ASHGOLD SIGNS FORMER INSTABULSPOR MIDFIELD ANCHOR

Ashantigold SC have confirmed the signing of utility player Samad Mohammed. The player who fancies a role in the middle of the park was added to the club's roster as a free agent.

Samad joins the Obuasi based side having last played for Turkish second-tier side Istanbulspor AS. He joined the Instabul based side in 2018. Prior to his move to Turkey, he plied his trade in Obuasi as an amateur.

The youngster in an interview with TIME FM's Obed Asamoah revealed his delight to join the club and expressed his desire to kick-start his days as a Miner.

"Home sweet home as they say. I'm really delighted to be back home (Obuasi). I can see that everything is okay and nice. With the apprehension of the people around me, it's easier to give out my best. Everyone understands what we have ahead.'

"The players have been welcoming even though i don't know a lot of them. I feel happy to be around such an entertaining group."

"I don't feel frightened because I have been in the colors of the club before. With the help of the supporters and technical team, i know things will be great."

                                                          Samad with the new coach, Milovan

He is expected to shore up the squad of the Miners as they make a return to the CAF Inter-club competitions.

He joins Michael Anu, Hans Koffie,  Darcosta Boadu, Yaw Annor, Stephen Bentil , Mathew Agama,  Kwame Moses, Empem Dacosta, Mohammed Bailou, Johnson David Yaboah, Abdul Bashiru and Nathaniel Asamoah as the club's newest squad members.

Samad happens to be the brother of former Ashantigold stalwart defender, Kadri Mohammed. He is the youngest of a trio of brothers which also includes former Granada midfielder, Fatao Mohammed currently being eyed by Indian side, Mohammedan SC.

The Miners have also secured the services of Serbian coach, Milovan Cirkovic in place of the recently departed Roberto Landi.

By: Gyamfi Din-Chin

MATCH REPORT: DEPORTIVO PIPS ASHANTIGOLD IN FRIENDLY DUEL

On a rainy afternoon at the Ofori Stadium, Ashantigold endured two differing tales. There was the arrival of new Burkinabe goalkeeper, Bailou Mohamed which usurped the slim margin lost to Deportivo. 

In Roberto Landi's second friendly game, the Italian gaffer gave minutes to all 33 players at his disposal. According to word in the crowd, this was the gaffer's chance to trim down his large squad size. 

 

He once again alternated not only personnel but tactics as well in a game played in three sets. Each set lasted for 30 minutes. 

The way side led by Isaac Owusu 'Ninja' capitalized on an early defensive error to grab an early goal. Asokwa Deportivo then sat back with the home side pushing for a non-existent equalizer. They then resorted to long balls and counter attacking play which Ashantigold dealt with superbly.

Deportivo is a 2nd tier side in the Ghana Leagues based in Kumasi. 

 

                                                                     Bailou Mohammed

Ashantigold paraded three set of players with each set giving their all. 

The full list of players used by Ashantigold reads; 

Felix Klottey (gk), Kwadwo Amoako, Ibrahim Samed, Osei Agyemang, Amouzou Roland, Eric Esso, Razak Simpson, Emmanuel Owusu, Appiah MacCarthy, Yaw Arnol, Mark Agyekum, Robert Dabuo(gk), Frank Akoto, Kwame Moses, Michael Enu, Muntari, David Abagna, Isaac Quansah, Amos Nkrumah, Amos Addae, Dacosta Boadu, Ben Eshun, Darfour(gk), Atta Kusi, Dacosta Empem, Evans Obeng, Ziggy Julius, Agama, Isaac Opoku, Hans Kwofie.  

By: Gyamfi Din-Chin

ASHANTIGOLD'S BURKINABE GOALIE ARRIVES THIS WEEKEND

Head Coach of Obuasi based Ashantigold, Roberto Landi will be relieved with the arrival of Burkinabe goalkeeper, Bailou Mohammed. The former Salitas FC goal tender is expected to be in Ghana from neighboring country, Burkina Faso on Sunday.

