[FM22] West Afri-Can we bring newfound glory to the club? Yes, we can! [Complete]

[corinthiano]

November 2078

Unbelievably we keep winning games and are now sitting at the top with 3 points ahead and two games in hand. Even better, by beating both Kano Pillars and Enyimba Aba at their place we have made it really difficult for them to get back into this race as they continue to be inconsistent. In the Confederation Cup we get a nice 2 goal advantage to take with us to the second leg.

Transfers

In

Out

The transfer business has been mostly about replacing squad depth and giving us more options as I dont want to disrupt the balance of the first team. The two loanees will provide cover at the back, whilst Ngunyi at DLP and Kadri at right back replace Sibabi-Guile and Sithole as back-ups respectively. The only player who will fight for a first team place is young defender Etari who could feature for us often at centre back.

Next Fixtures

We'll try to finish the job in South Africa to get into the Confederation Cup Group Stages before we play our two closest rivals in two games that could give us an even bigger edge in the title race.

[corinthiano]

December 2078

The first couple of losses and Adamawa Utd are now 6 point behind and have a game in hand to make it a two horse race. Losing at their place was tough but understandable, but the loss against Abia Comets was unexpected, especially as we really picked up some good form and even thrashed Enyimba Aba.

CAF Confederation Cup

That is not a terrible draw, I think we make can it through here.

Next Fixtures

Would be great to go 100% this month and put some pressure on Adamawa Utd. We have 7 players going to the AFCON so expect some absentees for the Abeokuta Stormers game.

[corinthiano]

January 2079

Not a perfect month as we drop points at home to Kwara Utd, but Adamawa dropped more points and we now have a 12 point lead with two extra games.

Transfers

Out

Making some money on a couple of fringe players.

Next Fixtures

We start our Confederation Cup group campaign and need to ensure it doesnt impact our league performance.

[corinthiano]

February 2079

We wobbled in the NPFL with a couple of poor performances against sides in the lower half of the table. Luckily Adamawa Utd wobbled more and we are 11 points ahead with an extra game and only 8 games to go. In the Confederation Cup a solid start has put us in a good position to get out of the group.

Next Fixtures

Some tricky games in the NPFL and we need to keep performing in the final stretch. Hoping we can have qualification to the Quarters of the Confederation Cup secured by the end of the month.

[Sizeman21]

Don't slip! You are getting close!! 

[corinthiano]

March 2079

We are doing our best to try and bottle the title, but luckily so are Adamawa Utd. We were poor in the NPFL this month, winning two and losing two. We even struggled to get past an already relegated Warri Wolves and only started scoring midway through the second half. We are leading by 8 points and need 8 more from the last 4 games to mathematically secure the title. In the Confederation Cup it has been plain sailing and we have already secured first place in the group.

Next Fixtures

We have cup distractions before the final stretch in the NPFL with a potential title decider against Adamawa Utd included.

[corinthiano]

2 hours ago, Sizeman21 said:

Don't slip! You are getting close!! 

Almost there but certainly no guarantees yet! I think we are lucky both Enyimba Aba and Kano Pillars were off the pace this year.

[corinthiano]

April/May/June 2079

The games just kept piling up in the Confederation Cup and Fed Cup to the point the NPFL almost became an afterthought. We had a great run in the Confederation Cup and actually managed to win the title quite easily, which included a nice semi-final win against former club Cosmos. The Fed Cup was never kind to Kojo during his stay in Nigeria and that continued as we were knocked out in the Last 16 by Kano Pillars. We were leading 3-2 with 5 minutes to go but lost focus and let them turn it around.

In the NFPL the big game against Adamawa came up and after we won that comfortably I thought that was the title wrapped up seeing as we just needed 1 point from 3 games. But we again made it harder for ourselves by losing the next two and leaving everything for the final game. That final game was luckily straightforward enough a d we clinched a first NPFL for Ifeanyi Ubah!

Milestones

[Sizeman21]

Good work Corinthiano! 👏

[corinthiano]

11 hours ago, Sizeman21 said:

Good work Corinthiano! 👏

Thanks! Just one more country to go!

[corinthiano]

2078/79 Season Review

What a season, the core of the team remained and we added a few faces that made a huge difference to the team. Our NPFL title is mostly down to the excellent start to the season, we dropped our first points almost at the halfway stage and despite wobbling in the second half of the season and equally inconsistent Adamawa Utd could not catch us. Part of the inconsistency was tired legs as we yet again went all the way to the final in the Confederation Cup, but this time as a much stronger side and we didnt really face any competition to get a first continental trophy for Ifeanyi Ubah.

