The announcement was made on Sunday via Kotoko’s official Twitter handle two days after Steven Polack was fired by the team on returning from Congo Brazzaville, where they had lost 7-6 on penalties to CARA in the CAF Confederations Cup first round qualifiers.

Fabin is heading back to club management after his time with the national U-17 team. He guided the team to the final of the 2017 African U-17 Championships in Gabon, and also to the quarter finals of the U-17 World Cup in India.

He goes into his second stint with Kotoko following his 2009-2012 working period.

He has been tasked to “guide the Porcupines while managing talents at the club for overall success.”

One of the talents he will be working with is Ibrahim Danlad, who was the 2017 Black Starlets’ main goalkeeper.

Kotoko starts the new Ghana Premier League campaign with a match away to WAFA on the weekend of March 2-4.

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By:Nathan Quao/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Kotoko appointed Polack in May 2017 and he led them to win the 2017 MTN FA Cup after they beat Hearts of Oak 3-1 in Tamale. The feat qualified them to the CAF Confederation Cup.

The club made the announcement on Friday in a statement signed by its communications director, Obed Acheampong.

It appears the club’s exit from the Confederation Cup sealed Polack’s fate. In the first leg 1-0 victory, Kotoko missed three penalties and missed another three in the penalty shootout in the second leg leading to the loss and exit.

Kotoko will face WAFA in the opening week of the 2018 Ghana Premier League season on March 4.

By: Citi Sports

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Asante Kotoko started the stronger of the two sides and mounted pressure on the CARA defence immediately from kick off. Emmanuel Gyamfi won two quick corners which were both wasted.

Within the first 5 minutes, Kotoko had pinned CARA back and the constant pressure resulted in the first major incident of the game on 7 minutes.

Kotoko were awarded a penalty after a CARA defender handled the ball in the area. Sadick Adams, playing his first competitive game since the FA Cup final, stepped up and put his effort well wide from 10 yards.

The missed penalty appeared to have taken some momentum away from Kotoko as they struggled to create any clear-cut chances despite dominating possession. Sadick Adams shot a free-kick wide before Wahab Adams put a wild effort into the stands.

Kotoko found their rhythm again on the half-hour mark with Eric Donkor’s free-kick flying inches wide before Kwame Boahene’s super20-yard strike was tipped into the crossbar by Massa Chancel in the CARA goal.

But Kotoko’s incessant attacks almost cost them as Thouey Rox snuck in between Adams and Nafiu, raced into the penalty area and unleashed a carpet strike that seemed destined for the bottom left corner. But Felix Annan stretched full length to push it out with aplomb.

On the stroke of half-time, Amos Frimpong latched onto a loose ball from Baba Mahama’s corner but his effort was cleared off the line.

It summed up a frustrating first half for the Porcupine Warriors as CARA headed into the break the happier of the two sides.

The second half began much like how the first ended with Kotoko dominating without really created chances. On the 60th minute, Kotoko were awarded a penalty again after Kwame Boahene’s quick feet proved too hot to handle by Filanckembo Lopez who hacked him down on the box.

Captain Amos Frimpong stepped up, and put a feeble effort down the bottom right corner which Chansel collected without sweat. The fans were now truly in disbelief.  They were convinced it was not their day.

Moments later, Kotoko were awarded a third penalty, won by Kwame Boahene again. Baba Mahama elected himself and put it straight into the arms of Chansel. The disbelief had now reached monumental levels as Kotoko fans began to boo their own players.

But it could have been worse as CARA were given a penalty after Wahab Adams pulls down Espoie in the box after CARA broke forward. Chansel, who had saved 2 Kotoko penalties and was now full of confidence, chose to take it, but Felix Annan was not to be outdone as he saved brilliantly to his left.

Kotoko were desperately in need of a spark as coach Steve Polack brought on attackers Obed Owusu, Yakubu Mohammed and Sarfo Gyamfi for the ineffective Jordan Opoku, Eric Donkor Connor and Emmanuel Gyamfi respectively.

With six minutes of injury time left to play and Kotoko were awarded their third penalty and the fourth of the match. Yakubu Mohammed stepped up and smashed it past the keeper to give Kotoko a needed 1-0 victory ahead of the second leg in Brazaville in 10 days time.

By: Fentuo Tahiru/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Kotoko defeated Hearts 3-1, courtesy a first-half from striker Saddick Adams, to clinch their second FA Cup title in 4 years.

CEO Dr. Kwame Kyei promised the entire playing body GH¢5000 each after the win and that promise was redeemed on Tuesday afternoon much to the delight of the players.

Promise redeemed! 5K Richer! 

