Ayitey Powers makes a no show

Ayitey Powers

Ayitey Powers has forfeited his fight with Sena Agbeko. This came to light when he did not show up for the official weigh-in at the Conference Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Boxing Authority, Mohammed Amin Lamptey confirmed this and said that a replacement has been made for fight and Sena Agbeko’s camp is yet to confirm whether or not to take on the fight.

AllSports spoke to Sena Agbeko to get his reaction to the development and he was very disappointed.

“I am shocked at Powers’ behaviour because he has a lot of experience in the sport, both inside and outside the ring,” he said.

“He knew the appropriate channels to use to call off the fight if he didn’t want to fight me.

“By signing the fight contract and then standing us up the way he did shows how much of a coward he is on the inside,” he retorted.

“An apology to me and his fans and my fans would be the appropriate thing for him to do right now.

“However, I’m still open to fight him as and when he feels he is ready.”

Sena ‘Lord of The Ring’ Agbeko

When asked him if he thinks he is ready to take on the new fighter, he said he trains all the time. So being ready is not the issue.

“Yes, I am ready. But there are other issues that go beyond my readiness to fight and this includes the credibility of the replacement and what I stand to gain from fighting such an opponent,” he said.

“Right now, with the options put before me, I doubt if I’m ready to take on the replacement. But we are still deciding; me, my Coach and my Manager.” he concluded.

Attempts to reach Ayitey Powers’ camp for reactions were futile.

Ayitey Powers’ no show was not the only surprise at the weigh-in.

Osumanu Akaba and Prince Ofotsu were billed to fight for the WBO Africa Lightweight belt but the former did not show up for the weigh-in.

Mr. Amin Lamptey bemoaned such behaviour of some boxers but encouraged the ones who did show up to take the opportunity and fight because one never knows when a breakthrough would come through for him.

The fight night which is under SOAQ Empire Gloves Promotions will promises to be an exciting one despite the hitches that seem to be coming up.

 

Posted on September 29, 2012

 

I will fight a smart fight – Sena Agbeko

– Sena Agbeko

Sena Agbeko seems to have his game plan all thought out for his fight against a much older Ayitey Powers, when they have a go at each other on Saturday, 29^thSeptember.

AllSports spoke with the one also known as ‘Lord of The Ring’ on Friday morning before the official weigh-in and he gave us a sneak peek into his strategy to face his more experienced opponent.

When we asked Sena about his thoughts of his opponent, he acknowledged that Ayitey was more experienced than he was but he had a plan.

“He is a hurdle of course, because he has fought some of the best boxers in the world especially in the UK,” Sena said.

“He’s lost and won fights overseas and has a lot of experience.

“But every boxer, no matter how inexperienced or over top they are, is still very strong and sharp in the opening rounds.

“So I’m just going to move around with him in the first few rounds and try to tire him out then take him out in the latter rounds.”

Sena Agbeko, who was at the time of the interview getting ready to head for the weigh-in at the Conference Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium, was quick to add that swift movement would be his advantage.

“The key to victory for me would be movement.” he said.

“If I stand with him, he’s probably going to hurt me because he’s the harder puncher. So I don’t intend to standing or trade punches with him.

“I’m just going to fight a smart fight.”

The 22-year old Agbeko has had to go through the gears, coming from the amateur ranks and getting an impressive unbeaten run of 11-0, 11 Kos under his belt.

The young ‘Lord of The Ring’, will be taking on the tough task of beating Ayitey Powers, who has a record of 18 wins, 18 losses and a draw in his 37 fights.

– Ayitey Powers

Ayitey has faced some top guns in the sports, beating Joshua ‘Bukom Tsatsu’ Okine and facing former world champion Joshua Clottey, current WBO Light Heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly and recent IBF title challenger Osumanu Adama.

The student of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, who is known for his knock out record, said he’s looking to repeat the same feat albeit by means quite different from his previous fights.

“I’m not going for a one punch knockout but I’m looking to tire him out and beat him to submission,” Sena said.

“I’m hoping it would be over by the 6^th round or earlier. But you never know.

“Nevertheless, I’m still winning. Hopefully, it will be 12 and 12 KO’s at the end of it all.” he concluded.

Can someone say AMBITIOUS??

