AFCON 2017: Focus On Black Stars (End of the road)

[truetalk]

No chance that Ghana wins this.

They will either be 2nd or 3rd in their group.

[Cristao]

There is always a chance. As long as they keep qualifying they will always have a chance. I have not had an opportunity to look at the teams in depth but Ghana is almost always one of the favorites.

[Rawlings]

Below is the list

Goalkeepers: Razak Braimah (Cordoba, Spain), Adam Kwarasey (Rosenborg, Norway) Richard Ofori (Wa All Stars)

Defenders: Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA), Andy Yiadom (Barnsley, England), Baba Rahman (Schalke, Germany), Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht, Belgium), (John Boye (Sivasspor, Turkey), Jonathan Mensah (Anzhi, Russia), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City, England), Edwin Gyimah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)

Midfielders: Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese, Italy), Afriyie Acquah (Torino, Italy), Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid, Spain) Mubarak Wakaso (Panathinaikos, Greece), Christian Atsu (Newcastle, England), Ebenezer Ofori (AIK Stockholm, Sweden), Samuel Tetteh (Leifering, Austria), Joseph Larweh Attamah (Ba?ak?ehir, Turkey)

Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ahli, UAE) Jordan Ayew (Aston Villa, England), Abdul-Majeed Waris (Lorient, France), Andre Ayew (West Ham, England), Ebenezer Assifuah (Sion, Switzerland), Bernard Tekpetey (Schalke, Germany), Rahpael Dwamena (Austria Lustenau, Austria)

[Senator WIRES]

Bring me the 2017 AFCON trophy - Akufo-Addo charges Black Stars

The President-elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has charged the senior national team to end Ghana's 34-year wait for a trophy by winning the 2017 AFCON which starts on January 14 in Gabon.

The Black Stars have been unable to add to their four AFCON triumphs since they last won it in 1982 in Libya.



However, the President-elect's spokesperson Mustapha Hamid says Nana Addo is expecting the current crop of players to bring him the AFCON 2017 trophy.

"The President-elect wants me to tell you the players that his first opportunity to meet with you when you return will be that he wants you to be bringing him the cup, that is what he wants," Mr Hamid said to rapturous applause when he led a delegation that met the Black Stars team on Sunday at the Alisa Hotel.

He continued: "I am sure whiles you are in the tournament as he said, the Honourable Isaac Asiamah, Insha Allah we are hoping that Insha Allah by that time he will be confirmed as the Sports Minister and then as the President's spokesperson, he will pull me and we will come and see you in Gabon."

"I pray that by the time we come to Gabon, you should be in the semis and heading for the cup. The last time we were runners-up right? so from runners-up we should do logic, from runners-up to winner straight away. We shouldn't expect anything less than being the winners this year".

He also assured the players that from January 7, they will have a President who understands their needs because Nana Addo is a former footballer.

A member of the team, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu congratulated Nana Addo on his election as president, assuring him that the trophy will be delivered in February.

The Udinese midfielder said, "We were eager to meet the President-elect today but all the same apology accepted in good faith. On behalf of the team, our captain and the deputy are not here - Andre Ayew and Asamoah Gyan. We want to congratulate the President-elect for the wonderful job he has done throughout the year and being elected as the next President of the Republic of Ghana.

"Second, the team is poised for action on the 14th when the tournament starts. With the quality cohesion and spirit we have in camp, Nana will get the cup in February although its not easy like coach said".

The Black Stars are expected to jet-off to the United Arab Emirates tonight for a pre-AFCON camp in Al Ain ahead of the start of the competition.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/S ... ars-498343

[Senator WIRES]

Sports Ministry approves $3.4m budget for AFCON 2017
Outgoing Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye has confirmed US$3.4 million as Black Stars budget for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

According to Minister his outfit slashed $5.4m budget presented by the Ghana Football Association for the tournament by $2m after consultation with the Finance Ministry.

The budget includes team's training tour of UAE where they will camp for 11 days at the Al Ain training centre. Also factored in are bonuses and appearance fees for the players who will make the 23-man squad.

"The Ghana Football Association presented a budget for the AFCON and it was $5.4 million but we have slashed it," Vanderpuye said.

"We have now approved a budget of $3.4 million for the tournament."

Ghana open their campaign at the tournament on 17 January against Uganda before facing Egypt and Mali in Group D.



The budget includes team's training tour of UAE where they will camp for 11 days at the Al Ain training centre.

Also factored in are bonuses and appearance fees for the players who will make the 23-man squad.

"The Ghana Football Association presented a budget for the AFCON and it was $5.4 million but we have slashed it," Vanderpuye said.

"We have now approved a budget of $3.4 million for the tournament."

The team is currently in Dubai preparing for the start of the competition, They have been tasked to end long wait for the title after missing out on the previous edition to Ivory Coast.

