Christian Atsu Remains Missing Despite Reports of Being Found After Earthquake
Feb 7, 2023
LEEDS, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Christian Atsu of Newcastle United (11) runs with the ball during the Premier League 2 match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Thorp Arch Training Ground on March 15, 2021 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Hatayspor midfielder Christian Atsu, who previously played for Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton, remains missing despite reports he was found alive in the rubble of an apartment building on Tuesday following an earthquake in Turkey, according to Reuters.
"There is no information on his whereabouts yet, we don't know where he is," Hatayspor director Volkan Demirel said. "It's not the case that he was pulled out or taken anywhere else."
ESPN initially reported Atsu as missing on Monday.
Other members of the Turkish club have been accounted for, although at least two other players were reported to have been rescued from building rubble.
Atsu represented Ghana at the 2014 World Cup and at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He played for Newcastle and Everton while on loan from Chelsea and joined his current side in September.
The Ghana Football Association, Chelsea and Newcastle were among those who tweeted support for the 31-year-old:
We pray for Ghana International Christian Atsu and victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
We continue with our efforts to establish contact with officials of Hataspor and the Turkish Football Federation, considering the difficult situation. 1/2
— š¬š Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) February 6, 2023
CNN noted that more than 11,000 people have been killed across Turkey and Syria from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake and "multiple strong aftershocks" that included a quake of magnitude 7.5. Tens of thousands are said to have been injured.
President Joe Biden said the United States "authorized an immediate U.S. response" and that humanitarian partners were also responding to the situation.
Atsu scored the winning goal for Hatayspor on Sunday night in their 1-0 victory over Kasımpasa that happened just hours before the earthquake struck.
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Asamoah Gyan Among Players Found Guilty of 'Unethical Hair' in UAE
Feb 15, 2017
Ghana's forward Asamoah Gyan who is recovering from an injury sits on the bench during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final football match between DR Congo and Ghana in Oyem on January 29, 2017. / AFP / ISSOUF SANOGO (Photo credit should read ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images)
Asamoah Gyan is among 46 players in the United Arab Emirates whose clubs have been sent a warning letter regarding their "unethical hair."Ā
Per BBC Sport, mohawk haircuts are banned under Saudi rule as they are a "Qaza" hairstyleāwhich involves part, but not all of the head being shavedāand are forbidden by some Islamic beliefs, while there is also concern in some quarters that children might emulate the players with similar cuts.
According to guidelines from the UAE Football Association, it is left to individual match officials to determine if players' haircuts are appropriateāone referee instructed Saudi Arabia and Al Shabab goalkeeperĀ Waleed Abdullah to cut hisĀ "un-Islamic" hair before a match in 2012.
BBC Sport detailed the procedure once a player's haircut has been identified as objectionable: "The UAEFA send a player's club a warning letter in the first instance, with punishments escalating to a fine and then a suspension if he does not comply."
Gyan is on loan from Shanghai SIPG at Al Ahli, who are based in Dubai and compete in the Arabian Gulf League.
The former Udinese, Rennes and Sunderland striker is in his second spell in the UAE, having played for Abu Dhabi-based side Al Ain prior to joining SIPG in 2015.
AFCON 2017: Score, Reaction for Ghana vs. Burkina Faso 3rd-Place Match
Feb 4, 2017
Burkina Faso's midfielder Prejuce Nakoulma (C) challenges Ghana's defender Andy Yiadom (L) and Ghana's midfielder Ebenezer Ofori during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations third place football match between Burkina Faso and Ghana in Port-Gentil on February 4, 2017. / AFP / Steve JORDAN (Photo credit should read STEVE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Alain Traore scored the only goal during Saturday's third-place match at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, as Burkina Faso beat Ghana 1-0.
The Black Stars dominated most of the match but didn't convert their chances, and Traore struck close to the final whistle, bending home a free-kick.
Cameroon and Egypt will battle for the title on Sunday.Ā
As the team's official Twitter account shared, Ghana made several changes to their squad, moving Frank Acheampong, Christian Atsu and Andre Ayew to the bench:
Ghana XI v B'Faso: R. Ofori, Afful, Yiadom, Jonathan Mensah, Amartey, Partey, Agyemang-Badu, E Ofori, J. Ayew, Tekpetey & Samuel Tetteh. pic.twitter.com/cUvOA0igWc
— š¬š Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) February 4, 2017
Ghana started the match on the front foot, and captain Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu perhaps should have given his side the lead just minutes into the match, aiming a header wide from a promising position.
Prejuce Nakoulma fired Burkina Faso's first chance wide from a long way out, and Alain Traore could only guide his free-kick into the waiting arms of Richard Ofori.
