Story: Michael Quaye
AN outstanding show of courage and resilience propelled Ghana's Black Stars on to a 2-1 victory over Nigeria's Super Eagles, and into the semi-finals of the ongoing Ghana 2008 football tournament.
It was an amazing comeback written by the Black Stars who fell behind for the first time in the match, lost one man with 30 minutes to play and grabbed the winner late to leave Nigeria coach, German Berti Vogts, pondering over his future on his first job in Africa.
Despite Manuel Junior Agogo winning the day for the Stars, the plaudits went to Sulley Ali Muntari for his vision and courage in running with the ball and providing the killer pass that made the difference with just seven minutes remaining. Muntari won the Man-of-the-Match award.
It was a day of mixed fate for the Black Stars, but the hard-in-coming victory, even if ultimately considered pyrrhic, was savoured with passion across Ghana as fans woke to the reality of an approaching possibility of hosting and winning the cup for a fifth time.
First, the Ghanaians fell behind the Nigerians through a penalty, and when they were level, a red card cost them defensive pillar, John Mensah. But the remarkable display of a willing spirit, underpinned by the urge from the nearly 40,000 fans at the stadium to perform without failing,
forced the Stars into an all-gun-blazing battle with the Eagles and still emerged triumphant.
Ghana's French coach Claude Le Roy aside, none other than John Mensah could be more relieved by the Stars’ victory. Spotted for the infringement on Ukechukwu Uche that resulted in the 35th minute penalty from which Yakubu Ayegbeni put Nigeria ahead, Mensah did not only kill the menacing run of the brilliant Peter Odemwingie, but curtailed his own role in the game with a tackle that must have led to a near-seizeure of many Ghanaian hearts on the 60th minute.
As he walked off to some cheers from the crowd, Mensah removed his jerseyu and threw it on the field in frustration at the difficulty he had plunged his colleagues, and a section of the crowd backed him when they threw objects onto the field in apparent protest at the decision.
In between the incidents, Michael Essien revived life among the crowd with a clinical finish to Quincy Owusu-Abeyie's cross on the stroke of half-time. And the celebrations began without restraint as Ghana came level.
But the Eagles maintained their quick play in attack until Mensah was forced to commit the difficult choice of fouling the threatening Odemwingie from behind.
In a truly cagey tie full of tension, skills, tactics and abundant quality, only the result could separate the two sides at the end.
For, while Ghana dominated with a near-perfect passing game, the Nigerians stuck to a tight game plan that virtually neutralised Essien's influence, as Obi stayed hugely in control of a Super Eagles orchestra that played with outstanding harmony.
And with Essien largely anonymous, Stars coach Claude Le Roy was handed the difficult job of re-arranging his men following Mensah's exit.
Laryea Kingston's entry as the French coach sacrificed Asamoah Gyan was hardly effective as his wild crosses either went wide or had lone ranger Manuel Junior Agogo racing in vain.
But the willing Stars hardly showed any inadequacy despite Mensah's red card,
as the combative Anthony Annan — my man-of-the-match — battled the
giants in Mikel Obi and George Olofinjana in midfield until victory was achieved.
Ghana: Richard Kingson, John Paintsil, Hans Adu Sarpei, Eric Addo, John Mensah, Anthony Annan, Quincy Owusu Abeyei/Haminu Draman, Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan/Laryea Kingston, Junior Agogo, Sulley Ali Muntari.
Nigeria: Austine Ejide, Joseph Yobo, Taiwo Taye, Obinna Nwaneri, Daniel Shittu, John Mikel Obi, Yakubu Ayigbeni, Peter Odemwingie, George Olofinjana, Ikechukwu Uche, Paul Etuhu/Richard Eromoigbe.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008
SIBLINGS INVADE GHANA 2008
STORY: MAURICE QUANSAH
Family relationships have found practical expression at the Africa Cup of Nations since its inception, and at Ghana 2008, some famous siblings have been at the centre of their team's build-up to the finals.
Tomorrow's quarter-final match between Ghana and Nigeria will see the Black Stars fielding the Kingson (or Kingston) brothers, goalkeeper Richard Kingson and his younger brother Laryea, who curiously bears the surname Kingston.
The brothers' act on the Ghanaian side will be played out by coach Claude Le Roy's first choice striker Asamoah Gyan, who scored the tournament's first goal, and his elder brother Baffour. As if by design, each time Baffour was introduced into the game at the group stage, he was a replacement for Asamoah.
Similar family affairs have played out in the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire, Zambia's Chipolopolo and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun.
The Ivorians have a stronger family with centre back Kolo Toure and his younger brother Yaya of Spanish giants Barcelona, who are both key members of Coach Gerard Gili's squad, just as the Kone brothers, striker Arouna and midfielder Bakare.
Four-time African champions, Cameroun, were once noted for the outstanding performance of the Biyik brothers, striker Francois Oman Biyik and his younger brother Andre Kana Biyik. However, at Ghana 2008, the Indomitable Lions are singing a new 'song', with the team captained by dreadlocks defender Rigobert Song, who makes his seventh successive Cup of Nations appearance. His 21-year-old nephew, Alexandre, who also sports dreadlocks, is the midfield pillar of the Lions team.
The Chipolopolos may have been eliminated at the group stage but the Katongo brothers were crucial to the team's impressive performance in Group C.
The Katongo brothers accounted for three of Zambia's five goals in the tournament. Skipper Christopher Katongo scored twice, his first goal coming in Zambia's 1-5 demolition by Cameroun, and also scored a decisive late equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Egypt in their last group match. His younger brother, Felix, was on target in Zambia's 3-0 victory over The Sudan in Kumasi.