– Sena Agbeko

The fight night which is under SOAQ Empire Gloves Promotions will see seven (7) other fights and one of them to look out for will be the match for the Ghana Super Welterweight title between Ishmael Tetteh and Issah Samir.

In the other fights, Joshua Barnor is billed to face Asamoah Wilson for the World Boxing Federation (Africa) Super Batamweight title while Osumanu Akaba and Prince Ofotsu will fight for the WBO Africa Lightweight belt.

Frank Dogbe and Dodge Kermans will brawl in an 8-round Welterweight contest, Issac Ekpo will fight Boniface Kabore in a Super Middleweight clash, George Banson and Habib Mohammed will fight for the Ghana Super Middleweight championship and Alfred Tetteh will face off with Andey Kumah for the Super Bantamweight.

 

Posted on September 28, 2012

 

Tell Ayitey Powers that I am in a higher class – Bukom Banku

– Braimah Kamoko aka Bukom Banku

Braimah Kamoko, popularly known in Ghana as Bukom Banku, has come out to squash all speculations by colleague boxer Ayitey Powers that they have an engagement on the Baby Jet Promotions bill set to come off on November 11 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The 2011 Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Professional Boxer of the year said that his ambition is to go international since he has dominated the local scene for very long.

Speaking with Sammy Heywood Okine, Braimah who is also known for his comic utterances said that he had never dreamt of fighting Ayitey Powers this year, let alone clashing with him on the Baby Jet premier Promotions bill. He said that his plan is to travel to the United States of America to fine-tune his promotional contacts and contracts with Oscar De LaHoya.

Bukom Banku laughed off the idea of a fight with Ayitey Powers and described him as “a desperate crab who just wants to hang on anything to survive.”

“I am not and never ready for Ayitey Powers who calls himself “The Crab”. Tell him I have better and mega plans I am thinking of. I am a champion who wants to fight the best and most popular, like Roy Jones Jnr and others,” Banku retorted.

“Ayitey Powers is not in my class and I will not bother myself on him. I have very serious programmes and plans of going to the USA to arrange for my next big fight. I have now patched up with my local manager, Mr Manly-Spain and I think my plans will work out.” he continued.

Braimah Kamoko who boasts of an undefeated record (22-0, 16 KO’s) admitted that there are good boxers in Ghana and Africa, but he has to go to the USA where they live and sleep boxing to make his name because he has had many fights locally.

“I am not ready to test my power on Ayitey Powers, I want to test my powers on the American, Mexican and British boxers who can earn me and my manager big money,” he said.

Finally he had a few words for Ayitey.

“Tell Ayitey Powers that I am in a higher class and on a different level so he should work hard and come to my level as I go higher,” Banku concluded.

Incidentally, Ayitey Powers is billed to fight the young Sena Agbeko on Saturday 29^th September at Lebanon House, in Tudu.

The other main fight will be the fight for the Ghana Super Welterweight title between Ishmael Tetteh and Issah Samir.

 

Posted on September 28, 2012

 

GABF holds President Mills Memorial Boxing Night

In memory of the late President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF) staged a Boxing Night on Friday, 21st September, 2012 at the Rlg/Hathiramani Sports Hall at the Accra Sports Stadium.

It was a well-attended event which saw one of the supporters’ unions present and in full voice as they added to the excitement in the hall.

The various bouts generated lots of fireworks and excitement as the amateur boxers in the Blue and Red corners exchanged punches.

Apart from the Black Bombers Team ‘B’ who took on Team ‘A’ in 10 different bouts, there were two exhibition fights that equally got the crowd going.

Initially, the plan was to do the scoring with the computer system, which would average the scores of the five judges. But there were a few technical hitches. So the scoring was done manually for five bouts.

It only started working after the first exhibition fight between Laura McGough and Jerry Lartey. So the matches from then on had the privilege of being scored digitally.

The second of the exhibition fights saw two female boxers have a go at each other. And in the spirit of the sport, there was mutual respect, but there was no holding back when the bell rang for the three-round bout.

Having fought earlier this year in an exhibition bout at the Bridge Boxing Gym, the two females faced each other again as they pursued their dreams of spear-heading women boxing in the country.

The President of the GABF, Ambassador Ray Quarcoo, could not make the event due to ill health. But other executives stood in his stead.

There were a number of dignitaries who graced the event.

