It was an exciting week for Volta players over the weekend. Player performances have been outstandingly in the domestic league. There was however some level of inactivity from the Division one players. One debut was marked for a new club while others chalked new triumph. As a Writer/Sports Journalist from the region, I seek to Follow, Monitor and Expose their exploits to the world. This week, our featured players are Edward kpodo, David Ayi Akwetey and Nii Armah Okai.
Edward Kpodo was born 14th January 1990 and is a Ghanaian football defender who plays for FC Banants in Armenia. In February 2013, Kpodo moved to FC Khimki on loan from Berekum Chelsea. He however signed permanently for fellow Russian Football League side FC Shinnik Yaroslavl on a one-year contract in July 2013. A year later, he moved to the Armenian Premier League with Ulisses FC. Lasted a year with Ulisses, he returned to Berekum Chelsea in June 2015 but did not feature for the club as they failed to receive his International Transfer Certificate from Ulisses until December 2015. In February 2016, Kpodo moved back to Armenia, signing a one-year contract with Gandzasar Kapan. After a year stint, Shirak Gyumri snapped the signature of the stalwart defender to help their quest within the season. His ability to marshal the defense was so much visible and it wasn’t surprising when top ranked team Banants approached. He was part of Berekum Chelsea CAF Champions League squad that made it to the group stages in the continental tourney. He was also a winner of the Ghana premier league with Berekum Chelsea. He also played for the national.
David Ayi Akwetey is a midfielder who currently plays for Amidaus Professionals in the national division one league. David began his playing carrier from Aflao with Diamond Babies. He later joined WAFA in 2016 before opting for Amidaus Professionals. The attacking midfielder had developed to become a fine player over the period and has managed 6 appearances for his team providing 2 assists. His ability to move forward and complement the role of a striker are among the qualities he brings to his team. He is young and will do more in coming years.
Nii Armah Okai is a goalkeeper who currently plays for Unity FC in the national division one. The 18-year old began his playing career with Nadm SC in Hohoe before joining Unity FC. His agility and alertness in the goal post cannot be underestimated as he has managed to compete for the first spot after joining his new club. He has made 3 league appearances this season with 2 in the MTN FA cup.
Division One League
Striker Richard Dzikoe started the game for Kotoku Royals in their 1-0 lost away to Amaidaus Professionals in Tema. The striker was however substituted due to injuries he sustained. The sensational lad has 9 goals to his credit this season. Meanwhile, attacking winger Stephen Kofi Nargy was not part of the team as he serves a match ban for accumulation of yellow cards. Selorm Klutse did not also make the Kotoku Match day squad due to injuries.
David Ayi Akwetey was unused substitute in Amidaus Professionals’ 1-0 win over Kotoku Royals.
Michael Agbekpornu Aquah and Sylvester Smith Adjetey continued their form for new club Danbort FC in the National Division one league. Both players lasted the entire 90 minutes as they drew 1-1 away to Agbozume Weavers. They joined from former Division One side Ho Dynamo FC in an undisclosed fee. Meanwhile, Massawudu Inusah kept the post and played full interval.
Kpando Heart of Lions climbed to the summit of the table as they inflicted a convincing 2-0 win over Uncle T in Prampam. Goalkeeper Gabriel Nudakpa, Musah Amevor, Charles Quarcoo, Abednego Sarfo, Gordon Akaminko, Eric Esso all started for Lions and played pivotal roles. Gordon Akaminko started the scoring on the 24th minute before Jones Owusu concluded the victory with a 54th minute sublime goal. Meanwhile, youth graduate Samuel Agbenyega did not make the squad. Dickson Sakabutu was also not part of the match day squad as he nurses an injury he picked from Great Olympics.
There was no action for Uncle T Striker Wisdom Attamah as he missed the game through a toe injury.
Goalkeeper Bright Hadzo was absent as Wa Suntaa Sporting Club vandalised Techiman City 4-1. The goalie is yet to concede a goal in this season’s league after 6 appearances. He is expected to feature in their next game.
Julius Brempong Ankamah was not named in Accra Young Wise starting team. He missed out as Young Wise lost 1-0 away to Mighty Jet at the MATS Park.