Family affairs have played out in previous Cup of Nations tournaments.
Prominent siblings in recent times include the Egyptian twins, Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan, both of whom won the Cup of Nations for the Pharaohs a decade ago in Burkina Faso.
At 42, Hossam is still a part of the Pharaohs team at Ghana 2008 but his brother Ibrahim has retired.
At the 1994 tournament in Tunisia, three-time African Best Player, Abedi Ayew Pele, captained the Ghana team that included his younger brother Kwame, and the two reunited two years later in South Africa.
The squad also featured centre back Joseph Addo and his younger brother Simon, who was in post for the Black Stars.
Family relationships have found practical expression at the Africa Cup of Nations since its inception, and at Ghana 2008, some famous siblings have been at the centre of their team's build-up to the finals.
Tomorrow's quarter-final match between Ghana and Nigeria will see the Black Stars fielding the Kingson (or Kingston) brothers, goalkeeper Richard Kingson and his younger brother Laryea, who curiously bears the surname Kingston.
The brothers' act on the Ghanaian side will be played out by coach Claude Le Roy's first choice striker Asamoah Gyan, who scored the tournament's first goal, and his elder brother Baffour. As if by design, each time Baffour was introduced into the game at the group stage, he was a replacement for Asamoah.
Similar family affairs have played out in the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire, Zambia's Chipolopolo and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun.
The Ivorians have a stronger family with centre back Kolo Toure and his younger brother Yaya of Spanish giants Barcelona, who are both key members of Coach Gerard Gili's squad, just as the Kone brothers, striker Arouna and midfielder Bakare.
Four-time African champions, Cameroun, were once noted for the outstanding performance of the Biyik brothers, striker Francois Oman Biyik and his younger brother Andre Kana Biyik. However, at Ghana 2008, the Indomitable Lions are singing a new 'song', with the team captained by dreadlocks defender Rigobert Song, who makes his seventh successive Cup of Nations appearance. His 21-year-old nephew, Alexandre, who also sports dreadlocks, is the midfield pillar of the Lions team.
The Chipolopolos may have been eliminated at the group stage but the Katongo brothers were crucial to the team's impressive performance in Group C.
The Katongo brothers accounted for three of Zambia's five goals in the tournament. Skipper Christopher Katongo scored twice, his first goal coming in Zambia's 1-5 demolition by Cameroun, and also scored a decisive late equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Egypt in their last group match. His younger brother, Felix, was on target in Zambia's 3-0 victory over The Sudan in Kumasi.
Family affairs have played out in previous Cup of Nations tournaments.
Prominent siblings in recent times include the Egyptian twins, Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan, both of whom won the Cup of Nations for the Pharaohs a decade ago in Burkina Faso.
At 42, Hossam is still a part of the Pharaohs team at Ghana 2008 but his brother Ibrahim has retired.
At the 1994 tournament in Tunisia, three-time African Best Player, Abedi Ayew Pele, captained the Ghana team that included his younger brother Kwame, and the two reunited two years later in South Africa.
The squad also featured centre back Joseph Addo and his younger brother Simon, who was in post for the Black Stars.
THE RISE & RISE OF 'DEDE' AYEW
Story: MAURICE QUANSAH
THROUGH no fault of his, Andre 'Dede' Ayew has been under media spotlight as he bids to follow his father's footsteps as the son of the legendary Abedi Pele Ayew, easily Ghana's most celebrated player of all time and one of Africa's greatest players.
Not many sons of famous footballers have made it as big as their fathers. They are often bogged down (and sometimes consumed) by the weight of expectations as people tend to make comparisons between these promising kids and their great fathers. The comparison becomes even more intense when the wonder kids bear striking resemblance as their fathers, both in looks and general disposition on the football field.
Like his famous father, Andre is a prolific attacking midfielder with a playing style similar to his father’s, including being left-footed. He is supremely gifted and has a big heart for big occasions, as has been evident in his three appearances as a substitute for the Black Stars at the MTN Africa Cup of Nations.
Also, like his father, Andre is making his mark at France's Olympique Marseille, the club where Abedi won four French Ligue 1 titles and made two European Champions League final appearances, including Marseille's famous Champions League win in 1993.
Such comparisons may not always be logical, but what else can be said of a promising youngster who made his international debut at 17, just like his father who became the youngest winner of the Africa Cup of Nations at 17 when Ghana completed a quartet of continental titles in 1982.
After impressing in the UEFA Champions League where he displaced French international Djibril Cisse in the Marseille team, Andre has been linked with a summer move to English Premiership giants Arsenal, whose French manager, Arsene Wenger, has reportedly made a £5 million bid for the Ghanaian.
At the tender age of 18, Andre has carried the famous family name well and won many fans, particularly female admirers who seem to adore him as much for his talent as for his good looks.
How times have changed! When the Abedi-led Black Stars returned home after finishing fourth at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, an innocent-looking, six-year-old Andre and his younger brother Jordan were at the Kotoka International Airport to welcome their father.
The Ayews surely have football genes, with ex-Black Stars striker Kwame Ayew and ex-Hearts of Oak and Black Meteors midfielder Sola Ayew both carrying the family name at different periods in their careers.
Several years down the line, Andre is carrying the family torch and is destined for greatness. Similarly, Jordan Ayew's garden looks equally green after he was recently invited into the France Under-17 team.
Close observers believe that Jordan, who plays for the youth team of Marseille, is more gifted than Andre and may become a bigger football star. Only time will tell.
Andre has long been touted as one of the best youngsters in France and actually received four call-ups into the French national youth team but minor injuries prevented him from playing for the country of his birth until he made his Ghana debut last August against Senegal in London, three months after he had signed for a professional contract with the senior team of Marseille.
