by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 7, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Asante Kotoko SC and Medeama SC will join forces to represent Ghana in the 2024 Capital City Africa Cup in Washington, DC, Sportblog247.com has exclusively learned.
The two top-tier Ghanaian clubs will merge their squads for an international friendly against Major League Soccer (MLS) side, DC United. This eagerly awaited match is set to take place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Audi Field in Washington, DC.
The game, part of the larger Ghana Week DC 2024 celebration, is being organized by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Ghana Week DC, which runs from October 7-12, celebrates Ghanaian culture and heritage in the United States, with this fixture serving as one of its highlight events.
Initially, Asante Kotoko was set to compete alone, but visa challenges impacted many of their players’ ability to travel. Medeama SC, having participated in last year’s ceremonial game and with players who hold valid US visas, stepped in to strengthen the combined team.
The joint Kotoko-Medeama squad is scheduled to depart for the USA on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in preparation for the much-anticipated encounter.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 7, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International
Ghanaian forward Kwame Otu played a pivotal role in securing Kotkan Tyovaen Palloilijat’s (KTP) promotion to the Finnish top-flight league after a commanding 5-0 win over Mikkelin Palloilijat.
This promotion marks KTP’s return to Finland’s premier division for the first time since 2015, a remarkable achievement for the club.
Otu, who joined KTP on loan from SJK Akatemia in July 2024, contributed with a crucial assist during the game, underlining his consistent impact on the team.
While the young forward is yet to score, his influence has been significant. With 11 appearances and three assists, Otu’s dribbling, versatility, and tireless work ethic have made him a key player for KTP, earning high praise from head coach James Nyholm.
There is growing interest from KTP in signing Otu permanently, though negotiations with SJK Akatemia may be tough as the parent club values the promising Ghanaian talent.
Otu’s next step, whether he stays with KTP or returns to SJK, will be closely watched as his development in European football continues.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 7, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has shared his excitement after Leicester City claimed their first victory of the season in the English Premier League.
Facundo Buonanotte’s goal secured a 1-0 win for the Foxes over AFC Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Issahaku came off the bench to replace Stephy Mavididi with just eight minutes left in the match.
“Great effort from the lads and amazing 3+ points. Amazing support from the best fans in the world,” Issahaku expressed with joy after the game.
Despite his brief appearance, the Ghanaian winger nearly scored his first goal of the season with a curling effort from the edge of the box, narrowly missing the target.
Jordan Ayew, another Ghanaian on the field, was a standout player for Leicester, playing 88 minutes of the match.
Both Issahaku and Ayew are set to travel to Ghana on Monday to join the national team ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 7, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Stars are set to begin training on Monday, October 7, 2024, in preparation for their pivotal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sudan.
A total of 25 players have been called up for the doubleheader, with the France-based pair of Mohammed Salisu and Elisha Owusu being the first to arrive at camp.
The team will gather at the Accra Sports Stadium later today for their first training session, which will be open to the media. Head coach Otto Addo will oversee the sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of the all-important clash on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
The Black Stars are in dire need of a win to keep their AFCON qualification hopes alive, having secured only one point from their first two group games, following a loss to Angola and a draw with Niger last month. Ghana will face Sudan both home and away in this crucial round of matches.
by Eliezer Ahorlu | Oct 7, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The first group of Sudan’s national football team has touched down in Ghana ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Black Stars on Thursday.
Led by former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah, the Sudanese technical team arrived in Accra on Sunday night. The remaining members of the contingent, traveling from Saudi Arabia, are expected to arrive later today, accompanied by national team manager Mr. Abubakar Al-Mahy.
Sudan began their qualifying campaign with a victory over Niger but suffered a 2-1 defeat to Angola, placing them second in Group F with three points. Despite the setback, Kwesi Appiah is determined to guide Sudan to a positive result against Ghana to strengthen their chances of qualification.
The Sudanese team will hold their final training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday evening, ahead of the first leg on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Kick-off is set for 16:00 GMT at the same venue. The return leg is scheduled for October 14 at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.