TV3 Network's Thierry Nyan thought Ghana made a good start, even if Burkina Faso threatened on more than a few occasions:
The #BlackStars have started brightly in this first few minutes. Bronze is the target now. #AFCON2017
The Black Stars came agonisingly close to taking the lead after 25 minutes, as Thomas hit the crossbar. Bertrand Traore blocked his initial shot and couldn't get in the way of the rebound, but fortunately for his team, the Atletico Madrid man missed the target.
Thomas went close again minutes later, as he had a shot deflected for a corner, and Nakoulma missed perhaps the best chance of the half after a swift corner from Burkina Faso, dragging his shot wide.
Tomas Danicek of SandalsForGoalposts wasn't surprised:
Nakoulma is really so frustrating. Routinely looks great up until the very point he decides to pull the trigger.
The Stallions once again found themselves on the back foot at the start of the second half, and Ayew spurned an early opportunity, blasting over. The striker tried his luck a little later with a free-kick, barely missing the top corner with a curled effort.
Thomas put goalkeeperĀ Kouakou Herve KoffiĀ to work with a strong header, but Ghana's persistent pressure didn't lead to results. Ghana introduced Asamoah Gyan to freshen the legs up front, and the Black Stars' attacking dominance continued.
Burkina Faso's goalkeeper Herve Kouakou Koffi (back) prepares to block a header by Ghana's forward Bernard Tekpetey (2nd-R) during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations third place football match between Burkina Faso and Ghana in Port-Gentil on February 4, 2017.
But chances were fewer than in the first half. Aristide Bance's free-kick was deflected into the hands of the goalkeeper, and Jonathan Mensah failed to pick out a team-mate after a lovely move broke down.
On the other side of the pitch, substituteĀ Cyrille BayalaĀ caused some trouble with his fresher legs, drawing two saves from Ofori.Ā
With no extra time to be played after 90 minutes, the Stallions anticipated penalties and brought onĀ Patrick Malo with 10 minutes left on the clock. That proved to be premature, as Nakoulma missed another glorious chance before Alain Traore finally broke the deadlock, converting a free-kick.
BBC Sport's John Bennett loved the strike:
Alain Traore with a cracking free-kick for Burkina Faso... They'll win 3rd place... Ghana will be 4th. #AFCON2017
Ghana pushed for an equaliser with all of their might, and both Mensah and DanielĀ Amartey went close, but the Stallions held on for third place.
Egypt and Cameroon will battle it out in the AFCON final on Sunday.
AFCON 2017: Date, Time, Live Stream for Burkina Faso vs. Ghana
Feb 3, 2017
Burkina Faso players stand together during a penalty shoot out at the end of the African Cup of Nations semifinal soccer match between Burkina Faso and Egypt at the Stade de l'Amitie, in Libreville, Gabon, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. Egypt defeated Burkins Faso 4-3 in a penalty shoot out after the game ended tied 1-1. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)
Burkina Faso and Ghana will need to get over their disappointment at missing out on a place in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final when they take each other on in Saturday's third-place play-off.
The former were edged out on penalties by Egypt on Wednesday after drawing 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes, while the latter were stunned 2-0 by Cameroon as they continued their remarkable run.
The pair will face off at the Stade de Port-Gentil, in Port-Gentil, Gabon.
Read on for a closer look at the clash, but first, here are the viewing details you need:
The Stallions have also been theĀ only team to score past Egypt in this year's tournament thus farāAristide Bance's goal was theĀ first conceded byĀ Essam El Hadary in over 10 hours of AFCON footballāso they're well within their rights to feel aggrieved at having missed out on a final place.
Burkina Faso lack the star power of their opponents, but they've produced some excellent performances in Gabon, with Charles Kabore and Prejuce Nakoulma among those standing out.
Football journalist Maher Mezahi singled out the latter for praise:
It's been a pleasure seeing Prejuce Nakoulma really assume his responsibilities this Cup of Nations and become a key figure for Burkina.
The striker has netted twice at the tournamentāonly the Democratic Republic of Congo's Junior Kabananga has more with threeāso he'll be among the Stallions' biggest threats against Ghana.
The Black Stars will also be disappointed as their 35-year wait for a fifth AFCON title continues.
Ghana were deservedly beaten by the spirited and positive Cameroon, and they will need to improve on that showing if they're to win on Saturday.
Cameroon took charge early in the semi-final, and if Burkina Faso replicate their performance against Egypt, they'll be able to do the same.
They might find joy down the right flank in particularāsports journalist Gary Al-Smith noted Cameroon did so against Frank Acheampong, although Reuters' Ed Dove remains an admirer of the 23-year-old:
Cameroon exploiting the left side of Ghana's defense - Frank Acheampong the weak link. #AFCON2017#Joyafcon
Avram Grant's side were able to exert control over the game as it wore on, but despite the attacking talent they possessed in Jordan and Andre Ayew, Thomas Partey and Christian Atsu, they lacked quality in the final third.