A well-cultured youngster, Andre acknowledges he is still on the learning curve and working his way to the top without living in his father's shadow.
"I want to make a name for myself and not just be seen as the son of Abedi Pele," he says.
THROUGH no fault of his, Andre 'Dede' Ayew has been under media spotlight as he bids to follow his father's footsteps as the son of the legendary Abedi Pele Ayew, easily Ghana's most celebrated player of all time and one of Africa's greatest players.
Not many sons of famous footballers have made it as big as their fathers. They are often bogged down (and sometimes consumed) by the weight of expectations as people tend to make comparisons between these promising kids and their great fathers. The comparison becomes even more intense when the wonder kids bear striking resemblance as their fathers, both in looks and general disposition on the football field.
Like his famous father, Andre is a prolific attacking midfielder with a playing style similar to his father’s, including being left-footed. He is supremely gifted and has a big heart for big occasions, as has been evident in his three appearances as a substitute for the Black Stars at the MTN Africa Cup of Nations.
Also, like his father, Andre is making his mark at France's Olympique Marseille, the club where Abedi won four French Ligue 1 titles and made two European Champions League final appearances, including Marseille's famous Champions League win in 1993.
Such comparisons may not always be logical, but what else can be said of a promising youngster who made his international debut at 17, just like his father who became the youngest winner of the Africa Cup of Nations at 17 when Ghana completed a quartet of continental titles in 1982.
After impressing in the UEFA Champions League where he displaced French international Djibril Cisse in the Marseille team, Andre has been linked with a summer move to English Premiership giants Arsenal, whose French manager, Arsene Wenger, has reportedly made a £5 million bid for the Ghanaian.
At the tender age of 18, Andre has carried the famous family name well and won many fans, particularly female admirers who seem to adore him as much for his talent as for his good looks.
How times have changed! When the Abedi-led Black Stars returned home after finishing fourth at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, an innocent-looking, six-year-old Andre and his younger brother Jordan were at the Kotoka International Airport to welcome their father.
The Ayews surely have football genes, with ex-Black Stars striker Kwame Ayew and ex-Hearts of Oak and Black Meteors midfielder Sola Ayew both carrying the family name at different periods in their careers.
Several years down the line, Andre is carrying the family torch and is destined for greatness. Similarly, Jordan Ayew's garden looks equally green after he was recently invited into the France Under-17 team.
Close observers believe that Jordan, who plays for the youth team of Marseille, is more gifted than Andre and may become a bigger football star. Only time will tell.
Andre has long been touted as one of the best youngsters in France and actually received four call-ups into the French national youth team but minor injuries prevented him from playing for the country of his birth until he made his Ghana debut last August against Senegal in London, three months after he had signed for a professional contract with the senior team of Marseille.
A well-cultured youngster, Andre acknowledges he is still on the learning curve and working his way to the top without living in his father's shadow.
"I want to make a name for myself and not just be seen as the son of Abedi Pele," he says.
THE DAY GHANA MAULED NIGERIA 7-0
HOLD your breadth! Knash your teeth - and now raise a cheer!. The ‘Jalco Cup’ is ours again, writes Kofi Badu.
“We have won it with a shattering display of team work, a marvellous display of ball control and brainy tactics - the combination that puzzled the Nigerians.
Seven goals to nil, the score was. And make no mistake, it could have reached the dozen mark had our players been a little more serious in the second half.
“Prolific, devastating, incredible - this is the devil incarnate aroused to a limitless degree!
“That was the start. The historic start of the Gold Coast team which sent the thousands of people at the stadium into a victory day celebration.
“This is the Gold Coast splitting through what is supposed to be a nation’s defence like red-hot knife cutting through butter.
“Two goals came in a space of four minutes, another in a further six minutes - and who else could double the superiority of the boys in green jerseys and white shorts.
“Now forget about the start. Follow me to the end of the first half.
“The Gold Coast Police Band is marching through the field. The crowd is settling down. And the score - it’s six goals to nil against Nigeria.
“It seems incredible. But that was the game. And the most astonishing part - two goals came in a space of four minutes.
“Look at how it happened. Kobina Otoo stopped the ball from the kick-off. A pass to Baba Yara on the right wing. Ntephe was beaten and Charles Gyamfi ran to take the position of Yara. The next moment, handkerchiefs were flying through the air; pandemonium reigned - the Gold Coast were one goal up in the first two minutes.
“The goal kick— and off they went again. This time, it was to the opposite wing.
“Oscar Gesper got the pass from James Adjei, raced with it to the wing, centred - and as Gyamfi sprinted through again, the result was obvious.
“A typical ground shot and O’Dwyes was stretched like a star-fish on the floor as the ball flashed into the net again. Two goals, four minutes!
“Nigeria tried to fight back. Anieke set the field, sent a through pass to Cyril, back to Anieke, then to Onyeanwuna.
“But there he was - skipper “
Gold Coast: A. R. Kassum, Kwami Appiah, Ben Sissuh, Kwamina Otoo, Chris Briandt (captain), Tim Darbah, Baba Yara, James Adjei, Asebi Boakye, C. K. Gyamfi, Oscar Gasper.
Coaches: Joe Ocquaye and Sam Kumi
Nigeria: O’Dwyer, Nwaiwu, Okoriji, Dike, Ibe, Ntephe, Cyril Asohika, Onyeawuna, Unwulaka, Peter Anieke (captain) Ironkwe.
Coach: Dan Anyiam. Team Manager: Etim Ironbar.
