by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Club football returned with a bang after the first international break of the 2025/26 season, and Ghanaian players wasted no time in making headlines across Europe, North America, and Asia. From England to Saudi Arabia, Black Stars regulars and rising talents turned in eye-catching performances that kept fans buzzing.
In England, red-hot forward Antoine Semenyo extended his blistering run, netting his third league goal to steer AFC Bournemouth to a vital 2-1 victory over Brighton. Over in London, Mohammed Kudus anchored Tottenham’s midfield for the full 90 minutes as Spurs humbled his former side West Ham 3-0. Championship action also had its share of Ghanaian magic: Jordan Ayew found the net and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku laid on an assist to help Leicester City earn a 2-2 draw with Oxford United.
Spain saw a mixed weekend. Thomas Partey made his first league start for Villarreal despite a 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid, while Inaki Williams featured prominently in Athletic Club’s surprise 0-1 home loss to Deportivo Alaves. Injuries kept Joseph Aidoo and Abdul Mumin sidelined, but the La Liga season is still young.
In Germany, young striker Ilyas Ansah grabbed a goal for Union Berlin even as they fell 2-4 to Hoffenheim. Defender Derrick Kohn made a late cameo, while Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer battled hard for Hamburg in a tough 5-0 loss to Bayern Munich.
The Italian top flight brought joy for Kamaldeen Sulemana, who sparkled in Atalanta’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Lecce. In Serie B, Emmanuel Gyasi helped Palermo to a 2-0 triumph, keeping their promotion hopes on track.
France was no different. Alidu Seidu came off the bench to help Rennes dispatch Lyon 3-1, and Augustine Boakye found the back of the net for Saint-Étienne in Ligue 2, sealing a crucial 2-1 win over Clermont Foot.
Elsewhere in Europe, Ghanaian influence was everywhere.
Netherlands: Kamal Sowah played a full game as NAC Breda drew 2-2 with FC Twente.
Turkey: Nicholas Opoku marshaled Kasimpasa’s defence in a 1-0 away win.
Belgium: Youngster Jerry Afriyie impressed for Raal La Louviere in a 1-0 win.
Switzerland & Austria: Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi and winger Paul Mensah both enjoyed winning weekends.
Scandinavia: Prince Amoako Junior struck for FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, while James Ampofo came off the bench to score for Norway’s Stromsgodset.
Across the Atlantic, Joseph Paintsil was a driving force for LA Galaxy in a 2-2 draw with Seattle Sounders, while Emmanuel Sabbi lit up MLS with a stunning brace as Vancouver humbled Philadelphia Union 7-0.
And in Saudi Arabia, the spotlight belonged to 19-year-old Christopher Bonsu Baah, who announced himself in style by scoring on his debut for Al Qadsiah, holding giants Al Hilal to a 2-2 stalemate.
From veteran campaigners like Jordan Ayew to newcomers like Bonsu Baah, Ghana’s football exports proved once again that the Black Stars’ talent pipeline is alive and thriving across the world.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Abdul Baba Rahman played a starring role in PAOK FC’s hard-fought 2–1 victory over OFI Crete in the Greek Super League on Sunday evening.
Lining up at left-back in the Round 3 clash at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium in Athens, the 31-year-old wasted no time making an impact. Just ten minutes into the contest, Rahman surged forward and delivered a pinpoint cross that Magomed Ozdoev guided home for the opener.
PAOK doubled their advantage in the 24th minute when Ozdoev turned provider, slipping a clever pass to Dimitrios Pelkas, who finished with composure. The hosts nearly put the game to bed midway through the second half, but Andrija Zivkovic fired a 66th-minute penalty wide.
OFI Crete clawed one back in the 75th minute through Thiago Nuss, setting up a tense finale, yet Rahman and the PAOK backline stood firm to secure all three points.
Now in his third season with the Thessaloniki outfit, Rahman continues to prove his value as a key figure in the team’s push for silverware.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Alexander Djiku is brimming with excitement after making a memorable debut for Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow.
The Black Stars centre-back, who completed a two-year move from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe last week, went straight into the starting lineup on Saturday as Spartak battled Dinamo Moscow to a 2–2 draw at the VTB Arena.
Spartak struck first through Levi García in the 19th minute, but Dinamo quickly responded, with Bitello netting twice before the break to give the hosts a 2–1 advantage. Djiku and his teammates showed resilience after halftime, and García completed his brace in the 63rd minute to salvage a crucial away point.
Djiku later shared his delight on social media, writing: “First minutes with my new team, just the beginning. Let’s keep pushing.”
The 30-year-old’s commanding presence at the back impressed Spartak supporters and hinted at the leadership he will bring as the Moscow club chases domestic glory this season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigerian footballers were in the spotlight across Europe and beyond over the weekend, delivering goals, assists, and memorable moments that kept fans buzzing.
