REPORTS: SCHLUPP, ACCAM, AKAMINKO DROPPED FROM GHANA SQUAD

coming in from the Netherlands indicates that Leicester City left back Jeffery Schlupp, Helsinburg winger David Accam and Eskirshirspor defender Jerry Akaminko have been dropped from the 26 man squad by head coach Kwasi Appiah.

The decision means the Ghanaian tactician has now got his final 23 who will represent Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Reports indicate, the decision to drop Akiminko came about after the team doctors confirmed he can’t be available for the team before June 16^th when Ghana play their first game with the US.

The 26 year old picked up an ankle injury in Saturday’s pre-World Cup friendly against the Netherlands in Rotterdam and was stretched off in injury time.

The selected 23 players will now enplane to Miami (USA) to take on South Korea in another warm up game before they leave for Brazil.

By Frank Darkwah

Follow Frank Darkwah on twitter.@Blaqqkoffi

GHANA’S GROUP OPPONENT PORTUGAL HELD BY GREECE IN WARM UP GAME.

Ghana’s Group G opponent Portugal were held to a goalless draw game by fellow European counterparts Greece at the National Stadium in Lisbon on Saturday.

Portugal who missed the services of marksman Cristiano Ronaldo who is recovering from an injury suffered at his club Real Madrid.

Paulo Bento’s men were also exposed by the absence of midfielder Joao Moutinho and defender Ricardo Pepe who are all recovering from series of injuries.

The results thus will not be convincing for Portuguese team ahead of the tournament but will still hope to begin a good campaign with Germany on June 16^th.
 
Ghana will however face Portugal on June 26^th in Fortaleza.



By Frank Darkwah
Follow Frank Darkwah on twitter.@Blaqqkoffi

INJURY BLOW FOR GHANA AS AKAMINKO IS STRETCHED OFF IN FRIENDLY AGAINST HOLLAND

Black Stars head coach Kwasi Appiah received an injury blow in his camp just on the eve of naming his final 23 to the World Cup as defender Jerry Akaminko was stretched off in the team’s Pre-World cup friendly with the Netherlands.

Akaminko who is arguably one of Ghana’s potential defenders at the Brazil tournament was stretched off in the 90^th minutes when he picked up an ankle injury after landing awkwardly on his feet.  

Although the state of the injury has not been confirmed, the Ghanaian tactician will be hoping to get his back liner fit before naming his final squad on Sunday.

By Frank Darkwah

Follow Frank Darkwah on twitter.@Blaqqkoffi

BLACK STARS FALL 1-0 TO THE NETHERLANDS IN PRE-WORLD CUP FRIENDLY

The Black Stars of Ghana on Saturday evening lost 1-0 to Holland in their first of two Pre- World Cup friendly in Rotterdam.

The game which was the first major test for the team ahead of the World Cup saw Ghana fall at the De Kuip Arena.

A 5^th minutes goal by Manchester United forward Robin Van Persie was all the“Oranje” needed to snatch victory of their African counterparts.

The Netherlands broke through the Ghana defense after a perfect one-two between Arjeen Robin and  Wesley Sneijder which saw the later laying a sweet pass to Van Persie to slot the ball in from close range.

Ghana who failed to get any attempt on goal in the first half made few changes in the second half but could not yield any results.

The team will now travel to the US to face South Korea in their second warm up game before they embark to Brazil on June 9^th .

Meanwhile Kwasi Appiah is expected to name his final 23 latest by tomorrow 1^st June.

By Frank Darkwah

Follow Frank Darkwah on twitter.@Blaqqkoffi

RABIU MOHAMMED EAGERLY LOOKING FORWARD TO HOLLAND FRIENDLY

After a five day training section in Arnhem with his colleagues, Black Stars midfielder Rabiu Mohammed is eagerly looking forward to the big friendly game against the “Oranje” of Holland on Saturday.

The workaholic midfielder who was earlier on reported to have been injured posted on his official twitter page; “Bye Arnhem!! Next stop is Rotterdam!! Game against Holland tomorrow. Looking forward to it”.

The tall lanky midfielder has been an important member of the squad ever since he made his tournament debut for the Black Stars in the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

The 24 year old hard working player is expected to be named in the final 23 to the Brazil tournament after the game against Holland.

By Frank Darkwah

Follow Frank Darkwah on twitter.@Blaqqkoffi