...AND NIGERIANS SET
GHANA BUS ABLAZE
THE occasion was the first leg of the World Cup eliminations and the match was played in Lagos on February 19, 1973.
The Black Stars won the match 3-2, after trailing 1-2 at half time.
Kwasi Owusu, playing at centre-forward, scored all of Ghana’s three goals in the 18th, 55th and 85th minutes, while Yakubu Mambo got both goals for Nigeria in the 15th and 40th minutes.
After Ghana’s third goal, however, pandemonium broke out and in the heat of the confusion Nigerian fans set ablaze the ‘Setra’ bus that had conveyed Ghanaian supporters to Lagos for the match.
Ghana: Lante France, Enoch Asumadu, Ayi Acquah, Tetteh Gorleku, Dan Oppon, Eric Amankwaa, Kwasi Owusu, Isaac Eshun, Malik Eshun.
Coaches: Ben Kwofie and Nicolae Dimitru
Nigeria: Essem, Tony Igwe, Njoku, Owolabi, Mohammed Sain, Ottah, Ezeani, Sunday Oyarekhua, Yakubu Mambo, Illerika Haruna, Olayoubo/Obianika, Josiah Dombraye.
NIGERIANS LAST WON
IN ACCRA 24 YRS AGO
THE last time Nigeria won a competititve match at the Accra Stadium against the Black Stars was some 24 years ago — on October 30, 1983, to be precise.
The match was in connection with the Olympic Games qualifying series. The first leg, which was played in Lagos on October 15, 1983, had ended 0-0.
Inside-left Chizubor Ihlelegbu and right winger Ademola Adeshina scored for Nigeria in the 48th and 89th minutes respectively.
Opoku Nti scored Ghana’s only goal in the 73rd minute,
Ghana: Owusu-Mensah, Hesse Odamtten, Kwasi Appiah, Baba Gambo, Isaac Paha (captain), Papa Arko, Bannerman/Botchway, George Lamptey, Kayede, Opoku Nti/Aziz, Kofi Abbrey.
Team Manager: Osam Duodu. Coach: E. K. Afranie
Nigeria: Peter Rufai, Amos Edosdogbe, Yisa Shofoluwe, Louis Iguibo, Anthony Edward, Kingsley Paul, Fatai Yekini, Ademola Adeshina/Wole Odegbami, Sunday Daniel Chizubor, Charles Osuji.
“We have won it with a shattering display of team work, a marvellous display of ball control and brainy tactics - the combination that puzzled the Nigerians.
Seven goals to nil, the score was. And make no mistake, it could have reached the dozen mark had our players been a little more serious in the second half.
“Prolific, devastating, incredible - this is the devil incarnate aroused to a limitless degree!
“That was the start. The historic start of the Gold Coast team which sent the thousands of people at the stadium into a victory day celebration.
“This is the Gold Coast splitting through what is supposed to be a nation’s defence like red-hot knife cutting through butter.
“Two goals came in a space of four minutes, another in a further six minutes - and who else could double the superiority of the boys in green jerseys and white shorts.
“Now forget about the start. Follow me to the end of the first half.
“The Gold Coast Police Band is marching through the field. The crowd is settling down. And the score - it’s six goals to nil against Nigeria.
“It seems incredible. But that was the game. And the most astonishing part - two goals came in a space of four minutes.
“Look at how it happened. Kobina Otoo stopped the ball from the kick-off. A pass to Baba Yara on the right wing. Ntephe was beaten and Charles Gyamfi ran to take the position of Yara. The next moment, handkerchiefs were flying through the air; pandemonium reigned - the Gold Coast were one goal up in the first two minutes.
“The goal kick— and off they went again. This time, it was to the opposite wing.
“Oscar Gesper got the pass from James Adjei, raced with it to the wing, centred - and as Gyamfi sprinted through again, the result was obvious.
“A typical ground shot and O’Dwyes was stretched like a star-fish on the floor as the ball flashed into the net again. Two goals, four minutes!
“Nigeria tried to fight back. Anieke set the field, sent a through pass to Cyril, back to Anieke, then to Onyeanwuna.
“But there he was - skipper “
Gold Coast: A. R. Kassum, Kwami Appiah, Ben Sissuh, Kwamina Otoo, Chris Briandt (captain), Tim Darbah, Baba Yara, James Adjei, Asebi Boakye, C. K. Gyamfi, Oscar Gasper.
Coaches: Joe Ocquaye and Sam Kumi
Nigeria: O’Dwyer, Nwaiwu, Okoriji, Dike, Ibe, Ntephe, Cyril Asohika, Onyeawuna, Unwulaka, Peter Anieke (captain) Ironkwe.
Coach: Dan Anyiam. Team Manager: Etim Ironbar.
...AND NIGERIANS SET
GHANA BUS ABLAZE
THE occasion was the first leg of the World Cup eliminations and the match was played in Lagos on February 19, 1973.
The Black Stars won the match 3-2, after trailing 1-2 at half time.
Kwasi Owusu, playing at centre-forward, scored all of Ghana’s three goals in the 18th, 55th and 85th minutes, while Yakubu Mambo got both goals for Nigeria in the 15th and 40th minutes.
After Ghana’s third goal, however, pandemonium broke out and in the heat of the confusion Nigerian fans set ablaze the ‘Setra’ bus that had conveyed Ghanaian supporters to Lagos for the match.
Ghana: Lante France, Enoch Asumadu, Ayi Acquah, Tetteh Gorleku, Dan Oppon, Eric Amankwaa, Kwasi Owusu, Isaac Eshun, Malik Eshun.