Squad by Appearances

We used a ton of players this season again, probably more than last season - but the difference is that they were all OK with their role in the squad so there was little complaining being done.

Best Eleven

This year it was the turn of Lorenzo to be introduced to the all time Best XI.

Awards

NPFL

Confederation Cup

Awards galore this season as we won Best Player in both NPFL and Confederation Cup and had 7/8 out of the 11 players in the Best Team.

Top Performers

What a signing he was, contributed so much from the AP and Mezzala roles.

Initially I brought him in to replace Lorenzo, but the Lorenzo stayed and I thought he would be a back up, but Abiola got injured in the beginning of the season and Bassole scored so much I just couldnt take him out of the team!

Played largely as AP this season so didnt score as much, but was key in our build up play.

Finances

One of my last acts was to get Training and Youth Facilities improved, which leaves the club short on cash but well set up in their infrastructure.

Progress

After 4 great seasons the job in Nigeria is done and Kojo can return home!

[Ace40]

congrats on another win 

[corinthiano]

The Final Chapter - Ghana

Ghana is a country in West Africa that borders Ivory Coast to the West, Burkina Faso to the North and Togo to the East. It is the second most populous country in West Africa after Nigeria with 32 million inhabitants. Accra is the capital and largest city, with its Metropolitan area having over 5 million inhabitants. As with most West African countries, there are several ethnicities in Ghana, but Aka represents almost half of the population. The official language of the country is English.

Before European colonization the Kindgom of Ashanti ruled the southern part of what is now Ghana from its capital Kumasi and was rich due to the presence of gold in the region. Gold was also what first attracted Europeans to Ghana, with the Portuguese the first to settle there and build trading castles. Due to the presence of Gold the region was named Gold Coast. Portuguese were followed by Dutch, German and eventually the British who were the ones who ultimately took control after defeating the Ashanti Empire in 1900. Ghana gained independence, proclaimed by Kwameh Krumah, who was its first prime minister until 1966. He was overthrown due to this authoritarian regime that repressed opposition and did not hold free and fair elections. He was overthrown by the Ghana Armed Forces and a period of military rule under Jerry John Rawlings followed until he restored a multi-party system in 1992, winning the first two elections. Since then Ghana has been an example of democracy in the region, with power changing between political parties with little turmoil and no infighting.

Ghana is rich in natural resources such as gold, minerals and some oil, but it has focused on developing its economy, aiming to become industrialized and be a technology hub for the region. Other than rich minerals Ghana is also the second largest exporter of Cocoa. Due to political and economic stability there is decent tourism in Ghana, with decent infrastructure to visit old Ashanti Empire locations, as well as historical forts from the colonization period. It has some World Heritage sites such as Ashanti buildings and coastal forts.

Football in Ghana

Football was introduced to Ghana at the close of the 19th century by merchants from Europe and it spread like wildfire, with the first club, Excelsior, being formed in 1903. Since independence the sport has been administered by the Ghana Football Association. The Black Stars are one of the most successful sides in Africa, having conquered the African Cup of Nations 4 times pre-game, as well as reaching the Quarter Finals once. They have only claimed one more AFCON since then and reached the Last 16 of the World Cup once.

The Ghana Premier League was formed in 1956 and has been dominated by Asante Kotoko from Kumasi and Hearts of Oak from Accra, two teams with African pedigree pre-game, which has been significantly extended in-game. Pre-Game Asante Kotoko has 24 titles versus 21 of Hearts of Oak, with Ashanti Gold from Obuasi the next successful team with 4 titles. This dominance has continued as both won all titles other than 7, with Accra Lions and Berekum Chelsea claiming a single trophy and WAFA SC winning 5.

In terms of clubs to pick there are a few decent ones, with Medeama SC, who Kojo just beat in the Confederation Cup Final, and Tema Youth the two 2.5 star teams. Karela FC, Bechem Utd and Real Tamale are the other decent teams. Taking over Real Tamale would be nice as Kojo is from the Northern Region, not too far from Tamale.

[corinthiano]

5 hours ago, Ace40 said:

congrats on another win 

Thanks!

[Sizeman21]

Zylofon Cash Premier League is the coolest name for a sports league ever! Sounds totally made up! LOL! 

[corinthiano]

2078/79 West African Review

CAF Champions League

Not as strong as last season but still very good as half the teams at this Stage are West African, with all of them other than CNEPS Excellence and SONACO making it through to the Quarter Final.

Really strong West Africa performance again, with Enyimba Aba putting a poor domestic season behind them with their 6th Champions League title.

CAF Confederation Cup

7 teams at this stage and impressively 6 of them make it through to the Quarter Final.

