Ghana opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Togo in Yamoussoukro, a result that left Ogum frustrated with his players’ inability to convert numerous scoring opportunities.

“Creating the chance is not the problem. It’s about conversion, and because of that, we had a full session on goal scoring in our last training session,” he said ahead of the game.

The former Asante Kotoko manager revealed that the technical team has been replicating in-game scenarios during training to enhance the players’ composure and precision in front of goal.

“Some of the situations that happened in the game were recreated, and we worked on the finishing in our last training session. The conversion was good at training, and I’m sure our conversion against Ivory Coast will be better,” Dr. Ogum added.

The Black Starlets face the host nation today at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 GMT.

The Starlets faced an early setback when defender Gabriel Denyinah was sent off in the second minute, leaving Ghana with 10 men for nearly the entire match. Despite the numerical disadvantage, captain Joseph Narbi put the team ahead in the ninth minute, finishing off a Mark Aboagye cross.

Togo, however, drew level after the break when Sultan Ganiou converted from the penalty spot, ensuring both sides shared the spoils.

Speaking after the game, Dr. Ogum praised his players for their discipline and composure under pressure.

“Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for almost the entire match, they played to my instructions and were very disciplined. That is the kind of mentality we want to build in this team.”

The coach also singled out skipper Joseph Narbi, who was named Man of the Match, for his leadership and influence.

“Joseph showed great character and leadership on the pitch today. His goal and overall contribution inspired the rest of the team,” the coach added.

Looking ahead, Ogum stressed that the encounter had provided vital lessons for his young side.

“We will go back, review our performance and work on our finishing. We created chances even with ten men, and that shows the potential of this group,” he said.

Ghana will take on hosts Ivory Coast in their second Group A fixture on Tuesday.

The coach unveiled his final 23-man list for the competition on Friday, September 19, expressing faith in the players’ ability to deliver.

“We are confident in the players we have selected,” Narteh Ogum told the Ghana FA website.

“They’ve worked hard over the past weeks, and we believe they have what it takes to compete and bring glory to Ghana,” he added.

Ghana will begin their campaign this afternoon against Togo at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro. Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT.

The Starlets are aiming for a strong start in their quest to qualify for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations through the regional tournament.

The Group A clash kicks off later today at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, with the Starlets aiming for a winning start in their bid to qualify for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Having worked with a full squad of 23 players in camp, Narteh Ogum believes the level of competition for starting spots reflects the team’s readiness for the tournament.

“It’s a headache, yes. But for me, it’s a positive headache to have all my players available for selection. It shows the work we’ve put in and the quality we have in camp,” he told the Ghana FA website.

“Everyone is ready to play, and that level of competition is exactly what we need to perform at the highest level,” Narteh Ogum added.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

The Black Starlets face Togo later today at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, with kick-off set for 15:00 GMT.

Speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s media team, the former Asante Kotoko boss commended his players for their dedication and sharpness in training sessions.

“The boys have responded very well to our training programs and look focused,” Narteh Ogum said.

“We’re confident about our chances against Togo,” he added.

The tournament serves as the qualifying pathway to the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and the Black Starlets are determined to secure a spot on the continental stage.

The squad wrapped up their final training session in Accra on Sunday before departing for Yamoussoukro, where the tournament kicks off on September 20.

Speaking to the Ghana FA’s official website, the former Asante Kotoko coach expressed confidence in his side’s preparations.

“We have had a very productive camp, and the players have shown great commitment. We are going to Côte d’Ivoire determined to compete and make Ghanaians proud,” Dr. Ogum said.

Ghana, drawn in Group A, will open their campaign against Togo on Saturday, September 20, at 18:00 GMT. The Starlets will then face hosts Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday, September 23, before rounding off their group fixtures against Niger on Friday, September 26. All matches will be played at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium.

The WAFU tournament doubles as the qualifying competition for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, with the top teams from the sub-region booking their spots at the continental finals.

As two-time FIFA U-17 World Cup champions, the Black Starlets are determined not only to qualify but also to reassert their pedigree on the African youth football stage.

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Frimpong, widely known as Nana Pooley, tragically lost his life during Kotoko’s Matchday 19 clash against Nsoatreman FC at the Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre, leading to the temporary suspension of the league.

Despite the setback, Kotoko resumed training on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Adako Jachie training grounds.

Addressing the team, Ogum urged his players to channel their grief into motivation on the field.