Coaches: Ben Kwofie and Nicolae Dimitru
Nigeria: Essem, Tony Igwe, Njoku, Owolabi, Mohammed Sain, Ottah, Ezeani, Sunday Oyarekhua, Yakubu Mambo, Illerika Haruna, Olayoubo/Obianika, Josiah Dombraye.
NIGERIANS LAST WON
IN ACCRA 24 YRS AGO
THE last time Nigeria won a competititve match at the Accra Stadium against the Black Stars was some 24 years ago — on October 30, 1983, to be precise.
The match was in connection with the Olympic Games qualifying series. The first leg, which was played in Lagos on October 15, 1983, had ended 0-0.
Inside-left Chizubor Ihlelegbu and right winger Ademola Adeshina scored for Nigeria in the 48th and 89th minutes respectively.
Opoku Nti scored Ghana’s only goal in the 73rd minute,
Ghana: Owusu-Mensah, Hesse Odamtten, Kwasi Appiah, Baba Gambo, Isaac Paha (captain), Papa Arko, Bannerman/Botchway, George Lamptey, Kayede, Opoku Nti/Aziz, Kofi Abbrey.
Team Manager: Osam Duodu. Coach: E. K. Afranie
Nigeria: Peter Rufai, Amos Edosdogbe, Yisa Shofoluwe, Louis Iguibo, Anthony Edward, Kingsley Paul, Fatai Yekini, Ademola Adeshina/Wole Odegbami, Sunday Daniel Chizubor, Charles Osuji.
GHANA 24, NIGERIA 16
Date Team Venue Score Competition
06/02/2007 Ghana v Nigeria Brentford 4-1 Friendly
23/01/2006 Ghana v Nigeria Egypt 0-1 Africa Rd 1
30/05/2003 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-3-3 Lg Cup Sf
15/12/2002 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 0-1 Friendly
03/02/2002 Ghana v Nigeria Mali 0-1 Africa Qf
29/07/2001 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 WCq
11/03/2001 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 0-0 WCq
28/09/1999 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
09/03/1994 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
23/01/1992 Ghana v Nigeria Senegal 2-1 Africa Sf
02/11/1991 Ghana v Nigeria d'Ivoire 1-0 Cedeao 3/4
13/04/1991 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 AnCq
01/09/1990 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-0 AnCq
06/02/1987 Ghana v Nigeria Liberia 3-1 Cssa Sf
29/07/1986 Ghana v Nigeria Liberia 2-0 Liberia Rd 1
05/03/1984 Ghana v Nigeria d’Ivoire 1-2 Africa Rd 1
30/10/1983 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-2 OGq
15/10/1983 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 OGq
01/05/1983 Ghana v Nigeria Ethiopia 1-0 A/Ababa Final
21/07/1978 Ghana v Nigeria Algeria 0-0 A/ Games Rd 1
08/03/1978 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-1 Africa Rd 1
04/09/1977 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-2 Ecowas Games
31/08/1975 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
24/08/1975 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-2 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
17/08/1974 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-0 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
11/08/1974 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-1 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
25/02/1973 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-1 WCq
10/02/1973 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 3-2 WCq(FIFA 2-0)
08/01/1973 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 2-4 African Games Rd 1
18/05/1969 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-1 WCq
10/05/1969 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-2 WCq
23/12/1967 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 Azikwe Cup
17/10/1967 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 2-1 Azikwe Cup
28/09/1967 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-1 Friendly
12/02/1967 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 2-0 Azikwe Cup
28/01/1967 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 Azikwe Cup
07/11/1965 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Azikwe Cup
30/10/1965 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 4-0 Azikwe Cup
23/02/1963 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 5-0 Nkrumah Cup Sf
10/11/1962 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
17/12/1961 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 5-1 Friendly
01/06/1961 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Friendly
30/04/1961 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 2-2 Ancq
08/04/1961 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Ancq
29/10/1960 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-1 In’dence Cup
09/10/1960 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 3-0 Nkrumah Cup
10/09/1960 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 WCq
28/08/1960 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 4-1 WCq
21/11/1959 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 5-2 Jalco Cup
25/10/1959 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 4-1 OGq
10/10/1959 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-3 OGq
25/10/1958 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 2-3 Jalco Cup
27/10/1957 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 3-3 Jalco Cup
27/10/1956 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 Jalco Cup
30/10/1955 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 7-0 Jalco Cup
30/10/1954 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 Jalco Cup
11/10/1953 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-0 Jalco Cup
20/10/1951 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-5 Jalco Cup
28/05/1950 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-0 Friendly
WCq — World Cup qualifier
OGq — Olympic Games qualifier
Africa — Nations Cup
06/02/2007 Ghana v Nigeria Brentford 4-1 Friendly
23/01/2006 Ghana v Nigeria Egypt 0-1 Africa Rd 1
30/05/2003 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-3-3 Lg Cup Sf
15/12/2002 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 0-1 Friendly
03/02/2002 Ghana v Nigeria Mali 0-1 Africa Qf
29/07/2001 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 WCq
11/03/2001 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 0-0 WCq
28/09/1999 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
09/03/1994 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
23/01/1992 Ghana v Nigeria Senegal 2-1 Africa Sf
02/11/1991 Ghana v Nigeria d'Ivoire 1-0 Cedeao 3/4
13/04/1991 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 AnCq
01/09/1990 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-0 AnCq
06/02/1987 Ghana v Nigeria Liberia 3-1 Cssa Sf
29/07/1986 Ghana v Nigeria Liberia 2-0 Liberia Rd 1
05/03/1984 Ghana v Nigeria d’Ivoire 1-2 Africa Rd 1
30/10/1983 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-2 OGq
15/10/1983 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 OGq
01/05/1983 Ghana v Nigeria Ethiopia 1-0 A/Ababa Final
21/07/1978 Ghana v Nigeria Algeria 0-0 A/ Games Rd 1
08/03/1978 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-1 Africa Rd 1
04/09/1977 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-2 Ecowas Games
