Winful Cobbinah will leave Albania after spending two years with giants FK Tirana

Ghana midfielder supremo Winful Cobbinah is set to leave Albania after giants FK Tirana agreed a deal for playmaker to join a foreign club on a bumper contract, Ghanasoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

The 29-year-old will leave the Albanian club this week to undergo a medical with a team abroad before sealing the deal that would massively improve his financial fortunes, Ghana's leading football news outfit can authoritatively reveal.

The former Hearts of Oak playmaker is expected to acquire the necessary documents by Wednesday that would enable him to travel out of the country to play abroad.

This comes just minutes after a court in Tirana court sentenced the midfielder to four months in prison but was reduced to 100 hours of community service because of his good behaviour.

The deal for Cobbinah had been in the offing for two months now after playing a major role in ensuring the title success of FK Tirana which prompted the club abroad to pounce for his signature.

The move to the foreign club will not be affected by Tuesday's court ruling as his club FK Tirana had already been in negotiations with the foreign club over the Ghana international.

The former Hearts of Oak star played an influential role for the side as they  clinched the  Katergoria Superiore last season, ending a 11-year top-flight drought with their last success dating back in the 2008/2009 season.

Since joining from Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak two years ago, Cobbinah has been a mainstay of the side, scoring 10 goals in a combined 58 matches so far and making several assists.

The poster boy has been rewarded by the country's President after granting his citizenship just within two years.

@ghanasoccernet.com

Wisła Kraków midfielder Yaw Yeboah has been named in the Ghana squad as a replacement for injured Thomas Partey ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.

Ghana coach Charles "CK" Akonnor has drafted in the talented 23-year-old as a late replacement for the crocked Arsenal star.

Polish side Wisła Kraków have confirmed the invitation of the Ghana Under-23 captain into the team.

The performance of the White midfielder has not gone unnoticed after the Ghanaian gaffer handed a call-up to the former Ghana youth star for the double-header against the Falcons of Jediane.

Yeboah becomes the latest addition after the team was hit with several withdrawals of top stars due to varied reasons.

Arsenal star Thomas Partey, Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Majeed Ashimeru joined a host of other players including  China-based Mubarak Wakaso, Spain-based Baba Iddrisu, and USA-based Harrison Afful, to have pulled out of the match.

Teenager, Jamie Leweling, who plays for German Bundesliga B side Greuther Furth, has already pulled out of the squad, citing personal reasons.

The team started training on Monday with 10 players including captain Andre Ayew and brother Jordan - two of the first arrivals in Ghana.

The Black Stars, who sit top of Group C, will host Sudan in Ghana for the first leg before the second leg is played five days later in Omdurman.

Meanwhile, players of the Black Stars will undergo the mandatory COVID-19 test on Tuesday ahead of the game on Thursday.

The technical team and management of the senior national team will all be tested as part of protocols to be observed before the matchday three encounter.

GhanaSoccernet

Winful Cobbinah's prison sentence has been commuted to 100 hours of community service

Ghana's talented midfielder Winful Cobbinah has been sentenced to four months in prison in Albania after being found guilty of 'forgery of official documents', Ghanasoccernet.com can  the exclusively reveal.

The former Hearts of Oak playmaker was hit with the shocking sentence at the Tirana court on Tuesday after he was found guilty of forging his residence permit.

However, there is big relief for the FK Tirana superstar as the judge commuted the sentence to 100 hours of community service because the midfielder was declared a person of exemplary conduct.

Cobbinah's good conduct since his move to Albania means that the judge asked him to serve the community for 100 hours because 'he is not a threat to the society', judge said when issuing his ruling.

This means the humble Ghana star walks free from any confinement in prison and can continue to play for his top-flight side FK Tirana - the club he recently helped to win the title.

Cobbinah landed himself in an unnecessary trouble when he was caught by the police authorities in Rinas with a forged residence permit which sparked his problems.

It is an unnecessary problem as he is legally entitled to a residence permit in Albania because he is legally and gainfully employed by one of the biggest clubs in the country.