We all know what happened here, Ifeanyi Ubah cruise to the title to win their first continental trophy and make it a NIgerian double.

West African League Rankings

Big move at the top as recent African success moves Nigeria into top spot in Africa.

League Champions

It was the big sides that dominated most of the leagues, but Kojo's Ifeanyi Ubah are joined by Cape Verde's Sanjoanense da Boa Vista as champions for the first time.

Former Champions

MC Breweries: Great first season back as they finish 4th and are promoted via a playoff to the top flight. Also get to the Quarter Final of the LFA Cup.

Kamboi Eagles: Not a good season as they finish 14th and just 5 point from the relegation zone.

Nô Pintcha da Brava: Win the Liga Brava for the first time in a while but fall in the Group Stage of the Cape Verdean Competition. Knocked out early in the Taça Brava.

AFC Nhacra: Improve a bit this season and finish 4th in the league, still going out early in the Cup.

Ayéma FC: In the Relegation Group again, finishing 2nd.

CNEPS Excellence: Underwhelming in Ligue 1 as they finish 4th again, and this time no domestic or cup glory to make up for that.

Banjul Utd: A bit better as they move to 9th in the second tier.

ASN NIGELEC: Repeated last year with 3rd in the Superligue and a Quarter Final exit in the Coupe du Niger.

Unisport: Whipping boys of the Championship Group again with 5 points from 10 games.

CFFEB: Unspectacular reason as they finish 4th and are knocked out early of the Coupe du Faso.

Flamme Olympique: Slipped another position and finish 3rd. In the Confederation Cup they are eliminated in the First Round by Algerian opposition.

Avenir AC: Big drop as they finish 7th in Ligue 1 and are knocked out in the First Round of the Coupe du Mali.

Cosmos: Second to ASEC Mimosas again. In African football they lose to Kojo's Ifeanyi Ubah in the Semi Final of the Confederation 

Edited September 29, 2023 by corinthiano

[corinthiano]

So a season has passed and no jobs yet. Something weird is going on in Ghana. All second tier sides have no manager and if you apply for a role you either get a response saying it has been unsuccessful as the interview process is over or you never get a response back. The teams promoted into the first tier either hired someone or left the job open, but applying to those as they were fired also didnt work. I am going to keep trying for another season, but will hold off on the West Africa update until I know there isnt a bug preventing me from getting a job.

[corinthiano]

We managed to get a club so can update the West African Review 

2079/80 West African Review

CAF Champions League

One team down from the season before as 7 teams make it to this stage and 4 make it through. Ifeanyi Ubah notable not amongst those teams.

The title stays in West Africa as ASEC Mimosas beat ES Tunis to claim their 5th win.

CAF Confederation Cup

7 teams again and 5 making it through. No Ifeanyi Ubah again...

Tema Youth almost make it another West African double but in the end Algerias ES Sétif take their second title.

West African League Rankings

Re-shuffle at the top again as Ghana reclaim number 1 and Nigeria drop to 3rd.

League Champions

A new champions for a second year in a row in Cape Verde and after a long period of dominance from Banjul Hawks, Real de Banjul win the last couple of titles to go joint top in number of national title wins.

Former Champions

MC Breweries: Drop straight back down, finishing 11th out of 12. Also out in the First Round of the LFA Cup.

Kamboi Eagles: Solid 3rd place, 8 points off the top.

Nô Pintcha da Brava: Has to be the worst performance of the save for them, bottom of Liga Brava and out in the first round of the Taça Brava.

AFC Nhacra: A strong title challenge this season and a second place finish, but out early in the cup again.

Ayéma FC: Back in the Championship Group, but only finish 11th out 12.

CNEPS Excellence: Underwhelming in Ligue 1 as they finish 4th again, and again no domestic or cup glory to make up for that.

Banjul Utd: A bit better again as they move to 6th in the second tier.

ASN NIGELEC: Massive drop and almost relegated from the Superligue. Out in the Last 16 of the Coupe du Niger.

Unisport: Whipping boys of the Championship Group again with 2 points from 10 games.

CFFEB: Drop down in the league and finish 7th, but do get to the Coupe du Faso Final, losing to ASFA-Yennenga.

Flamme Olympique: Finish 3rd again, 7 points off the top.

Avenir AC: Rise a couple of places to 5th and get to the Last 16 of the Coupe du Mali.

Cosmos: Second to ASEC Mimosas again. In African football they get to the Confederation Cup Group Stage but only finish 3rd.

