by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Kelvin Ofori Inspires Spartak Trnava to Commanding Win
Kelvin Ofori was the star of the show as Spartak Trnava dismantled Dukla Banska Bystrica 4-1 in the Slovakian Super Liga on Saturday. The Ghanaian winger delivered a goal and an assist in a first-half masterclass that left the visitors struggling to keep up at the Narodny Atleticky Stadion.
Right from the start, Trnava imposed themselves on the game. In the 9th minute, Ofori showcased his vision with a perfectly weighted pass to Michal Duris, who made no mistake in putting the home side ahead. Just nine minutes later, Ofori doubled the lead, finishing off a lightning-fast counterattack initiated by Philip Azango.
Duris was at it again in the 37th minute, securing his brace to give Trnava a commanding 3-0 advantage before halftime. The onslaught continued after the break when an unfortunate own goal from Boris Godál in the 53rd minute made it 4-0. Though Dukla Banska Bystrica found a consolation through Martin Rymarenko in the 65th minute, the outcome was never in doubt.
Ofori, who was substituted after 67 minutes, played a key role in Trnava’s attacking display, further cementing his importance to the team. With this crucial win, Spartak Trnava head into their February 16th clash against DAC 1904 Dunajská Streda with momentum firmly on their side.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
A Rising Star Under Pressure
When Kamaldeen Sulemana made his record-breaking £22 million (€25m) move from Rennes to Southampton, expectations were sky-high. The 20-year-old Ghanaian winger, known for his blistering pace and flair, was seen as a game-changer for the Saints. However, his journey in England has been anything but smooth.
Sulemana, who signed a four-and-a-half-year deal keeping him at St Mary’s until 2027, has struggled to live up to his hefty price tag. Injuries have hampered his progress, and concerns over his attitude have only added to the scrutiny.
“I’m the transfer record here, so ever since I got here there’s always been big pressure on me,” he admitted. “Sometimes I feel like I play quite well, but if the team don’t win, I don’t score, and I don’t assist, then I haven’t fulfilled my task as a striker or winger. It’s still not enough because I’m regarded as the transfer record, and I should always be the one doing everything to get the club where it needs to be.”
Despite flashes of brilliance, Sulemana’s numbers remain modest—16 appearances this season with just one goal and two assists. His story mirrors the journey of many young talents burdened by expectation, searching for consistency in the high-intensity world of the Premier League.
Born in Techiman, Ghana, Sulemana’s football journey began at the Right to Dream Academy before moving to Denmark to join Nordsjaelland. His rise through European football has been rapid, but the true test of his resilience is unfolding now at Southampton. Can he rise above the pressure and fulfill his immense potential? Only time will tell.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
A Night of Drama at the Toughsheet Community Stadium
In a pulsating League One encounter, Bolton Wanderers staged a sensational comeback to edge Crawley Town 4-3 in a dramatic night at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The visitors struck first, with Rushian Hepburn-Murphy firing Crawley ahead in the 50th minute. But Bolton responded swiftly through Jordi Osei-Tutu, who expertly headed in Josh Dacres-Cogley’s cross just two minutes later. However, Crawley refused to back down, as Hepburn-Murphy struck again in the 62nd minute to restore their advantage.
The home side showed resilience, with Alex Murphy pulling one back in the 68th minute before Josh Sheehan sent the crowd into a frenzy with an 85th-minute equalizer. Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, drama unfolded in the dying moments. Crawley’s Rory Feely saw red in the 89th minute, tilting the balance in Bolton’s favor. Then, in a cruel twist for the visitors, Charlie Barker turned the ball into his own net deep into stoppage time, sealing all three points for Bolton in breathtaking fashion.
With this victory, Bolton now leads the head-to-head record against Crawley with three wins. They will aim to carry their momentum into their upcoming EFL Trophy clash against Wrexham.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dutch-Ghanaian Striker Remains Optimistic After Early Exit for VfL Bochum
VfL Bochum’s Myron Boadu was in fine form, scoring two crucial goals to give his side the edge against KSV Holstein. However, just before halftime, a sudden discomfort in his left thigh cut his night short, leaving fans and teammates concerned about the severity of the injury.
Boadu, who has been pivotal for Bochum in recent matches, was replaced by Moritz Broschinski in stoppage time of the first half. Speaking after the game, the 23-year-old shared his cautious optimism:
“After the sprint, I felt a little in the muscle. I didn’t want to take the risk of falling out for a very long time. I hope it’s not that bad. At the moment, I feel okay.”
Encouragingly, an initial effort test indicated no significant damage, though an MRI scan is still pending. The early prognosis points to a minor strain, raising hopes that Boadu could return to action sooner rather than later.
With Bochum fighting to finish the season strongly, fans will be eagerly awaiting confirmation of his recovery timeline. For now, there’s reason to believe the striker’s setback is only temporary.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Young Ghanaian Midfielder Set for European Debut After Injury Setback
After months of perseverance and patience, Ghanaian midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana is on the brink of a milestone moment in his career. The 21-year-old has been named in Atalanta’s squad for the UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs, marking his long-awaited entry onto Europe’s grandest club stage.
Sulemana’s journey with Atalanta has been far from straightforward. Shortly after his move from Cagliari, an unfortunate injury ruled him out of the Champions League group stage, delaying his opportunity to make an impact. However, his recent return to action—featuring as a second-half substitute in Atalanta’s emphatic 5-0 win over Hellas Verona—has reignited hopes of a breakthrough.
Atalanta’s midfield, anchored by the experienced Marten De Roon and Ederson, has made it difficult for Sulemana to secure regular minutes. Yet, manager Gian Piero Gasperini has placed faith in the young Ghanaian, recognizing his potential to contribute as the team pushes for domestic and European success.
With Atalanta currently sitting third in Serie A and aiming for silverware, Sulemana’s inclusion in the squad offers him the chance to step onto the Champions League stage for the first time. His dream debut could come this Wednesday, as La Dea travel to Belgium for the first leg of their knockout tie against Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium.
For Sulemana, this is more than just a squad selection—it’s the start of a new chapter, one that could see him etch his name into Atalanta’s European journey.
