by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Bilbao, Spain – December 2024
Inaki Williams continues to etch his name into Athletic Bilbao’s history, solidifying his status as one of the club’s all-time greats. The Ghanaian forward, known for his incredible work rate and consistency, is leading the charge this season as both the team’s top scorer and chief creator.
Williams shares the top scorer spot with Oihan Sancet, each boasting eight goals. Beyond finding the back of the net, he also leads the team in assists, with five decisive passes to his name.
His influence was on full display in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Osasuna at El Sadar. Though he didn’t score, Williams provided a moment of brilliance, delivering an inch-perfect assist to Gorka Guruzeta for the equalizer. His electrifying runs down the right wing left Osasuna’s left-back, Juan Cruz, overwhelmed and chasing shadows.
After an outstanding performance, Williams was named MVP of the match, marking his 445th appearance for Athletic Bilbao—a milestone that places him among the top 10 players in the club’s history for games played. With 108 goals across eleven seasons, Williams now ranks 19th on Bilbao’s all-time scoring chart.
The forward has been a pillar of consistency, featuring in 360 league matches, 45 cup games, 36 Europa League appearances, and four Supercopa de España fixtures.
Williams’ 2024/25 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable, with standout performances in both La Liga and the Europa League. One highlight came in a clash against Las Palmas, where he recorded three assists in a single match, underlining his ability to create as well as score.
As Athletic Bilbao continues to push for success on multiple fronts, Inaki Williams remains their undisputed talisman, a relentless force both on and off the pitch.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Majeed Waris has voiced his deep disappointment over the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing it as a monumental blow to the nation’s football legacy.
After a dismal campaign in Group F, Ghana found themselves at the bottom of the table with just three points from six games, marking their first absence from the tournament in 21 years. Angola and Sudan claimed the group’s two qualifying spots, leaving the once-mighty Black Stars to watch from the sidelines when the tournament kicks off in Morocco in December 2025.
“It’s a shame for all of us, and I feel like something needs to be done,” Waris told Sportsblog247.com, reflecting on the team’s dismal run.
The former Ghanaian international, who donned the Black Stars jersey between 2012 and 2019, expressed his concern over the long-term emotional impact of the absence. “Everyone is hurt, but we won’t feel the gravity of it now. It’s when the tournament begins, when countries start arriving, and we see the joy and happiness it brings to others—that’s when Ghana will truly feel the pain.”
Ghana’s poor performance has drawn widespread criticism, with pressure mounting on head coach Otto Addo, who led the team through the qualifiers. His future with the Black Stars remains uncertain as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) deliberates on the next steps.
For a nation with a storied football history and four AFCON titles, missing the tournament is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Ghanaian football. The absence from the continental showpiece is not just a missed opportunity on the pitch but a blow to the pride and spirit of a football-loving nation.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Following Ghana’s disappointing failure to qualify for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), forward Joseph Paintsil has urged Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Despite the national team’s struggles in the AFCON qualifiers, where they finished at the bottom of Group F with just three points from six games, Paintsil remains hopeful for the future. The Black Stars recorded no victories, with three losses and three draws, leaving their fans disheartened.
However, Paintsil emphasized the importance of support, acknowledging that football has become more competitive globally. “This is football – now all nations are really good,” he stated. “It’s not like 10 years ago when you could easily predict a win. Now, every team is capable of surprising you.”
The LA Galaxy forward is calling on the nation to unite in support of the Black Stars as they head into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will resume in March 2025. Ghana’s upcoming fixtures will see them face Chad and Madagascar in March, and Paintsil is confident that with the right backing, the team will make the country proud and secure a spot in the World Cup.
“We need your prayers and support,” he said. “Come in your numbers to support us, and we will make you proud. We’ll keep the World Cup ticket in your pockets.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Latifa Musah has been named Player of the Tournament at the inaugural WAFU Zone B U17 Girls Cup in Ghana. The young midfielder played an instrumental role in helping the Black Maidens clinch the title with stellar performances throughout the competition.
Musah’s journey to the top was marked by standout moments, beginning with her dominant performance against Benin in the group stage. She continued to impress with a Player of the Match display in the semi-finals against Ivory Coast, and it was her leadership and brilliance in the final that guided Ghana to victory over Nigeria. The match ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, where the Black Maidens emerged triumphant, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.
Teammate Christiana Ashiaku was awarded the Golden Boot for her clinical finishing, while Nigeria’s Christiana Uzoma earned the Golden Glove for her outstanding goalkeeping.
As the tournament concluded, the talented squad of young players now looks to the future. Many of them, including Musah, are expected to transition to the U20 team as part of the Ghana Football Association’s ongoing efforts to enhance women’s football development in the country. With players like Musah leading the charge, the future of Ghanaian football looks bright.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has warned Black Galaxies head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani against adopting a defensive strategy in the crucial 2024 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) qualifiers against Nigeria. The first leg ended in a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium, setting the stage for an intense return fixture on December 28 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Agyemang-Badu, who played a pivotal role in Ghana’s 2009 CHAN campaign, stressed the significance of securing a win in the second leg. “We should be very careful not to go and defend,” he cautioned. “This is only one game, and if you lose, you’re out. We can’t afford to lose, especially after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”
The former midfielder expressed the gravity of the situation, pointing out that failing to qualify for the CHAN tournament would be disastrous for Ghanaian football. “If we don’t qualify for CHAN, it will be a big setback,” Agyemang-Badu said. “We have to support the team and pray for them to go all out and secure the win.”
The winner of the tie will earn a spot in the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Ghana, who triumphed over Nigeria in a penalty shootout to qualify for the previous edition, will be hoping to repeat their success. Meanwhile, Nigeria is determined to end its two-edition absence from the competition.
