Seven players have been given late call-ups by CK Akonnor and will join the team in Cape Coast to prepare for Ghana’s AFCON qualifiers double-header against Sudan.

Official Statement from GFA:

Due to medical reasons, Coach of the Black Stars C. K Akonnor has made seven additions to his squad ahead of Ghana’s double header against Sudan.

The players include Andrew Kyere Yiadom (Reading FC), Majeed Ashimeru (Red Bull Salzburg), Joseph Attamah Larweh (Keyserispor), Afriyie Acquah (Yeni Malatyaspor) and Clifford Aboagye (Tijuana FC).

The rest are Kwadwo Amoako (AshantiGold SC) and Christopher Nettey (Asante Kotoko SC)

The Black Stars will begin camping in Accra on Monday, November 09, ahead of the game on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

Ghana face Sudan at the Cape Coast stadium on Thursday, November 12, before travelling to Khartoum three days later for the reverse tie.

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Asante Kotoko defender Christopher Nettey has been called up to the national team for the first time in his career, the defender is set to join the Black Stars team at Cape Coast as they prepare for their AFCON qualifiers against Sudan.



Nettey received a late callup to CK Akonnor’s Ghana Black Stars squad for their upcoming double-header AFCON Qualifiers fixture against Sudan.

The talented right-back joins his teammate Razak Abalora in the national team.

Christopher Nettey who was surprised to learn he has been called up to the National team couldn’t hide his joy.

“I was over the moon, surprised and shocked. I don’t know whether to believe it or not. I could not alter a word because I was so confused. I only thanked him (Maxwell Konadu) and left. But it was later on the reality dawn on me.” he stated.

The player revealed he was informed after their 2-2 draw against Samartex FC on Sunday.

“I was informed about it by coach Maxwell Konadu after our 2-2 draw game against Samartex FC in Samreboi. He called me after the game and told me that I have been invited to the national team” he said.

“I have gotten this far because of hard work and so I am going there to do the same; work hard, learn from my seniors and implement them on the field” he concluded.

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Former Ghana goalkeeper Abubakari Damba has strongly suggested that Amiens midfielder, Emmanuel Lomotey will come good over the next few seasons playing for the Blackstars.



On Friday, 30^th October,2020, Ghana head coach, C.K Akonnor named his 23-man-squad set to battle Sudan in a double clash, featuring prominently in the list was Amiens SC midfielder Emmanuel Lomotey.

Lomotey received massive backlash from football lovers after he failed to justify his inclusion against Mali in a friendly encounter in Turkey.

According to the former Blackstars player, the technically gifted midfielder possesses extraordinary qualities which will inure to the benefit of the national team should we (nation) exercise patience with him.



Damba in an interview with Citi TV’s “The Tracker” show strongly backed the player, who he thinks has a lot to give to the Black Stars.

“For now we may not be getting the best performances from Lomotey, but in 2 years he will take over the midfield,”

“This is a box to box midfielder like Thomas Partey. No disrespect to Thomas but Lomotey, technically, he is a delight to watch.

“Like I said before, Lomotey is a complete player, he is a great passer of the ball and he has an excellent delivery from dead ball situations,” he concluded.

In a related development, Ghana’s former Kotoko assistant trainer Isaac ‘Opeele’ Boateng has backed Abu Damba on claims that Emmanuel Lomotey should be given ample time to play, gel and showcase his skills in the coming years.

“Anyways, I personally understand many criticism of the young chap in the team. However, he played so well for the U23 in Egypt and has played seven games for his side in Amiens.

The Black Stars will battle Sudan on November 12 at the Cape Coast Stadium before heading to Omdurman for the second leg five days later.

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Ghana coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor named his 23-man squad that will square off with fellow African faithful, Sudan for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series on Friday, October 30, 2020.



A quick peek through the list sees, Amiens midfielder Emmanuel Lomotey making the squad following subpar performance in his debut game against Mali, where the country were heavily battered.

Many have been quick to question reasons surrounding Emmanuel Lomotey’s call-up but the Ghana headcoach, CK Akonnor a man with numerous years of experience knows it’s imperative to give players equal opportunities to justify themselves hence reason for his inclusion into the team ahead of the doubleheader against Sudan.

Lomotey will be thanking his stars for getting the opportunity to unwrite his wrongs and playing out his heart out this time around in order to cement his place in a choked Blackstars midfielder gifted with players of similar traits as himself or even better.

