many African countries playing in the World Cup," he said at a press event in South Africa.
"The system that we put in place was not perfect for South Africa and for Africa".
He said that there were also difficulties in air travel from one African country to South Africa.
South African Tourism Minister Martinus van Schalkwyk said on Tuesday that the figures were 76% less than those forecasted for the event.
He said that only 11,300 people in Africa made ticket purchases, out of a total of 230,000 foreign fans.
In March, Mr Valcke denied that Africans were being priced out of tournaments.
While tickets in South Africa were offered at a lower price, fans in other African countries had to pay the standard amount - with the cheapest costing $80 (£54).
Critics also said that many Africans would face difficulties accessing the internet, or might not have a credit card to make purchases online.
Over 2.5 million tickets have been sold out of 3 million available for the World Cup, which begins in three weeks.
More than a million have been bought by South Africans.

Source: BBC