Ifeanyi Ubah: Absolutely awful season after Kojo departed. 6th in the NFPL, shock loss to Equatorial Guinea's Vegetarianos in the Preliminary Round of the Champions League and a Last 16 Fed Cup appearance. They haven't even sold that many of the squad, they just havent performed.

Edited October 8, 2023 by corinthiano

[corinthiano]

Real Tamale United

Real Tamale United or RTU are a club from Tamale, the largest city in the Northern Region of Ghana. The club was founded in 1976 and is where Ghana legend Abedi Pelé, the father of Andre and Jordan Ayew, started his career. Pre-game they were a club that typically played in the Premier League but never achieved much and at times bounced between the top two tiers. Their most succesful era was in the 90s when they were runners-up twice and got to compete in Africa for 3 seasons, never getting past the First Round. In-game they continue to be an established Premier League team, only being relegated twice, after which they bounced straight back up. Their best finish though in this time has been 6th, so it has been mediocrity at best for them. They were in the relegation zone when they sacked their manager, but a win since then sees them in 13th.

This is the perfect club for Kojo to end his career in (if all goes well). He was born in Yendi, which is an hour from Tamale as I have actually been to both these places on a number of occasions. Coming back to Ghana to win a title for a team in the Northern Region for the first time would be an amazing achievement and finale to this save.

Real Tamale play their games in the Tamale Stadium, which was renamed to Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium after the late Vice President of Ghana. It is an excellent stadium with almost 23k seats, which was built in 2008 for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Top Rated Players

We dont have an assistant so here are the three most valuable players in the squad, which looks to be decently balanced.

Highly rated youngster with interest from other Premier League sides.

Starting striker for the club, 2 goals in 11 games is not surprising with that awful Finishing.

Valuable because of PA, he is not even registered for the Premier League...

Finances

 - a combination of big stadium and really good TV deal means this could be fun with all the money we have to spend!

Initial Fixtures

A home game against Asante Kotoko to start of is not ideal, but the two games at the end of the month give us an opportunity to pull away from the relegation zone.

 

 

 

Edited September 30, 2023 by corinthiano

[corinthiano]

January 2081

Couldnt have wished for a better start, two good draws against better sides and two win against lesser sides see us comfortably in mid table and 9 points from the drop zone.

Transfers

In

Out

After having free reign with unlimited squad sizes and no foreign player limits in Ivory Coast and Nigeria Kojo needs to get used to having restrictions again. There is a 30 player limit and a max of 5 foreigners so the first transfer window has been mostly about clearing an extremely bloated squad. We also had to loan out a foreign player to get another one in as there were not a lot of decent Ghanaians available.

Not a lot better than what we currently have but crucially a lot younger and eligible for Ghanaian nationality in less than a year.

Midfield is probably our weakest area and Hudu helps us address that.

Next Fixtures

Its a packed February and hopefully we can continue staying away from any relegation danger.

[oriole01]

Ever since you mentioned that Tamale was close to Kojo's hometown I was hoping you'd get to go there, so this is awesome . As you said, it really seems a fitting end to his journey. I don't think I've actually commented on this thread so far but I've been following along the whole time and it's been a very enjoyable read just like in Brazil. I'm a huge fan of your update style and I'm rooting for you to finish this save on a high with Tamale. Do you think you will stay and try to win the Champions League here even if you get to the Ghanaian title first?

[corinthiano]

On 01/10/2023 at 02:21, oriole01 said:

Ever since you mentioned that Tamale was close to Kojo's hometown I was hoping you'd get to go there, so this is awesome . As you said, it really seems a fitting end to his journey. I don't think I've actually commented on this thread so far but I've been following along the whole time and it's been a very enjoyable read just like in Brazil. I'm a huge fan of your update style and I'm rooting for you to finish this save on a high with Tamale. Do you think you will stay and try to win the Champions League here even if you get to the Ghanaian title first?

Thank you for the kind words

I am going to try and win the Champions League with Real Tamale to finish Kojo's career on a high. Had it been another Ghanaian team I might have been tempted to just win the domestic title, but with it being Real Tamale it just feels like the Champions League is the right finale for the save (if it comes after the domestic title).

[corinthiano]

February 2081

It has been hard to be consistent due to the busy schedule and we have struggled to score goals at times, but I cant really complain as we have established ourselves in mid-table and look to be very safe from relegation. We are relying on Obeng for goals and it feels like attack is something I will need to address in the off-season.

Next Fixtures

We continue on a 2 game week schedule until the international break and then have a very tough Last 16 game against Accra Lions in the FA Cup at the end of the month.

[corinthiano]

3 hours ago, Jimbokav1971 said:

Stadium Expansion. Jun 2045. 

It was only built last year, (2044), but already in 2045 it's being expanded. 