In the crowd, as well, was Sena Agbeko who has a fight against Ayitey Powers on Saturday, the 29^thSeptember.

Sena Agbeko (left), Laura McGough (middle) and her Trainer (right)

Below is a summary of the night’s bouts and the results.

In the Light weight division, Michael Dodoo defeated Isaac Taylor by the judges’ score, 5-0.

In the Bantam weight division, Samuel Yaw Dodoo lost 0-5 to Abdul Wahid

Annag Ampiah lost 0-5 to Sulemanu Tetteh in the Catch weight bout.

Patrick Aryee lost 1-4 to Isaac Aryee in the light weight fight.

In the Welter weight fight, Promise Sogbe lost 0-5 to Robert Quaye.

In the exhibition fight of the night, Laura McGough fight with Jerry Lartey was adjudged as a draw, but did no lack sparks of excitement.

In the women’s bout, the officials adjudged it to be a draw between Rose Awayey and Emilia Appiah.

In another Light weight fight, Bright Ayala beat Jessie Lartey 4 – 12, with the computer scoring.

In the second Catch weight bout of the night, Jibril Ahmed narrowly beat Emmanuel Quarshie by 15-14.

Abubakar Quartey earned a walk over win as Seth Ankrah made a no show.

In the Light Welter weight bout, Benjamin Lamptey lost 8-9 to Musah Lawson.

And in the last match on the night, Sadiq Latif lost to Emmanuel Martey, 3-6.

Rose Awatey and her team

 

Posted on September 26, 2012

 

Clubs prepare for second Beach Soccer season

The Ghana Beach Soccer Association (GBSA) has confirmed Saturday 13th October as the day to kick-off to the 2012/13 Beach Soccer league season with full FIFA rules.

This comes after a challenging but exciting maiden season, which was played as a double tier league between 20 clubs and the GBSA say they expect an even more competitive season.

You will recall that AllSports reported to you that the Prampram Ghanaman Soccer Centre and La Beach Soccer Arena hosted the first ever FIFA Beach Soccer technical course navigated by FIFA instructor Talib Hilal, back in In July 2012.

The FIFA official to urge Ghana to form a national beach soccer team by the end of 2012, because of the impression made on him.

The stakes have thus been raised for clubs, officials and players alike in a bid to be part of the historic national beach soccer team.

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, President of the GBSA, is confident that with the new partnership and support from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), beach soccer can meet the high expectations and match FIFA’s challenge.

He however cautions that there will not be a rush to form a national team if the right structures and conditions are not in place.

”We are all excited by the confidence and encouragement from FIFA and indeed, the date and venue for the CAF qualifiers for the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup are yet to be determined but in order to form a team to play qualifiers, we need to follow the right path and do things the right way with the GFA’s full input and support” he said to worlsportscentre.com.

The GBSA is also in talks with a few Ghanaian and international sports marketing experts in the USA, Spain, France and the UK who can advise on how best to take beach soccer in Ghana to the next level.

Even though beach soccer has been played for fun in Ghana for many years, it was only in 2008 that the first official competition was organised at the La Pleasure Beach resort.

Following that success, there have been coastal competitions in Senya Bereku in the Central region, Ada/Prampram in Greater Accra and Keta in the Volta region.

CAL Bank’s initial sponsorship of Gh¢ 40,000 for the 2011/12 season, meant that the association was able to organise two leagues simultaneously before another sponsor Clementia Contacto from South Africa got on board with a Gh¢ 25,000 package for the Division 1 league.

Keta Sunset from the Volta region emerged winners to claim the Championship title whilst Teshie United were crowned Division 1 Champions and with it automatic promotion to the top tier.

 

Posted on September 25, 2012

 

Sena Agbeko faces tough test against Ayitey Powers

On the night of September 29 at the Lebanon House in Accra, Sena Agbeko is billed to face his toughest test yet. He will fight against a relatively more experienced Ayitey Powers.

Agbeko has had to go through the gears, coming from the amateur ranks and getting an impressive unbeaten run of 11-0, 11 Kos under his belt. The 22-year old, will be taking on the tough task of beating Ayitey Powers, who has a record of 18 wins, 18 losses and a draw in his 37 fights.