Richard Amoah, Fia Patrick and Benedict Wobenu were all starters for Accra Lions in their home win against Okyeman Planners. Another Voltarian, Patrick Osei who was captured in the second transfer window netted the only goal of the game on the 81st minute to hand the home team all maximum points. Patrick was signed from Unity Stars FC.
Ali Idrissu missed Agbozume Weavers 1-1 draw game against visiting team Danbort FC. Striker Wisdom Kporvi started and got the much-needed equalizer for Weavers. Prince Kpodo Adedia also lasted the entire game. Weavers are bottom of zone 3 and must back up if survival is to smile on them.
The Amahia Park witnessed a clash of two foes. Vision FC’s dependable captain and defender Wisdom Ameded featured and lasted the entire duration of the game as they were held by premier league returnees’ Tema Youth to a 0-0 drawn game. There was no action for goalkeeper Melike Dzado as he nurses a shoulder injury.
Julius Anani was in the starting 11 for Proud United in their 5-1 lost to Nzema Kotoko. The midfielder played full game. Asare Saviour however was a substitute and played a bit of time for the losers. Both are Former Ho Hunters FC players.
Perry Teh Agbo made a return from injury and was a second half substitute as Nania FC drew 0-0 with Sporting Mirren. Perry however missed a penalty in the game. Daniel Aklamanu kept the post for Nania FC and lasted the entire game. The former Kpeve Lake Warriors keeper has been so impressive this season keeping nine (9) consecutive clean sheets. The longest run from the keepers from the region I’m tracking.
Goalkeeper Nii Armah Okai kept the post for Unity FC in their 2-0 loss to Techiman City. Ericson Adjogah was also a starter in that game. Both players joined Unity FC from Hohoe Nadm SC.
Jacob Esso was named in the starting lineup for Sporting Mirren and lasted the entire duration in their 0-0 drawn game away to Nania FC at the Legon Park. Meanwhile, Festus Nutakor was unused substitute for the Mirren.
Ghana Premier League
Richard Senanu started for Kumasi Asante Kotoko in their slim 2-1 win over rivals Aduana Stars in the week 15 fixture of the Zylofon Cash Premier League. The defensive midfielder joined Kotoko from Uncle T in the second transfer window and has played all 3 matches for the Porcupine Warriors wining the MPV in their MTN FA Cup fixture. He lasted full 90 minutes. Richard hails from Aflao and had previously played for Aflao Diamond Babies, Ketu United and Kpando Heart of Lions.
Solomon Okudzeto was a starter for Ebusua Dwarfs in their 1-1 away draw to Dreams FC. He was however substituted later in the game owing to an injury. His famous display against Bechem United in their 1-1 draw in week 5 of the premier league earned him the Nasco Most Valuable Player of the match.
Prosper Dayegbe Ahiabu was named in the starting lineup for West Africa Football Academy as they recorded a 2-1 loss at Bechem United. Prosper however played full throttle of the game.
Prosper Atsu Avor started for Liberty Professionals as they held Elmina Sharks 1-1 at Elmina. The right back lasted 90 minutes and had played all 15 matches this season. He joined Liberty from Kpando Hearts of Lions 3 seasons ago.
Goalkeeper Richard Attah watched from the substitute bench for Elmina Sharks.
Ivan Kpeglo was not part of Inter Allies travelling team that lost 2-1 away to Karela FC.
Striker Joseph Esso was named in a strong Accra Hearts of Oak starting lineup against Medeama SC. He lasted 90 minutes of the game. Bakai Bless Selase however was on the bench and introduced on the 72nd minute as Hearts drew 1-1. Sewornu James was also unused substitute for Hearts.
Prosper Gbeku didn’t make the Wa All Stars squad that beat Techiman Eleven Wonders.
Agbesimah Kofi was named in the starting 11 and played full match for Bechem United. Abotsi Yao was also a substitute for Bechem United in their win against WAFA.
James Akaminko started for Ash Gold and played full duration in their 1-0 loss to Berekum Chelsea.
Wahab Ahadzi was in full flight for Berekum Chelsea in their narrow 1-0 home win against Ash Gold. Wahab played 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Asiwome Joy Fumador was also named on the bench.
These are the players I kept my eyes on; help me discover other guys from the region making it big in football.
By: Eric Eli Adzie/voltaonlinegh.com