ACCC 2018: GRA, Telkom setup epic final

    Source: isports360.com | December 21, 2018 It was all joy for defending champions GRA as they beat Telkom in their match day five fixture and qualify to the final. The champions who had not been impressive in their opening three games looked to have regained confidence after their match against Delta which they won 7-0. With Telkom already in the final, pressure was on GRA to win at all cost especially after Ghana Police ladies had won earlier. The Champions looked a refined team with great display from the start. Playing so well, yet GRA failed to find the opener. Looking as wounded lions, they never gave up and went in search for that opener. Telkom on the other hand, gave them scary moments with few chances coming their way but the 2017 losing finalist could also not get the opener. A moment of scare in the first quarter from Jacqueline Wangechi as she lifted the ball over Azumah Bridget with the ball heading towards the goal post but Linda Effah bravely intervened to prevent the ball from entering. However, that moment finally came on the stroke of the end of third quarter. GRA won a penalty corner and Vivian Narkuoh with her first of the tournament put the champions infront. Telkom fought back to equalize but time run out as GRA carried the day to setup a repeat of the 2017 final against Telkom. Ghana Police had earlier in the day beaten Delta Queens in a game that saw five goals been scored. Delta surprisingly took the lead in the 5th minute courtesy a penalty stroke scored by Irame Beauty. Police responded quickly and got the equaliser. Delta went ahead again from a penalty corner this time around but the same scorer- Irame Beauty. Nafisatu Umaru scored two, a goal each in the third and final quarter both from a penalty corner to hand Ghana Police their third win of the campaign. Debutants USIU beat disappointing co-host Kada Queens in a game played in the early hours of the day. The newcomers cane from begins to register their first ever win at the ACCC. Kada who had not found the net in their previous four games finally broke the jinx in the 27th minute through Johnson Benedicta. Omindi Night scored in the 37th minute to tie the scores at 1-1. Jubilant celebrations followed five minutes later as Kuira Rhoda put USIU infront. The debutants held onto the lead till the final whistle to place fourth and book a place in the bronze medal match. MATCH DAY FIVE RESULTS Kada Queens 1 – 2 USIU Ghana Police 3 – 2 Delta queens Telkom 0 – 1 GRA

    ACCC 2018: Classic Flickers deepen woes of Kada on derby day

      Source: isports360.com | December 20, 2018 It was derby day on match day four of the ACCC as Niger Flickers beat Kada Stars to revenge the defeat on the final day of the Nigerian Super League at the same venue, Abuja National Stadium. The victory moved Flickers into 5th position with a place in the 3rd and 4th classification match mathematically possible. The Ghanaian and Egyptian derbies were also honored; GRA holding Ghana League Champions- Exchequers in a 1-1 drawn game while El-Sharkia in a marvelous fashion and style beat Eastern Company 4-3. The victory puts El-Sharkia in a position to play in the final while Eastern Company will have to beat GRA who have a game in hand against Kada stars, to play in the final. GRA and Exchequers got us underway on match day 4 in the Ghanaian derby. After being dethroned of the league trophy in Ghana, the revenue controllers with revenge on their minds came solely for a victory. Exchequers who also have a game in hand with Niger Flickers knew a victory will edge them closer to a place in the final and with these two mindsets, we were in for a derby. Fifteen minutes into the game and Exchequers were in the lead. Samuel Mensah with a brave run going past three defenders and the goalkeeper slotted the ball into the path of Dzotsi Eric; with just the post to beat broke the deadline. Confidence reinstated and Exchequers took control over the game. With anxiety to equalise and eagerness to double the lead from both teams, the match recorded numerous infringements and cards been flashed. The third quarter had the tables turned and GRA dictated the pace of the game. The revenue controllers failed to however restore parity courtesy the numerous penalty corners. Exchequers were also guilty in that stance failing to convert theirs. A swift play from defence by GRA found Micheal Baiden in the scoring cirlce of Exchequers and after rounding the goalkeeper, was impeded by Ankomah Emannuel and GRA were awarded a penalty stroke. Ernest Opoku stepped out and slotted the ball home sending Tyche Duisberg the wrong side to level the scores. Nonetheless, Exchequers thought they had grabbed the winner when a long hit from the sideline found Bempah Daniel in the scoring circle. With just Eugene Acheampong to beat, the former Ghana u21 international misplaced his steps and allowed the GRA defenders to retrieve the ball. Final whistle blown and the spoils were shared. The second match was next and El-Sharkia locked horns with fellow Egyptian counterparts Eastern Company. The game produced seven goals amidst missed chances and poor penalty corner conversion rate. Edres Mohamed gave El-Sharkia the lead 10 minutes into the game from a penalty corner and the lead was doubled seven minutes later with a brilliant goal from Ahmed Ahmed Mohamed. It was all El-Sharkia at this point who got their third through Ahmed Gamal. Eastern Company responded quickly with two goals inside two minutes. Two penalty corners in succession and the deficit was reduced. Aboutaleb getting the first in the 43 minute with Ibrahim Amr scoring the second. Elnaggar looked to have earned a point for Eastern Company with his goal in the 52nd minute only for Gobran Hosam to grab the winner three minutes from time. El-Sharkia won the game 4-3. The home crowd came in their numbers as the day was wrapped with the Nigerian derby. Niger Flickers engaged Kada Stars as both teams went in search of their first maximum points. A misunderstanding in defence and the Flickers were in the lead. Danladi’s Umar going oast the gal keeper to slot home into an empty goal post. Kada Stars failed to gind their momentum and allowed the Flickers to go 2-0 up; a great finish from Aliyu Jauro. If the goal was beautiful then the assist from Oluwa Tosin was of class. Aliyu Dakumi got the the third for Flickers a minute to half-time breaking the hopes of Kada Stars. Samaila James managed a goal from the pray corner but his effort came in late as time run out for Flickers to carry the day. MATCH RESULTS FROM DAY THREE GRA 1-1 Exchequers El -Sharkia 4-3 Eastern Company Kada Stars 1-3 Niger Flickers.