31/08/1975 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
24/08/1975 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-2 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
17/08/1974 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-0 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
11/08/1974 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-1 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
25/02/1973 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-1 WCq
10/02/1973 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 3-2 WCq(FIFA 2-0)
08/01/1973 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 2-4 African Games Rd 1
18/05/1969 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-1 WCq
10/05/1969 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-2 WCq
23/12/1967 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 Azikwe Cup
17/10/1967 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 2-1 Azikwe Cup
28/09/1967 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-1 Friendly
12/02/1967 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 2-0 Azikwe Cup
28/01/1967 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 Azikwe Cup
07/11/1965 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Azikwe Cup
30/10/1965 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 4-0 Azikwe Cup
23/02/1963 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 5-0 Nkrumah Cup Sf
10/11/1962 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
17/12/1961 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 5-1 Friendly
01/06/1961 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Friendly
30/04/1961 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 2-2 Ancq
08/04/1961 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Ancq
29/10/1960 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-1 In’dence Cup
09/10/1960 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 3-0 Nkrumah Cup
10/09/1960 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 WCq
28/08/1960 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 4-1 WCq
21/11/1959 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 5-2 Jalco Cup
25/10/1959 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 4-1 OGq
10/10/1959 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 1-3 OGq
25/10/1958 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 2-3 Jalco Cup
27/10/1957 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 3-3 Jalco Cup
27/10/1956 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 Jalco Cup
30/10/1955 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 7-0 Jalco Cup
30/10/1954 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 Jalco Cup
11/10/1953 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-0 Jalco Cup
20/10/1951 Ghana v Nigeria Nigeria 0-5 Jalco Cup
28/05/1950 Ghana v Nigeria Ghana 1-0 Friendly
WCq — World Cup qualifier
OGq — Olympic Games qualifier
Africa — Nations Cup
Nigeria caused our exit in 2002, 2006...IT'S PAYBACK TIME, STARS! (1a)
Preview: Michael Quaye
GHANA and Nigeria will define another epic phase of their West African football rivalry with a Nations Cup quarter-final encounter in Accra which is expected to vibrate throughout the world.
It is difficult to imagine what else will be in motion, whether in Accra or Lagos, when the Black Stars and the Super Eagles play the first of the Ghana 2008 quarter-finals matches in Accra.
For Ghana, the two successive failures at the Nations Cup at Nigeria’s behest provide reason for jitters, but it is the form of the Black Stars and the resounding backing of the home crowd that terrify the campaign of the Super Eagles.
These factors, along with the influence of Chelsea teammates, Ghana’s Michael Essien and Nigeria’s Mikel Obi, are what have raised the game onto a stage that could perhaps only be equalled by the grand final.
A Garba Lawal strike ended Ghana’s dream at just the quarter-finals in Mali 2002. In Egypt in 2006 (Ghana missed the 2004 tournament in Tunisia), it was Taye Taiwo’s powerful drive from a freekick that started what was to become a miserable appearance for a woefully depleted Ghanaian squad which would not make it beyond group play.
The contemporary times Nigerian dominance over Ghana, spanning the controversial 3-0 spanking of the Black Stars in Port Harcourt in the World Cup qualifier on July 29, 2001, when Ghana finished play with Emmanuel Osei Kuffour in post, was only severed last year when the Stars thumped the Eagles 4-1 in a friendly in Brentford, England.
That outstanding performance was a confirmation of the superb form of the Ghanaian side since leaving the Egypt Nations Cup.
Subsequent outings, including the World Cup appearance, gave the Stars serious international recognition and the team’s unblemished record so far in Ghana 2008 has made the Stars legitimate favourites for a fifth triumph on the continent.
But the refurbished Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, even if it hardly bears any semblance to its old shape and form, must strike a bitter chord in the memory of the Super Eagles. In their last competitive game in Accra, a star-studded Nigerian team were reduced to ordinary players when Ghana paraded a wholly local-based squad in a World Cup qualifier that ended goalless on March 11, 2001.
Apart from their individual talents and the ability to rise to a big occasion, Nigeria’s skipper Nwankwo Kanu and striker Obafemi Martins appear to represent agitated Eagles players resorting to their famous mind game ploy in a tournament in which they have survived mainly on account of an Ivorian fair play profile.
“All of us are serious about this game and for once every player is determined and prepared to die on the pitch to ensure that victory is ours so that we proceed from there to the final,” were Kanu’s words in an earlier interview published in the Graphic Sports.
On the eve of the game, fans’ interest has added to the tension, as long queues draped in real chaos have characterised ticket demands at the various designated sales points in the capital. The one-day exeat for the Ghanaian players was well-intended by Coach Claude Le Roy to defuse the tension.
But the French tactician, who won the continental trophy in 1988 with Cameroun, may be under even more pressure than the players. Apart from a duty to satisfy Ghanaian fans, victory will deliver a present for a birthday that will come three days after the clash.
But whatever experience Kanu brings from his five previous Nations Cup appearances, and whatever quality Martins, as well as John Utaka, Yakubu Ayegbeni, central defender Joseph Yobo, Taiwo and Mikel Obi bring on board, the Stars counter with an almost unmatched unity in camp, an unyielding hunger to satisfy an impatient home crowd and a crave to make the “Host And Win” philosophy work.
This is the charge that has kept the Stars’ camp quite restless for the day of reckoning.