 

Ashantigold lost their first choice goalkeeper, Frank Boateng who refused to sign a contract renewal thus leaving as a free agent. He joined the exodus bandwagon which contained six first team starters. 

In his absence, Bailou Mohammed an Ivorian League winner with Racing D'Abidjan in 2019/20 is well placed to take over the goalposts. Bailou who stands at 1.93 metres, has represented Burkina Faso at the Under 23 and senior national team levels.

 

His representative in Ghana, Mr. Gyasi Jantuah, confirmed to TIME FM that Bailou will be in Ghana on Sunday. Talks between the player and Ashantigold began in November last year where he even came to Obuasi to reach a deal. 

Earlier reports pointed at Sawadogo Aboubacar as the Burkinabe goalkeeper being chased by the club but our investigations have proved otherwise. 

He will be competing with Robert Dabou and Felix Clottey for the nod to guard the post.

Ashantigold are currently undergoing practice as the new football season looms. 

By: Gyamfi Din-Chin

MATCH REPORT: ASHGOLD BATTERS 'STILL HOPE' FC IN A FRIENDLY GAME

Ashantigold's maiden game under novel gaffer Roberto Landi ended up in a win. The Obuasi based club mauled neighbours, Still Hope FC in a four goal thriller under the tutelage of the Italian. The game played in 3 halves lasted for an hour and 30 minutes.

The game was part of the club's preparation for the upcoming Ghana League season and the club's continental quest. In the low profile friendly, Landi had the chance to try out his players in varied formations. Suffice to say it was an exercise to acquaint himself with the players.

 

With an approximated 37 players at his disposal, the former Liberian senior national team handler tried three set of players in three games. Each game lasted for 30 minutes with the players eager to catch the eye of the former Kaizer Chiefs player.

In the first game which was kick started at 3:30 pm, a well taken free kick by Appiah McCarthy opened the floodlights for forward Mark Agyekum's solo effort. The players lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. 

The second game saw a change in formation. In a 4-1-4-1 approach, former Asante Kotoko player, Isaac Quansah added the side's third through a well taken penalty.

The third game saw a much youthful side with trial names, lined up in 4-2-3-1 situation. A new player whose named was given as Seth scored the fourth. He is said to have returned from a spell in the Czech Republic.

The few fans who saw the game were excited at the turn out of events. The Adansiman Group donated 5 packs of Verna Mineral Water to the club at  Ofori Stadium.

Kwadwo Amoako was not used in any of the games. Experienced goal lords, Nathaniel Asamoah and Hans Kwofie are yet to join the team for preparations. There was no place for Dacosta Boadu too.

Still Hope FC are in the 3rd tier of the Ghana Football Leagues. They last engaged the Miners in a two nil friendly los in November last year.

Below are the players who featured in the games;

Felix Clottey (gk), Robert Dabou (gk), Ibrahim Daffour (gk), Frank Akoto, Attah Kusi, Roland Amouzou, Samed Muntari, Ibrahim Samed, Empem Dacosta, Osei Agyemang, Micahel Enu, Eric Esso,  David Abagna, Appiah Macarthy, Stephen Bentil, Emmanuel Owusu, Isaac Quansah, Mark Agyekum, Yaw Arnol, Amos Addai, Dominic Eshun, Amos Nkrumah, Walid Fuseini, Kwame Moses, Razak Simpson, Jacob Asiedu, Opoku Agyemang, Julius Ofori Ziggy, Evans Obeng, Selassie. 

 

By; Gyamfi Din-Chin                             

 

ROBERTO LANDI CALLS FOR FOCUS AFTER PREMIER PRACTISE

Ashantigold's Italian manager, Roberto Landi has expressed delight with the crop of players he met on his return to Ghana. The 1997 CAF Champions League finalists, have made significant changes in their playing body ahead of the new season.

The Italian who managed the Liberian national team from 2011 to 2012 arrived in Ghana in February this year to take charge of the Obuasi based club. He however left the Ghanaian shore with his return delayed owing to the global hiatus. 