Ayitey has faced some top guns in the sport, beating Joshua ‘Bukom Tsatsu’ Okine and facing former world champion Joshua Clottey, current WBO Light Heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly and recent IBF title challenger Osumanu Adama.

But the ironically soft-spoken ‘Lord of The Ring’ says he will not be intimidated.

“I have been training so I’m in good form to face Powers. I respect him, but it will be all business in the ring.” Sena said.

This fight will be one of the headliners to look out for on the night, which will have eight (8) bouts in all. The other main fight will be the match for the Ghana Super Welterweight title between Ishmael Tetteh versus Issah Samir.

Joshua Barnor will face Asamoah Wilson for the World Boxing Federation (Africa) Super Batamweight title while Osumanu Akaba and Prince Ofotsu will fight for the WBO Africa Lightweight belt

The other bouts will be between Frank Dogbe and Dodge Kermans in an 8-round Welterweight contest, Issac Ekpo versus Boniface Kabore in a Super Middleweight clash, George Banson and Habib Mohammed for the Ghana Super Middleweight championship and Alfred Tetteh versus Andey Kumah for the Super Batamweight.

 

Posted on September 22, 2012

 

Controversy rocks Accra Milo Marathon

Year in year out controversy seems to rock the Accra Milo Marathon. Despite assurance from the assistant brands manager of Nestle Ghana Limited, Marilyn Agyeiwaa Ofori, that security will be beefed up this year round, the case was no different.

The beef up in the number of security personnel was directed at checking that athletes would not cheat by joining in at points along the route. Checks and balances were employed in the form of ribbons and wristbands at various points of the race.

Yet, some athletes managed to sneak their way through. Some were found out, while there were allegations of some athletes not being nabbed.

All of these do not top the most interesting occurrence on the day. One athlete had to swear by a local deity, so he could get what he called ‘justice’.

Godwin Oduro, a second year student of the University of Ghana, Legon had a lot to say about the frustrations faced in the Accra Milo Marathon.

Godwin Oduro participated in the 26th edition of the Accra Milo Marathon

He narrated his ordeal to AllSports and our cameras were there to capture the controversial spectacle.

He told us that there were manipulations by officials for some favoured athletes, but his ordeal started with the purchase of the registration forms. He said the forms were supposedly finished as at Wednesday (19^thSeptember) but he and some others got to purchase the forms at 8pm on Thursday (20^th September) at an inflated price of Gh¢ 20 instead of Gh¢ 5.

Now, on the day of the race, having run the whole 42.2km race, he was told at the finish line that he had been disqualified because it was believed he had cheated. He was livid and none of his remonstrations could persuade the officials to listen to him.

Godwin Oduro threatening to invoke ‘Antoa’

Godwin Oduro still threatening

At this point, he swore by a local Ghanaian deity to frighten the officials, and it worked very well for him.

“I begged them with Jesus, but they would not even listen to me,” Godwin said.

“So I had no option but to threaten them with what would scare them. I told them that I would curse by ‘Antoa’. And they called me to give me a tag for my position.” he said.

Frustrated Godwin

“Initially, I was given a tag for 33^rd, but when they disqualified me they took it away. So the final tag I was given was for the 40^th position.”

Asked about why he employed such means, he said he was pushed to that point because he was frustrated.

“You know, some Ghanaians say God is slow to act and He may not even act because He will show mercy. So I used what I knew would scare them.”

“I used to train with one coach by name Coach Zebra, who was an official at the finish line, and I know what he dabbles in.”

“I don’t believe in ‘Antoa’ but under the circumstances, I was pushed to use that threat.”

The Mathematics and Economics student, who participated in the All University Games in China last year, also cited some more vices that officials engage in.

“The officials have some of their own athletes competing, so they reserve some of the position tags for them. You will notice that you came ahead of someone and you were given let’s say a tag for 50^th but someone came after you and he will be given a tag for 35^th and this is not fair.” he said.

This allegation was also corroborated by some participants who were witnessing the interview.

Asked how he felt about a Kenyan winning the event, he said it would push Ghanaians to work harder.

“It’s unfortunate for us that a Ghanaian couldn’t win, but it could be a good thing because it will make us work harder.”

He also had an appeal.

“Also I want to plead with the National Sports Council and authorities of the Universities to help long distance runners participate in external tournaments. The usually exclude long distance disciplines but this does not help Ghana.” he concluded.