Ghana have the personnel to win the third-place play-off straightforwardly, but much will depend on the two sides' ability to motivate themselves for a match that means relatively little when all is said and done.
The Black Stars failed to win the play-off in both 2012 and 2013, and it could be the same here.
Ghana are into the Africa Cup of Nations final after easily seeing off host nation Equatorial Guinea 3-0 on Thursday. Both Ayew brothersāJordan and Andreāfound the back of the net for the Black Stars...
How Ghana's Controversial AFCON Win over Equatorial Guinea Played out on Twitter
Feb 5, 2015
Ghana soccer players celebrates after Mubarak Wakaso, scored a goal against Equatorial Guinea, during their African Cup of Nations Semifinals soccer match at Estadio De Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Thursday Feb. 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)
Not so long ago, Equatorial Guinea were expelled from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations for fielding an ineligible player in a qualifier. However, after stepping in as last-minute hosts, theĀ Nzalang NacionalĀ ("National Lightning") found themselves in the semi-finals on Thursday evening, facing Ghana with a view to progressing to the final on Sunday, where the Ivory Coast await.
Despite being ranked 118th in the world, theĀ Equatoguineans went into their semi-final in Malabo undefeated, having followed two draws with two wins. Ghana, ranked 37th in the world, suffered a loss in their opener toĀ Senegal.Ā
However, shameful behaviour from the home crowd put a dark cloud over their meeting, a 3-0 Ghana win, and appalled fans documented the antics on Twitter.Ā
Before the game, there was much talk of the standard of officiating, following a highly controversial display in the host's narrow quarter-final win over Tunisia that saw the referee suspended for six months.Ā
Surely there won't be any refereeing controversy in tonight's #AFCON2015 semi?
The Black Stars were huge favourites going into the game, and despite the potential influence of the officials, most fans on Twitter (correctly) believed they had this game in the bag:
Would love the Equatorial Guinea to pull it off for the home crowd but can only see a Ghana victory here. #AFCON2015
Ghana captainĀ Asamoah Gyan found himself confined to the bench after colliding with the Republic of Guinea's goalkeeper in the quarter-finals, which handedĀ the hosts a glimmer of hope:Ā Ā
As the game kicked off, Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe, memesĀ flooded Twitter in the wake of his embarrassing public fall. Inevitably, the worlds of football and Zimbabwean dictators collided:
The first half-hour of the game didn't produce many moments for the highlight reel, but refereeĀ Eric Arnaud Otogo-Castane certainly suffered some scrutiny:
Fans on Twitter also distracted themselves from the low-quality football on display by commentating on Ghana manager Avram Grant, who appears to own only one shirt these days:Ā
— š¬š Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) February 5, 2015
The game finally came to life in the 41st minute, when Equatorial Guinean keeper FelipeĀ Ovono brought downĀ Kwesi Appiah in the area. The shot-stopper was bookedānot sent offāandĀ Jordan Ayew slotted home the penalty:Ā
#GHAGUI 2-0 ! Le but sur penalty de Jordan Ayew pour prendre une option ! Rien Ć redire...
Ća part en c..... Rouge ! pic.twitter.com/Ilw5bnZsE4
Three minutes later, the Black Stars doubled their advantage when MubarakĀ Wakaso finished a counter-attacking move beautifully from around 15 yards. Even Grant couldn't contain his glee:
— š¬š Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) February 5, 2015
There was a tense atmosphere in the 15,000-seater Estadio de Malabo when the teams emerged from the second half, but Ghana goalkeeperĀ Razak Brimah took the precaution of bringing a friendly neighbourhood accomplice onto the field with him:
After spending most of the second half slowly unraveling while trying to put pressure on the referee, the hosts conceded for a third time in the 75th minute when Andre Ayew slotted home from around 10 yards:
With under 10 minutes to go, the game took an unfortunate turn as the referee halted play when fans spilled onto the touchline. It was understood that they were Ghana fans seeking refuge from the missiles and abuse of the home contingent:
The referees paused play for over 30 minutes, with missiles continuing to rain down while helicopters flew overhead and the Equatoguinean players pleaded with the crowd to calm down:
After more than a half-hour of confusion and embarrassing scenes, the referee resumed play for three meaningless additional minutes.
Despite being harangued by the hostile home crowd for most of the game, the Black Stars celebrated their ascension to Sunday's final with a bit of a dance:Ā
After Beating Algeria, Are Ghana Genuine AFCON Contenders?
Jan 23, 2015
FORTALEZA, BRAZIL - JUNE 21: Asamoah Gyan of Ghana celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Germany and Ghana at Castelao on June 21, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Avram Grantās Ghana were one of the biggest disappointments of the first round of Africa Cup of Nations group-stage matches.
The Black Stars started well against Senegal, exploiting the space ahead of the Teranga Lionsā defence and enjoying large spells of possession.
