RUMOURS: Mourinho to replace Benitez at Real Madrid

The Portuguese, who was sacked by Chelsea last week after the champions' poor start to the season, could be set for a return to the Santiago Bernabeu. Jose Mourinho could replace Rafael Benitez as Real Madrid manager, according to AS. The Portuguese was sacked by Chelsea on Thursday after the champions lost nine of their opening 16 Premier League matches, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone. Benitez's job has also come under threat this term, with Madrid two points behind league leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand. And if president Florentino Perez was to dismiss the former Liverpool boss, Mourinho could be the man to take his place in the dugout at the Santiago Bernabeu. Mourinho spent three seasons at Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning one La Liga title and one Copa del Rey.

Source: Goal

Kotoko Leave Camp For Secondi-Takoradi

Players and officials of Kotoko have left their camping base in Kumasi for the twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi ahead of Sunday’s MTN FA Cup final against Medeama at Essipong Stadium. The Porcupines are in their fourth FA Cup final since the competition bounced back in 2011 after a decade’s break. Kotoko were champions in the 2014 competition and the fabulous lads are looking forward to a successful title defence this year especially when a similar ambition in the league has failed. Kotoko and Medeama have played twice in the league this season. Both matches ended in a draw. While the Kumasi game was 1-1, that of Tarkwa was goalless. Without disagreement, many see Sunday’s clash as one that could tell which of the two teams is the best. For Coach David Duncan who joined Kotoko seven matches into the 2014/15 season, the cup final means a lot him as victory would cap what has been a reasonably good work, which has seen him lifting Kotoko from 13th to 3rd position in the league with two matches to end the season. Source: www.asantekotokosc.com

Usain Bolt Beat Justin Gatlin.

Usain Bolt beat Justin Gatlin to win the 200m and complete the sprint double at the World Championships in Beijing. Defending champion Bolt, 29, won in 19.55 seconds, with American Gatlin taking silver in 19.74 in a repeat of Sunday's 100m final. "There was never a doubt that I would win this one. I'm number one," Jamaican Bolt told BBC Sport after winning his 10th world title. South Africa's Anaso Jobodwana was third and Briton Zharnel Hughes fifth. Bolt, who will also compete in the 4x100m relay, added: "It means a lot to me. "I'm happy to be a 10-time World Championships gold medallist, especially when people have been saying I would lose. "I had the utmost confidence. As long as my coach is confident, I'm super confident. "The British people give me a lot of love and I will continue running fast." Former 200m and 400m world and Olympic champion Johnson, who is working as a pundit for the BBC, said: "Bolt came here and delivered when he's not had the best of seasons."

Hearts Of Oak Has Finally Lodged The Protest Against Asante Kotoko.

Yesterday Accra Hearts Of Oak finally lodged the protest against their rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko for using unqualified player when they played against them in the First Capital Plus Premier League. Asante Kotoko believes that the match they played against Dunkwa F.C is organized P.L.B match so if a player has a yellow card that match will cancel the yellow card because the player was not used in that match. Let's wait to see the outcome of it.

Can Accra Hearts Of Oak Lodge The Protest Against Asante Kotoko?

Accra Hearts of Oak has only today to officially lodge protest against their rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko. Accra Hearts of Oath believes Kumasi Asante Kotoko fixed unqualified player against them when they played First Capital Premier League match day 25 in Accra Sports Stadium. The player they believe he was used without qualification is Obed Owusu. By: Amofa Philip.

Togbe Afede Watched Beauty Contest As Hearts Lost To Kotoko

Hearts of Oak Board Chairman Togbe Afede XV was a special guest at a beauty pageant show in the Volta Region at the same time his club were losing 1-2 to sworn rivals Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The business mogul and President of Asogli Traditional Area in the Volta Region was a special guest at the launch of TV3's Ghana's Most Beautiful show hosted by the Volta Region. The beauty contest was held at the same time Hearts of Oak were hosting Asante Kotoko in what was the second leg of Ghana's biggest domestic football fixture. Fans of the 2000 CAF Champions League Champions have criticised the respected business man for his lack of attention for the club, and with the traditional leader opting to attend a beauty programme at the expense of the 'Super Clash will further confirm the fans agitation. The majority shareholder at the Phobian club, has also come under a barrage of attacks from some top brass of the club, claiming he is running a one-man show The accomplished businessman acquired a majority stake in Hearts in 2011 after the club realised GH¢2.5 million out of the projected GH¢ 10 million from the share floatation exercise. Hearts of Oak slipped further to the relegation zone as they were dealt a 2-1 defeat by arch rivals Asante Kotoko on Sunday in Accra. Source: Ghana Sports

