ACCC 2018: Elizabeth Opoku restores GRA’s confidence

    Source: isports360.com | December 18, 2018 Defending champions GRA ladies were given a bit of scare in their match day three fixture against debutants USIU. The champions however managed to grab all maximum points courtesy Elizabeth Opoku to pick up their first win of the competition. Ghana Police and Telkom were also winners on the day in their respective games against Kada Queens and Delta Queens at the Abuja National stadium. GRA who have been misfiring throughout the competition with no goal scored so far stepped onto the turf to win at all cost. The likes of Elizabeth Opoku, Vivian Narkuoh and Ernestina Coffie who had not been impressive in the first two matches knew they need to step up. USIU played so well in the opening minutes but failed to make any impact in the scoring circle. The debutants who have managed just a point in two games gave the champions a tough one in the first quarter but the scoreline did not change after the first 15 minutes. GRA regrouped tactically and eventually got their opener in th 24th minute; Elizabeth Opoku who was left unmarked in the scoring circle hit the ball past Ochia Bella in post after the ball came off the goalkeeper from the first effort. The champions for the first time in the competition were in the lead and on course to victory. USIU fought back very well but failed to hit the back of the net. The match ended with GRA 1-0 winners. Telkom then engaged Delta Queens in the second match of the women’s category. The home crowd in their numbers cheered Delta Queens as they made their way onto the field. Telkom were not moved by the home crowd and their cheers. A second minute penalty corner and telkom took the lead from the stick of skipper Tracy Karanja. Tournament’s top scorer Jacqueline Wangechi double the lead with her third goal of the tournament five minutes later. Telkom with total dominance in the first quarter, took control of the second as well. The record title holders gave the host no room to create chances and got their their goal; Barbara Nekesa with a neatly converted penalty corner. Esther Billo reduced the deficit for Delta also from a penalty corner but the three goal lead was restored by Jacqueline three minutes later to hand telkom their 3rd win in as many matches. The final game of the day was between last year’s bronze medalist Ghana Police and Kada Queens. With Delta losing earlier, Kada wanted to console the home crowd with a win in this one. Still being the only side yet to score a goal at the ongoing ACCC, the Queens confidently started the game brightly and showed signs of breaking that jinx. However, it was not so as Ghana Police broke the deadlock. The law enforcers went ahead in the 13th minute from the penalty corner – Nafisaru Umaru with a drag flick into the top right corner beating goalkeeper Emmanuel Nengi. Martha Sarfoa with her second goal of the tournament made it 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining. Kada Queens tried fighting back but yet again failed to score as time run out. MATCH DAY THREE RESULTS GRA 1 – 0 USIU Delta Queens 1 – 4 Telkom Ghana Police 2 – 0 Kada Queens

    ACCC 2018: Abuja mourns as host clubs fall again

      Source: isports360.com | December 18, 2018 The curtains were brought down on match day three with two entertaining games. Spectators were treated to the most exciting day so far both off and on the field of play pertaining to the ACCC 2018. Kada Stars and Niger Flickers once again the losing sides after defeats to Eastern Company and El-Sharkia respectively. With the Exchequers, GRA game postponed, the day witnessed two games in the male category. Kada Stars who are yet to earn even a point at the ACCC played host to former ACCC champions, Eastern company. Four minutes inside the game and Eastern Company were up. An ifringement on Elnaggar inside the scoring circle attracted a penalty corner and Aboutaleb Mahmoud converted to give Eastern the lead. The lead was increased minutes later through Yassin Mohamed who added a personal second and Eastern’s third on the 10th minute mark. A quick response from Kada brought back the tempo and competitiveness of the game. A Kelvin Linus double within two minutes gave Kada a lifeline. The second quarter started with Kada looking more dangerous creating so many chances but failing to capitalize on it. ‘We should have kept our composure on the field after getting both goals but the zeal to get an equaliser let us down and we conceded the fourth. The early goals also made us a bit unsettled but we still managed to get into the game ‘, Abdullahi Ndana told isports360 after the game. Just when Kada though they were back into the game, Aboutaleb grabbed his brace from a fast break and great team play. The fifth was added on the 23rd minute courtesy Elnaggar Ahmed. John Pete managed to get his name on the scoresheet with a third goal for Kada Stars but that was all time could permit as the Nigerian league champions succumbed to their third loss in three games. The second game was similar to the first in terms of origin of clubs and the game’s competitiveness as well as the idea of a comeback which wasn’t so. Niger Flickers who had also lost their first two games engaged El-Sharkia in an attempt to revenge for fellow country club, Kada Stars . Two minutes on the clock and El-Sharkia were infront; Similar to that of Eastern – Flickers match, the opener from a penalty corner but this time was from the stick of Ali Hamada. Ahmed Gamal made it 2-0 in the 11th minute but Shanwilu Muazu’s 24th minute strike restored the hopes and confidence of Niger Flickers. Two penalty corners in succession and the Flickers thought they had equalized but Tosin’s double effort first going wide and the second straight at the goalkeeper who parried it away. It was the turn of Sharkia from a penalty corner and the defending champions restored their two-goal lead through Edres Mohamed. Ahmed Gamal scored again in the final quarter to put the game beyond Flickers’ reach. However a 55th minute penalty stroke converted by Kolo Adamu meant the final 5 minutes was decisive. Niger Flickers pushed all men upfront in search of a third and possibly the equaliser but all efforts fruitless. “We played so well but yet again failed to utilize our chances and penalty corners. We came back into the game after going down by two goals and allowed them to score two more goals. Our penalty corner conversion rate has been poor and that has been the main reason why we lost all three games”, Isah Mohammed in an interview with isports360 after the game. MATCH DAY THREE RESULTS Eastern Company 5 – 3 Kada Stars El-Sharkia 4 – 2 Niger Flickers