He has stared in 7 matches this season in Ligue 2, playing a total of 416 minutes yet to score or assist in the ongoing league for Amiens SC.

Akonnor and his charges will be looking to fend of stiff competition from Sudan to secure qualification in the doubleheader in November.

The Black Stars will host Falcons of Jediane at the Cape Coast Stadium on November 12 before flying to Khartoum for the reverse fixture on Tuesday, November 17.

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Ghana coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has for the first time invited Jonathan Mensah, Mubarak Wakaso and John Boye to the Black Stars team ahead of the AFCON double header qualifiers against Sudan next month.



The experienced trio are returning to the Black Stars since the change of management at the senior national team.

Wakaso has been instrumental to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning as they reach the semi finals of the competition, Boye has been consistent with French side FC Metz with Columbus Crew captain Jonathan Mensah leading his side to the play-offs of the MLS.

Another experienced player retuirning to the squad is Harrison Afful of Columbus Crew together with out of favour Chelsea defender Baba Abdul Rahman.

Captain Andre Ayew and his brother, Jordan Ayew-who just recovered from COVID-19 were included in the team together with Arsenal star Thomas Partey.

Akonnor kept faith with most of the players that started the qualifiers against South Africa and São Tomé in his line-up ahead of the game, adding few new names from the friendlies against Mali and Qatar last month.

Ghana have been preparing for the matches with two friendly games against Mali and Qatar.



The West African giants lost 3-0 against the Eagles but recovered to thump 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar 5-1 in the second match.

Coach Akonnor is seeking to continue with the teams flying start to the qualifiers following victories against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in November 2019.

The four-time Africa champions will play as guests to Sudan at the Cape Coast Stadium on Thursday, November 12, before making a trip to Khartoum for the return encounter five days later.

Below is the Black Stars squad for AFCON 2021 qualifiers against Sudan 

Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori (Orlando Pirates FC), Razak Abalora (Asante Kotoko SC), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen)

Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman (Chelsea FC), Gideon Mensah (Vitoria de Guimaraes, Afful Harrison (Columbus Crew FC), Anang Benson (MSK Zilina), Djiku Alexander (Strasbourg FC), John Boye (FC Metz), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens FC), Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo)

Midfielders: Partey Thomas (Arsenal FC), Baba Idrissu (RCD Mallorca), Mubarak Wakaso (Jiangsu Suning FC), Emmanuel Lomotey (Amiens FC)

Forwards/Wingers:

Andre Ayew (Swansea City FC), Tariq Fosu (Brentford), Samuel Owusu (Al-Ahli Jeddah) Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace FC), Caleb Ekuban (Trabzonspor), Jamie Leweling (Greuther Furth), John Antwi (Pyramids FC), Jeffery Schlupp (Crystal Palace)






culled from Ghanasoccernet

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF), have appointed Maguette Ndiaye from Senegal to handle Ghana’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan. The game is scheduled for the Cape Coast stadium on Thursday, November 12, 2020.



The 33-year-old will be assisted by compatriots El Hadji Malick Samba (Assistant 1), Serigne Cheikh Toure (Assistant II), and Dauda Gueye (fourth official).

Sanusi Mohammed from Nigeria will be the Match Commissioner.

The Black Stars will be looking to continue their bright start to the qualifying process when they host Sudan at the Cape Coast stadium in the first of a doubleheader tie.

The game will kick off at 4PM GMT.

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Charles Kwabla Akonnor has explained why defender Mohammed Salisu was not included in the Black Stars squad for the double-header 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan.

Akonnor named his first Ghana squad on Tuesday with the Real Valladolid ace missing out.

His omission has left many surprised considering he has been consistently excelled this season in the Spanish top-flight. He has featured in all 26 league games Valladolid has played.

“I could not get in contact with him [in time],” Akonnor responded when he was asked of the defender at the news conference.

The Black Stars will host Sudan at Cape Coast Stadium on March 27 in Group C of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

It will be followed by a reverse fixture in Omdurman within three days.

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Asante Kotoko have managed to grind out away results during the playoffs; they managed to shut down Kariobangi Sharks in Kenya and surprised Coton Sports in Cameroon, but luck wasn’t on their side on Sunday as they suffered a narrow defeat against Al Hilal.

