Gossiping from Kumasi & Accra Players escalated the friction between Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah – Mallam Yahaya
Former Black Stars player Mallam Yahaya has opened up about the friction that existed between two of Ghana’s football legends, Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah, during their time in the national team.
According to Yahaya, the rivalry and tension between the two iconic players were exacerbated by gossip and divisive tactics among local players, particularly those from Kumasi and Accra. He explained that the players from these two regions actively fueled the situation by seeking sympathy from both Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah, thus escalating the rift.
Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah are both revered figures in Ghanaian football history, known for their exceptional skill, leadership, and contributions to the Black Stars. However, despite their mutual love for the game and their desire to represent Ghana on the world stage, there were periods during their time together in the national team when tensions simmered between the two.
While the reasons for the discord have been the subject of much speculation over the years, Yahaya’s revelations shine a light on a deeper, often overlooked issue – the internal dynamics within the Black Stars squad, particularly among players hailing from different regions of Ghana.
Mallam Yahaya, who was a teammate of both Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah, explained in his Kessben TV interview that the friction between the two stars wasn’t entirely a personal matter. Rather, it was exacerbated by regional divides within the team. He revealed that players from Kumasi and Accra formed factions and played a significant role in widening the rift between Abedi and Tony, largely through gossip and manipulation.
“During our time in the national team, there was a lot of talk behind the scenes,” Yahaya shared. “Some of the Kumasi-based players and the Accra-based players would go to Abedi Pele or Tony Yeboah and try to seek their sympathy, fueling the tension between them. They would gossip about each other and make comments that further deepened the divide.” He said on Kessben TV.
According to Yahaya, these factions didn’t just remain among the players but also involved those in the media and some of the supporters who backed players from their respective regions. This division created a sense of rivalry that went beyond the football pitch, making it harder for Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah to coexist peacefully within the national team.
The rivalry between Kumasi and Accra-based players was not a new concept, as the two cities have always had their football allegiances and competitive spirit. Kumasi, home to the renowned Asante Kotoko, and Accra, home to the celebrated Hearts of Oak, have long been the centers of Ghana’s football culture. However, the influence of regional loyalty seemed to spill over into the Black Stars squad, creating unnecessary tension among the players.”
While Yahaya acknowledged that both Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah had strong personalities, he believes the gossiping and manipulation of some local players played a pivotal role in amplifying the friction.
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