Ghana will open their campaign at the tournament on 17 January against Uganda before facing Egypt and Mali in Group D.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/S ... 017-498645

[proclaimjesus02]

Below is the list

Goalkeepers: Razak Braimah (Cordoba, Spain), Adam Kwarasey (Rosenborg, Norway) Richard Ofori (Wa All Stars)

Defenders: Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA), Andy Yiadom (Barnsley, England), Baba Rahman (Schalke, Germany), Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht, Belgium), (John Boye (Sivasspor, Turkey), Jonathan Mensah (Anzhi, Russia), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City, England), Edwin Gyimah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)

Midfielders: Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese, Italy), Afriyie Acquah (Torino, Italy), Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid, Spain) Mubarak Wakaso (Panathinaikos, Greece), Christian Atsu (Newcastle, England), Ebenezer Ofori (AIK Stockholm, Sweden), Samuel Tetteh (Leifering, Austria), Joseph Larweh Attamah (Ba?ak?ehir, Turkey)

Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ahli, UAE) Jordan Ayew (Aston Villa, England), Abdul-Majeed Waris (Lorient, France), Andre Ayew (West Ham, England), Ebenezer Assifuah (Sion, Switzerland), Bernard Tekpetey (Schalke, Germany), Rahpael Dwamena (Austria Lustenau, Austria)

Squad looks too weak. God help the bredas.


Meanwhile;

http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38468883

Mane leads Senegal's Golden generation to Afcon 2017.


Senegal squad:

Goalkeepers: Khadim N'Diaye (Horoya AC, Guinea),
Abdoulaye Diallo (Çaykur Rizespor, Turkey),
Pape Seydou N'Diaye (ASC Niarry Tally)

Defenders: Lamine Gassama (Alanyaspor, Turkey),
Cheikh M'Bengue (Saint-Etienne, France),
Kara Mbodj (Anderlecht, Belgium),
Zargo Toure (Lorient, France),
Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli, Italy),
Saliou Ciss (Valenciennes, France)

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton, England),
Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham, England),
Cheikh N'Doye (Angers, France),
Papakouli Diop (Espanyol, Spain),
Henri Saivet (Saint Etienne, France),
Papa Alioune Ndiaye (Osmanlıspor, Turkey), Mohamed Diame (Newcastle, England)

Forwards: Sadio Mane (Liverpool England),
Keita Balde Diao (Lazio, Italy),
Moussa Konate (FC Sion, Switzerland),
Famara Diedhiou (Angers, France),
Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke, England),
Ismaila Sarr (Metz, France),
Moussa Sow (Fenerbahce, Turkey)

[Senator WIRES]

AFCON: Brazil 2014 saga could recur – Nyantakyi
Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi has warned that that the row over bonuses for the Black Stars at the last World Cup in Brazil is likely to happen again if government does not sort out the bonuses for players of the national team ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/N ... kyi-498736

[Senator WIRES]

Avram Grant names final 23; Dwamena, Attamah, Waris dropped

The squad sees 16 out of 23 players who represented Ghana two years maintaining their places hoping to go one better to win gold.

Goalkeepers: Razak Braimah (Cordoba, Spain), Fatau Dauda (Enyimba) Richard Ofori (Wa All Stars)


Defenders: Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA), Andy Yiadom (Barnsley, England), Baba Rahman (Schalke, Germany), Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht, Belgium), John Boye (Sivasspor, Turkey), Jonathan Mensah (Anzhi, Russia), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City, England), Edwin Gyimah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)

Midfielders: Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese, Italy), Afriyie Acquah (Torino, Italy), Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid, Spain) Mubarak Wakaso (Panathinaikos, Greece), Christian Atsu (Newcastle, England), Ebenezer Ofori (AIK Stockholm, Sweden), Samuel Tetteh (Leifering, Austria) Andre Ayew (West Ham, England),

Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ahli, UAE) Jordan Ayew (Aston Villa, England), Ebenezer Assifuah (Sion, Switzerland), Bernard Tekpetey (Schalke, Germany).


http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/S ... ped-498697

[tfco]

Brazil Of Africa

Best midfield in Africa

Ghana oooooo Ghana

we love you

FOUR TIMES CHAMPIONS OF AFRICA

[bamenda boy]

Brazil Of Africa

Best midfield in Africa

Ghana oooooo Ghana

we love you

FOUR TIMES CHAMPIONS OF AFRICA

When are you starting the thread with the planes warning up.
I know a certain plane will make a U-turn. Lol

[Senator WIRES]

Ghana struggling to find friendlies in AFCON training camp
the Black Stars are struggling to find friendly opponents in their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations training camp in the UAE after Morocco pulled out of a scheduled match.

Ghana's national team has been camping in Al Ain in preparation for the tournament in Gabon but the ministry's late decision over the camp venue looks to have affected their plans for friendlies.