His problems came to light last month when the country's President Meta granted him an Albania passport within a record eight hours to enable him qualify as an Albanian player.

This would have helped FK Tirana to buy more foreign players to boost their squad to play in European competitions but the opposition party led by the Primer Minister publicly clashed with the country's president over the award of the passport.

The  falsification of documents was hanging around Cobbinah's neck before he was handed the Albania passport to help him play for his club in the Europa League.

Albanian President Ilir Meta was accused of granting Cobbinah citizenship without verifying that there are criminal proceedings against the footballer which has led to a national debate.

President Meta's issue escalated to the point that even the opposition party led by Prime Minister Edi Rama accused the country's leader of abetting in the forging documents to grant Cobbinah Albanian citizenship.

Winful Cobbinah's Albanian citizenship was facilitated just within eight hours.

Given that the Ghanaian has not spent five years in Albania, the decision by the President of the country - who is also an ardent supporter of KF Tirana - to hand citizenship to the Ghanaian speaks volumes of how he is rated in that country.

Many also view this move by the Albanian government as an attempt to convince Cobbinah to switch nationality to play for them even though he has been invited to the Ghana senior national team a couple of times.

But with the softening of the nationality switch regulations of FIFA it could be a move by Albania for them to get him to play for them even though Cobbinah has not expressed interest in playing for him.

Other also say that  the Albanian club side Tirana want him to play in UEFA club competitions as a native so they can bring in more foreigners.

Cobbinah follows other African football players including the well-known Abraham Alechenu, Charles Ofoye and James Adeniyi who have all received Albanian passport in the past.

The former Hearts of Oak star played an influential role for the side as they  clinched the  Katergoria Superiore last season, ending a 11-year top-flight drought with their last success dating back in the 2008/2009 season.

Since joining from Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak two years ago, Cobbinah has been a mainstay of the side, scoring 10 goals in a combined 58 matches so far and making several assists.

The poster boy has been rewarded by the country's President after granting his citizenship just within two years.

Source-ghanasoccernet.com

Management member for Aduana Stars, Isaac Koomson has expressed optimism in the chances of the team to win the 2020/2021 Ghana Premier League title as he cites the availability of Yahaya Mohammed as key.

Lasts season, the Dormaa-based club established themselves as one of the top clubs in the country yet again and occupied the top spot of the standings at the time the campaign had to be suspended and subsequently canceled as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of the commencement of a new football season, Mr. Isaac Koomson has high hopes for Aduana Stars and says the aim of the club to lift the Premier League title has not changed.

“Our ambition to win last season's league is still alive With Yahaya Mohammed leading the attack, the defenders should beware,” the Aduana Stars management member told Sikka FM.

In the 2019/2020 season, Yahaya Mohammed scored 11 goals in 13 appearances and was in the run for the goal king award. He is expected to be key for his club this season as well with the experience he has.

On the opening weekend of the 2020/2021 Ghana Premier League season, Aduana Stars will host Hearts of Oak in a titanic clash that will be staged in Dormaa.

Over the weekend, the 2020 Sydney Katz Junior Open ended at the National Tennis Center, Accra with Catherine Morton, tournament organizer, saying the purpose of the tournament was to discover young talent and nurture them to become champions.

The one-week tourney saw Raphael Nii Ankrah, Doris Adjokatse, Matthew Nyarko and Lisel Ampah clinch gold medals in the 12 and 14 boys' and girls' categories, respectively.

The boys 14 and under final match lasted for 45 minutes as both players displayed beautiful tennis skills for fans and dignitaries gathered. The Uncle-Rich Preparatory School student, Raphael Nii Ankrah, ousted Nathaniel Allotey of Stadium Tennis Club, 6-1,6-0 in the final.

The Girls 14 and under final saw, St. Francis Academy's Doris Adjokatse beating Shishijee Shade Sports Foundation's Jessica Adjetey 6-3,6-2.

In the finals of the boys 12 and under, Winneba-based Matthew Nyarko won the battle against St. Francis Academy's Donatus Nyaaba. Nyarko won 6-1,6-2.