      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: 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.

          BELGIUM’S RED LIONS WIN ODISHA HOCKEY MEN’S WORLD CUP BHUBANESWAR 2018

            December 16 | Story By FIH Bhubaneswar, India: Belgium have claimed their first ever World Cup title thanks to a dramatic shoot-out victory over the Netherlands in the final of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018. It proved to be third time lucky for the Red Lions, who finished runners up at both the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the EuroHockey Championships in 2017. Goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch excelled in the shoot-out, making numerous key saves to help his side became the first Belgium side in any team sport to win a world title. As well as winning the iconic trophy for the first time in their history, it has been confirmed that Belgium, coached by New Zealander Shane McLeod, have moved into first position in the FIH Hero World Rankings. To see the complete rankings, click here. The bronze medal was taken by Australia, who recovered from their semi-final loss at the hands of the Netherlands on Saturday to storm to a sensational 8-1 victory over England. Tom Craig scored a hat-trick in the contest to earn the Odisha Player of the Match Award. The medal matches brought the curtain down on a thrilling two and a half weeks of sensational hockey at the 15,000 capacity Kalinga Stadium, the stunning venue that has welcomed mammoth crowds on a daily basis throughout this wonderful event. Belgium defender Arthur Van Doren was named as the Odisha Best Player of the event, being presented his award by Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Dutch duo Pirmin Blaak and Thijs van Dam were also winners of individual awards, being named Odisha Mining Corporation Best Goalkeeper and Hockey India Best Junior Player respectively, while the Hero Top Scorer Award was shared by Australia’s Blake Govers and Alexander Hendrickx of Belgium, who scored seven goals apiece. The gold medal match, witnessed by a sell-out crowd at the Kalinga Stadium, was packed full of drama as two evenly-matched teams set about the task of claiming the world title. The Netherlands were chasing a fourth World Cup success to draw level with Pakistan as the team with the most title wins, while Olympic silver medallists Belgium – a side beaten by the Dutch in the final of the EuroHockey Championships 2017 in Amsterdam – were determined to claim their first major crown to cap what has been a remarkable rise over the past ten years. The two finalists went hard at each other in the opening stages of the match, with chances being created at both ends. Jeroen Hertzberger forced an early save from Belgium shot-stopper Vincent Vanasch, while Simon Gougnard’s speculative, high backhand strike was almost brilliantly turned into the Dutch goal by Tom Boon. The play switched from one end of the field to the other throughout the second quarter, with Netherlands defender Glenn Schuurman making a crucial interception to deny Florent Van Aubel a clear scoring opportunity with Arthur de Sloover doing the same in the Belgian back-line. The Netherlands had two penalty corner opportunities ahead of half time, but failed to take their chance as the Red Lions defence held firm. The two sides remained locked together throughout the third quarter, although Belgian captain Thomas Briels forced a save from Pirmin Blaak while Mirco Pruijser flashed a backhand effort across the face of the Belgian goal. It was a tense and cagey period, although the same could not be said for the fourth quarter as both teams desperately tried to get the win before the lottery of the shoot-out would be brought into play. Netherlands ace Bob de Voogd rattled the pads of Vanasch, while Nicolas de Kerpel hit the side of the goal just before Briels almost won it for Belgium, with Sander Baart making a crucial goal-line clearance to take the match into a shoot-out. The Dutch took a 2-0 lead in the shoot-out thanks to strikes from Jeroen Hertzberger and Jonas de Geus, but goals from Florent Van Aubel and Victor Wegnez, combined with some brilliant saves from Vanasch, restored parity at 2-2. When Thijs van Dam missed, Arthur de Sloover thought he had won the title for Belgium when he fired home, but his effort was ruled out by a smart video referral from the Netherlands. However, Belgium did not have long to wait for their moment in the sun. When Florent Van Aubel scored in sudden-death, Jeroen Hertzberger needed to find the net to keep his team alive. However, it was not to be, with Vanasch forcing the brilliant Dutch attacker wide before his shot sailed over the cross-bar. Whilst it was heartbreak for the Netherlands, who had suffered defeat in a second successive World Cup final, the triumph for the Red Lions will be forever remembered as one of the greatest moments the history of Belgian team sport. Speaking after the match, Odisha Player of the Tournament Arthur Van Doren said: “I couldn’t be more proud. We are world champions. We showed today that our best player is the team. What a team performance again! We showed against Germany, England and again today. It was a really close game. We knew that. Holland is a really great side, they showed it throughout the tournament. I could not be more proud of this team. We’re world champions and we deserve it. To be really honest, I think the team should get the Best Player award. We showed that team performance was key today. I could not be more proud of a number of individuals. Simon Gougnard showed that he can perform with all the circumstances. We dedicated this Final, and also the semi-final, to him and his family. The character that Van Aubel and Vanasch showed to take the shoot-outs after we thought it was over already. Every game, every moment, there were different players stepping up. That’s why the team is the best player.”” The game was an extra special occasion for Australian umpire Adam Kearns, who reached the milestone of officiating his 100th international match in

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