Kotoko Striker Dauda Mohammed Scored The Match Winner For Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

Asante Kotoko striker Dauda Mohammed claims his side will deepen the woes of fierce rivals Hearts of Oak when they meet on Sunday in Week 26 of the Ghana Premier League. Both clubs have suffered their worst season in almost two decades after battling relegation during much of the campaign. Kotoko have been able to move three places away from safety following their 1-0 victory over leaders Ashantigold. However, Hearts are still stuck in the relegation battle. The 17-year-old believes the visiting Porcupine Warriors will be victorious but that anything less will see them slip into the battle zone. “We are aiming at winning all our matches to finish the season on a good note,” Dauda told Goal. "If we lose this game, we will be back in the relegation battle therefore we're leaving no stone unturned.” Dauda, who has scored four goals this season, also revealed that Kotoko lost to Hearts in the President's Cup as a result of a little confusion in the team but insists it has been fixed. “We had some misunderstanding before our last match against Hearts in the President's Cup, which affected our focus. Everything is back to normal so we're aiming at claiming all the points at stake,” he said. “We are charged up and set to hit Hearts on Sunday. The win against Ashantigold last weekend has given us lots of confidence and I can feel the unity in team ahead of the game.” Hearts currently lie 14th on the log with 29 points while Kotoko are 12th with 32 points. The Porcupines have won two, drawn two and lost one in their last five league games against the Phobians in Accra.

Kotoko Robbed With Armed Men.

Asante Kotoko players and staff were robbed by armed men at their hotel in Taifa, Accra, ahead of their fixture against archrivals Hearts of Oak on Sunday. According to an official, belongings of the playing body and officials were stolen after the robbers ransacked their rooms at dawn. “They stole our money, mobile phones and beat up some players too,” an official, who refused to be mentioned, disclosed to Goal. The management called an emergency meeting, which raised fears that the clash could be abandoned by the visitors. However, after another conclave this time with Ghana Premier League board, which was followed by a brief visit from Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi and his collaborators, Kotoko officials announced they would honour the fixture. Both teams are meeting in Week 25 of the GPL, which is also the return leg of their first encounter won by Hearts 1-0. The Porcupines are 12th on the log with 32 points while the Phobians are stuck in the relegation zone on 14th position with 29 points.

Angry Citizens Of Wa Demonstrates Against Government White Paper Of Targeting Their Son Kwasi Nyantakyi.

Some aggrieved citizens in the Upper West Regional Capital, Wa, on Saturday embarked on a demonstration against the government white paper on the Brazil 2014 Presidential Commission of Inquiry, claiming the report is only to witch hunt their 'son' Kwesi Nyantakyi.

The group numbering over 50,marched through the principal streets of the Wa Municipality chanting the name of Ghana President John Mahama and warning the NDC government to "forget about election 2016" if Kwesi Nyantakyi is not "left alone".

According to reports contained in the Government White Paper on the Justice Dzamefe Commision, The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and its President Kwesi Nyantakyi are to be investigated by way of forensic audit for alleged financial deals towards Ghana's participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Apart from the GFA as a body, which faced investigation over various sums of money, its President, Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, faced investigations over how he spent $200,000 the state paid to him towards a friendly match while the Black Stars were preparing for the World Cu.