The lack of money following the decision by the former minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye not to chase budgets for the team has also resulted in teams unwilling to travel to play the Black Stars.

The Ghana FA wanted the Black Stars to play two friendlies on 7 January and another three days before the team travels to Gabon.

However, GFA vice president of the Ghana Football Association and Management Committee chairman for the Black Stars George Afriyie has revealed were not keen on playing while lack of money has also affected the team's plans.

“We are facing challenges as far as the friendly matches are concerned,” George Afriyie told Kumasi-based Kessben FM.

“We are hoping that by close of day, we’re able to resolve it.

“We are struggling to find opponents. We lodge in the same hotel with Morocco but they are not prepared to play us in a friendly.

“There are other teams that we are speaking to and hoping to confirm but all this [struggle] has to do with our budget which has not been approved.

"We are even here in Al Ain without a budget. We hope that this will change very soon.”

The Black Stars are hoping to get the best of preparations before they fly out to Gabon on January 13.

The tournament starts on the 14 January but the Black Stars take on Uganda on 16 January in their first match of the competition.

Ghana are in Group D where they face Uganda, Egypt and Mali.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/S ... amp-499179

[Chimex101]

Brazil Of Africa

Best midfield in Africa

Ghana oooooo Ghana

we love you

FOUR TIMES CHAMPIONS OF AFRICA

Sad you still bask in the best midfield delusion, that accolade died in 2008-10 when Ghana actually had the best midfield in Africa..then any team would kill to have the likes of in form Essien,Muntari, Stephen Appiah, the rastaman dude (can't remember his name again) KPB etc now all you guys have is sankwas players rotting in below average leagues and the decent ones among them very few like Partey and Amartey ...even Nigeria that used to struggle in midfield now have better midfielders than Ghana
As for your 4 time champions rant...the less said the better

[aykwes8]

Brazil Of Africa

Best midfield in Africa

Ghana oooooo Ghana

we love you

FOUR TIMES CHAMPIONS OF AFRICA

Sad you still bask in the best midfield delusion, that accolade died in 2008-10 when Ghana actually had the best midfield in Africa..then any team would kill to have the likes of in form Essien,Muntari, Stephen Appiah, the rastaman dude (can't remember his name again) KPB etc now all you guys have is sankwas players rotting in below average leagues and the decent ones among them very few like Partey and Amartey ...even Nigeria that used to struggle in midfield now have better midfielders than Ghana
As for your 4 time champions rant...the less said the better

Laryea Kingston?

And what do u know about sankwas

[Senator WIRES]

Black Stars line up friendly against Uzbek giants

Ghana have lined a friendly against Uzbekistan giants Bunyodkor on Tuesday.

The Black Stars will be playing the Asian side in the friendly in Dubai.

The four-time African champions will play the friendly in preparation for this month's Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

Coach Avram Grant's side will play the match against Bunyodkor at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

Kick off time for the game is 5pm local time (1300GMT).

The Black Stars have been camping in the UAE since Tuesday as they prepare for Africa's flagship tournament.

Ghana are likely to play another friendly before the team departs to Gabon for the tournament.

The Black Stars have been placed in Group D where they play Uganda, Egypt and Mali.

[Senator WIRES]

Black Stars jersey numbers for AFCON 2017 revealed

Squad numbers for the 23 Black Stars players to feature in the 2017 African Nations Cup have been revealed.

The team’s final list was submitted on January 4; 10 days to the start of the tournament in accordance with CAF’s rules, meaning that the numbers designated to the players had to be announced as well.

The team’s two captains, Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew, reprised their numbers from the last edition of the tournament in Equatorial Guinea. They will wear jerseys numbered 3 and 10 respectively while Mubarak Wakaso also keeps the number 11 he used in 2015.

Baba Rahman will wear jersey numbered 17, Christian Atsu has jersey numbered 7, Agyemang-Badu gets jersey numbered 8 and Afriyie Acquah has jersey numbered 6. Jordan Ayew will put on jersey numbered 9. Debutant Bernard Terkpetey will wear the number 14 while Wa All Stars goalie Richard Ofori has jersey number 12. Thomas Partey will be in jersey numbered 5 for Ghana.

