by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Memphis Depay has written his name into Dutch football history by becoming the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer.
The 30-year-old forward netted his 51st international goal, surpassing the legendary Robin van Persie at the top of the Oranje scoring charts.
Depay’s milestone highlights his remarkable consistency for the national team, where he has been a key figure for over a decade, combining flair, creativity, and a knack for crucial goals.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
FIFA has officially announced a major adjustment to the international football calendar. The governing body will reduce the number of international windows from four to three.
The decision is aimed at minimizing disruptions to domestic leagues worldwide, allowing clubs to maintain greater consistency throughout the season while still ensuring space for crucial national team fixtures.
This change is expected to take effect in upcoming international cycles and will reshape how clubs and national teams manage player availability across competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
André Onana is set to continue his career in Turkey after agreeing to join Trabzonspor on loan from Manchester United.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper has signed all the necessary paperwork on his side, with only final approval from the Turkish club pending before the deal is made official. Onana is expected to travel next week to complete his move.
As revealed earlier, the agreement includes no buy option or loan fee, making it a straightforward loan deal for the remainder of the season.
This marks a new chapter for Onana, who joined Manchester United from Inter Milan but has faced challenges at Old Trafford. A fresh start in the Turkish Super Lig could provide the platform he needs to rediscover his best form.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 7, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The stage is set in Accra as Ghana and Mali prepare to lock horns for the 26th time in history when they clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, in a high-stakes World Cup 2026 qualifier.
The Black Stars, despite sitting at the summit of Group I with 16 points, are under pressure after dropping vital points in N’Djamena against Chad. Jordan Ayew’s early strike looked set to secure victory until a late 89th-minute equaliser denied Otto Addo’s men all three points.
In stark contrast, Mali arrive brimming with confidence following a commanding 3-0 win over Comoros in Berkane, Morocco. Goals from Nene Dorgeles, Kamory Doumbia, and Lassana Coulibaly highlighted their strength and intent ahead of the trip to Ghana’s capital.
Ghana vs. Mali Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry between these two West African powerhouses is steeped in history. According to 11v11, they have met 25 times, with Ghana holding the edge:
Ghana wins: 12
Mali wins: 6
Draws: 7
Their first-ever meeting came on August 28, 1960, when Ghana triumphed 4–1 in a friendly. The Black Stars dominated the early exchanges of this rivalry, winning four of their first five matches. Mali’s first breakthrough arrived in April 1975, when they defeated Ghana 3–1 in an AFCON qualifier.
In recent years, the fixture has become fiercely competitive. Over the last 15 encounters, Ghana have secured six wins, Mali five, while four ended in stalemates — proof that Monday’s clash could swing either way.
⚔️ The Battle Ahead
Despite Ghana’s superior record, their vulnerability at home raises questions. The Black Stars have lost two of their last four competitive home games — both by a single goal margin to Niger (Accra) and Angola (Kumasi). Mali, with momentum on their side, will be eyeing a famous upset in Accra.
Predicted Ghana Starting XI vs. Mali
Sportsblog247.com reports that Otto Addo is set to make up to five changes from the side that drew 1-1 against Chad, in search of a sharper, more clinical performance.
With so much at stake in the race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Monday’s battle promises drama, intensity, and another chapter in one of West Africa’s growing rivalries.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 7, 2025 | Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
It’s official — Egypt have booked their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
The Pharaohs, led by talisman Mohamed Salah, sealed qualification after a strong run in the African qualifiers. Their consistency, resilience, and attacking brilliance ensured they became one of the first African nations to confirm a spot at the global showpiece.
For Salah, it’s another career-defining moment, as he will now spearhead Egypt’s charge on the grandest stage of all. The qualification brings joy to millions of Egyptians, who will see their beloved Pharaohs return to the World Cup with hopes of making history.
With qualification now secured, attention turns to preparation — and all eyes will be on Salah and his teammates as they aim to shine in USA, Canada, and Mexico 2026.