But the Group, calling itself the concerned citizens of Wa, says the white paper is only targeted at the GFA president whiles other culprits in the Brazil World Cup scandal have been left off the hook

Ghanasportsonline.com has gathered that the demonstration lasted for some few hours and the demonstrators have sent a petition to representatives of the government in the region to be sent to the Flagstaff House.

ghanasportsonline.com

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Relishes Chance To Play For Bayern Munich Before His Retirement From Football.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he would relish the chance to play for Bayern Munich before he retires.
The outspoken Swede has been touted for a return to AC Milan this summer, with president Silvio Berlusconi admitting only last weekend that he still wants to sign the striker despite the arrivals of Luiz Adriano and Carlos Bacca.
Ibrahimovic, however, has claimed he has one eye on playing in the Bundesliga before he retires and telegraphed his interest in the German champions specifically.
"It's certainly a league that fascinates me. Maybe one day I could play there, I still have time," the 33-year-old told 11Freunde. "If I went to Germany, I'd have to play for Bayern. They're one of the five best teams in the world."
Any prospective deal to take Ibrahimovic to the Allianz Arena would be complicated by Josep Guardiola's position as head coach, however, given the turbulent relationship between the duo during their time at Barcelona.
The former Inter forward's current contract at Parc des Princes expires in the summer of 2016.Foxsports.com

Kotoko Progressed To M.T.N FA Cup Finals.

 Kumasi Krobea Asante Kotoko today beat Dormaa Aduana Stars 3 goals to 1 in Sunyani Coronation Park to book their ticket to the finals. Kotoko is the defending is waiting for Accra Hearts of Oath and Medeama Football Club on Sunday 12th July 2015.

Di Maria Set Heart On Bayern Move.

goal.com
Angel Di Maria is looking to bring a swift end to his troubled time at Manchester United and has his heart set on Bayern Munich, while Paris St-Germain are still in the frame for his signature.

The £59.7 million man endured a difficult first year at Old Trafford following his 2014 switch from Real Madrid, with his form suffering due to a strained relationship with Louis van Gaal and the fall-out from a burglary at his home.

Goal understands that Di Maria's team of advisors have sounded out Bayern regarding a possible move, though the German outfit have not yet lodged a concrete offer with United.

The Argentine has struggled to come to terms with life in England, making only 24 starts in all competitions for United in 2014-15, and found himself increasingly overlooked for a spot in Van Gaal’s side due to the coach's reluctance to use out-and-out wingers in his starting XI.

Furthermore, Van Gaal is thought to be rather ambivalent regarding Di Maria’s future at the club, with his transfer to United having been driven by Ed Woodward rather than the manager himself.

"Lionel Messi Influence Game, Ronaldo Does Not"-- Dani Alves.

The Barcelona right-back insists his team-mate is better than the Real Madrid star because he is mo

re heavily involved in his team's moves beyond goals and assists
Barcelona right-back Dani Alves says Lionel Messi is a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo because he has more influence in matches.

The debate continues to rage on over which of the two players is the best in the world and it shows no signs of abating, with the pair seemingly getting better each year.

However, Alves insists Messi has more influence in his team's plays than Ronaldo does with Real Madrid, insisting the Portuguese star does not do anything outside of scoring goals.

"Messi is much better than Cristiano Ronaldo," he told Bola da Vez. "Messi has an influence on the play and Cristiano doesn’t. See if he has an influence on play beyond scoring goals and appearing in certain moves.

"Messi is influential, he plays and assists. Messi has a divine gift. Cristiano works hard. We have our battles, but I admire him. He is a guy with great dedication and he’s competitive.

"Ronaldo has things that I don't admire because I play for the team. I think that my team is more important than me. I think he cares little for what really matters, which is the collective side of the game.

"So much so that some criticised us during the celebration of titles while he celebrated the league top goalscorer award.”

Messi and coach Luis Enrique had a public falling out after the Argentine was left out of his side's defeat to Real Sociedad at the start of 2015, but Alves insists these things happen in football.

"Fights sometimes occur due to wanting to improve. Of course the anger existed, but it was about competing. Everything started during a match in a training session due to the interpretation of an action.

"It was a move that the coach interpreted in one way and Messi in another. Messi is very competitive and never wants to lose and his team lost and the discussion grew.

"Each one has a way of being, but we all have the same objective. Besides, fights even occur in the best families."

The Brazil international recently signed a new contract with the Catalan club, despite being heavily linked with a move away for the majority of the season. And he admits that he turned down offers to remain at Camp Nou.

"I could have signed a pre-contract with another team, but I refused," he added. "I decided to be honest to the end and focus 100 per cent on doing a great job."www.goal.com