Dr Kwame Kyei, this morning, paid each player GH¢5,000 as winners package after FA cup win.#AKSC  pic.twitter.com/VL9qfvAsMc

— Asante Kotoko SC (@AsanteKotoko_SC) October 31, 2017

Kotoko received a total sum of GH¢150,000 for their victory and have also been rewarded with a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

The win takes Kotoko to 10 Cup wins, one clear of Hearts on the competition’s all-time winners list.

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By: Daniel Koranteng/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Kotoko players GH¢5000 richer after receiving FA Cup bonuses appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Great Olympics needed to beat Bechem United in Bechem but that did not happen as Ahmed Toure scored for the home side after two minutes.

That was how the match ended to push Bechem United to 12th place on 41 points while Olympics stayed in 15th place with 37 points.

Tema Youth lost 2-0 to Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park thanks to goals from Seth Larbi Appiah. Chelsea ended the season in 8th place on 42 points while Tema Youth finished 14th on 37 points.

Asante Kotoko fell out of the top four places after suffering they were beaten 2-1 by Liberty Professionals in Dansoman.

Baba Mahama placed Kotoko in the lead in the first half but goals from Samuel Sarfo and Samuel Annan gave Liberty three points and 11th place in the final standings with 41 points.

AshGold were successful in their bid to stay up in the league after defeating newly-crowned champions, Aduana Stars, 4-2 at the Len Clay Stadium.

Hans Kwofie scored for the Miners in the 28th, 39th, 47th and 62nd minutes while Derrick Sasraku and Elvis Opoku got the goals for Aduana Stars.

Kwofie’s quadruple ensured that he finished top of the scorer’s chart with 17 goals; two more than Berekum Chelsea’s Stephen Sarfo.

Elmina Sharks were 2-0 winners over Wa All Stars with the goals coming from Felix Addo and Eric Osei. The result gave Sharks 42 points and 9th place in their debut season in the Ghana Premier League.

Wa All Stars finished 6th on 42 points.

Joseph Esso was on the score sheet for Ebusua Dwarfs as they beat Bolga All Stars 4-1 in Tamale.

He was the team’s most outstanding player in their last three matches and he got his goal in the 37th minute to add to two strikes from Stephen Bentil.

Ato Mensah scored the fourth for Dwarfs while Latif Abubakar got the consolation for Bolga All Stars.

Dwarfs finished the season in 4th place with 43 points at the expense of Asante Kotoko.

There were season-ending draws for Hearts of Oak and WAFA. Hearts drew goalless with Inter Allies in Accra and WAFA got a 1-1 draw with Medeama.

Hearts finished 3rd on the league table with 48 points while Inter Allies got 40 points and 13th place. WAFA picked second place with 51 points while Medeama placed 7th.

Match week 30 recorded 1 away win, 5 home wins, 2 draws and 21 goals were scored overall.

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By: Citi Sports

The post GHPL: Olympics, Tema Youth relegated as Kotoko miss Top 4 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The match was supposed to have been played on Sunday but heavy rains forced a postponement.

For large periods, the match did not open up but Medeama started to create chances in the second half.

The failed to put them away and that was the same situation with Kotoko leading to a goalless draw in regulation time.

8 minutes into the first half of extra time, the ball was not cleared by Medeama from their penalty box and Kotoko forward Adams struck to give the Porcupine Warriors the lead.

Medeama tried to get back into the match and they went close in the 116th minute but Kotoko cleared their lines hurriedly and survived.

The result sets up a juicy MTN FA Cup final between rivals Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko on October 29 in Tamale.

It will be the first time the two teams will face each other in the FA Cup since their last date in 1990.

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By: Citi Sports

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The decision to postpone the match indefinitely follows the tragic accident involving Asante Kotoko on their way to Kumasi after their Match Day 22 league match with Inter Allies in Accra.

The PLB is deeply saddened by the development, and expresses its deepest commiseration to Asante Kotoko. Our prayers and thoughts are with family of Mr Thomas Asare, the departed Assistant Equipment Manager, and we pray to Almighty God to heal the injured players and officials.

A PLB delegation has been despatched to visit Kumasi Asante Kotoko in Kumasi to express the Board’s support in this difficult time.

Meanwhile the PLB has directed all club officials and players to wear red and black armbands for the seven Match DAY 23 matches, which will go ahead as scheduled, except that the matches have been moved to Sunday instead of the earlier announced Saturday. The only Saturday match will be the televised game between Bechem United and Bolga All Stars.

The PLB has further directed the observation of a minute silence in honour of the departed official of Kotoko before all Match Day 23 Premier League matches.

Finally, the PLB commends all those who assisted Kotoko during the difficult moment, as well as Okwawu United, who made their bus available to transport injured Kotoko players to Kumasi.

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Source: GFA

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The team was returning to Kumasi after their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Inter Allies at the El-Wak stadium, when the bus they were travelling in ran into a truck which was parked in the middle of the road.