GHANA and Nigeria will define another epic phase of their West African football rivalry with a Nations Cup quarter-final encounter in Accra which is expected to vibrate throughout the world.
It is difficult to imagine what else will be in motion, whether in Accra or Lagos, when the Black Stars and the Super Eagles play the first of the Ghana 2008 quarter-finals matches in Accra.
For Ghana, the two successive failures at the Nations Cup at Nigeria’s behest provide reason for jitters, but it is the form of the Black Stars and the resounding backing of the home crowd that terrify the campaign of the Super Eagles.
These factors, along with the influence of Chelsea teammates, Ghana’s Michael Essien and Nigeria’s Mikel Obi, are what have raised the game onto a stage that could perhaps only be equalled by the grand final.
A Garba Lawal strike ended Ghana’s dream at just the quarter-finals in Mali 2002. In Egypt in 2006 (Ghana missed the 2004 tournament in Tunisia), it was Taye Taiwo’s powerful drive from a freekick that started what was to become a miserable appearance for a woefully depleted Ghanaian squad which would not make it beyond group play.
The contemporary times Nigerian dominance over Ghana, spanning the controversial 3-0 spanking of the Black Stars in Port Harcourt in the World Cup qualifier on July 29, 2001, when Ghana finished play with Emmanuel Osei Kuffour in post, was only severed last year when the Stars thumped the Eagles 4-1 in a friendly in Brentford, England.
That outstanding performance was a confirmation of the superb form of the Ghanaian side since leaving the Egypt Nations Cup.
Subsequent outings, including the World Cup appearance, gave the Stars serious international recognition and the team’s unblemished record so far in Ghana 2008 has made the Stars legitimate favourites for a fifth triumph on the continent.
But the refurbished Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, even if it hardly bears any semblance to its old shape and form, must strike a bitter chord in the memory of the Super Eagles. In their last competitive game in Accra, a star-studded Nigerian team were reduced to ordinary players when Ghana paraded a wholly local-based squad in a World Cup qualifier that ended goalless on March 11, 2001.
Apart from their individual talents and the ability to rise to a big occasion, Nigeria’s skipper Nwankwo Kanu and striker Obafemi Martins appear to represent agitated Eagles players resorting to their famous mind game ploy in a tournament in which they have survived mainly on account of an Ivorian fair play profile.
“All of us are serious about this game and for once every player is determined and prepared to die on the pitch to ensure that victory is ours so that we proceed from there to the final,” were Kanu’s words in an earlier interview published in the Graphic Sports.
On the eve of the game, fans’ interest has added to the tension, as long queues draped in real chaos have characterised ticket demands at the various designated sales points in the capital. The one-day exeat for the Ghanaian players was well-intended by Coach Claude Le Roy to defuse the tension.
But the French tactician, who won the continental trophy in 1988 with Cameroun, may be under even more pressure than the players. Apart from a duty to satisfy Ghanaian fans, victory will deliver a present for a birthday that will come three days after the clash.
But whatever experience Kanu brings from his five previous Nations Cup appearances, and whatever quality Martins, as well as John Utaka, Yakubu Ayegbeni, central defender Joseph Yobo, Taiwo and Mikel Obi bring on board, the Stars counter with an almost unmatched unity in camp, an unyielding hunger to satisfy an impatient home crowd and a crave to make the “Host And Win” philosophy work.
This is the charge that has kept the Stars’ camp quite restless for the day of reckoning.
Friday, February 1, 2008
GHANA VRS NIGERIA (Head to Head)
Date versus venue score competition
06/02/2007 Nigeria Brentford 4-1 Friendly
23/01/2006 Nigeria Egypt 0-1 Africa Rd 1
30/05/2003 Nigeria Nigeria 1-3 Lg Cup Sf
15/12/2002 Nigeria Ghana 0-1 Friendly
03/02/2002 Nigeria Mali 0-1 Africa Qf
29/07/2001 Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 WCq
11/03/2001 Nigeria Ghana 0-0 WCq
28/09/1999 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
09/03/1994 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
23/01/1992 Nigeria Senegal 2-1 Africa Sf
02/11/1991 Nigeria d'Ivoire 1-0 Cedeao 3/4
13/04/1991 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 AnCq
01/09/1990 Nigeria Ghana 1-0 AnCq
06/02/1987 Nigeria Liberia 3-1 Cssa Sf
29/07/1986 Nigeria Liberia 2-0 Liberia Rd 1
05/03/1984 Nigeria d’Ivoire 1-2 Africa Rd 1
30/10/1983 Nigeria Ghana 1-2 OGq
15/10/1983 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 OGq
01/05/1983 Nigeria Ethiopia 1-0 A/Ababa Final
21/07/1978 Nigeria Algeria 0-0 A/ Games Rd 1
08/03/1978 Nigeria Ghana 1-1 Africa Rd 1
04/09/1977 Nigeria Nigeria 1-2 Ecowas Games