We have finally been able to request an upgrade to the Youth Facilities, (after about 5 years of waiting). 

@Jimbokav1971 think you might have posted in the wrong thread 😊

Great news on the youth facilities upgrade though!

[Jimbokav1971]

1 hour ago, corinthiano said:

@Jimbokav1971 think you might have posted in the wrong thread 😊

Great news on the youth facilities upgrade though!

Oops. Sorry mate. Will delete them now. 

[Edit]

Sorted now @corinthiano. Sorry about that. Was reading your thread and then posted without checking. 

Edited October 2, 2023 by Jimbokav1971

[corinthiano]

1 hour ago, Jimbokav1971 said:

Oops. Sorry mate. Will delete them now. 

[Edit]

Sorted now @corinthiano. Sorry about that. Was reading your thread and then posted without checking. 

Haha no worries, I actually have to thank you because it reminded me that I am now at a club with plenty of money and should be requesting improvements. 

Youth Facilities wasnt an option, but managed to get everything else.

 

[corinthiano]

March 2081

What an amazing month in the Premier League. We played really solid football, winning all games and conceding none. And it included really comfortable wins over Hearts of Oak and Ashanti Gold who are right up the table. It was somewhat disappointing we couldnt carry this amazing form into the FA Cup, we scored early but then were second best to Accra Lions for the rest of the game. But success was unlikely here anyway so we can focus on consolidating a top half finish instead.

Next Fixtures

The fixtures ease up and looking at who we play we could extend the good run of form.

[Jimbokav1971]

11 hours ago, corinthiano said:

Haha no worries, I actually have to thank you because it reminded me that I am now at a club with plenty of money and should be requesting improvements. 

Youth Facilities wasnt an option, but managed to get everything else.

 

This is a thing of absolute beauty. 

[corinthiano]

April 2081

A solid month, it would have been nice to won all three games but Karela FC made it hard for us, equalizing after we had gone ahead and then giving us few chances. All Blacks and Ebusua Dwarfs FC had no chance howver and we sit in a very decent 7th place right now.

Next Fixtures

A very tough month for us playing 2nd, 4th and 5th. Aim is 4 points but even that will be tough.

[corinthiano]

May/June 2081

Very please we managed to climb up a place into 6th with the fixtures we had. We had no chance against Asante Kotoko but beating Medeama SC at their place with a last minute winner was key to finishing the season very solidly.

[corinthiano]

2080/81 Season Review

Could not have asked for more in our first season. Picked up the team close the relegation zone and finished an extremely solid 6th place in the Premier League. We do need to score more goals, which I will look to address in the off season.

Squad by Appearances

We did get lucky to get a pretty decent and balanced squad, with a few additions we managed to improve depth in certain areas but largely the team that was there when we took over played well over the season. What you cant see here is all the players that did not have an appearance, the squad is huge with a lot of dross so a major clear-out will happen in the offseason.

Best XI

Owusu, Amoh and Boateng are also in the All Time XI, so we have some legends of the club with us.

Top Performers

Our main source of goals, didnt score a ton but did score some crucial winners.

Great defensive mid for us, chipped in with some great free kicks too.

One of the signings we made, solid in defence and should obtain Ghanaian nationality at some point next season.

Finances

We lost money, but only because we made Training Facility investments. Still sitting on a nice pile of cash.

Progress

Great first season back at home for Kojo, now its time to build in an attempt to challenge for continental spots.

[corinthiano]

2080/81 West African Review

CAF Champions League

Half the teams at this stage are West African and I believe it is the first time three clubs from Ivory Coast make this stage, although none managed to progress further.

An all West-African final with Asante Kotoko taking their 10th Champions League title.

CAF Confederation Cup

6 teams here and only the Ivory Coast teams dont make it through again. Shout out to Black Africa who I believe are the first Namibian side to make it to this stage.

Another West African final and CF Rahimo claim their and Burkina Faso's first ever continental trophy.

West African League Rankings

Nigeria jump into first place again to top African League Rankings.

League Champions

Ebedei win their first Nigerian title after being close to the top for a long time. Real de Banjul are now the outright biggest champions in The Gambia.

Former Champions

MC Breweries: Bit of a yo-yo club right now as they are promoted to the top flight. Out in the First Round of the LFA Cup.

Kamboi Eagles: Just one point off the title in 2nd.

Nô Pintcha da Brava: Better this year as they finish 3rd in Liga Brava, but still knocked out early in Taça Brava.

AFC Nhacra: So close to another title, finishing in third just one point off the top.

