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Ghana Sports: Kotoko part ways with Coach Prosper Ogum after dip in form

Ghana Sports: Kotoko part ways with Coach Prosper Ogum after dip in form

By Kwame Bediako

Asante Kotoko has mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum following a series of disappointing results that have seen the club drop from top position to fourth place in the league standings.

Recent heavy defeats to Accra Lions and Nations FC marked a challenging period for the team, prompting the decision to make a coaching change ahead of key upcoming fixtures.

Despite the recent setbacks, Ogum’s contributions to the club remain significant. He previously led Kotoko to a league title in the 2021/22 season, a victory that rekindled memories of the club’s glorious past and reignited hope among supporters for sustained success. His return in 2024 was met with optimism, but challenges both on and off the pitch prevented the team from maintaining that momentum.

This season, Kotoko played 28 league matches, earning 13 wins, 8 draws, and suffering 7 defeats. The inconsistency in performance ultimately prompted the club’s Interim Management Committee to reconsider their strategy. Recognizing the importance of the upcoming MTN FA Cup semi-final against Berekum Chelsea, they believed a coaching change was necessary to improve the team’s prospects.

In an official statement, the club confirmed the departure, saying, “Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has this afternoon parted company with Head Coach Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum. This decision was reached following constructive discussions between both parties, with a shared understanding that it is in the best interest of the club at this time.”

The statement also expressed gratitude for Ogum’s dedication and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The club urged supporters to remain calm and continue backing the team during this transitional period. Further updates are expected soon as Kotoko looks to regain their form and push for success in the remaining fixtures of the season. The decision marks a new chapter for the club as they aim to restore their competitive edge.

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Black Satellites Depart for Egypt to Pursue Fifth U-20 AFCON Title

Black Satellites Depart for Egypt to Pursue Fifth U-20 AFCON Title

By Kwame Bediako

Ghana’s Black Satellites, led by coach Desmond Offei, will depart Accra for Cairo later today. With high hopes of making a deep run in the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Egypt, the team is motivated by recent successes and a desire to restore Ghana’s dominance in youth football.

The journey to Egypt marks a crucial step in their quest for qualification to the U-20 World Cup, which could see the nation re-emerge as a global football powerhouse at the youth level.

The team concluded their training camp in Accra with a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Inter Allies. Following their final preparations, the Black Satellites are set to arrive in Cairo, where they will face stiff competition in a challenging Group C.

The group includes defending champions Senegal, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic, making Ghana’s path to the knockout stage highly competitive. Success in the group stage will be critical to the team’s ambitions of qualifying for the World Cup and showcasing their talent on the continental stage.

This edition of the CAF U-20 AFCON serves as a gateway to the world’s biggest youth football tournament, the U-20 World Cup in Chile. Ghana, with a storied history—including a tournament win in 2009 has not participated since 2015, making this an urgent opportunity to reclaim its place among the world’s best youth teams.

A strong showing in Egypt could secure Ghana’s qualification for the World Cup, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s football reputation and inspiring future generations of young players.

Building on their recent triumph at the 2023 African Games, where they won gold, the Black Satellites are confident in their chances of lifting the AFCON trophy. That victory has invigorated the team and fostered a winning mentality that they hope to carry forward in Egypt.

With promising talent and renewed determination, the squad is eager to prove their mettle, aiming for their first continental title since 2009 while also securing a spot on the global stage.

As the tournament approaches, coach Offei is finalizing the squad that will represent Ghana. After two weeks of intensive training, the team is focused on executing their strategies and showcasing their skills.

With 13 teams competing across three groups from April 27 to May 18, the Black Satellites face a demanding schedule that could lead them through the quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately, the final. Their performance in Egypt could shape the future of Ghana’s youth football for years to come.

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Morocco Clinches First U-17 AFCON Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Mali

Morocco Clinches First U-17 AFCON Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Mali

By Kwame Bediako

Morocco have been crowned champions of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a dramatic final held at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, overcoming Mali 4-2 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw.

The match saw both teams showcase determination and skill, but neither side was able to find the back of the net during regulation and extra time, leading to a nerve-wracking shootout.

The game was fiercely contested, with Mali dominating large spells of the match, but Morocco’s disciplined defence held firm. The hosts showed resilience and composure throughout, refusing to let the pressure overwhelm them. The final was a testament to both teams’ consistency and fighting spirit during the tournament.

In the penalty shootout, Morocco’s goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui emerged as the hero, making crucial saves that ultimately sealed the victory. His performance sent the home crowd into wild celebration, as Morocco secured their first continental title at this level in years. The players and fans revelled in a momentous achievement, ending a long wait for youth team glory.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Moroccan football, coming just two years after finishing as runners-up to Senegal in the same competition. It reflects the growing strength of the country’s youth development programmes and their ability to perform under pressure on the continental stage.

For Mali, the defeat was heartbreaking, particularly after their impressive display throughout the tournament. Despite the loss, the Malian side can hold their heads high, having reached their fifth final — a testament to their consistency at the youth level. The tournament provided a thrilling showcase of emerging talent and fierce competition among Africa’s best U-17 teams.

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