The biggest headline came from Scotland, where Kelechi Iheanacho announced himself in style on his Celtic debut. After a frustrating six-month goal drought, the forward came off the bench in the 70th minute against Kilmarnock and coolly converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 96th minute to seal a 2–1 win at Rugby Park. The drama didn’t end there—his shirt amusingly bore the name “Iheancho,” and he picked up a yellow card moments later in the 97th minute. The former Sevilla striker couldn’t have asked for a more eventful first outing in green and white.
In Germany, Victor Boniface wasted no time impressing on his first appearance for Werder Bremen. Introduced in the 75th minute of their 4–0 demolition of Borussia Monchengladbach, the powerful striker turned provider just six minutes later, grabbing an assist to underline his attacking threat. Teammate Felix Agu completed the full match as Bremen cruised to victory.
France also felt Nigeria’s influence as Moses Simon featured for Paris FC in their 2–1 win over Brest. Though he didn’t add to his early-season tally of two goals and an assist, Simon’s presence continues to inspire the Ligue 1 newcomers.
Elsewhere in Europe, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru started for Lazio in Italy but was substituted at halftime of their 1–0 defeat to Sassuolo. In Greece, Cyriel Dessers made his Panathinaikos debut and received a yellow card during a 3–2 loss to Kifisia.
Turkey delivered mixed fortunes. Paul Onuachu had an early strike ruled out by VAR and was booked as Trabzonspor fell 1–0 to Fenerbahce, while compatriot Anthony Nwakaeme missed the game through injury. Anthony Dennis put in a solid 79-minute shift for Goztepe in their 1–1 draw with Kayserispor.
Saturday saw Rafiu Durosinmi return from illness with a bang, scoring the only goal in Viktoria Plzen’s Czech First League win over Sigma Olomouc.
The English Premier League also had its share of Nigerian action. Tolu Arokodare made his top-flight debut for Wolves in a narrow 1–0 loss to Newcastle, while Chisantus Uche came off the bench for Crystal Palace in a goalless draw with Sunderland. Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey both featured as Fulham edged Leeds 1–0, though new signing Samuel Chukwueze was left out of the squad.
Beyond Europe, the women’s game produced standout performances. In Canada, Esther Okoronkwo was sensational, netting twice in AFC Toronto’s 7–0 thrashing of Vancouver Rise to secure a playoff spot and keep Toronto top of the Northern Super League table.
In Saudi Arabia, Ashleigh Plumptre captained Al Ittihad to a 2–1 victory over Al Ula, providing the assist for the winning goal. Francisca Ordega also featured late in the contest, rounding off a stellar weekend for Nigerian football.
From dramatic debuts to crucial goals and assists, Nigeria’s finest proved once again that their talent knows no borders.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
African footballers once again lit up Europe’s top leagues this past weekend, delivering goals, assists, and match-winning moments that underlined their growing influence on the global stage. From the English Premier League to LaLiga and Serie A, the continent’s stars proved decisive for their clubs.
It began on the English south coast, where Antoine Semenyo continued his blistering start to the campaign for Bournemouth. The Ghanaian winger tormented Brighton & Hove Albion, first swinging in the perfect cross for Alex Scott’s opener before calmly slotting home a second-half penalty to seal a 2–1 victory. With three goals and two assists in just four league matches, the 25-year-old is quickly becoming one of the Premier League’s most reliable attacking threats.
Across London, Pape Matar Sarr celebrated his 23rd birthday weekend in style. The Senegal midfielder, not typically known for scoring, rose highest to head home Xavi Simons’ corner and set Tottenham Hotspur on their way to a 3–0 triumph over West Ham United. It was his first goal of the season and another reminder of his growing importance in Ange Postecoglou’s side.
At Turf Moor, Liverpool were staring at a frustrating draw with Burnley until the ever-dependable Mohamed Salah stepped up in stoppage time. After a clear handball in the box, the Egyptian king coolly dispatched his penalty, securing a dramatic 1–0 win and keeping the Reds’ momentum rolling ahead of a fiery Merseyside Derby against Everton.
In Spain, 21-year-old Etta Eyong marked his Levante debut with a memorable strike. The Cameroonian attacker, freshly signed from Villarreal, showed poise and power to round the goalkeeper and smash home, helping his new team earn a 2–2 draw with Real Betis. It was already his second goal of the season and a glimpse of his exciting potential.
Meanwhile in Italy, Alieu Fadera found the net for Sassuolo in a shock 1–0 victory over Lazio. The Gambian forward reacted quickest to tap in from close range, opening his account for the club and adding to the goal he scored for his country against Burundi in World Cup qualifying just days earlier.
From late heroics to debut magic, Africa’s finest left an unmistakable mark on Europe’s pitches, reminding fans that the continent’s talent pool runs deep and brilliant.