One person has already been reported dead, with several injured as a result. Kotoko’s biggest rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak were the first club to send their support to the club via social media and other clubs followed in the same vein.

The hashtag #PrayForKotoko is also the number one trend in Ghana.

Hearts of Oak

Please, please, please, GOD! Do not let this news we are hearing about our brothers Asante Kotoko be true. #PrayForKotoko. #TogetherWeStand pic.twitter.com/MUtjTUnnFX

— #PrayForKOTOKO (@HeartsOfOakGH) July 12, 2017

WAFA

Our thoughts and prayers are with the @AsanteKotoko_SC family on last night’s fatal accident at Nkawkaw. #Godisincontrol pic.twitter.com/QJpT8gKpwW

— WAFA SC (@WAFAcademySC) July 13, 2017

Inter Allies

Everyone at Inter Allies is saddened to learn of Asante Kotoko’s accident. Our thoughts are with them & we share their pain. #PrayForKotoko pic.twitter.com/6AsX2fptRh

— Inter Allies FC (@InterAlliesFC) July 13, 2017

Aduana

The #ogya family is deeply saddened by the news involving @AsanteKotoko_SC. Let’s say a prayer for the Kotoko family #PrayForKotoko pic.twitter.com/ahh9IlIDzD

— foaduanafc (@AduanaStarsFc) July 13, 2017

Ebusua Dwarfs

Too bad, Our thoughts and prayers are with you & speedy recovery to injured staff & players #PrayForKotoko

— Ebusua Dwarfs Fc (@Ebusua_Dwarfs) July 13, 2017

Medeama

We are saddened by the development with @AsanteKotoko_SC. Let’s stay together and pray for the team.

— Medeama SC (@MedeamaSC) July 13, 2017

Berekum Chelsea

Our Thoughts And Prayers are with the Kotoko family#PrayForKotoko pic.twitter.com/aBsDe5eYCX

— Berekum Chelsea FC (@BkmChelseaFc) July 12, 2017

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By: Daniel Koranteng/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @Dani77k

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The two teams had to play the encounter again on Monday after it was rained off on Sunday with the game tied at 1-1.

However, the new start did not bring the goals the first match had delivered.

Both teams cancelled each other out and the match was at times, marked by physicality and wild tackling.

Saddick Adams and Vincent Atingah were involved in a clash late in the game after Adams took exception to a strong tackle on him.

He went after Atingah and threw a punch in the direction of the player but referee William Agbovi failed to punish either player.

The match eventually ended goalless and a winner needed to be decided by the shootout.

Kotoko went up first and their captain Amos Frimpong found the target.

Hearts, on the hand, started poorly with Atingah missing his kick.

Evans Quao scored his kick but Robin Gnagne blasted his over the bar.

Jackson Owusu was successful as was Hearts’ Richard Akrofi.

Then, Saddick Adams finished the Phobians off with a calm penalty after a strong run-up aimed at throwing Hearts’ goalie Ben Mensah off.

Kotoko keep the trophy they won last year in addition to GHS 10, 000 in prize money.

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By: Nathan Quao/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Kotoko beat Hearts on penalties to retain UBA President’s Cup appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The match was Godwin Ablordey’s first since he was given the team to handle on an interim basis after the sacking of Zdravko Logarusic.

Kweku Asuandzie got the winning goal in the 36th minute but it could have been level if Abeiku Ainooson had put away his penalty in the 48th minute.

Kotoko are now winless in their last five league matches but they are fourth on the table with 19 points. Hearts of Oak could not get a win at home to Elmina Sharks after drawing 1-1.

Sharks took the lead in the 60th minute through Joseph Mensah but after three minutes, Winnful Cobbinah got the equaliser for Hearts to place them third on the log with 19 points.

Sharks are 10th on 14 points.

WAFA kept top spot after a good 2-0 over Bolga All Stars in Sogakope. Caleb Amankwah and Gideon Waja got the goals for WAFA who have 26 points.

Aduana Stars are now second following their 3-0 win against Tema Youth thanks to goals from Noah Martey, Nathaniel Asamoah and Mohammed Tanko. Nicholas Gyan got his 8th goal of the season as Dwarfs beat Berekum Chelsea in Cape Coast.

Gyan’s haul has already surpassed his total from last season. Dwarfs are now 8th on 16 points.

AshantiGold are still bottom of the log following their 1-0 loss to Inter Allies thanks to a goal from Prince Baffoe.

The match was the first for C.K. Akunnor who had been brought in to handle the team until the end of the season after Bashir Hayford resigned a few weeks ago. Liberty and Great Olympics drew goalless in Dansoman.

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By: Citi Sports Desk

The post GPL Week 12: WAFA stay top, Hearts held by Sharks, Kotoko lose in Wa appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.