 

Arriving in Ghana several days ago, the manager held his first training session at Ofori Stadium on 23rd September, 2020. Speaking after the session to TIME FM, he hinted at building a competitive side irrespective of the players who have left.  

"I left from the time of the coronavirus. I arrived and there are new players. They are very good players and I think we can build a very competitive team and play football on my philosophy."

The 64 year old has previously managed Scottish premier league side Livingston FC as well as Belgian Proximus League side, Royal Union Saint Gilloise. 

Tasked with leading the Miners into the new season which is barely a month away, the Italian called for a general focus in the team stressing that time would not be a hindrance to his intended work.

"We have time because I think the news is that the league will start around 30th October and the Africa campaign is around the 27th November. We need to focus on the start of the league and the African campaign."

The Italian gaffer would be in hunt for the club's maiden continental triumph and 5th Ghanaian league success. 

By; Kwasi  Gyamfi Din-Chin

I'M NOT HERE TO JOKE- DACOSTA CRIES OUT

Newly acquired Ashgold utility defender, Empem Dacosta has echoed his willingness to give out his best for the 'Yellow and Black'. Dacosta, primarily a central defender, joined the Obuasi based club from regional rivals Asante Kotoko. 

Dacosta who joined Asante Kotoko from Karela United in July, 2019 on a 3 year deal mutually terminated his deal after nearly a year in Kumasi. Lack of playing opportunities after the exit of gaffer Kjetil Zacchariasen forced his premature exit from the club.

In a interview with TIME FM on his first day at training with Ashantigold, the hard tackling defender expressed that he is in Obuasi to work whilst showing respect to his new colleagues.

"It's a great opportunity to join the club. I came to work. I'm not here to joke. Nothing new. I have a relationship with some of them already. I pray things work out well. I'll respect my teammates regardless of where I'm coming from."

He is expected to help the Miners in the 2020/21 CAF Confederations Cup.  

 

 

By: Kwasi Gyamfi Din-Chin 

ASHANTIGOLD CAPTURES BURKINABE GOALKEEPER

Pertinent to Ashgold's success in the next African campaign is a good team. As such, the Obuasi based side have been on the market in a bid to find quality players to beef up their team. 

The arrival of Italian gaffer, Roberto Lande, and the imminent capture of former Asante Kotoko center back, Empem Dacosta attests to the above. 

The Miners are also close to securing the services of Burkinabe goal tender, Abubakar Sawadogo. It's worthy to note that the club has lost 11 players recently. Willingly, the club parted ways with 5 players as 6 others refused to renew their contract upon expiration.

 

The club mutually ended the stay of Emmanuel Osei Baffoe, Stephen Owusu Banahene, Musa Mohammed, Akwasi Nti and Benedict Wogbenu. 

Prized assets,Latif  Anabila, James Akaminko, Shafiu Mumuni, Frank Boateng, Eric Donkor and Yussif Mubarik have also left the club having refused to extend their stay in Obuasi. 

There lies the need to recruit new personnel and the club have done so by bringing in 9 players recently bar Dacosta's move. 

The departure of Frank Boateng who was the club's number one goalkeeper has necessitated a move for Sawadogo who made his international debut for Burkina Faso in 2017. 

In 2018, he joined Saudi based Al Najoom on a year deal from local club, RC Kadiogo.

Sawadogo, 31, joins Ashgold having last played for AS Douanes in the Burkinabe top flight. He has twice guided the Stallions B to eliminate the Black Stars B from the African Nations Championship (CHAN). He did so in 2017 and 2019. 

He was also in post when the Stallions 'B' played at the WAFU Cup of Nations 2019 only for the Black Stars 'B' to eliminate them at the quarter finals stage.

He will compete for places in the goal post with the Miners' long serving goalkeeper, Robert Dabuo. Dabuo was part of Ghana's 2009 world youth winning squad led by Andre Ayew.