Waleed Hamid’s goal was the difference at Ombdurman on Sunday, confusion at the Kotoko defence enabled the 20-year-old to connect with a headed pass to put his side in front.

Asante Kotoko came close to equalize when Abdul Fatawu’s shot hit the bar in the early stages of the second half. Kotoko ran out of ideas in the remaining minutes of the game as they struggled to string passes in the final third.

CK Akonnor and his boys will have to work very hard if they want to salvage anything from the group stage.

Asante Kotoko suffer defeat in Sudan

Asante Kotoko lacked Creativity

CK Akonnor tried to emulate the style he used in Kenya against Kariobangi Sharks in the playoffs, a style where the midfielders will drop back to help the defence. It was very clear that Kotoko were being cautious, their style of play was to stop Al Hilal from scoring and this would have panned out if the defence didn’t fall asleep in the incident that led to a goal.

Apart from the attempt that hit the bar, Fatawu didn’t create real chances in the final third. He struggled to connect with Sogne Yacouba who was left isolated up front. Fatawu dropped deep to the center midfield while Bonsu and Senanu dropped deeper to shield the defensive line. Their main focus was to make sure they try to stop Al Hilal from scoring.

If they really want to start getting results, they need to start creating chances that will lead to goals instead of defending and hoping for the best.

Sogne Yacouba was left Isolated

A lot of people have been criticizing Sogne Yacouba because he has struggled to find the back of the net since he returned from injury. What many don’t understand is that he is a very talented player but can’t perform fully without the help of his teammates.

Against Al Hilal, Sogne Yacouba dropped back to collect passes from the midfield before attempting to move the ball forward on several occasions. He had to settle for long-range shots because his teammates were not positioning themselves for passes up front.

Baakoh and Gyamfi also dropped deep and made it look a defensive 4-5-1 formation, they lacked connection and communication. Baakoh made several fruitless runs down the right wing, Gyamfi was roaming aimlessly in the game. None of these two wingers managed to create anything tangible with Sogne Yacouba in the final third, and this is something CK Akonnor should look into.

Kotoko Defenders should emulate Amos Frimpong

Amos Frimpong was Kotoko’s best player against Al Hilal, a real captain performance was seen at the Al Hilal Stadium. Frimpong took charge of the right back, he even tried to make attacking runs down the right when Gyamfi was out of position.

The bold captain did his defensive duties and made sure no mistakes were made from his section. He tried to encourage the team with his claps and shouting after they found themselves behind.

If only the entire defence had the same passion, they would have shut out the Al Hilal attack and snuffed out every goal threat.

Asante Kotoko are in dire need of a playmaker

For games like this where everyone is expected to work towards stopping the opponents from scoring, I think Asante Kotoko will do even better if they have a playmaker that can create chances whenever they have the ball or are on a counter attack.

Kotoko often looked lost whenever they attempt to move the ball into the final third, they end up settling for unproductive back passes.

The porcupines need someone who can pick out teammates that can run with the ball and cause harm to the opponent, a player that can move into spaces and set up decisive passes. If they can get someone with this attribute, I think they will be able to create a connection in the final third.

Senanu and Frimpong’s performance are the positives in the game and I am sure that CK Akonnor will be pleased with their output.

The post Four things we learned as Asante Kotoko suffer defeat in Sudan first appeared on Sahara Football.

The porcupines had a night to forget as they fell short in Sudan.

Al Hilal scored in the 4oth minute through Waleed Bakhiek Hamid who connected with a headed pass from Nasr El Din Shigel to put his team in front.

Kotoko almost equalized when Abdul Fatawu Safiu’s shot hit the bar in the first few minutes of the second half.

Kotoko couldn’t break the Al Hilal defence despite their ball possession in the second half.

Elsewhere, Zesco United claimed a deserved 2-0 victory over Nkana FC in the other group match on Sunday.

Asante Kotoko will host Zesco next Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi as they will look to grab their first points in the competition.

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We will defeat Al Hilal – Kotoko defender Wahab Adams

Kotoko arrived Khartoum International Airport in the early hours of Friday, they were welcomed by delegates from the Sudanese Football Federation who assisted them pass airport security and other formalities.

Asante Kotoko will lock horns with Al Hilal on Sunday.

The post CAF CC: Asante Kotoko arrive in Sudan for match against Al Hilal first appeared on Sahara Football.