Hearts' utility player intent on playing for Kotoko next season
Yaounde (Cameroun), 6th December, 99
The chances of Ghana’s Black Meteors in qualifying for the Sydney 2000 Olympics was made thin on Sunday when they stumbled in a replay encounter against the Young Elephants of Cameroun losing 1-2.
The Meteors, who drew 2-2 in the first match that was abandoned with four minutes of playing time left because of poor lighting at the Yaounde stadium, now face a Herculean task of having to win all their remaining matches to secure a berth in the Olympics.
Parading a crack array of foreign-based stars spiced with a few locals, the Meteors had hoped to overturn the previous deadlock in their favour but this was not to be as they were shocked by an all attacking Camerounian machine that was too hot for them to contain. The Camerounian onslaught yielded dividend in the first half as Mbida, playing on top of attack, hit the back of Ghana’s net.
In the second half Ghana lifted their game and multiplied in the homesters' goal area with Peter Ofori-Quaye, Emmanuel Bentil and Baffour Gyan looking goal-hungry. In the 80th minute, Substitute Nana Arhin Duah put Ghana on level terms when his shot flew past the Camerounian defence into the net. Ghana’s relief was short lived as substitute Legory Albert restored Cameroon's lead a minute later to give his country their first win over Ghana at any level in football in recent years.
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Hearts' utility player intent on playing for Kotoko next season
Accra (Ghana), 6th December, 99
Accra Hearts Oak's dependable star, Emmanuel Osei Kuffour says he has not changed his mind to play for Kumasi Asante Kotoko next football season although his contract with Hearts does not expire till the next two seasons.
Reacting to a publication in a sports bi-weekly in Accra on Friday, Kuffour who also plays for the national side, the Black Stars, denied having rescinded an earlier decision to quit Hearts as carried by the paper.
He said he is still contracted to Hearts but has already hinted the club’s officials of his intention to don the fabulous jersey next year claiming that Kotoko has been the team of his heart for ages.
He said as a professional he has opted for the matter to be dealt with in that capacity. "Mr. Ato Ahwoi, Hearts chief executive and Mr. Herbert Mensah of Kotoko are therefore at the negotiation table", the player said.
Kuffour said his trip to Kumasi earlier in the week had nothing to with his move to Kotoko.
"I went to Kumasi on personal grounds", he said.
Kuffour said that he went to Kumasi to visit injured Kotoko skipper, Prince Adu Poku, Kotoko’s skipper whom he described as a 'long time friend.'
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