by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Sharif Sayawu is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in his football journey after signing with Utah Valley University for the spring season. The talented Ghanaian striker joins a diverse group of international recruits, including Dan McKay (New Zealand), Jacob Deng (South Sudan), and Toke Amtrup (Denmark), as the Wolverines strengthen their squad.
Born in Agona Duakwa, Sayawu honed his skills at Odupong Senior High School before making a name for himself at Phoenix Academy. Since its founding in 2018, the academy has developed numerous players who have gone on to feature in MLS, USL, and NCAA Division I soccer.
Sayawu enjoyed a standout 2023 season, finishing as his team’s top scorer with 15 goals. His impressive form continued into 2024, where he was named the best player at the Phoenix Academy Showcase.
As he takes his talents to Utah Valley, Sayawu will be aiming to make an instant impact in college soccer, continuing his rise in the sport.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Tariq Lamptey’s time at Brighton has been a story of resilience. The Ghanaian full-back arrived at the club with immense promise under Graham Potter, quickly making a name for himself with his explosive pace and defensive prowess. But injuries and increased competition saw him fall down the pecking order, forcing him to fight for his place repeatedly.
Now, under the guidance of Fabian Hürzeler, Lamptey has re-emerged as a key figure in Brighton’s squad. His versatility was on full display when he played as a left-back in their FA Cup victory over Chelsea—proving his adaptability and determination.
Reflecting on his performance, Lamptey expressed confidence in his abilities:
“It’s always a really good challenge against top-class players, and I back myself one-on-one, so I’m very happy with that. I just need to continue. I’m very happy that the team got the win today,” he told Telecom Asia Sport.
With his contract set to expire in the summer, speculation continues to swirl about his future. But for now, his focus remains solely on Brighton’s push for silverware.
“This win is done; now the aim is to look forward to the game on Friday night,” he added.
From overcoming injuries to proving his doubters wrong, Lamptey’s resurgence is a testament to his perseverance. Now, he is on a mission to make history with Brighton—chasing a long-awaited first major trophy for the club.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s senior national team is undergoing a transformation, and assistant coach Desmond Offei believes the new-look technical setup is ready to take the Black Stars back to the biggest stage— the FIFA World Cup.
Following their disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Ghana Football Association responded by restructuring the coaching staff. Among the key changes, Offei was appointed as one of two assistant coaches, joining the team just two weeks ago. Additionally, veteran German coach Wilfried Schäfer, an AFCON-winning tactician with Cameroon in 2002, has been brought in as technical director.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Offei expressed confidence in the team’s ability to turn things around.
“We have a lot of work to do, but I think we’re in a good position to qualify for the World Cup. Everybody’s hungry,” he emphasized.
The Black Stars have also bolstered their backroom staff, adding a video analyst and a sports psychologist to help improve the team’s tactical and mental edge.
With crucial World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar coming up in March, the pressure is on for Ghana to bounce back. However, Offei remains optimistic that the hunger within the team will drive them to success.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
On a chilly evening at Goodison Park, Antoine Semenyo once again proved why he is one of Bournemouth’s most valuable assets. The Ghanaian forward delivered a standout performance, inspiring the Cherries to a crucial 2-0 victory over Everton in the FA Cup fourth round.
Semenyo, who played the full 90 minutes, was at the heart of Bournemouth’s attacking and defensive efforts. He completed 17 of his 27 attempted passes, took two shots on target, and won six out of 13 ground duels. Beyond his offensive contributions, he also made six clearances, an interception, and two tackles—earning him the well-deserved Man of the Match award.
His impact was felt early in the game when he confidently stepped up to convert a 22nd-minute penalty, putting Bournemouth ahead. Everton, already struggling, saw their captain James Tarkowski endure a nightmare evening. The defender not only conceded the penalty but later made a costly blunder that allowed Daniel Jebbison to score the Cherries’ second goal before halftime.
With no goals in the second half, Bournemouth comfortably secured their place in the FA Cup fifth round. Speaking after the match, manager Andoni Iraola praised Semenyo’s form and influence on the team.
“Antoine is in a lovely moment—full of confidence, sharp in his finishing with both feet, and working hard defensively. He links up well with Milos [Kerkez] on the left side, and we want to keep him there as long as possible. As long as he keeps doing what he’s doing, he will be invaluable to us,” Iraola told reporters.
At 25, Semenyo is enjoying a remarkable season. Across all competitions, he has netted nine goals and provided four assists in 26 appearances. In the FA Cup alone, he has two goals and an assist in just two games, further proving his worth to Bournemouth’s campaign.
As the Cherries advance in the FA Cup, all eyes will remain on Semenyo, whose form could be a game-changer for both club and country.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
As the FA Cup clash looms, Michael Baidoo and his team prepare for a daunting challenge. Their defense has been shaky, conceding more goals than they’ve scored this season. Now, they face a relentless Liverpool side, a team in red-hot form, steamrolling past opponents with ease.
Can Baidoo and his squad rise to the occasion and derail the Liverpool express, or will they be the next victims of Klopp’s unstoppable machine? The battle is set—who will prevail?
