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