In the Girls 12 and under final, Tarkwa Goldfields Tennis Club's Lisel Ampah showed unbelievable skills and stretched her opponent from one end of the court to the other to win the game 6-1,6-0.

Speaking after the game, Lisel said, "l am happy to win my first title of the year. A big thanks to my dad; William Ampah, my coach; Richard Achagawe and all those who supported me to come this far".

Ghana Tennis Federation President Isaac Aboagye Duah (Abe) thanked Michael Nortey Foundation and Cathrine Morton for such organization.

This year's Syndey Katz Junior Open was sponsored by Twellium Industries, Ipmc, New York Junior Tennis and learning, puma drinks, H.A.B.E.S.H.A, Active, Harlem  Junior Tennis and Learning Programme.

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

The General public is hereby informed that Ghana’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan will take place behind closed doors.

This is part of a number of measures taken by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to ensure that games are played in the safest possible way. According to CAF, games have to be played under strict conditions to ensure that players, referees and officials are protected from the corona virus pandemic.

The guidance outlines the processes that will need to be in place, before games are played. As a result, players, technical team members, essential service providers and ball boys will undergo a mandatory COVID-19 tests before the match.

Members of the media are also being reminded that there shall be strict adherence to the protocols during and after the match. Journalists who intend to run live commentary shall observe social distancing during the match.

There will be no post-match press conference, Mixed Zone and Flash photo opportunities as only the photographers of the two teams will be granted access. But the Communications team will conduct a virtual post-match press conference via the official facebook page of the Ghana Football Association.

Again, the public should take note that the game will be broadcasted live on Television.

Ghana will lock horns with Sudan on Thursday, November 12, 2020 in a match-day three fixture scheduled for 16:00GMT at the Cape Coast stadium.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

The paramount chief of the Oguaa Traditional area, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, has called on Ghanaians and football fan especially those in the Central Region to be grateful for the gesture than to the Region by the Ghana football Association and the Ghana tourism Authority for bringing football back to the central Region after the lifting of ban on sports due to COVID-19.

The vocal Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II was addressing the professional footballers association of Ghana PFAG during a visit to his palace they prepare THE BATTLE OF THE STARS match.

“Many thanks to the Ghana Football Association and Ghana Tourism Authority for deciding to use football to promote Ghana ‘s Tourism and particularly deciding to start it here in the central region is a very good initiative which deserve commendation as us in the central region we have decided that if everyone despise you in any way we shall support you and give everything you will need to succeed but please try your best GFA to win the Africa cup of Nations it’s been too long since we last won the trophy” he said.

According to the paramount chief, initiatives such bring the Old football stars together and play with some of the upcoming players will give them the opportunity to learn more from them, he expressed joy over the organization of the BATTLE OF THE STARS match.

The Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), legends will come up against a Western/Central select side at the Nduom Stadium in Elmina.

The GFA would use the game as prelude to the 2020/2021 football season by setting in motion all match day COVID-19 protocols as set out by the GFA/CAF and FIFA.

The Ghana Premier League will kick off on the weekend of November 14-15, 2020.

