by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has shattered AFC Bournemouth’s transfer record with his £65 million move to Manchester City, marking the biggest transfer ever involving a Ghanaian footballer.
The Premier League champions triggered Semenyo’s release clause, with the pacey forward signing a five-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031. He completed his medical on Thursday, a day before making his final appearance for Bournemouth against Tottenham Hotspur, and officially signed on Friday morning.
Bournemouth confirmed the historic deal on social media, writing, “We can confirm that Antoine Semenyo has joined Manchester City for a club-record fee. Everyone at AFC Bournemouth wishes you nothing but the best, Ant.”
Semenyo’s rise has been rapid. Born in London to Ghanaian parents, he began his professional career at Bristol City, with loan stints at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland. His performances caught the eye of Bournemouth, who signed him midway through the 2022/23 season.
During his time at the Cherries, Semenyo became one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards, scoring 32 goals and registering 13 assists in 110 appearances across all competitions. This season alone, he has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in the Premier League, cementing his status as a key player.
The move to Manchester City represents a major milestone in Semenyo’s career and highlights the increasing influence of Ghanaian players at the highest levels of European football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Antoine Semenyo has officially become Ghana’s most expensive footballer after completing a €75 million (£65 million) transfer to Manchester City, surpassing the previous record held by Mohammed Kudus.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Mali will once again rely on their resilience and mental toughness when they face tournament favourites Senegal in today’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal, after battling against the odds to reach the last eight.
The Eagles were reduced to 10 men early in their Round of 16 encounter against Tunisia in Casablanca, with defender Woyo Coulibaly sent off in the 26th minute. Despite the setback, Mali showed remarkable composure, holding Tunisia to a 1–1 draw after extra time before advancing via penalties.
Reflecting on that gruelling victory, Serie A-based midfielder Lassana Coulibaly stressed the importance of mentality as Mali prepare to take on Senegal.
“Against Tunisia, we had to show strong mentality because it was 10 against 11,” he said at the pre-match press conference.
“We’ll need the same mentality against Senegal. We’re not the favourites, but we feel we have nothing to lose. With our mental and physical strength, we believe we can win.”
Senegal, ranked second in Africa, arrive as strong contenders for the title, having already scored 10 goals at the tournament and impressed with their attacking firepower.
Despite acknowledging Senegal’s quality, Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet insists his side deserves respect.
“All eight teams in the quarterfinals are big football nations, but I believe we are playing very well,” Saintfiet said.
“Senegal are a very stable and powerful team. They score easily, don’t concede much and are extremely dangerous. But we are also a good team. We haven’t lost at this tournament and we performed well against Morocco and Tunisia, two World Cup-qualified sides.”
Mali’s path to the quarterfinals has been unusual, having drawn all three group-stage matches before edging Tunisia on penalties in the first knockout round. Despite a lack of goals, Saintfiet remains confident in his team’s approach.
“We haven’t created many chances, but we’ve played with discipline and we won’t change our style. We have players with quality and, above all, a very strong mentality,” he added.
Mali remain the only nation in the last eight without a previous AFCON title. Their best finish came in 1972 as runners-up, and they have reached the semifinals on five occasions since. Today, they will look to defy history once more against a powerful Senegal side.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Highly rated English-born Ghanaian prospect Darren Frimpong-Kwakye has taken a significant leap in his young career after signing a scholarship contract with Luton Town FC, following an impressive trial spell with the Championship side.
The teenager secured the deal after a successful trial in December 2025, during which he stood out to the club’s academy coaches with his versatility, athleticism and attacking quality.
Frimpong-Kwakye joins the Hatters from FC Battersea Ironsides, where he featured in men’s grassroots football last season and played an influential role within the club’s youth setup, gaining valuable experience beyond his age group.
Confirming the signing, Luton Town Academy Manager Paul Benson highlighted the attributes that convinced the club to invest in the youngster.
“Darren impressed us in a showcase game during the summer and, after a strong trial period, was offered a scholarship with the academy,” Benson said.
“He is left-footed, physically strong and capable of playing across the front line or as a left wing-back. Having never previously been part of an academy system, Darren has huge potential and we’re delighted to continue his development here.”
Frimpong-Kwakye further showcased his attacking prowess during the trial by registering two goals and six assists, performances that underlined his readiness to take the next step within Luton Town’s academy pathway.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches its decisive phase with the quarterfinals getting underway this evening, Malawi Flames captain Gabadinho Mhango has shared his predictions on which teams he believes will advance to the semifinals.
The knockout action begins today with an all–West African clash between Mali’s Eagles and Senegal’s Teranga Lions, followed by a heavyweight encounter between Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions and tournament hosts Morocco’s Atlas Lions. Tomorrow, Algeria’s Desert Foxes will battle Nigeria’s Super Eagles, while Egypt’s Pharaohs take on defending champions Ivory Coast’s Elephants.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Mhango—who is also serving as a pundit for SuperSport TV—said Senegal hold a slight advantage over Mali.
“Senegal and Mali will be very difficult to separate, but I think Senegal have the edge because of their experience and tactical discipline,” he explained.
On the Cameroon versus Morocco tie, the South Africa-based striker, who finished as joint third top scorer at the delayed 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, backed the hosts to prevail.
“It will be another tough contest, but I’m going with Morocco. Their possession-based style of play and the expected vocal home support should make the difference,” said the Bay United forward.
Mhango also believes Algeria could upset Nigeria in what promises to be a closely fought encounter.
“They will push each other to the limit, but I see Algeria winning it either in extra time or on penalties,” he added.
However, not everyone shares Mhango’s outlook. Veteran football scout Ben Chiwaya expects the balance of power to tilt towards West Africa, predicting that at least three teams from the region will progress.
“The North African teams haven’t really lit up the tournament, while the West Africans—especially Senegal and Ivory Coast—are playing free-flowing, physical and tactically sound football,” Chiwaya said.
He also tipped Cameroon to overcome Morocco, citing the Indomitable Lions’ physical presence and tactical organisation as decisive factors.
With expert opinions divided and Africa’s finest teams set to clash, the AFCON quarterfinals promise high drama as the race to the semifinals intensifies.