      ACCC 2018: Kada escapes Delta scare to snatch point

        Source: isports360.com | December 17, 2018 The female category witnessed a day of lacal derbies as clubs from the same country faced each other. Two of the three local derbies ended in a pulsating goalless draw as Ghana’s duo of GRA and Police ladies as well as the Nigerian derby- Delta Queens and Kada Queens failed to produce goals during their clashes. The home crowd were in the stadium in their numbers to cheer on their clubs as they faced each other but great defending from both sides ensured the points were shared. The action started with defending champions GRA facing their eternal rivals Ghana Police ladies. The champions who had been held earlier in the competition by Kada Queens needed the maximum from this encounter in order to keep their dream alive of retaining the trophy. With their previous record against them, Police ladies knew the task ahead and in order to stay in the race, will have to put in extra effort to match their local rivals. Police started the game on one bright note mounting pressure on GRA who looked not settled into the game. Similar to any local derby, the game was very aggressive with both teams not giving the other breathing space. GRA regrouped and came back strongly into the third quarter turning the tables around but the resilience of the Police defence kept the GRA attackers at bay. Four penalty corners in the game and no goal was registered as both teams settled for a point each. The Kenyan derby unlike the first game produced four goals as Telkom came out victorious over USIU. Both teams stepped onto the field very determined but it was the record title holders who struck first. Audrey Amooh got the opener inside the first two minutes before doubling the lead three minutes into the second quarter. USIU who are making their debut in the competition managed to come back into the game but failed to utilize their chances. Jacqueline and Nekesa added a goal each in the last quarter to sum up a convincing victory for Telkom. The final game of the day was an encounter between the host clubs- Delta Queens and Kada Queens. The stadium became lively as both teams made their way onto the field of play. There were cheers from the stands on every move by both clubs with Delta the dominant side on the day. Billo Esther was very instrumental for Delta as she saturated the Kada midfield. Kada Queens who had been quiet throughout the game managed to earn a point after the final whistle. The 2018 ACCC continues tomorrow with Delta Queens hosting Telkom in the first game of the day. GRA ladies then play USIU followed by Ghana Police engaging Kada Queens.

