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.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
With the winter transfer window nearing its final hours, Turkish Super Lig side Göztepe are keeping a close watch on Eintracht Frankfurt winger Ansgar Knauff. The 23-year-old, a former Germany U21 international, has been on Göztepe’s radar for some time, and the club is now making a late push to secure his signature.
Reports from Turkish outlet Yeni Asır suggest that negotiations are being handled by SPORT REPUBLIC, a London-based sports investment firm that holds a majority stake in both Southampton and Göztepe FC. The club remains confident of finalizing the deal before the transfer window closes.
Knauff, who has been in solid form this season with three goals and five assists in 31 appearances across all competitions, would be a valuable addition to Göztepe’s attacking setup.
Born in Germany to Ghanaian heritage, Knauff remains eligible to represent Ghana despite featuring for Germany at the U19, U20, and U21 levels. With his future potentially taking a new turn in Turkey, fans will be watching closely to see if he makes the switch before the window shuts.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has sent shockwaves through the football community, marking the first time in two decades that the Black Stars have failed to qualify for the tournament. The disappointment has left fans questioning the team’s direction, but defender Tariq Lamptey remains hopeful about the road ahead.
Speaking in an interview with Telecom Asia Sport, the Brighton & Hove Albion right-back acknowledged the team’s struggles but urged his teammates to focus on the future.
“Of course, it’s not ideal for us. As a team, we always want to qualify for every major tournament and compete at the highest level. Missing out on AFCON is disappointing, but we have some big games coming up, so we have to look forward to that.”
Lamptey stressed the need for a positive mindset, emphasizing that Ghana must use this setback as fuel for upcoming challenges, particularly in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
“We go into every tournament looking to qualify and win it, but now we have to shift our focus to the games in March. We still have a lot to play for, and it’s crucial that we come together as a team, work hard, and ensure we are prepared for the challenges ahead.”
With the Black Stars now turning their attention to World Cup qualification and other international fixtures, the team has a chance to rebuild and restore their status as one of Africa’s football giants. While the disappointment of AFCON 2025 lingers, Ghana’s journey to redemption has already begun.
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.