In a related issue, the second-placed mass sports male runner, Yandal Joseph of the Ghana Police Force, said that a non-Ghanaian winning the tournament could be a blessing in disguise.

Yandal Joseph

“We can look at this as a blessing in disguise because it could be a mental push for the Ghanaians to do much more.” Joseph said.

“The only thing is that when we [Ghanaians] participate in similar international tournaments and we win, our price package is still less than the first athlete from that country. It happened when we went to Burkina Faso. But it just shows that Ghana is very fair.”

We hope the next event will see a reduction in the number of these incidences which mar the hard work of organizers and sponsors.

Posted on September 22, 2012

 

Kenyan wins 26th Accra Milo Marathon event

For the second time in the 27-year history of the event, a non-Ghanaian has won the Accra Milo Marathon.

– Alex Kimeli, winner of the 26th edition

Kenyan Alex Kimeli emerged the winner of the grand prize ahead of the numerous other Ghanaian athletes, with a time of 2 hours, 26 minutes.

– Alex Kimeli, about to cross the finish line

Kimeli follows in the footsteps of Nigerian Hagack Gideon, who won the event in 1994.

At the coronation event, Kimeli was presented with the coveted GH¢ 10,000 grand prize and assorted products from sponsors Nestle and Voltic.

The 2^nd place went to Yandal Joseph, with the Ghana Police Force, who also walked away with GH¢ 7,000 and products from sponsors Nestle and Voltic. While the 3^rd position went to Seth Nyamaa-Boadi, a student from the University of Education, Winneba. He walked away with GH¢ 5,000 and products from the sponsors.

– Alex (middle) flanked by Joseph (left) and Seth (right)

 

When AllSports spoke to Kimeli, he expressed delight at his win, but talked about the lack of stiff competition.

“I’m very happy to have won this event, especially as it is an international win for me.”

“To be honest, I could have done better. If there was competition, I would have clocked a better time. You know, the weather in Ghana is much more humid, which makes it more difficult to run. But apart from that, the other competitors didn’t push me,” he said.

“When we started the race, there were a number of athletes who were with me. But when we got to the 25 kilometre mark, I looked back and there was no one with me. So I ran at my own pace through to the finish.”

“I didn’t feel pushed. But it’s still a good win.”

We also asked him about his plans for the future.

“I will go back and see my schedule with my coach and decide what to do next. I have a competition lined up but I will keep training and make plans for more competitions.”

One name that was conspicuously missing was that of five-time champion, David Zigah. He placed 9^th this time round. He last won the title in 2006.

The 42.2km race also had the females competing and Elizabeth Bortsor of Ghana Police came 1^st with a time of 3:02:15. Elizabeth started running at age 10 and won the Junior event three times. Having come 2^ndlast year, it was very gratifying for her to will the ultimate prize this year. She also walked away with GH¢ 10,000 grand prize and assorted products from sponsors Nestle and Voltic.

– Elizabeth Bortsor, 1st place

Gifty Abbey, with Prisons Service who happened to place 3^rd last year, came 2^nd with a time of 3:08:21. Gifty was awarded GH¢ 7,000 and products from sponsors.

The 3^rd place finish went to Josephine Kwakye with a time of 3:13:33. Josephine, who is also with Ghana Police, placed 7^th last year. She was awarded GH¢ 5,000 and also got products from the sponsors.

Mr. Daniel Tackie Welbeck, who is the Chairman of the Dansoman Keep Fit Club addressed the gathering and extolled the works of Nestle, who have consistently sponsored the event all these years. He also talked about the importance and need to exercise stressing on its health benefits.

– Mr. Daniel Tackie Welbeck, Chairman of the Dansoman Keep Fit Club

He also said that the club has decided to start a Mini Olympics next year, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, to unearth and nurture future talents. He appealed to Nestle, the financial institutions and corporate bodies to sustain this concept.

The Managing Director of Nestle Ghana Ltd., Mr. Moataz El Hout, also addressed the gathering and congratulated all winners and participants. He said that the aim of Nestle is to unearth talents who, in the next few years, will shine for Ghana at subsequent Olympic Games.

Mr. Moataz El Hout, Managing Director of Nestle Ghana Ltd.

There was no shortage of fun and entertainment as children from St. Mary’s Primary School put up an acrobatic display.