        ACCC 2018: Eastern Company continue winning ways

          Source: isports360.com | December 17, 2018 The action continued on match day 2 in the male category. Eastern Company continued their fine form in this year’s tourney with a victory over Exchequers. GRA men came from a goal down to beat Niger Flickers in a six-goal thriller with El-Sharkia also humbling Niger Flickers to sum up a bad tournament the host clubs are having. Kada Stars 1 – 7 El-Sharkia  The first game for match day two in the men’s category produced eight goals. Defending champions El-Sharkia proved a hard nut for Kada Stars who needed a point so badly in the game. Hussain Ahmed struck twice inside the first half to give El-Sharkia a commanding 2-0 lead. Hussain broke the deadlock on the 9th minute and doubled his tally three minutes to the first half break. The greatest chance fell to Kelvin Linus who failed to find the net after beating three Sharkia defenders; one-on-one with Mohamed Fathala and the young attacker failed to get his team back into the game. Flickers were punished for their missed chances in the 36th minute. Ibrahim Samir made it 3-0  before grabbing his brace three minutes later. The game was beyond reach for Flickers at this moment. With no mercy on their opponents, Edres Mohamed and Ahmed Gamal scored from a penalty corner and a penalty stroke respectively. Samaila James managed to get the consolation for Flickers in the 59th minute after Gobran had made it 7-0 five minutes earlier. “We were very weary of our opponents since they were playing at home. We knew how strong Nigerians were and prepared so well for them. We came solely for the trophy and thats exactly what we are doing “, Gobran Hosam speaking to Isports360 right after the game. Eastern Company 2-1 Exchequers  The second match was a different story as compared to the first as two teams who were fighting for top spot clashed. With both teams winners on match day one, a win for either sides was very necessary. Exchequers started the game the better side but failed to make the numerous chance count. A 25th minute penalty corner was awarded to Eastern Company and Aboutaleb Mahmoud made no mistake slotting the ball home. Sixty seconds later and the lead was doubled. Yassin Mohamed with a cheeky deflection beating Tyche Duisberg. Exchequers responded and reduced the deficit in the third quarter courtesy an Emmanuel Ankomah penalty corner but time was not on their side as Eastern Company carried carried the day. GRA 4 – 2 Niger Flickers The day’s last game and certainly the best is always reserved last. Niger Flickers surprisingly went ahead in the 18th minute courtesy a penalty stroke. Ernest Opoku looked to have impeded Danadi who was in the process of making a shot that was heading to the goal post and the umpire pointed to the spot. Kolo took the responsibility and gave Niger Flickers the lead. The advantage was almost doubled on several occasions but the attacking force of Niger Flickers not getting their efforts on target. Kwesi Anim-Assah restored parity four minutes inside the 3rd quarter before Ernest Opoku put GRA infront for the first time with a well converted penalty corner. Two more goals inside the last 16 minutes; Anim-Assah with a brilliant effort and Ernest Opoku also grabbing his a brace from the spot two minutes later, and GRA had taken a commanding lead. Dankumi pulled one back in the 53rd minute but that was all time could allow as GRA cruised to a 4-2 victory. Niger Flickers left the turf shoulders high knowing they had lost to a better side; undoubtedly one of the best in the competition so far. The 2018 ACCC continues tomorrow with an all Ghanaian affair as GRA men lock horns with Exchequers in the first match. Eastern Company will then play Kada Stars before defending champions El-Sharkia play Niger Flickers in the last game of the day.

          ACCC 2018: Baiden’s double helps GRA hold El Sharkia

            Source: isport360.com | December 16 The countdown was finally over and the action started: The 30th edition of the Africa Cup for Club Champions, Abuja 2018. The Abuja National Stadium was filled to capacity as all 6 male clubs were in action on match day one. Not a a very good day for the host but for hockey lovers and enthusiast, this was by far the best opening day the ACCC had witnessed in years. Eastern Company 4-0 Niger Flickers  The former champions were back to re-claim the trophy they lost to El Sharkia last year and their first game sent a message to all. The host nation were expecting a better result in this opening fixture but to no avail as three goals from penalty corners and a field goal was enough to hand Eastern Company their first victory. Aboutaleb Mahmoud got the opener five minutes into the game from a perfectly worked penalty corner beating Baba Abdul kadir in post. The home crowd began cheering on the Flickers who tried coming back into the game but Shehata Mostafa in post for the Egyptians proved a pillar with excellent goalkeeping. The stadium was silenced in the 32nd minute as Eastern doubled their lead courtesy Rashwan Mohamed. The Egyptians from this point were in total control and could have increased their tally but failed to capitalize on their numerous penalty corners. Finally the remedy was found as Ibrahim Amr converted two penalty corners; first in the 43rd minute and the second a minute later to give Eastern Company a commanding 4-0 lead. Maximum points gained as time run out. El Sharkia 4 – 4 GRA The second game was a thriller as it produced eight goals. Two goals inside three minutes and everyone thought El Sharkia were on course to tear GRA apart but the spirited West African side came back to level and go ahead and later salvage a point on the 60th minute. The first quarter saw both sides very determined and eager to make a mark. The ghanaians were however the better side in the first quarter but failed to reflect their performance on the score sheet. The second quarter was an entire different story as the defending champions went 2-0 up inside three minutes; Abdel Rahman in the 26th minute and skipper Sameer Edres getting the second from as penalty corner to give the holders a halftime lead. Baiden Michael reduced the deficit in the third quarter with an excellent strike before restoring parity five minutes later with an easy one compared to his first. Kwasi Anim-Assah brought the entire stadium into wild mood as he put GRA infront in the 52nd minute. What a comeback!! GRA were on course to snatch a historic win when Ahmed Ahmed scored four minutes later to level. Two goals inside the final two minutes ensured both teams shared the points; Ahmed Gamal in the 59th minute for Sharkia and Opoku Ernest with the leveler on the stroke of full-time from a penalty corner. Exchequers 1 -0 Kada Stars The day’s final game was an encounter between champions; Exchequers (Ghana league Champions)and Kada stars (Nigeria Super League Champions). The highly anticipated match saw Exchequers take the lead as early as the 4th minute through Ankomah Emmanuel. The goal seemed to be the match winner as both teams went in search for as goal but so it wasn’t. Nine penalty corners awarded after the opener but both teams failed to find the post. An end-to-end encounter saw both coaches as well as spectators on their feet throughout. The co-host club had lost the game but the home spectators left the stadium excited as they witnessed an exciting, pulsating game; a match that cannot be forgotten by both teams. The action continues tomorrow Sunday 16th December, 2018 with Kada Stars facing El Sharkia in the first game. Eastern Company will then play Exchequers with GRA men and Niger Flickers facing off in the day’s last game.

