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.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Los Angeles, CA – February 2025
Reigning MLS champions LA Galaxy have been dealt a major setback ahead of the new season, as star forward Joseph Paintsil is set to miss 6-8 weeks due to a quad injury. The Ghanaian international, a key figure in the team’s title-winning campaign last year, will now be sidelined for the opening stretch of the 2025 season.
Paintsil’s absence leaves a significant void in Galaxy’s attack. After joining from Belgian side Genk for $10 million in 2024, the dynamic winger delivered an electrifying debut season, recording 10 goals and 10 assists in the regular season. He then elevated his game in the playoffs, scoring four crucial goals and providing an assist to help secure LA’s first MLS Cup since 2014.
With Paintsil out and midfield maestro Riqui Puig still recovering from an ACL injury, the Galaxy will have to rely on other attacking options to fill the gap. The team kicks off their title defense on February 23 against newcomers San Diego FC, hoping to navigate these early-season challenges and maintain their championship ambitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hürzeler has praised his entire squad for their spirited performance against Chelsea in the FA Cup, opting not to single out Man of the Match Tariq Lamptey despite his standout display.
The Seagulls secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the AMEX Stadium, with Lamptey playing a key role in their triumph. The Ghanaian full-back, deployed in a more advanced role, was instrumental in both attack and defense, winning the most tackles and duels while also completing the highest number of dribbles.
However, when asked about Lamptey’s influence, Hürzeler emphasized the collective effort instead.
“In general, we can go for the whole team. It was togetherness on the pitch. It was intense and a great reaction. It was a great team performance. We bounced back and won the game, and we don’t finger-point after. The entire team would take responsibility if we had lost the game. I think the team deserves some applause after victory,” he said.
Chelsea initially took the lead through an unfortunate own goal by Brighton’s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, but the Seagulls responded strongly. Georginio Rutter equalized before Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma sealed the win, sending Brighton into the next round.
Despite standing just 5’5″, Lamptey was a dominant force, using his speed, agility, and relentless work ethic to trouble Chelsea’s defense and spark Brighton’s attacks.
With three goals and two assists in just 14 matches this season, the 24-year-old is proving to be an invaluable asset for Brighton. While Hürzeler focused on the team’s overall success, there’s no denying Lamptey’s growing influence on the Seagulls’ campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Le Havre captain Andre Ayew has applauded his teammates after their resilient performance secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Lille, marking their first win of 2025.
Struggling for form since the turn of the year, Le Havre defied the odds with a stunning away triumph at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Ayew, who came on in the second half, played a key role in helping his side withstand Lille’s late pressure to claim all three points.
Following the match, the Ghanaian international took to social media to celebrate the victory, posting:
“Plus three points. Great team spirit.”
Le Havre took the lead just before halftime through Ahmed Maghoub, and Issa Soumaré doubled their advantage in the second half. Although Chuba Akpom pulled one back for Lille late on, Le Havre held firm to secure the win.
The result lifts Les Ciel et Marine above Montpellier in the Ligue 1 standings, offering a much-needed boost in their fight for survival. As the season progresses, Ayew and his teammates will be hoping this victory sparks a turnaround in their campaign.