“It’s unfortunate, but we must honour him by putting our best into every training session and match. We owe it to him, and I believe we are ready to do that,” he said.

He stressed that while the loss is heartbreaking, the most meaningful tribute would be to fight for success in Frimpong’s memory.

“It won’t be easy to move on, but the best way we can truly honour him is by working hard, winning games, and ultimately securing the league title in his memory. Let’s stay united, stay focused, and get the results,” he added.

Kotoko is set to decide on Monday, February 24, 2025, whether to continue their participation in the Ghana Premier League.

Manhyia on Friday earlier tasked former Black Stars coach, Kwesi Appiah, to lead the charge to settle on a new coach.

Interim coach, Abdul Gazalie left his role following the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, where Kotoko finished the season trophyless.

Gazalie replaced Seydou Zerbo who was sacked midway through last season.

During his previous tenure, Dr Ogum, who is a former WAFA coach, led the club to their first Ghana Premier League title since the 2013/14 season.

Unfortunately, he left the role prior to the start of the 2022/2023 football season.

With the return of Dr Ogum, fans are excited and hopeful for a resurgence in the club’s fortunes.

As anticipation builds, stakeholders eagerly await the start of the 2023/2024 Ghana Premier League season under his leadership.

Dr Ogum’s return marks a new chapter in Kumasi Asante’s history, and supporters are eager to witness the team’s continued success under his guidance.

Meanwhile, a new board and management are expected to be named following the dissolution of the Dr Kwame Kyei-led 12-member board of directors and the Nana Yaw Amponsah-led management following the expiration of their mandate.

The new board and management are expected to be unveiled before the start of the 2023/24 Ghana football season which gets underway in September.

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The trip will allow them to pick useful lessons from the biggest global showpiece and learn from the Black Stars Technical team.

The quartet includes Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum, a Premier League winner, formerly of Asante Kotoko who works as an Assistant Coach of the Black Galaxies, Samuel Boadu, Premier League and FA Cup winner with Hearts of Oak, Black Meteors Coach Ibrahim Tanko and Ignatius Osei Fosu, Assistant Coach of the Black Starlets.

The move forms part of strategies designed by the Ministry and the GFA to enhance the capacity of Ghanaian Coaches and to equip them with the modern trends of football.

Dr Ogum and Mr Boadu have been selected based on their success with Asante Kotoko (League winner) and Accra Hearts of Oak (MTN FA Cup winner) last season.

For Ibrahim Tanko and Ignatius Osei Fosu, they were selected due to their role as Technical Instructors for the Technical Directorate of the Ghana Football Association.

The four coaches will depart Accra next week with the rest of the backroom staff for the training camp in Abu Dhabi and later to Doha for the World Cup.

Last week, the 44-year-old trainer communicated his decision to leave the club due to a lack of transfer activities and an impasse among the management.

Kotoko’s coach had resigned and further confirmation from Administrative Manager Emmanuel Dasoberi meant a new gaffer would be running affairs soon.

But the club’s Board of Directors released a statement on Friday, debunking reports of any termination by Mr Ogum.

Just two days later, Dr Abban seems to have displayed a clearer trajectory of the board’s plan on their tactician.

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The Board Member posted via Twitter, his thoughts on the Ogum saga that has kick-started discussions on the Porcupine Warriors’ 2022/23 season.

The Dr Kwame Kyei-led Board is yet to comment on the post by the astute businessman.

Meanwhile, a meeting is expected to be held today with the board members and the management team.

Mr Ogum joined the Porcupine Warriors on a two-year deal before the start of the 2021/22 season and led the side to the Premier League title.

Dr Ogum, who joined the Porcupine Warriors on a two-year deal from West African Football Academy before the start of the 2021/22 Ghana football season on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, was reported to have resigned from his position.

Mr Dasoberi, speaking in an interview, confirmed that Dr Ogum has resigned from his role but he is yet to submit his resignation letter.

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“The coach has not formally written to the club about his resignation, but even when some members tried to persuade him to change his mind, he responded that his decision was final,” he told the Daily Graphic.

He added that the coach resigned from his position after his proposal to sign 17 new players was rejected by the Board.

“During the meeting with the board to discuss his report to the management, there was a disagreement over his request to sack 10 players and recruit 17 new players, including four center-backs.

“It was at the point when some members of the board questioned the justification of some of his requests that Coach Prosper Ogum said he had a two-year contract but wanted to move on with his life, so the club must look for a new coach,” he added.