Ayéma FC: Didnt make into the Championship Group, finishing 3rd in their Relegation Group, comfortably ahead of the drop zone.

CNEPS Excellence: Really poor 7th place finish and best cup result was a Semi Final in the League Cup.

Banjul Utd: Close to getting promoted to the top tier, finishing 3rd - 6 points off second.

ASN NIGELEC: Massive drop and almost relegated from the Superligue. Out in the Last 16 of the Coupe du Niger.

Unisport: Terrible, not even making the Championship Group, finishing 4th in the Northern Zone.

CFFEB: Finish in mid-table again at 8th and are knocked out in the Quarter Final of the Coupe du Faso.

Flamme Olympique: Do really well to win their 5th domestic title.

Avenir AC: Rise another couple of places to 3rd and get to the Last 16 of the Coupe du Mali.

Cosmos: Really poor year domestically as they finish 4th, but at least they made it to the Group Stages of the Champions League.

Ifeanyi Ubah: Better year as they finish fourth and will be back in Africa next season. Shock Second Round exit in the Federation Cup though.

Edited October 28, 2023 by corinthiano

[corinthiano]

2081/82 Season Preview

We are predicted a comfortable mid-table and that is also what the board want. I however would like to try to push for a top 4 place to see if we can qualify for Africa, as well as try to put a good run in the FA Cup together.

Transfers

In

Out

Calling this a clearout would be an understatement, but it was very much needed, especially as we can only register 30 players for the Premier League so there is little point in having much more than that in the first team. Those who I didnt get an offer for I loaned out to our new affiliate club Steadfast FC, also from Tamale playing in the second tier.

We released a Sidi Hattib and loaned out Cheick Abdoul Kanté to make up two new foreign slots, with the added bonus that Gomes and Coulibaly became Ghanaian nationals. We got 4 good foregneirs in to replace them, with two very good Tunisian midfielders, a left back from Uruguay and promosing striker Ibara from. The latter was a bit rushed as I did not think Coulibaly would turn Ghanaian so not as good as I thought he could be, but should still do a decent job. Here are the new foreigners and new first teamers:

Legendary keeper Owusu was getting on at 37 so Ubah, who has played for us before and also has Ghanaian nationality, comes in for a bargain from Nigeria.

Attacking full backs are so hard to come by and so important for our tactic, so I am really excited to see what Maldonado can do.

First of the Tunisians, so good for this league.

Skhiri looks even more exciting, can see him doing well as our AP.

Decent versatile midfielder who will fight for a spot in the first XI.

We tried signing Francis when we first joined Real Tamale but he chose to go to Legon Cities instead, with them relegated we managed to get him over. Was going to be our starting AP before we signed the Tunisians, will now fight to start.

As mentioned not as good as I thought he could be, but still young and probably our best prospect up front.

Came in at a cut price from Accra Lions, not great but could challenge for the first team.

Assistant XI

We have a solid team now, with a lot of versatile players which would have me play a different side. Interesting that Oduro is the defender my Assistant would - he is a promising youth prospect and should get some playing time this season.

Initial Fixtures

This is a decent start other than having to go to Asante Kotoko, hopefully we can start with a few wins.

 

[corinthiano]

November 2081

We started with two impressive performances but then were completely outplayed by Accra Lions and Asante Kotoko. Morale is low and with that we also drew a very winnable game against Bechem Utd. Feels like we should have had more points this month.

Transfers

Out

Amoh was unhappy he wasnt in the first team anymore so off to Nigeria he goes.

Next Fixtures

We need to turn around our form and make the most of our busy December to make sure we push more towards the top.

[corinthiano]

December 2081

We still were not quite clicking at the start of the month and 4 points we dropped against Tema Youth and Mighty Jets showed that. We started improving towards the end and the month finished on a massive high as we completely dismantled Ashanti Gold at their place, which leaves me very optimistic for the future. In the FA Cup the second string did the jog against second tier side Great Olympics and we are through to the Second Round.

Next Fixtures

We are only playing teams in the lower half of the table in January, so hopefully an opportunity to put a good run together.

[corinthiano]

January 2082

Very good month for us as we almost take complete advantage of the fixtures we were given. It should have been a 100% month but somehow we just couldnt score against Berekum Chelsea, and when we did they scored the equalizer straight from the restart. Still very good to be in 4th, albeit with an extra game than Tema Youth and Accra Lions. Also throught to the Last 16 of the FA Cup, where we will play Medeama SC.

Transfers

In

Out

We have now gotten the squad to a decent size and some of these outgoings were actually due to them wanting first-team football vs me clearing them out, namely James Arthur, Mohammed Musah and David Owusu-Ansah. On the incoming front Eric Sarkodie is an experienced midfielder that was in Nigeria and will provide good cover, whilst we spend a bit of money on a starting centre back.

