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Nations FC’s Asamoah Boateng silences Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium
Nations FC did the unexpected as they gunned down Kotoko in a thrilling contest in game week twenty-three at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The host came into this fixture on the back of three-peat losses to Karela United, Accra Lions, and Aduana Stars and with pressure mounting on the technical and playing body, there was hope for an improved result in their home game.
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The two coaches came into the fixture with the desire to pick a win and that was evident in the way they set up the team to play in this evening’s duel.
They both went at each other with loads of attacking play, with what was looking like a drub draw for the first half.
Afriyie Asamoah Boateng nodded the away side into the lead from an in-swinging cross from captain Emmanuel Boahene in additional time of the first half.
READ MORE: Konadu Yiadom arrives in Ukraine to start his journey with Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih.
Coach Kassim Mingle shuffled things nine minutes after the first half with a hattrick of substitutions, Nafiu Sulemana, Isaac Botchway, and Sadiq Alhassan came through for Prince Acquah, Blankson Nuamah, Abdul Karim Nafiu.
In the 79th minute, Coach Ogum Narteh responded in equal measure taking off Emmanuel Kotei and Richmond Lamptey for Eric Zeze and Enock Morrison.
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The Nations FC side held on resolutely to pick a win over their regional rivals at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The loss is Kotoko’s fourth consecutive loss and sixth in seven games in the Ghana Premier League under the able leadership of Prosper Ogum Narteh and David Ocloo.
Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams has insisted there is no basis for his removal over the ongoing World Cup visa controversy, stressing that no public funds were lost in the matter.
READ MORE : “Its really tough” – Coach Björkegren
Kofi Adams was reacting growing concerns following of VISA issues that have been hanging over the past few weeks in local media.
He stated: “There’s no justification to dismiss me over the World Cup visa scandal, because no government money has been lost.”
The minister’s remarks come amid growing public and political pressure following questions surrounding visa arrangements linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Adams maintained that the absence of any financial loss to the state removes grounds for his dismissal.
READ MORE: Black Queens thrash Mauritius 7-0 in Olympic Qualifiers
In a related development, NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah was asked to step aside from his role earlier this month by President John Mahama.
Black Queens head coach Lars Kim Björkegren has described the path to qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games as “really tough” but says he “believes in the girls” to get the job done.
The Queens strolled past Mauritius 10-0 to progress to the next phase and now will face Zambia in the third round, scheduled for 23 February to 6 March 2027.
“We have the potential to go all the way,” Björkegren said.
“In football, there is no easy game, especially when it comes to qualifying for the Olympics, as only two countries from Africa will go to Los Angeles.
“It is really tough to get there; we need to win. I believe in the girls, and I think we [will] be there.”
The Black Queens have never qualified for the Olympic Games in the country’s history.
Just two slots are available for African teams.
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.
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