In the illustrious history of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), two coaching maestros have etched their names in football lore by achieving the extraordinary feat of winning the tournament thrice.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has long been a stage for intense football battles, where nations from across the continent vie for glory and the coveted title.
Director of Scouting for European giants FC Barcelona, Paulo Araujo is expected to arrive in Ghana by the close of today mainly for a visit at lower-division side Kenpong Football Academy.
Asante Kotoko Sporting Club finds itself clarifying recent media reports surrounding the contract renewal of player Justice Blay.
President of the Republic H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has extended his best wishes to the Black Stars ahead of the 34thedition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire 2023.
The 1st gentleman of the land joined players and the technical team for a farewell dinner at the team’s camp in Kumasi Tuesday night ahead of our departure for Abidjan on Wednesday.
President Akufo-Addo was accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif (Hon.), Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah (Hon.) and Hon. Seth Adjei Baah, Board Chairman of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
President of the Ghana Football Association Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and Vice President Mark Addo were on hand to welcome President of the Republic H.E Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo to the farewell dinner.
Others included International businessman and entrepreneur Kwame Ofosu Bamfo who doubles as a member of the interim Management Committee of the Black Stars and Akwasi Agyemang, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority and a member of the Management Committee.
His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was represented by Nana Kusi Agyekum Ababio, Oyokohene of Kumasi.
President of the Republic H.E Nana Addo Dankwa dines with the #BlackStars ahead of #AFCON2023.@NAkufoAddo pic.twitter.com/rAKZFJ4kj1
— Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) January 10, 2024
Black Stars sponsor MTN also had in attendance, Guido Sopiimeh Ag. Chief Commercial Officer, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Executive, Simon Amoh. Senior Manager Sales and Distribution, Charity Darko Corporate Communications Officer and Akosua Mansah Klutse Regional Marketing Officer.
The colorful ceremony brought together people from the corporate world and the entertainment industry. Afropop and Dancehall artist Stonebwoy thrilled guests, players and coaches with some beautiful renditions while Efua Asantewaa Aduonum of Singathon fame sang the national anthem to usher in the President.
The boys were excited to meet Stonebwoy #BlackStars | @stonebwoy pic.twitter.com/sAnunvk7no
— Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) January 10, 2024
President Akufo-Addo tasked the players to believe in themselves and go into the tournament with the can do spirit, saying that It is possible to accomplish the long awaited dream of bringing home an AFCON trophy that has eluded Ghana for more than four decades.
The Black Stars wrapped up their pre-tournament camping in Kumasi with a goalless draw against Namibia Monday night.
Ghana are drawn in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique. Chris Hughton’s side will face Cape Verde in their opener before they take on record champions Egypt and Mozambique in the other group games.
Ligue 1 side, Stade Rennais is intensifying its efforts to secure the services of Clermont Foot's defender, Alidu Seidu (23) after an initial bid was rejected.
The Ligue 1 side, eyeing defensive reinforcements, faces resistance from Clermont, who values their star right back who also plays as a center-back highly.
Clermont Foot, currently grappling with a challenging season in Ligue 1, finds itself at the bottom of the table. Despite their team struggles, Seidu's standout performances have attracted attention from various recruiters.
Rennes, determined to revamp their squad in the January transfer window, targets not only Seidu but also seeks to secure AS Monaco's Guillermo Maripán.
Their initial bid for Seidu, amounting to €7m plus €3m in bonuses, failed to sway Clermont to part with the talented defender.
Undeterred, Rennes has submitted a second offer, this time consisting of €9m upfront with no additional bonuses.
However, it is anticipated that Clermont Foot will reject this bid as well, considering it falls short of their valuation for a player under contract until the summer of 2027.
Seidu is currently with the Black Stars in Kumasi, preparing for the upcoming AFCON 2023 in Côte d'Ivoire next week.
