Accra (Greater Accra) 18 March 2002 - Typical of the Guinness gala, Brong Ahafo United, who have just been promoted to the premier league, surprised the connoisseurs of soccer when they defeated one of the favourites, Dansoman-based Liberty Professional 4-2 on penalties to lift this year's gala trophy at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
It would have been an injustice to Soccer Apostles who dominated all the departments of the game to lose after they managed to draw 1-1 in the 40-minute regulation time in the second day of the gala. They took home a trophy, seven million cedis and products of the sponsors, Guinness Ghana Limited, while the runner up, Liberty, received three million cedis and products from Guinness.
The gala as usual, was full of surprises as three of the big guns, Accra Hearts of Oak, Goldfields and Olympics were shown the exit on the first day by Mines Stars, Okwawu United and B.A. United respectively. The next day, defending champions, Asante Kotoko, was given the boot when they lost 5-3 to Power F/C in the quarterfinals.
John Paintsil shot Liberty ahead against the run of play in 13th minute when he connected Albert Neequayes cross from the right flanks. The goal silenced the vociferous Kotoko fans who have suddenly become loyal to B.A after their team have been shown the exit. But the Soccer Apostles pulled level in the 27th minute through Alhaji Abass setting a stage for the penalties.
During the kicks, skipper Addoquaye Pappoe and Daniel Yeboah netted for the Dansoman team while Charles Ampiah, Charles Owusu, Awudu Muro and Kwame Andrew all scored for B.A. United to lift the 2002 trophy. On their way to the victory, B.A. United beat Olympics by a lone goal, won 4-1 on penalties against Okwawu, and yet another penalties victory over Dawu youngsters 4-3 in the semi-finals. Liberty on the other hand, eased past Berekum Arsenals 3-0 and 1-0 against King Fiasal. They won 4-3 on penalties against Power F/C in three semi-final games.
In a related development, Sunyani, the Brong Ahafo Regional capital on Sunday erupted into a joyous and ecstatic celebrations as the news filtered in that B.A. United F/C has won the Gala diadem, the first prestigious trophy won by the club. Supporters of the club defied a downpour and poured into the streets singing and dancing, amid the tooting of horns and careless speeding by taxi drivers.
The club gained entry into the Premier League this season after a spirited performance in the second division league and their performance of late has stirred other clubs. When Liberty Professionals scored the first goal, many did not give B.A. a chance until they equalised. There and then chants and shouts of "B.A, B.A" could be heard echoing around the regional capital. The heavy downpour however, made it difficult reaching the spectators to interact with them.
GRi…/
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Emmanuel Kuffour opts for the USA
Accra
(Greater Accra) 18 March 2002 - Black Stars captain Emmanuel Osei Kuffour has
hinted he will end up playing in the United States of America after several
unsuccessful attempts to land a deal in Europe and Asia. The Hearts of Oak star
who has refused to renew his acquaintance with the Phobians after the
expiration of his contract told Africa Sports he will leave for the states
somewhere this week at the instance of his manager, Dr Ampofo.
Though Kuffour would not specifically use the words trials, he says he is informed by his manager that there are three clubs in the US interested in taking a close look at him. Another possible destination for the 2000 Ghana Footballer-of-the-Year and champion’s league top scorer is Canada.
While the North American country looks a strange choice for a footballer of Kuffour’s ability, it appears he will prefer that to play in the world’s most populous country China. Kuffour had no doubt that he impressed during the trials there recently that even took him to tours of South Korea alongside Zambian international Denis Lota but he is just not keen on going back there.
It was a lack of interest that reportedly forced Kuffour to turn down a proposed move to Huddesfield Town in England but lucrative deals in Denmark and the United Arab Emirates all fell through at the last minute following disagreement between Hearts and the respective clubs.
Also likely to leave anytime soon for trials are Jacob Nettey and Amankwah Mireku both of Hearts. They were all spotted at the FA Secretariat on Thursday waiting for documents that they say will aid their journey outside. Together with Kuffour and Goldfields Princeton Owusu Ansah the two belong to the Ampofo Management stable.
Contrary to report that Princeton, a regular member of Ghana’s Mali 2002 squad will be donning the Hearts colours, the defender says he isn’t keen on playing any more local football. Goldfields still means the world to him but he says he has had to think twice on the advice of his manager about renewing his contract with them after the Obuasi club refused to talk to an European club that expressed interest in him last year. Princeton is expected to fly out for trials soon, according to Africa Sports, a private bi-weekly.
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