Next Fixtures

This will be a tougher month so we'll do well to still be close to the Top 4 at the end of it.

[corinthiano]

February 2082

If you look at how many points we collected this should have been a decent month, especially as we were lucky to get the away wins at WAFA SC and Accra Lions. But we were left wanting more as we dropped 4 points from winning positions with 10 minutes to go as we let Hearts of Oak draw in the 83rd minute and then somehow totally collapsed at Hasaacas, going from 2-0 in the 82nd minute to lose the game, in what was an extremely disappointing game. Looking decent at 5th though and still in the race for 4th.

Next Fixtures

Bechem Utd will be a tough game, but then hopefully we can get 6 points from the following home games. Would really like to progress further in the FA Cup too as the tie against Medeama SC is winnable.

[corinthiano]

March 2082

It was a really drab game against Bechem Utd, but at least we bounced back with 2 wins in the Premier League and edged out Medeama SC in the Last 16 of the FA Cup.

Next Fixtures

April is a busy month with a handful of tough and crucial fixtures as we host title challengers Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold and go to our compeition for 4th place Karela FC and Tema Youth. We were handed another decent draw in the FA Cup and with Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak out of it it gives us a good opportunity to try and win something.

[corinthiano]

That time of the year where we request improvements, Youth Facilities wasnt even an option to request but at least we got improvements everywhere else approved.

[corinthiano]

April 2082

The month started really well with a credible draw against Asante Kotoko and then a run of very good wins in the Premier League and FA Cup put us in pole position for 4th place. But as we were looking to wrap up an excellent month we suffered a terrible defeat at Planners, who only got their second win of the season and then carried over the bad form at Tema Youth to put us back in 5th place.

Next Fixtures

We have gotten another kind draw in the FA Cup and have a real chance of making the final. In the Premier League we'll try our best to finish 4th but we do have a tough run of fixtures.

[Sizeman21]

Seems like you are progressing nicely. Getting excited for the conclusion of this epic (I know it many be a season or so off)

 

Vamos Real Tamale!

[corinthiano]

1 hour ago, Sizeman21 said:

Seems like you are progressing nicely. Getting excited for the conclusion of this epic (I know it many be a season or so off)

 

Vamos Real Tamale!

Thanks! Yes could be a few more seasons especially if we want to win the Champions League, but we are making great progress 

[corinthiano]

May/June

We started May with a 4-4 epic that had us down at 1-3, before turning it around to 4-3 only to concede a late equalizer. From then on though we were ruthless, winning all of our games, which included an incredible drubbing of Hearts of Oak in Accra, to seal 4th place and win the FA Cup, winning the first trophy for the club and qualifying for the Confederation Cup!

And this isnt too shabby either 

[Jtomsett11]

What an epic journey you've had! I've been reading over the last month to catch up and have thoroughly enjoyed all of it! Keep up the good work!

[corinthiano]

On 24/10/2023 at 05:15, Jtomsett11 said:

What an epic journey you've had! I've been reading over the last month to catch up and have thoroughly enjoyed all of it! Keep up the good work!

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 

[corinthiano]

2081/82 Season Review

A very good improvement this year, we managed 11 more points and finished two places higher, although there is still quite a gap to the Top 3. The absolute bonus this season was winning the FA Cup. We were lucky with the draws as we never faced anyone higher than 8th in the Premier League, but I'll take it as it gives the club its first piece of major silverware and gets us African football next season.

Squad by Appearances

We avoided major injuries which allowed us to play a core team more or less consistently, unless we had fixture pile-ups. Other than central defence we had a pretty consolidated first team.

Best XI

7 new players in the Best XI as we clearly improved the first team.

Awards

Ibara was scoring for fun this season and is the record goalscorer in a single season in the Premier League. This earned him the Young Player of the Year Award and a spot in the Team of the Year.

Top Performers

I didnt think he was going to be this good when I signed him but boy was I wrong. Scored for fun and was incredibly consistent.

Scored a surprising amount of goals considering his role and his poor finishing. One of the legend of the clubs and still performing among all the talent we brought in.

As always, a good attacking full back does well in Kojo's tactic and Maldonado is no different.

Finances

Not bad at all considering we spent $1.5M on training facility improvements. The $1.1M for winning the FA Cup was a pleasant surprise. Could be in for a nice profit next season if we manage to get to the latter stages of the Confederation Cup.

Progress

Decent progress, next season the challenge will be to balance African football with domestic football and close the gap to the top 3.