The Black Stars are expected to play against Uzbekistan club side Bunyodkor in a pre-AFCON friendly on Tuesday in Dubai. Below are jersey numbers for the Black Stars in the 2017 AFCON:

Goalkeepers

Razak Braimah -1, Abdul-Fatau Dauda- 16, Richard Ofori – 12

Defenders

Harrison Afful – 23, Andy Yiadom – 2, Baba Rahman – 17, Frank Acheampong- 22, John Boye – 21, Jonathan Mensah – 4, Daniel Amartey – 18, – 19

Midfielders

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu – 8, Afriyie Acquah – 6 , Thomas Partey – 5, Mubarak Wakaso – 11, Christian Atsu – 7, Ebenezer Ofori – 15, Samuel Tetteh – 20

Forwards

Asamoah Gyan – 3, Jordan Ayew – 9 , Andre Ayew – 10, Ebenezer Assifuah – 13, Bernard Tekpetey – 14 –


http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/S ... led-499422

[Senator WIRES]

Brazil Of Africa

Best midfield in Africa

Ghana oooooo Ghana

we love you

FOUR TIMES CHAMPIONS OF AFRICA

When are you starting the thread with the planes warning up.
I know a certain plane will make a U-turn. Lol

[Senator WIRES]

Black Stars beat Uzbekistan giants in first AFCON 2017 preparation friendly


Black Stars won their first trial match ahead of the 2017 Africa cup of nations 2-0 against Uzbekistan giants Bunyodkor at the sevens stadium in Dubai on Tuesday afternoon.

The team up the ante in the second half scoring two goals after failing to break down Bunyodkor in the first 45 minutes.

Skipper Asamoah Gyan and Frank Acheampong scored the two goals. The former who is expected to lead the in the scoring stakes in Gabon opened the scoring with his first touch.

Before Anderlecht winger connected a rebound after youngster Bernard Tekpetey’s effort struck the post.

The team will likely play another trial match before heading to Port-gentil for their first group game against Uganda.

And thus Uganda coach Micho was present at the stadium to monitor the Black Stars take on the Uzbeks.

Grant starting eleven had Fatau Dauda between the post as well as Schalke 04 prodigy Bernard Tekpetey partnering Jordan Ayew upfront.

[Senator WIRES]

Avram Grant jabs ‘peeping’ Uganda coach Milutin Sredojevic

Ghana coach Avram Grant has mocked Uganda coach Milutin Sredojevic after he was captured spying on his team in the friendly against an Uzbekistani side. Ghana beat Buyondkor 2-0 on Tuesday as part of preparations for the 2017 AFCON.

Uganda held Ghana to a 0-0 draw game in the 2018 World Cup qualifier in Tamale in 2016. After the game, Milutub Sredojevic claimed his team came out with a point in Ghana because he knew everything about the Black Stars team and was top of his direct opponent Avram Grant. But Grant has swiftly responded with his own jab after the Serbian was seen watching Ghana against Buyondkor.

“You claim to know everything about my team so why did you come to spy on us again?,” Grant quipped after being told the coach was at the match. Grant added: “We are concentrating on the team to do a good job in Gabon.”

Grant and Sredojevic clash against on January 17 when Ghana takes on Uganda in the first Group D match in Port Gentil.

[Senator WIRES]

AFCON updates: Ghana’s trip to Gabon cancelled
The Black Stars trip from Dubai to Gabon has been cancelled due to unfavorable climatic conditions, the Ghana FA has revealed.

The team was due in Libreville tonight ahead of the start of the tournament on Saturday.

But aviation authorities in the Dubai have grounded the flight due to a stormy weather condition.

Avram Grant and his charges were expected to travel via a chartered flight after completing their 10- day camping in the UAE.

The team was expected to connect to Port Gentil, where Ghana will be based and continue preparations for their opening game against Uganda on Tuesday.

The team must therefore wait for clearance before travelling possibly on Saturday to the capital before connecting to Port Gentil

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/S ... led-500807

[bamenda boy]

Brazil Of Africa

Best midfield in Africa

Ghana oooooo Ghana

we love you

FOUR TIMES CHAMPIONS OF AFRICA

Sad you still bask in the best midfield delusion, that accolade died in 2008-10 when Ghana actually had the best midfield in Africa..then any team would kill to have the likes of in form Essien,Muntari, Stephen Appiah, the rastaman dude (can't remember his name again) KPB etc now all you guys have is sankwas players rotting in below average leagues and the decent ones among them very few like Partey and Amartey ...even Nigeria that used to struggle in midfield now have better midfielders than Ghana
As for your 4 time champions rant...the less said the better

Kai, I remember that team. But Alex Song, Stephan Mbia and Eto'o showed them that level pass level.

[Maradona]

GHANA Ohhhhhh GHANAAAAA!

[Senator WIRES]

Ghana land in Gabon for 2017 Africa Cup of Nations

Ghana have landed in Gabon for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after an initial plan was botched.

The Black Stars had planned to leave their camp base in UAE on Friday and arrive in the Gabonese capital on the eve of the start of the tournament but they had to cancel that due to bad whether.

The team landed on Saturday and missed the tournament opener between Gabon and Guinea Bissau which ended 1-1 at the Stade de l'amitie.

Ghana will play their first match on Tuesday against Uganda at the Stade de Port Gentil.

[Chimex101]

GHANA Ohhhhhh GHANAAAAA!

Oga Maradona na you be this?