He has been called up for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations against Uganda & South on 13 and 17 November 2019.

 

By; Kwasi Gyamfi Din-Chin

REPORTS: AKAMINKO JOINS LIGUE PROFESSIONNELLE SIDE

Free agent, James Akaminko has reportedly agreed a deal to join Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 side, US Tataouine. Akaminko recently parted ways with Ghana Premier League outfit, Ashantigold SC after seeing out his contract.

The midfielder featured for Ghana's Black Star 'B' at the last edition of the WAFU tourney held in Senegal. He joins the 'Red and Blues' having ditched recently called it time at the 'Yellow and Blacks'.

He was courted by Ghanaian giants, Asante Kotoko but the 24 year old saw a better opportunity in joining the Maghrebian club.

US Tataouine made a maiden appearance in the Ligue Professionnelle 1 side in 2016/17. The side managed by Hamadi Daou are currently 10th on the league with a game to end the season. 

Akaminko will join the side ahead of the 2020/21 season where he has reportedly penned a 2 year deal. 

In 2015, Danish Superliga side Esbjerg FB took the Ghanaian midfielder James Akaminko on trial.

ASHANTIGOLD TO DECIDE ON SIGNING BRAZILIAN YOUNGSTER

Vasco Da Gama youngster Joe Silva is being courted. by Ashgold. The offensive midfielder born in Niterio, Rio de Janeiro is a product of the Vasco da Gama Academy. 

The 20 year old nimbled footed is highly tipped as one to watch going forward and there are  talks to secure him by club led by Dr. Kwaku Frimpong.

The management of Ashgold will take a final decision on the Brazilian this week. The miners signed Aurelio da Silva Nascimento from Serra FC last year ahead of their Africa campaign.

They also had former Ebusua Dwarfs gaffer Da Rocha,  a Brazilian at the helm of their technical bench.

The club is currently making multiple investments ahead of their next CAF inter-club campaign.  Currently, 7 players have been poached with another deal (Yahaya Mohammed) on line. 

ASHANTIGOLD SC TO REPLACE 8 DEPARTING PLAYERS WITH 9 SIGNINGS

Obuasi based club, Ashantigold SC have announced major departures with the club also confirming the capture of some experienced legs into their fold.

The 4 time Ghana Premier League winners through their communications department exclusively disclosed to the sports desk of Time FM that 8 players are moving out of the club with 9 set to replace them.

Speaking to the host of Sports Forum, Kalakuta, Mr. Daniel Bioh affirmed the departure of Emmanuel Osei Baffoe, Stephen Owusu Banahene, Musa Mohammed, Akwasi Nti and Benedict Wogbenu as reported earlier. The players mentioned above were acquired under a year ago which leaves many doubts about the clubs recruitment policy.

He added that prized midfielder, Latif Anabila has requested to leave the club with his compatriot in midfield, James Akaminko also heading towards the exit door. As already circulated, club captain Shafiu Mumuni has called time on his stay with the 'Miners'.

To compensate the loss, the 1997 CAF Champions League finalists have added 7 new names to their rooster with 2 more set to join. Former Asante Kotoko kingpin Nathaniel Asamoah and 2017 GPL golden boot winner, Hans Kwofie lead the signings. Ghana's best forward in the league in the past 3 years, Yahaya Mohammed is also involved in talks with the club.

Former Liberty Professionals player, Michael Enu has already penned a deal with the club. A left back in Samir Muntari is also on the books of the club as well as former Ghana youth player, Jacob Asiedu Appau. 2016 FA Cup winner, Yaw Arnol is a new squad member as well with well-traveled DaCosta Boadu ending the list of new acquisitions. 

Mr. Bioh also hinted at the club adding another marquee signing barring any unforeseen circumstances. The club are also in negotiations to re-sign want-away forward Mark Agyekum and defender Yussif Mubarik.

Ashantigold will be competing in the 2020/21 CAF Confederations Cup after a failed expedition in the previous campaign.

By; Kwasi Gyamfi Din-Chin