by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 8, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Black Stars put on a dazzling display in Morocco, thumping the Central African Republic 5-0 to move within touching distance of a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Otto Addo’s men were relentless from the first whistle at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes, dictating play and dismantling their opponents with fluid, attacking football. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when defender Mohammed Salisu powered home a header from a Mohammed Kudus corner to set the tone for the evening.
After the break, Thomas Partey extended Ghana’s lead with a neat close-range finish following fine work by Jordan Ayew, whose creativity caused constant problems for the CAR defence. The Villarreal midfielder’s dominance in midfield reflected Ghana’s complete control of proceedings.
The floodgates opened as Alexander Djiku nodded in Ayew’s cross to make it 3-0 before the Leicester City forward got on the scoresheet himself moments later, slotting past the helpless goalkeeper. Substitute Kamaldeen Sulemana added the finishing touch late on, converting a smart assist from Joseph Paintsil to seal a commanding 5-0 triumph.
The victory propels Ghana to the top of Group I, leaving them one step away from confirming qualification for the global showpiece. With a decisive home clash against Comoros up next at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Black Stars will be brimming with confidence as they look to secure their fifth World Cup appearance.
It was a statement performance from Otto Addo’s side — a blend of discipline, flair, and ruthless efficiency that reaffirmed Ghana’s status as one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
As the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile reaches its decisive knockout phase, the race for quarterfinal glory intensifies. With Mexico and Spain already securing their spots, eight more nations will battle for the remaining quarterfinal berths in what promises to be a thrilling night of football.
At the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, Colombia and South Africa kick off Wednesday’s round of 16 action at 9:30pm CAT. Colombia, unbeaten so far, topped Group F with five points and will look to continue their steady form as they chase a return to the podium for the first time since winning bronze in 2003.
Their opponents, South Africa’s Amajita, are riding a wave of confidence after finishing second in Group E. Despite an opening loss to France, the African champions bounced back with impressive wins over New Caledonia and the USA. Now, the young Bafana Bafana side aims to make history by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time ever.
Meanwhile, at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Ñuñoa, two giants of youth football — Argentina and Nigeria — will lock horns in one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament.
Argentina, the most successful team in U-20 World Cup history with six titles, were flawless in the group stage, winning all three of their matches. The Albiceleste will be hoping to extend their dominance and chase their first crown since 2007.
Nigeria, on the other hand, squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams in Group F after a mixed run of results. The Flying Eagles, runners-up in 1989 and 2005, will be desperate to recapture their old magic and finally claim the elusive world title.
Later at 1am CAT on Thursday, Paraguay and Norway meet at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca. Paraguay, back at the U-20 World Cup for the first time since 2013, finished second in Group B and are eager to replicate their best-ever finish — fourth place in 2001. Norway, who also ended the group stage unbeaten, have already achieved their best run in the competition by reaching the knockouts for the first time.
Completing the evening’s action, Japan and France square off in another blockbuster encounter at the Estadio Nacional. Japan were one of only two teams — alongside Argentina — to record a perfect group stage, and the Samurai Blue are aiming to go one step further than their 1999 runner-up finish.
France, the 2013 champions, advanced as one of the strongest third-placed teams, showing resilience in a tough group that featured the USA and South Africa. Les Bleuets will now seek to reassert their pedigree against one of Asia’s finest.
With every match carrying high stakes and the promise of drama, the stage is perfectly set for another unforgettable night in Chile.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
After six long weeks on the sidelines, German-Ghanaian attacker Justin Diehl made a lively return to action, inspiring VfB Stuttgart U-21 to a confident 3-1 win over TSG Hoffenheim II.
The talented winger, who had been recovering from a muscle injury, wasted no time reminding fans of his quality. From the first whistle, Diehl was electric—testing the Hoffenheim goalkeeper with sharp efforts and delivering a precise corner that led to Dan-Axel Zagadou’s opening goal.
His comeback appearance was part of a carefully managed plan, as he was substituted after about 30 minutes to ensure a gradual return to full fitness. The game also saw Leonidas Stergiou and Zagadou make their own returns from injury, with the latter capping his comeback with a commanding header to double Stuttgart’s lead.
For Diehl, the match marked more than just minutes on the pitch—it was a statement of intent. Once touted as a future first-team regular under coach Sebastian Hoeneß, the 19-year-old’s return rekindles hopes of breaking into Stuttgart’s senior setup in the coming weeks.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Wigan Athletic’s promising forward, Maleace Asamoah, delivered a spirited performance and found the back of the net, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers U-21 in their EFL Trophy Northern Group A encounter at The Brick Community Stadium on Tuesday night.
After Tom Edozie handed Wolves an early lead, Asamoah restored parity in the 29th minute with a composed finish following a slick counterattack orchestrated by Jensen Weir. The English-born Ghanaian’s goal lifted the home fans, as Wigan grew into the game, dictating tempo and showing attacking intent throughout.
However, their efforts went unrewarded. Despite Asamoah’s tireless 90-minute display, the Latics were undone late on when Mateus Mané converted an 88th-minute penalty to secure all three points for the visitors.
Wigan will now turn their attention to their upcoming League One clash against Wycombe Wanderers on October 11, as they look to bounce back from the narrow loss.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 8, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s quest for a fifth World Cup appearance gained massive momentum as the Black Stars produced a commanding performance to defeat the Central African Republic, with goals from Mohammed Salisu, Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Alexander Djiku sealing a crucial win.
The match, played in a charged atmosphere, saw Ghana take early control with Salisu rising highest to head home the opener. The Black Stars continued to dictate play, and Jordan Ayew doubled the advantage with a composed finish following a slick team move.
After the break, Thomas Partey marked his return to international duty in style, curling in a superb strike from distance to extend Ghana’s lead. The dominance continued as Alexander Djiku put the result beyond doubt with a towering header from a corner.
Despite a late surge from the Central African Republic, the Black Stars’ defensive unit stood firm to ensure the victory — a result that keeps Otto Addo’s men firmly in control of their World Cup qualifying destiny.