            ACCC 2018: Kada Queens frustrates GRA as Telkom grabs win on first day

              A well motivated Kada queens side held defending champions GRA at the Abuja National Stadium in the opening match of the competition. Record title holders Telkom meanwhile beat Ghana Police 2-1 to go top of the table with two points adrift second placed Delta queens who were held to a 1-1 drawn game by debutants USIU-A. Kada Queens 0 – 0 GRA The competitons opening game did not give spectators a lot to cheer about as both teams failed to find the net. Defending champions GRA were anxious to defeat the only team they failed to beat en route to being crowned Champions last year in Accra, Ghana while the host wanted to keep smiles on the faces of spectators who had trooped in to rally behind them. The disciplined Kada defense kept their momentum throughout the game to keep the attacking force of GRA in check. GRA on the other hand had penalty corners come their way but their poor conversion rate with regards to penalty corners kept haunting them as they failed to find the net. Vivian Narkuoh seemed to have broken the deadlock but her goal was disallowed after the umpire spotted an infringement prior to the goal. The game ended and both teams shared the points. Ghana Police 1 – 2 Telkom The news of GRA’S frustrating draw sparked energy into the ladies from Kenya who stepped onto the turf with the sole aim of getting a win. Police ladies who will be playing GRA in their next game knew how important a win in this fixture will be for them in their quest for glory given their bad record against GRA in their last few encounters. Five minutes into the game and Telkom were up. Jacqueline Wangechi stepped up to slot home from a penalty corner with goalkeeper Abigail Boye totally beaten. The score line 1-0 travelled through the first three quarters with no additional goal. Three minutes into the final quarter and the scores were leveled; Sarfoa Martha going past two defenders and sliding the ball past ACCC 2017 Best Goalkeeper, Cynthia Onyango. However, the joy was cut short as Audrey Amooh restored the lead for Telkom two minutes later. Police ladies fought well in the last ten minutes for the equaliser but time was not on their side as Telkom carried the day. Delta Queens 1 – 1 USIU-A  Delta queens stepped onto the field to host debutants USIU in the final match of the ladies category.  Playing on a turf they are so familiar with, Delta dominated the game from the start and were awarded are penalty corner in the opening minutes. Esther Billo opened her goal scoring account with a ferocious hit into the bottom right corner. The host dictated the pace and tempo of the game with the crowd cheering on every single move and skill. Delta kept on hitting wide the chances that came their way and finally had to pay. A moment of the silence hit the entire stadium as Amutebi Pauline grabbed the equalizer for USIU – their very first goal in Africa. Both teams tried to get the winner but fairly had to share the points as the game ended. Day two continues tomorrow Sunday 16th December, 2018 with an all local affair. GRA and Police ladies start with the Ghanaian derby followed by the Kenyan derby Telkom and USIU. The last game of the day will see the host clubs battle; Delta queens and Kada queens.