 

[corinthiano]

2081/82 West African Review

CAF Champions League

A slightly weaker year as 6 West Africans making it to this stage and disappointingly the two big Ghanaian sides dont get through.

First time in a while we dont have any West Africans in the final as Club Africain win their 3rd title.

CAF Confederation Cup

They were light in the Champions League but in the Confederation Cup a mammoth 10 teams make the Group Stage, with 6 progressing further.

With so many West Africans in the last 8 it was disappointing to see the title go to Morocco as MAS Fès win their 2nd title.

West African League Rankings

Not a lot of movement, just another swap in the top by Ghana and Nigeria.

League Champions

One new champion in Benin as former Kojo sides in Guinea-Bissau and Guinea win the title.

Former Champions

 

MC Breweries: Continue the yo-yo run as they are dead last in the first tier and are relegated again. Out in the First Round of the LFA Cup.

Kamboi Eagles: Dropped of this year as they finish 5th.

Nô Pintcha da Brava: Better this year again as they finish 2nd in Liga Brava, but still knocked out early in Taça Brava.

AFC Nhacra: This year they closed the deal as they win their 9th domestic title.

Ayéma FC: Didnt make into the Championship Group again, finishing 4th in their Relegation Group, comfortably ahead of the drop zone.

CNEPS Excellence: Really poor 7th place finish again and best cup result was a Quarter Final in the Coupe du Sénégal.

Banjul Utd: Off the pace in the second tier this year as they finish 8th.

ASN NIGELEC: Better in the Superligue as they finish in 7th and far away from relegation.

Unisport: Back in the Championship Group and not dead last this time, finishing 5th out of 6.

CFFEB: Finish in mid-table again at 9th and are knocked out in the Semi Final of the Coupe du Faso.

Flamme Olympique: Do really well to win their 6th domestic title, but are knocked out in the Preliminary Round of the Champions League.

Avenir AC: Drop off again as they finish in 8th in Ligue 1. Their Confederation Cup campaign also ends early in the Preliminary Round and they lose the Coupe du Mali final on penalties.

Cosmos: Better domestically as they reclaim best of the rest behind ASEC Mimosas, but are knocked out in the Second Round of the Confederation Cup to Adamawa Utd.

Ifeanyi Ubah: Mediocre again as they finish in 9th.

[corinthiano]

Confederation Cup Preliminary and First Round

In Ghana we go back to playing the first couple of Qualifying Rounds in Africa before the league season begins. We got a very tough draw to start us of with Ismaily of Egypt and I thought it could be a short campaign this season. But we did well to hold our own in Egypt before dominating the return leg in Tamale. We were then rewarded with an easy tie against SK Windhoek of Namibia who posed no threat, Highlight here the biggest win in the clubs history with Ibara netting 7 goals in a game.

We get another kind draw in the final qualifying round and should make it to the Group Stages.

[corinthiano]

2082/83 Season Preview

The bookies half our odds and have us finishing three positions higher than last year and we have Skhiri in the Media Dream Eleven now. I do expect gradual improvement though as we did not find many Ghanaians that could improve the squad.

Transfers

In

Out

It wasnt a great transfer window for us as we spent close to $1M but in the end only mildly improved the team. On the outgoing front D'Ghay moved back to Morocco as we found a decent Ghanaian right back to open up a slot for us to sign Luc Tchintcho from Cameroon. Other than him we saw some improvements in defence, here are the challengers to the First Team.

Not great, but Ghanaian so will do.

Gyamsi is actually a strong addition to the back line but we are way overpaying him on salaries. Hoping I can talk him down from that in 6-12 months.

Originally signed as left back cover with Muntari leaving, also challenges the youngster Oduro in central defence.

Tried to make the most with the foreign slot and Tchintcho will hopefully deliver. We'll have to reshuffle things in the midifield diamond though with Skhiri dropping back to Mezzala.

Assistant XI

Looks like my assistant would not shift the midfield, but in my view Skhiri becomes a Mezzala, Ben Ammar the BBM and Akaminko/Kafari-Addy fight for DLP.

Initial Fixtures

We have a tricky start, especially our away trips.

[corinthiano]

October/November 2082

We could not have wised for a better start of the season, I was confident for the home games but getting away wins at Kerala Utd and Tema Youth for a 100% start meant we were in dreamland, until...

Transfers

Out

I knew this was a risk when we signed him as he required a low release clause, but admittedly had forgotten about it and not expected him to be so good either. We dont have great back-up options up front so will have to reshuffle things until the window opens up in January.

Next Fixtures

It is a busy month but in theory with a lot of winnable games, if we can cope without a main striker.