– Girls from St. Mary’s Primary School

The toast of the entertainment session was a performance by Ronnie Coches of the group ‘Buk Bak’ and pope Skinny, as they got the crown going with their songs, old and new.

– Pope Skinny and Ronnie Coches of ‘Buk Bak’ Fame

There was a category for boys and girls under the age of 15. Below is a list of the winners.

Boys

1. Mustapha Alhassan – Ashanti Region
2. Segbefia Seyeram – Volta region
3. Phillip Apuri – Upper East Region

Girls

1. Sakat Lariba – Upper East Region
2. Amevor Jessica – Volta region
3. Sagbil Sandra – Upper East Region

Overall, it was a well-attended event with many participants, and was largely successful.

Posted on September 21, 2012

 

Ghanaian players in UEFA Europa League action

A number of Ghanaian internationals who ply their trade in Europe may get a chance to represent their clubs in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

The Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan, will be in action for Marseille when they travel to face Fenerbache at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Turkey. After the brothers combined for Jordan to get the only goal for Marseille in their away win over Nancy over the weekend, they will be key in this Europe outing as Marseille’s have never won a game in Turkey.

Udinese midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu returned to training on Monday after his spell on the treatment table to attend to a nagging shoulder injury. He is a boost for Coach Francesco Guidolin and is himself pumped up for the game. They host Russian giants Anzhi Makhachkala and may face off against fellow African Samuel Eto’o, who scored five goals in qualifying for the group stage.

Agyemang-Badu’s tweet

FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk duo of Derek Boateng and Samuel Inkoom will hope to make an appearance for Coach Juande Ramos’ Ukrainian side as they host PSV Eindhoven. It has been 27 years since both teams last met; that time Dnipro got the better of a PSV. PSV will come spewing venom and vengeance but Dnipro have lost only one of their last nine European home games (1-0 against KKS Lech Poznań in the 2010/11 UEFA Europa League play-offs), recording five wins and three draws during that run. It will be an exciting fixture.

One time Black Stars captain, John Pantsil, may get to continue his good form for Coach Nitzan Shirazi’s Tel Aviv-based club, Hapoel, as they attempt to halt the blistering run of Atlético Madrid’s 13 European match wins. The sides have never met before and this is Atlético’s first meeting with an Israeli club. And it goeas without saying that the one to look out for is 26-year old Radamel Falcao García.

Falcao has won back-to-back UEFA Europa League titles, with FC Porto and then Atlético, finishing top scorer both seasons. With such an asset, Atlético coach Diego Simeone has the odds on his side.

Midfielder Awal Issah could also be in the fray for Norwegian giants Rosenborg when they make a rapid trip to Vienna to duel with Sportklub Rapid Wien in the Gerhard Hanappi Stadium.

Quincy Owusu Abeyie may also make it for the Panathinakos party which will travel to Maribor, Slovenia to face NK Mariborv. The sides are meeting for the first time in the UEFA competition and Maribor, who are yet to win a group stage game in this competition, will seek to change the trend.

Internazionale will host Russian side Rubin Kazan again, after having encountered the then Russian title holders in the 2009/10 UEFA Champions League. After winning that fixture by two unanswered goals (from Samuel Eto’o and Balotelli), they will look to repeat that feat in their opening UEFA Europa League Group H fixture. Ghanaian youngster Joseph Alfred Duncan is unlikely to be part of the Inter Milan squad but we wait to see.

Stick with allsports.com.gh as we will bring you a roundup of all their performances in Thursday’s matches.

 

Ghana petitions FIFA to replace Fuseini

Ghana’s women U-17 team player, Amina Fuseini, has suffered an injury and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has put in a request to FIFA have her position filled by Berlinda Anane.

The Black Maidens player is a member of the squad preparing to make a third straight appearance at the U-17 World Cup, but has suffered a setback. Fuseini has since returned home after she suffered an injury in training and has been ruled out of the tourney.

The GFA is awaiting response from FIFA to have Berlinda Anane take the place of the injured player.

The World Cup is to be held in Azerbaijan and kicks off on Saturday. The Black Maidens, coached by Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, will open their campaign against Germany on Sunday in Group D.

They will also face Uruguay and China PR in the tough group.

Posted on September 20, 2012