However, despite opening the scoring through an Andre Ayew penalty, they were unable to capitalise on their early dominance.
In the second half, Alain Giresseās side dropped their 3-5-2 formation and switched to playing with four at the back, an approach they used for the latter portion of their qualifying campaign.
The changed proved effective. Senegal suddenly looked far more cohesive and much stronger than their West African counterparts.
Mame Biram Diouf equalised on 58 minutes before a late Moussa Sow goal gave Giresseās side a vital victory.
For Avram Grant, the loss represented a dreadful start to his Black Stars careerāthe former ChelseaĀ manager only took the hot seat after the conclusion of the qualifying seriesābut it wasn't totally unforeseen.
Indeed, in a pre-tournament predictions piece for Kick Off magazine, I forecast that the Black Stars would be the disappointments of the competition.
There were various factors that influenced my conclusion.
The West African heavyweights had been underwhelming during qualification, and while they topped their (fairly straightforward) pool, it wasn't before they had been defeated by minnows Uganda.
Similarly, an injury to Kwadwo Asamoah had ruled the Juventus man out of the 2015 continental showpiece. Not only is Asamoah a versatile and talented operator, but he also brings the experience of being a multi-time winner of a major European leagueāthere aren't too many sides at the 2015 AFCON that can call on that calibre of competitor.
I also questioned whether it would be possible for Grant to get to know and understand his players in time for the tournament. His opening squad was a sprawling selection, but over the last few weeks, he has been forced to adapt as injury and illness concerns have affected Waris Majeed, Jeffrey Schlupp and, latterly, Asamoah Gyan.
It was inevitable that the Group of Death would claim some high-profile victims, and considering all of their concerns and complications, I was fairly convinced that it would be Ghana.
That opening defeat to Senegalāand particularly the nature of their second-half capitulationāonly gave me greater conviction.
I anticipated that, against Algeria on Friday, the Black Starsā hopes of achieving something in Equatorial Guinea would come to an end.
Algeria, after all, were arguably Africaās finest side in 2014. They delivered a historic showing at the World Cup in Brazil before cruising through qualification for the Cup of Nations.
Similarly, despite a lethargic opening against South Africa in their first AFCON match, they turned on the class in the second half andāin an impressive show of superiorityāran out 3-1 winners.
However, against the Black Stars, the Algeria that turned up were the languid outfit of the first half against Bafana Bafana rather than the effective unit of the final 25 minutes.
The Desert Foxes appeared content to settle for a draw early on. They defended deep, wasted time and seemed to steer clear of the kind of forward forays that so troubled Ghana when they faced Senegal.
The gameāone of the least eventful of the competition so farāappeared destined to be lulling toward a draw. That was until the 92ndĀ minute.
In Asamoah Gyan, Ghana possess a player with the kind of aura that is becoming all too rare in the African game. Gyanārecord-breaker and malaria survivorāis a continental superstar and remains the kind of player who can allow those around him to believe that anything is possible.
FORTALEZA, BRAZIL - JUNE 21: Asamoah Gyan of Ghana celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Germany and Ghana at Castelao on June 21, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Ge
Baby Jet demonstrated his poise and guile in the final minute when, racing forward to reach a cross-fieldĀ Wakaso Mubarak move, he tore past Carl Medjaniādespite giving the former Liverpool man a head start of several yardsāand fired home past Rais MāBolhi.
The goal, coming so late (in the 92ndĀ minute), gave Algeria no opportunity for a response and ensured that the Black Stars secured the three points.
On a broader scale, beyond merely grabbing the victory, it is a goal that has reignited the West Africansā Cup of Nations campaign, and one that must prompt a re-evaluation of the Black Starsā chances in Equatorial Guinea.
The goal cannot hide the sideās fragilitiesāof which there are severalābut it has undoubtedly made Ghana favourites for their upcoming group decider against a brittle, nervy South Africa side.
FORTALEZA, BRAZIL - JUNE 21: Asamoah Gyan of Ghana celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Germany and Ghana at Castelao on June 21, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Ge
Similarly, one expects that a victory over Algeriaāamong the pre-tournament favouritesācan imbue the Black Stars with confidence and can spur them onto the kind of offensive coherence and defensive assertiveness that have been lacking thus far.
If Grant can ensure that his troops show further evidence of improvement against South Africa, then they will be quietly confident of upsetting one of the four teams in Group D (none of whom have been particularly impressive) in the quarter-final.
If they can win that match, then anything would be possible.
Itās too soon, perhaps, to say that Ghana are genuine AFCON contenders, but if their trajectory of improvement can continue against Bafana Bafana on Tuesday in Mongomo, then the Black Stars will have considerable momentum behind them.
Cup of Nations qualifiers resumed this weekend with a full schedule across the continent. We are currently at the halfway point of qualification for the continental showpiece in Morocco and the seven groups are beginning to take shape...
