by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
A Rising Star’s Journey Back to Manchester
Manchester City may be gearing up for a heartfelt reunion with their former academy gem, Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutch-Ghanaian right-back, now a standout performer for Bayer Leverkusen, is reportedly on Pep Guardiola’s radar as a long-term replacement for veteran Kyle Walker.
Frimpong’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Leaving City’s academy in 2019 for Celtic, he carved out a name for himself in Scotland before making a €11 million move to the Bundesliga in 2021. Since then, the 23-year-old has evolved into one of Europe’s most exciting attacking full-backs, with 26 goals and 38 assists in 158 competitive matches for Leverkusen.
His blistering speed and attacking flair have not gone unnoticed. Top clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, are circling, making Frimpong one of the most sought-after defenders in world football.
While a January transfer appears unlikely, the summer window could be pivotal. With reports suggesting a €45 million release clause, Manchester City might find themselves in a strong position to reclaim their former protégé. For Guardiola, the prospect of Frimpong’s return not only addresses a strategic need but also brings a sense of poetic symmetry to a story that began in the City academy.
The race is on, and City will face fierce competition. But for Frimpong, a homecoming to the Etihad could be the next chapter in his stellar career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Black Stars Manager Stands by Coach Amid AFCON Disappointment
In the aftermath of Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Black Stars team manager Ameenu Shardow has rallied behind head coach Otto Addo, urging Ghanaians to look beyond the surface of results.
The Black Stars’ exit has ended a remarkable 20-year streak of AFCON appearances, leading to widespread criticism of Addo’s leadership. Yet, Shardow insists the story isn’t as bleak as it seems.
“This same inexperienced person started very well,” Shardow said, highlighting Addo’s stunning away win against Mali in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The victory has rekindled hope for Ghana’s presence in next year’s tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Shardow argued that Addo’s capabilities are evident, despite the growing discontent over recent results. “His first games were against Nigeria and Uganda, and he didn’t win them. Was that a new-bond syndrome? Results alone shouldn’t define his future,” Shardow explained.
Drawing a parallel to Premier League managers like Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Shardow underscored the value of patience and perspective in leadership. “If you look at the parameters, you don’t go looking at results only,” he stated, suggesting that progress takes time.
He went further to claim that Ghana’s performances deserved better outcomes, saying, “If we are going to be honest and factual to happenings, Ghana was supposed to top the group if we are only looking at the performance.”
Despite the setback, Shardow is confident that Addo has laid a foundation for long-term success, urging Ghanaians to trust the process.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
At the Accra Sports Stadium, heartbreak echoed through the stands as Ghana’s Black Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat to Niger in the final round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Both of Niger’s goals came from corner kicks, exposing a glaring weakness in Ghana’s defense—a concern head coach Otto Addo openly acknowledged.
“We were aware of their strength in set pieces because they scored against us in a similar fashion the last time we played,” Addo remarked during the post-match press conference. “Yet, we failed to defend them properly. It’s a recurring issue that cost us dearly.”
The match began with promise for Ghana, but a lapse in concentration at crucial moments allowed Niger to capitalize, leaving the Black Stars chasing the game. Despite their efforts, a late response from Ghana was not enough to secure the result needed to book their place at the continental showpiece.
This marks the first time since 2004 that the four-time African champions will miss the AFCON tournament, a bitter pill for both players and fans to swallow. With critics calling for an overhaul in the team’s defensive strategies, Addo admitted the team must regroup and refocus. “It feels like everything is going against us, but we must learn from this and prepare for the challenges ahead.”
As the dust settles, Ghana now turns its sights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, hoping to reignite the passion of their supporters and restore their pride on the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Iñaki Williams is set to return to action for Athletic Club just in time for the high-stakes Basque derby against Real Sociedad. The 29-year-old striker has shaken off a left leg strain that saw him miss both Athletic’s last La Liga fixture and Ghana’s crucial 2025 AFCON qualifiers, including a 1-1 draw with Angola and a 2-1 loss to Niger.
Following a brief three-day break, Williams was back on the training pitch with his teammates, showing no signs of rust as he trained at full intensity. His presence provides a massive boost for Athletic Club as they prepare for one of Spain’s most fiercely contested regional clashes.
Williams has been instrumental for Athletic this season, contributing three goals and four assists in 12 league appearances. His ability to lead the line and deliver in key moments has been crucial for the team’s strong start in La Liga.
The Basque derby at San Mames is always an emotional and hard-fought encounter, and fans are eager to see Williams reclaim his starting role. Both his teammates and supporters will be looking to him for inspiration as Athletic aims to secure a vital victory to stay competitive in the league standings.
With his return, the stage is set for a thrilling performance from Williams as he looks to make his mark in one of La Liga’s most iconic rivalries.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
In the wake of Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), former Black Stars midfielder Laryea Kingston has stepped forward to defend head coach Otto Addo. Speaking to Sportsblog247.com, Kingston urged the nation to exercise patience and allow Addo to complete the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers before making any drastic decisions.
“I think we should allow him to at least finish the World Cup qualifiers – who knows? Maybe he can qualify. And then after that, we make a decision as a country. So we should give him another opportunity,” Kingston stated.
His comments come amidst mounting pressure on Otto Addo, whose tenure has been marred by recent setbacks. Despite the criticism, Addo has made it clear he has no plans to resign.
Kingston also cautioned against making sweeping changes to the technical team at this stage, warning that such moves could harm Ghana’s football ambitions.
“If we change the coach and the technical team and bring new faces, it will be a disaster,” Kingston explained, stressing the need for stability during this critical period.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council is expected to meet on Wednesday, November 20, to deliberate on Addo’s future with the team. For now, Kingston’s message is clear: give Otto Addo time to navigate the World Cup qualifiers before drawing final conclusions.
