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

ACCC18 – “We will play in the final”, GRA’s James Mason

Source: isports360.com | December 12, 2018 After placing third in the last edition of the Africa Cup for Club Champions, GRA Men are eager to play in the grand final of this year’s ACCC. The club has promised Ghanaians of gold medal with intense preparations to back it. Isports360 caught up with Head Coach, James Mason who assured the entire Ghanaian hockey populace of a place in the final. Isports: When did training and preparation start? James Mason (JM): We started training and preparing right after the last ACCC. We knew the task ahead after pacing third in the previous edition hence the need to start preparing early. Isports: How do you assess the mental stability and fitness level of your players JM: The players are in shape both mentally and physically and will take on any opponent. We have a well-planned training schedule to put the players in shape. We have also psyched them in a positive manner on how to approach each game and the tournament in general. Isports: What new dimensions are you bringing on board as the coach JM: We are going to play more attacking and try not to concede. I have worked on our goal scoring techniques as well as penalty corner conversion. Isports: Which of the clubs do you see a s threat in your quest for continental glory? JM: Aside El Sharkia of Egypt, I personally don’t see any club stopping us. We have really trained and prepared. We came back last year after 24 years in the wilderness and you all saw what we did; bronze medalist. Isports: What should Ghanaians expect from GRA?  JM: They should expect nothing less than GRA men playing in the final and we also need most importantly their prayers and support. Coach James Mason ahead of the championship has named his final 18-man squad with Ghanaian international Ernest Opoku and Skipper Salya Nsalbini all making the cut. Squad in full:  Goalkeepers; Eugene Acheampong and Jeffery KariKari. Outfield players;  Ernest Opoku, Salya Nsalbini, Damalie Luke, Damalie Matthew, Stephen Ofosu Asamoah, Joshua Kwahu Peprah, Emmanuel Quansah, Samuel Afari, Abdul Malik, Arthur Ebenezer, Mike Akuamoah Boateng, Nick Hanson, Kwesi Anim Assah, Anthony Aikins, Mike Kofi Baiden and Christopher Dogbe. Technical Team: James Mason (Head coach), Ebenezer Frompong (Assistant Coach), Charles Moses (Assistant Team Manager) and Kwesi Aiduonu (Team Manager). The team is set to leave Ghana on Thursday 13th December, 2018. The 2018 Africa Cup for Club Champions is slated for Abuja, Nigeria from 15th December – 22nd December at the National Stadium.

ACCC18 – Ghana’s representatives : Six players to watch out for at 2018 ACCC

Source: isports360.com | December 12, 2018 The continent is ready for yet another intriguing competition as domestic league champions and runners up in selected countries battle for the 2018 Africa Cup for Club Champions. Ghana will as usual be represented in the male and female category; Ghana Authority men and women, Exchequers Hockey Club and Ghana Police female Hockey team. The country for the first time ever won gold at the ACCC courtesy GRA women in 2017 and will be looking to repeat the feat in Abuja, Nigeria. With these clubs ready and set for Abuja, isports360 takes a look at players who can lead the West African giants to glory. ERNEST OPOKU (GRA MEN) He is regarded by far as the best defender in the country. The former Sports Writers Association of Ghana Male Hockey Player of the year will be the main force for the GRA male team. Despite losing the league title, Ernest played a major role in GRA’s qualification to Africa. The defender bagged 10 goals (8 from penalty corners) in the just ended GAHA league.  A penalty conversion rate of 79% makes him the dangerous player prior to the ACCC when it comes to penalty corners; the Gonzalo Peillat of Africa. NICHOLAS HANSON (GRA MEN) Not the most skillfully of players but undoubtedly the dangerous striker the nation has per the just ended league season. With 9 goals to his credit during the just ended GAHA league, Nicholas is the man to lead the attack for GRA in their quest for continental glory. The pace and power behind the ball doesn’t really matter, as soon as it gets into the scoring circle, you bet on Nick deflecting it past whoever is in the post. SALYA NSALBINI (GRA MEN) Experience always counts and that’s what Salya brings on board. The former Trustees Hockey player has formed a formidable defensive pair with Ernest Opoku as well bagging goals for GRA. A slow start to the league due to an injury and many thought the Ghanaian skipper has nothing to offer gain in hockey. However, with 6 league goals in the 2018 GAHA league, Salya regained the confidence from the GRA faithfuls as well as Ghanaians and is one of the dangers in the GRA side. ANKOMAH EMMANUEL (EXCHEQUERS ) He needs no introduction when it comes to hockey. The Ghanaian international was the top scorer the last time he played in the ACCC (2016) and with an amazing 2018 season, the Exchequers skipper is a must watch. He has the pace, very skillfully and also very intelligent on and off the ball. The skipper who managed 4 league goals in the 2018 GAHA league is part of the side that dethroned and strip GRA off their league title as well as other local trophies. SAMUEL AKPENE (EXCHEQUERS) The dissolution of Trustees Hockey Club turned out to be a blessing for Exchequers Hockey club with the acquisition of Samuel Akpene. The young lad displayed both defensive and attacking propects in the 2018 GAHA league. Samuel is on the verge of becoming the nation’s best defender and a national call up without him is impossible. With four league goals all coming from penalty corners as well as helping Exchequers concede the least number of goals in the league, the Bankers will surely be a force to reckon with if he plays. OSMANU MOHAMMED (EXCHEQUERS) Mohammed who also joined Exchequers from Trustees is another player to watch out for. The yet to be capped Ghanaian international was undoubtedly the league’s best performer forming the best defensive pair with Akpene. The duo played a major role in the Exchequers winning the league trophy. Very tactical and disciplined, Osmanu will be a plus as he always has for the bankers in Africa.

Butali down Flickers in friendly ahead of ACCC 2018

Source: isports360.com | December 4, 2018 Former Nigeria Super League Champions Niger Flickers yesterday were beaten by Butali Warriors in an international friendly played at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi. The game was part of a training tour being embarked by the Nigerian-based club in preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup for Club Champions. The match was a preparatory grounds for both clubs who will be competing in the 2018 ACCC. It was the Kenyans who started the game well with numerous chances inside the opening minutes. The Flickers were able to soak the pressure in the opening stages with great and experienced defending. The deadlock however was finally broken: Great passing coupled with excellent stick work and team work found Oburu Mtoto in the Flickers half who had no trouble slotting home the opener. It was all Butali after the opener mounting heaps of pressure on the Flickers. The scoreline could have been 2-0 minutes later but Mtoto could not find the target this time around missing out narrowly. With that intense nature of pressure, the lead had to doubled. A penalty corner was awarded to the Warriors and expert Tonninho Nyukuri with a drag-flicked effort into the top right corner made it 2-0. Maarten Fonteijn completed the scores with a beautiful solo effort. 3-0 winners and the Warriors looked set and ready for Abuja. Speaking after the game, Head Coach of Butali Warriors, Godfrey Wakachunga thanked Niger Flickers for a wonderful game and also his team for putting up a splendid performance. He further touched on his team’s readiness for the championship. “We played against a tough opposition and we are happy for the win. They played very well and aggressive especially in our half. We kept composure and our movement with the ball from all angles helped us a lot”, he said. “We have some work to do, the ACCC has stronger teams but this is a good indicator for us”, he added. ” Our major concern for now is transition between defense and midfield and also our conversion of penalty corners”, he concluded. The 2018 ACCC will be played from the 15th – 22nd December at the Abuja National Stadium, Nigeria.