31/08/1975 Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
24/08/1975 Nigeria Ghana 1-2 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
17/08/1974 Nigeria Nigeria 1-0 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
11/08/1974 Nigeria Nigeria 1-1 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
25/02/1973 Nigeria Ghana 1-1 WCq
10/02/1973 Nigeria Nigeria 3-2 WCq(FIFA 2-0)
08/01/1973 Nigeria Nigeria 2-4 African Games Rd 1
18/05/1969 Nigeria Ghana 1-1 WCq
10/05/1969 Nigeria Nigeria 1-2 WCq
23/12/1967 Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 Azikwe Cup
17/10/1967 Nigeria Ghana 2-1 Azikwe Cup
28/09/1967 Nigeria Ghana 1-1 Friendly
12/02/1967 Nigeria Ghana 2-0 Azikwe Cup
28/01/1967 Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 Azikwe Cup
07/11/1965 Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Azikwe Cup
30/10/1965 Nigeria Nigeria 4-0 Azikwe Cup
23/02/1963 Nigeria Ghana 5-0 Nkrumah Cup Sf
10/11/1962 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
17/12/1961 Nigeria Ghana 5-1 Friendly
01/06/1961 Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Friendly
30/04/1961 Nigeria Ghana 2-2 Ancq
08/04/1961 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Ancq
29/10/1960 Nigeria Nigeria 1-1 In’dence Cup
09/10/1960 Nigeria Nigeria 3-0 Nkrumah Cup
10/09/1960 Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 WCq
28/08/1960 Nigeria Ghana 4-1 WCq
21/11/1959 Nigeria Ghana 5-2 Jalco Cup
25/10/1959 Nigeria Ghana 4-1 OGq
10/10/1959 Nigeria Nigeria 1-3 OGq
25/10/1958 Nigeria Nigeria 2-3 Jalco Cup
27/10/1957 Nigeria Ghana 3-3 Jalco Cup
27/10/1956 Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 Jalco Cup
30/10/1955 Nigeria Ghana 7-0 Jalco Cup
30/10/1954 Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 Jalco Cup
11/10/1953 Nigeria Ghana 1-0 Jalco Cup
20/10/1951 Nigeria Nigeria 0-5 Jalco Cup
28/05/1950 Nigeria Ghana 1-0 Friendly
WCq — World Cup qualifier
OGq — Olympic Games qualifier
Africa — Nations Cup
Overall against Nigeria
Country P W D L GF GA
59 24 19 16 98 68
06/02/2007 Nigeria Brentford 4-1 Friendly
23/01/2006 Nigeria Egypt 0-1 Africa Rd 1
30/05/2003 Nigeria Nigeria 1-3 Lg Cup Sf
15/12/2002 Nigeria Ghana 0-1 Friendly
03/02/2002 Nigeria Mali 0-1 Africa Qf
29/07/2001 Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 WCq
11/03/2001 Nigeria Ghana 0-0 WCq
28/09/1999 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
09/03/1994 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
23/01/1992 Nigeria Senegal 2-1 Africa Sf
02/11/1991 Nigeria d'Ivoire 1-0 Cedeao 3/4
13/04/1991 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 AnCq
01/09/1990 Nigeria Ghana 1-0 AnCq
06/02/1987 Nigeria Liberia 3-1 Cssa Sf
29/07/1986 Nigeria Liberia 2-0 Liberia Rd 1
05/03/1984 Nigeria d’Ivoire 1-2 Africa Rd 1
30/10/1983 Nigeria Ghana 1-2 OGq
15/10/1983 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 OGq
01/05/1983 Nigeria Ethiopia 1-0 A/Ababa Final
21/07/1978 Nigeria Algeria 0-0 A/ Games Rd 1
08/03/1978 Nigeria Ghana 1-1 Africa Rd 1
04/09/1977 Nigeria Nigeria 1-2 Ecowas Games
31/08/1975 Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
24/08/1975 Nigeria Ghana 1-2 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
17/08/1974 Nigeria Nigeria 1-0 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
11/08/1974 Nigeria Nigeria 1-1 Nigeria/Ghana Festival
25/02/1973 Nigeria Ghana 1-1 WCq
10/02/1973 Nigeria Nigeria 3-2 WCq(FIFA 2-0)
08/01/1973 Nigeria Nigeria 2-4 African Games Rd 1
18/05/1969 Nigeria Ghana 1-1 WCq
10/05/1969 Nigeria Nigeria 1-2 WCq
23/12/1967 Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 Azikwe Cup
17/10/1967 Nigeria Ghana 2-1 Azikwe Cup
28/09/1967 Nigeria Ghana 1-1 Friendly
12/02/1967 Nigeria Ghana 2-0 Azikwe Cup
28/01/1967 Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 Azikwe Cup
07/11/1965 Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Azikwe Cup
30/10/1965 Nigeria Nigeria 4-0 Azikwe Cup
23/02/1963 Nigeria Ghana 5-0 Nkrumah Cup Sf
10/11/1962 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Friendly
17/12/1961 Nigeria Ghana 5-1 Friendly
01/06/1961 Nigeria Ghana 3-0 Friendly
30/04/1961 Nigeria Ghana 2-2 Ancq
08/04/1961 Nigeria Nigeria 0-0 Ancq
29/10/1960 Nigeria Nigeria 1-1 In’dence Cup
09/10/1960 Nigeria Nigeria 3-0 Nkrumah Cup
10/09/1960 Nigeria Nigeria 2-2 WCq
28/08/1960 Nigeria Ghana 4-1 WCq
21/11/1959 Nigeria Ghana 5-2 Jalco Cup
25/10/1959 Nigeria Ghana 4-1 OGq
10/10/1959 Nigeria Nigeria 1-3 OGq
25/10/1958 Nigeria Nigeria 2-3 Jalco Cup
27/10/1957 Nigeria Ghana 3-3 Jalco Cup
27/10/1956 Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 Jalco Cup
30/10/1955 Nigeria Ghana 7-0 Jalco Cup
30/10/1954 Nigeria Nigeria 0-3 Jalco Cup
11/10/1953 Nigeria Ghana 1-0 Jalco Cup
20/10/1951 Nigeria Nigeria 0-5 Jalco Cup
28/05/1950 Nigeria Ghana 1-0 Friendly
WCq — World Cup qualifier
OGq — Olympic Games qualifier
Africa — Nations Cup
Overall against Nigeria
Country P W D L GF GA
59 24 19 16 98 68
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