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Sam Johnson disappointed in Augustine Okrah for rejecting Blackstars call-up
Former Ghana international Sam Johnson is one of the numerous football persons who has come out to share their reservations on Bechem United’s Augustine Okrah’s rejection of a national team call up.
According to the vociferous personality, he hopes the recent out showing from the Bechem kingpins will not affect the selection chances of other local lads who harbor the ambitions of playing for the senior national team, Blackstars.
The winger whose performances for his club in the league caught the eyes of the Black Stars handlers received a call-up to team up with the side in the lead-up to the game against Central Africa Republic but was later dropped and recalled for the Japan tournament.
In light of this revelation, he out rightly dismissed the invitation for the upcoming tournament which has been arranged as a dress rehearsal for Otto Addo and his technical team to pitch a winning team ahead of the World Cup, 2022 citing sickness as a barrier to him
However, in an interview with Precise FM, the former Ghana defender expressed disappointment in Okrah’s handling of the call-up adding that this shouldn’t affect the chances of others in the future.
“This is the time the coach could have given him the chance to play at the tournament for him to prove him wrong. He should have honored the call up and prove the coach wrong that he is better than the players he took to Angola for the CAR game”, he told Precise FM.
Okrah has been a big fixture for the Bechem base club, involved in over 17 goals contribution for them as they push for a 2nd place finish in the Ghana Premier League 2021/22 which has already been secured by Kotoko.
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.
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