African Football
FEATURED: Five things we learned as Ghana beat Madagascar
A son of the land, Otto Addo, a former player with the team gets his first taste as manager of the Ghana Blackstars and it ended in a massive victory.
In watching the game yesterday in town with some friends over some drinks and the usual arguments and banters as to who was to start and not amongst other analyses, I penciled down a few things worth noting about the game.
To start with, this team if well managed and allowed room to operate for a number of years is bound for greatness. It has loads of potential willing to go the extra mile to prove what they have underneath their footballing skills and techniques. A bunch of hard-working lads with a common goal and objective to win and make an impact.
The team as I noticed controlled possessions for large parts of the game, a good feat for a side-tagged “Brazilians of Africa” it was nice watching how they calmly stroked passes in a bid to cut open their opponents on the day, Madagascar. It brought good vibes and memories of the old days back again, clearly, the good times are not far from us.
In controlling possession, a team’s ability to create and convert multiple chances is very vital to its objective of winning on the day as such this team did just that, they created multiple chances from start to finish. The only gaping issue, the technical team headed by Otto Addo needs to help the team finish off chances. In the first half of the game, the team could have gone into the break with a 2-3 goals up but for some inexperience in front of goal, ill-lack, resolute defending from the Malagasy side it ended in a barren goalless draw.
Another glaring feature about this team is the tactics deployed on the day which allowed room for the team to play with loads of freedom across the pitch. Gideon Mensah was deployed as a makeshift center-back, amazingly guy played out one of his best games in national team colors, veteran defender, Dennis Odoi continually amazes me, his third game for the side but feels as though he’s been with the team for a number of years, his versatility, experience is unrivaled. Afena Gyan might have scored but he certainly needs to be guided, he showed a glimpse of his striking ability but there’s more room for improvement. Kudus is the future and needs to be protected at all costs.
Otto Addo is a man on a mission who knows his stuff, his subs on the day made a fairly good impression on the day. Hopefully, he gets the unprecedented support to lead the team to achieve its long-standing objective of breaking a 4 decades hoodoo of not winning the AFCON and doing well in the upcoming World Cup to be staged in Qatar, in 2022.
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced concern over the state of football facilities in Ghana, saying inadequate infrastructure is damaging the game’s attractiveness.
The local league’s appeal over the years has dwindled with many calling for immediate action to be taken to salvage the situation.
Speaking to Kumasi based radio station, Ahenfie FM, he expunge on the poor infrastructure in the country which has reduced the appeal of the Ghana Premier League and football in general.
“The poor infrastructure is making our football less attractive.” he ended
His comments highlight ongoing challenges facing the development of football in the country, from grassroots level to the professional game
The 35-year-old, who earned 78 caps and scored 11 goals for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017, began his career with local sides Berlin FC and Berekum Arsenal before a loan spell at Asante Kotoko.
He later returned to the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics in 2022–23 after a long career in Europe.
This week’s Ghana Premier League 2026/27 games produced incredible results across the various game venues.
- Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Asante Kotoko
Scorer: Wiafe/Eric Darkwah (penalty, late). - Hearts of Oak 1–0 Port City FC
Scorer: Frank (Abora) Duku (header). - FC AshantiGold 1–0 FC Samartex
Scorer: Raphael Ankamah
- Bechem United 4–2 Vision FC
Scorers (Bechem): Emmanuel Kobi (39’), Yaw Acheampong (62’), Kofi Tompuo (87’), own goal (stoppage time).
Scorers (Vision): Benjamin Kwarteng (47’), Ruben Quaye (51’). - Berekum Chelsea 3–0 Debibi United
Scorers: Stephen Kwakye, Dramani Awuah, Emmanuel Ofosu. - Bibiani Gold Stars 2–0 Basake Holy Stars
Scorer: Kwame Opoku 2x - Karela United 1–0 Dreams FC
Scorer: Malik Abubakar - Medeama SC 3–1 Heart of Lions
Scorers (Medeama): Emmanuel Annor (28’), Kingsley Braye (64’ and 66’).
– Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji - Young Apostles 1–0 Aduana FC
Scorer: Samuel Prempeh (penalty, first half).
Hearts head coach Nebojša Kapor has lamented the infrastructure problems in Ghanaian football.
Hearts of Oak secured a crucial 1-0 win over Port City FC at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, ending a three-match winless run in the Ghana Premier League.
Frank Duku’s 20th-minute goal was enough to separate the sides and hand the Phobians three points against the newly promoted outfit.
Despite the win, head coach Nebojša Kapor was left frustrated about the poor state of the Legon pitch.
“This is not our stadium; it’s a national stadium. Ghana football has serious problems with proper pitches,” Kapor said after the match.
The Serbian tactician’s remarks reflect growing frustration among coaches over the quality of playing surfaces across the league.
The Phobias have adopted the University of Ghana as their temporary home venue for the Ghana Premier League.
Hearts of Oak will play Vision FC in the next league game away from home.
Port City FC head coach Ennin Christopher admitted the pain of defeat after his side fell 1-0 to Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.
Frank Abora Duku’s 20th-minute strike proved decisive as the Phobians secured a hard-fought home victory.
Reflecting on the result, Ennin stated his ambitions prior to the game was to win.
“I didn’t come here to draw; I came to win. So, losing is painful, but that’s football,” the Port City coach said.
Before the game, they occupied the 3rd spot on the log and were looking to continue that feat against Hearts tonight.
They will hope to regroup as they face off with Dreams FC in Kukurantumi next week.
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