2013 sports roundup: Biggest surprises, disappointments and thrills

From the incessant condemnation attracted by reports of the GFA hiring a technical director to aid coach Kwesi Appiah and the Black Stars qualification to the third successive World Cup, and the trouncing of Joshua Agbeko by Guillermo Rigondeaux, here is a roundup of ten events that captured the front-pages of major newspapers and news websites in 2013.

Stars book Brazil berth on 7 - 3 aggregate

It was all ecstasy and joy when the Black Stars effectively sealed their qualification to the World Cup after drubbing the Pharaohs of Egypt 6 -1 at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on October 15, 2013 in the first leg of the Brazil 2014 play-off match.

The Black Stars in that game were represented by stars like Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari, who dominated the match for the entire 90 minutes. Ghana subsequently lost the second leg by 2-1 in Cairo. See more on this

Nyantakyi, Dr KK Sarpong brawl

Accused of under-declaring monies realized from the transfer of three players by President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi, Dr Kofi Kodua Sarpong relinquished his position as the Executive Board Chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko in July. After several heated exchanges in the media by the experienced football administrators, Dr KK Sarpong threw in the towel and handed over the club to owner, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.See more on this

John Paintsil’s marital problems

News of Black Stars veteran defender being busted by the Legon Police in Accra for assaulting his wife, Richlove Pantsil at their plush Trassaco residence in Accra went viral in the media in February. The incident occurred after the couple had reportedly argued over Ghc20, 000, as it was later revealed by the police that the player had actually stabbed his partner in the process.See more on this

...And another John fought wife

Black Stars general skipper John Mensah was unfortunately caught in a similar web of marital challenges in October, 2013 when his wife, Henrietta Mensah initiated a divorce at an Accra High Court. John has been accused by his partner of infidelity as well as neglecting his parental responsibilities. John who is currently clubless has been married for over a decade with four children. The matter is still pending before an Accra High Court.See more on this

The sudden story of Odartey Lamptey

Reports emerged in November that former Ghana international football star, Nii Odartey Lamptey, is not the biological father of all the three kids he has fathered over the years.

The 38-year-old after sensing marriage infidelity on the part of his wife proceeded to conduct a DNA test only to realize the kids were not his real children.

But the wife, Gloria denied the allegation and said it was the former Everton playmaker who suggested an artificial insemination after realizing he was infertile.See more on this

Brawl over technical director post

Media reports over the consideration of appointing German coach, Klaus Toppmoller as the Black Stars technical head refused to wash away despite the FA’s persistent denials. Views had been divided on the latest stand-off but a former FA boss, Alhaji N.M.D. Jawula, urged the Football Association to appoint a technical head to aid the work of the ex-Asante Kotoko great, Kwesi Appiah.See more on this

The woes of the Amputee team

Reports reaching GhanaWeb.com from Nairobi, Kenya suggests that the National Amputee Football Team is stranded at the Sportsview Hotel Kasarani for non-payment of their hotel bills.

A distress mail was sent to the editorial office of Ghanaweb.com said barring last minute intervention by Ghanaian authorities, the Black Challenge would have been evicted from their hotel.See more on this

...And Ghana’s King Kong was heavily defeated

WBA and WBO super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux retained his titles with a 12-round, unanimous decision over former two-time bantamweight champion, Joseph Agbeko at Boardwalk Hall’s Adrian Phillips Ballroom in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Judges Eugene Grant (120-108), Ron McNair (120-108) and Robin Taylor (120-108) all had Rigondeaux winning every round.See more on this

Olele’s age causes stir

Ghanaians expressed varied opinions about the call-back of Richard Kingson (Olele) to join the senior national team - the Black Stars, for the much anticipated and very crucial 2014 World Cup play-off against Egypt at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in October.

His return was greeted by widespread condemnation from a section of the public who thought the veteran goalie had lost his agility and reflexes.See more on this

Rumpus over KP Boateng recall

Former Ghanaian winger, Yaw Preko infuriated Ghanaian football fans when he publicly backed the decision of the Black Stars coach to invite Kevin Prince Boateng.

The former AC Milan playmaker had only played three matches for the Black Stars since playing a key role in Ghana’s success at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa where his impressive display later secured him a move to the Italian Serie A giants. He suddenly announced his resignation from the national team after a section of the public questioned his commitment shortly after the World Cup in South Africa.See more on this