As Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC prepares to face each other on Sunday, February 18, 2024 in the JA Kufuor Cup match at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, former Captain of the senior national team, Stephen 'Tonaldo' Appiah have thrown his weight behind the event.
In anticipation of the crucial third-round Olympic Games qualifiers against Zambia, Black Queens coach Nora Häuptle has revealed the squad tasked with representing Ghana in the upcoming showdown.
Following their underwhelming performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, the Black Stars of Ghana have experienced a significant decline in the February FIFA World Rankings.
Previously holding the 61st position at the close of 2023, the team has now plummeted to 67th globally, marking a notable slide down the rankings both globally and on the African continent.
In the CAF rankings, Ghana now occupies the 14th position, with Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo overtaking the four-time AFCON champions.
These shifts in rankings come in the aftermath of the conclusion of the 2023 AFCON, hosted in Cote d'Ivoire, where the host team, the Elephants, emerged victorious on home soil.
Ghana's premature exit from the tournament occurred at the group stage, securing only two points from their encounters against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.
Meanwhile, Côte d'Ivoire (39th, up 10) basks in the rewards of their continental triumph at home. Despite their commendable progress, Nigeria, the tournament runners-up (28th, up 14), are surpassed by Angola (93rd, up 24), the team they defeated in the quarter-finals, making Angola the most improved side in the latest global rankings.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) per reports are contemplating on reappointing Otto Addo as new head coach of the Black Stars.
After the Black Stars' disappointing performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif disclosed that $3 million was spent on the team during the tournament.
Ghana's exit occurred following a third-place finish in a group alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.
Despite a 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde and back-to-back 2-2 draws against Egypt and Mozambique, the Black Stars failed to progress to the Round of 16.
During a session in Parliament on Wednesday, the minister disclosed that the Ministry had budgeted approximately $8.5 million, with $5 million released by the Finance Ministry for the initial phase of the competition.
"Our estimated budget for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament was $8,506,450.00 to cover the team’s pre-tournament and tournament phases," he stated.
"Out of this amount, $5,071,840.36 was released by the Ministry of Finance, of which $3,070,067.81 was allocated for per diems, flights, medical expenses, equipment, logistics, and hospitality."
"After our elimination from the tournament, we had a surplus of $2,001,772.55," he added.
He also noted the contribution of $400,000.00 from MTN Ghana, which significantly supplemented the government's expenses for the tournament.
"An amount of US$400,000.00 was received from MTN Ghana. This contributed immensely in complimenting Government’s expenditure towards the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.”
Additionally, Ussif refuted claims that each Black Stars player received $30,000 before the final Group B game against Mozambique as motivation.
This marks Ghana's second consecutive AFCON exit at the group stage without securing a victory, extending the nation's quest for its fifth AFCON title to 42 years.
Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has shouldered full responsibility for his team's elimination from the Ghana FA Cup competition following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Karela United in the Round of 16.
Despite a strong first-half performance from both sides at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, neither team managed to score. However, Karela United surged ahead in the second half, securing their spot in the quarterfinals with goals from Solomon Aboagye in the 47th minute and Giyas in the 65th minute.
In response to the defeat, Ogum has accepted blame for his team's elimination and expressed regret for falling short of the fans' expectations.
“I take full responsibility for our exit from the FA Cup. The team's performance fell short of the high expectations of our loyal supporters and friends,” Ogum stated on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Despite the setback, Ogum remains determined and has vowed to bounce back, pledging to focus on the pursuit of the Ghana Premier League title.
“We are sorry for the disappointment. We are dedicated and committed to come back and fight for the Ghana Premier League,” he affirmed.