BELOW ARE THE PLAYERS WHO FEATURED

PFAG ACCRA

Abukari Damba,

Mamunatu Sulemana

Richard Kingston

Sammy Kuffour

Tony Yeboah

Stephen Appiah

Ibrahim Tanko

Godwin Attram

Laryea Kingston

Derick Boateng

Yaw Preko

Odartey Lamptey

Peter Oforiquaye

John Paintsil

Godwin Ablordey

Adwoa Bayor

Thomas Duah

Yaw Acheampong

Felix Aboagye

Ali Jahra

Godfred Aduobi

Doreen Awuah

Ablade Kumah

Afo Dodoo

Jerry Akaminko

Razak Ibrahim

Joseph Esso

Coach: J. E. Sarpong

PFAG CENTRAL/WESTERN XI

George Owu

Ben Owu

Joe Hendricks

Stephen Baidoo

Augustine Arhinful

Stephen Aidoo

Justice Blay

Rashid Sumaila

John Anioo

Bismark Mensah

Angelo Dixon

Abeiku Ainoonson

Acquah Harrison

Kelvin Essien

Mercy Tagoe

Yaw Acheampong

Felix Aboagye

Odartey Lamptey

Razak Ibrahim

Anita Wiredu

Micheal Agbokonu

Kwasi Donsu

Ama Pele

Lee Addy

Sam Addo

Kofi Nimo

Patrick Villars

Coach: Isaac Paha

The BATTLE OF THE STARS GAME was LIVE on GTV SPORTS+ from the Elmina Sports Stadium on Sunday.

GBC

The Next Level Man Ghana 2020 is Godwin Frimpong. The Next Level Man Ghana 2020 Champion defended his title by beating off stiff opposition from Lightweight and Middleweight Category winners, Michael Otu Abakah and Derrick Marley.

He will represent Ghana at the next Arnold Classics in South Africa. He was also given a trophy, medal, certificate, cash and products from sponsors. Godwin Frimpong also won the Heavyweight Category at the Competition

Issaka Babil won the overall Men's Physique trophy while Derrick Marley took the Middleweight Category in this year's Competition, with Michael Otu Abakah winning the Lightweight Category. Issaka Babil got the Men's Physique (Above 176cm) and Daniel Acheampong grabbing the Men's Physique (Below 176cm).

Vanessa Kolekie took the Female Bikini contest. She became the first female to win it twice after lifting the trophy in the 2019 edition of the Man Ghana Competition.

Female Figure athlete, Mary Nyarko Omale received her prize. She was the only competitor in that category.

Hardworking President of the Ghana Bodybuilding and Fitness Association, Abdul Hayye Yartey received his meritorious award from the General Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana, Charles Osei Asibey.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ashanti Gold SC defender Kwadwo Amoako has been handed a late call-up to the Black Stars ahead of the Sudan games.

Ghana faces Sudan in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications double header with the first encounter on Thursday 12 November 2020 in Cape Coast.

The reverse fixture will come off five days later in Omdurman, Sudan.

Amoako was included in Ghana's squad for the same games in March 2020 but the matches were postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The highly-rated right back was instrumental for Ashanti Gold in the Ghana Premier League last season before it was terminated.

He made 14 appearances in all competitions for the Miners having excelled in all of them.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

On Sunday, November 8, 2020, Turkey-based Ghanaian midfielder Bernard Mensah announced that he has temporarily retired from the Black Stars.

The Besiktas midfielder in a social media post said that he is taking a break from international duty to focus on his club career.

"I have decided to take a break from the national team until further notice. I want to concentrate on my career for now. Thanks to all Ghanaians for their support," Mensah posted on Twitter on Sunday.

Mensah’s decision to quit the national team came as a shock to supporters of the team and his reason for leaving the team was even more shocking.

Mensah for all his performance at club level has never been a mainstay in the Black Stars team.

His recent call-up which came in friendly matches against Mali and Qatar was his first in five years.

And in both fixtures, he had only forty-five minutes of action which came against Mali, a game Ghana lost by 3 goals.

As journalists dig to discover the ‘real’ reason behind the sudden decision by the midfielder, Asempa FM claims to have landed a scoop that sheds light on the possible reason of Mensah’s temporary retirement from the Black Stars

According to them, an official who shares close ties to the player has disclosed to them that Mensah is peeved by certain things that happened in the team’s camp last month.

Mensah’s exit according to a report by the station is because he confronted a player during the Mali game for giving the ball away easily and the player, in turn, abused him verbally.

The said player also reported Bernard Mensah to coach Akonnor and asked him to be subbed. Strangely, the report adds that Akonnor acted on the words of the said player and that created some issue between the players after the game.

The player in question who happens to be an influential member of the squad also allegedly caused the benching of Kassim Nuhu against Qatar.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are to begin training today for their game against Sudan on Thursday.

Ghana will face Sudan in an AFCON qualifier at the Cape Coast Stadium on Thursday.

GhanaWeb