              ACCC18 – READY SET ABUJA

                Source: isports360.com | December 13, 2018 All is set for the 2018 Africa Cup for Club Champions, Abuja-Nigeria. This year’s edition which will be the 30th since it’s inception will bring together 12 clubs from four countries. The Abuja National Stadium will be the centre of attraction as these clubs battle for the ultimate. In the male category, defending Champions El Sharkia and former champions Eastern Company from Egypt, Ghana’s duo of Exchequers Hockey Club and Ghana Revenue Authority Hockey team alongside Niger Flickers and Kada Stars from Nigeria will all be in action. The female category will see host clubs – Kada queens and Delta queens, Telkom Kenya and United States International University – Africa (USIU-A ) from Kenya and defending champions Ghana Revenue Authority ladies and Ghana Police ladies from Ghana . The tournament runs from December 15th – 22nd December, 2018.

                ACCC18 – “We are confident and ready”- Richmond Attipoe

                  Source: isports360.com | December 13, 2018 Bank of Ghana’s pride, Exchequers Hockey Club will be among Ghana’s four team contingent at the 2018 Africa Cup for Club Champions to be staged in Abuja, Nigeria. The 2018 GAHA league champions are back to the continental stage after placing fifth in 2016 – Nairobi, Kenya. The team has trained and well prepared for the championship and isports360 caught up with Coach Attipoe after their last training session in Ghana before setting off. Isport: Congrats Coach on winning the GAHA league and also a qualification slot to Africa. How is the feeling like? Richmond Attipoe (RA): Thank you very much. It wasn’t an easy one but we were able to achieve. It’s a great feeling on winning the league and also back to Africa. Isports: How prepared is Exchequers for Africa? R.A: We are more prepared than ever. We have been training, planning and dreaming of this day and here we have it. It’s an honour to represent Ghana and we are so privileged to be part. We started training from the beginning of this year after narrowly missing out last season. We are very ready for Africa. Isports : How do you assess the mental state and physical fitness of your players? The players are in a good state. Most of them have been to the ACCC, Hockey World League and numerous international competitons, hence they are at ease and relaxed mentally. The players are physically fit, taking part in all training sessions with no injuries recorded. Isports : Do you feel pressurized as a Coach? R.A: Not at all. I’m someone who really likes working under pressure because it makes me deliver. The pressure will always come heading into tournaments of this sort but for me I’m calm and always deliver. Isports: Are we seeing new stars and if yes, which of them will deliver? R.A: Benjamin Kwofie is the name and I urge all teams to watch out for him. I promised to register him last season and I honored my word, gave him the opportunity and he delivered during the league. Isports : Which of the clubs will pose a threat to Exchequers? R.A: All the clubs present. I don’t want to single out any club because if you do so, the players become complacent when playing with the so called ‘weak teams’. Every team here is a champion and a threat and we will treat them as such. Coach Richmond Attippoe together with his able technical team released the 18-man squad heading for Abuja. Squad in full : Goalkeepers: Tyche Duisberg and Dontoh Simon. Outfield players: Osmanu Mohammed, Akaba Elikem, Arthur Ebenezer, Ofori Isaac, Obeng Emmanuel, Asante Alexander, Nyarko Nicholas, Akaba Elorm, Apronti Sylvester, Adams John, Ankomah Emmanuel, Osei Maxwell, Dzotsi Eric, Kwofie Benjamin, Bempah Daniel Nana and Mensah Samuel. The team left the country on Monday 10th December, 2018. The 2018 ACCC will be staged in Abuja, Nigeria from 15th December – 22nd December, 2018 at the National Stadium, Abuja.

                  ACCC18 – Kenyan Women’s Teams Depart for Abuja

                    Source:  #kenyahockeyunion  | December 13, 2018 This morning, Women’s Premier League sides Telkom and USIU-A departed for Abuja, Nigeria for the 2018 edition of Africa Cup for Club Champions. The two teams got the nod for participation following a top two finish in 2017’s KHU women’s Premier League and will be needed to adjust fast for the tournament that starts in two day’s time. Telkom, who are fresh from clinching the Premier League title, will be seeking to reclaim the continental crown which eluded them last year after losing narrowly in the finals. USIU on their part also aim to match their counterparts’ performances. Kenya will however not be represented in the Men’s category this year after both Kenya Police and new Champions Butali Warriors pulled out of the competition, citing various reasons. The entire Kenya Hockey Union fraternity wishes Telkom and USIU all the best in Nigeria and we hope they will represent the country to their best. #kenyahockeyunion #fieldhockeyke