by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The race for the last eight of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) is set for a dramatic finish on Monday night, with Group C hanging in the balance.
Uganda, South Africa, and Algeria are all in contention for the two available quarterfinal slots, while Niger have already bowed out after a disappointing campaign.
At the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Algeria will take on Niger knowing victory will guarantee them a place in the knockout stages. The Desert Foxes, unbeaten so far, sit second on five points—level with South Africa but boasting a healthier goal difference.
Meanwhile, all eyes will also be on the Namboole Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, where Uganda’s Cranes face Bafana Bafana. Uganda, leaders of the group with six points from three matches, only need a draw to secure qualification. South Africa, however, face a tougher scenario—victory is the only result that can secure their passage, unless Algeria surprisingly falter against Niger.
With Uganda eager to protect top spot, Algeria pushing to extend their unbeaten run, and South Africa fighting for survival, Group C promises a thrilling finale under the floodlights.
Fixtures:
Algeria vs Niger – Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
South Africa vs Uganda – Namboole Mandela National Stadium, Kampala
Kick-off: 7pm CAT
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
When Nigerian legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha was asked to unveil his top five African footballers of all time, fans expected a safe roll call of the continent’s household names. Instead, the 51-year-old dazzler — true to his unpredictable nature — delivered a list that shocked many and ignited a storm of debate online.
The video, which went viral within hours, showed Okocha carefully naming his five, moving from No.5 up to his personal No.1. Along the way, he left out giants like Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Touré, Nwankwo Kanu, Rashidi Yekini and Michael Essien — omissions that left fans scratching their heads.
Here’s how the midfield maestro ranked his African greats:
5️⃣ Didier Drogba
The Ivorian powerhouse kicks off Okocha’s countdown. Drogba carved his name into Premier League folklore with Chelsea, winning four league titles, four FA Cups, and the 2012 Champions League. Known for his clutch goals, Drogba remains Africa’s ultimate big-game striker.
4️⃣ Jay-Jay Okocha
Never one to shy away from self-confidence, Okocha placed himself fourth. And frankly, who could argue? With tricks, flicks, and skills that turned football into theatre, he left defenders chasing shadows across Europe. For many, his artistry was as valuable as medals.
3️⃣ Anthony Yeboah
Up next was Ghana’s own thunderbolt striker. Yeboah lit up the Bundesliga and Premier League with explosive goals — some of which still play on highlight reels today. To fans who watched him at Leeds United and Eintracht Frankfurt, Yeboah wasn’t just clinical, he was unforgettable.
2️⃣ Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’
The maestro himself. Abedi Pele sits second on Okocha’s list — and rightly so. A three-time African Player of the Year, he inspired Marseille to Ligue 1 dominance and European glory. For Ghana, he remains the gold standard of football brilliance, a true midfield magician.
1️⃣ ???
Okocha left fans hanging by crowning his ultimate African great — a choice that drew mixed reactions. While he placed two Ghanaians and himself in the mix, the absence of Samuel Eto’o at the top sparked the loudest protests.
One thing’s for sure: Okocha’s list may be controversial, but just like his playing days, it has everyone talking.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Black Stars assistant coach George Boateng is set to embark on a new chapter in his managerial career after agreeing to take over as head coach of Belgian third-tier side RAEC Mons.
The 49-year-old, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career in England with Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Hull City, Coventry, and Nottingham Forest, will put pen to paper on a three-year contract.
Boateng has been without a club since parting ways with Coventry City in November 2024, following Frank Lampard’s appointment. Before that, he was a key figure in Ghana’s backroom staff, serving as an assistant coach at both the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Following Ghana’s disappointing AFCON campaign, the GFA dissolved the entire technical team, leaving Boateng to weigh his next move. His latest assignment in Belgium marks a return to club management after previous stints with Malaysian side Kelantan and Aston Villa’s U-23s.
For RAEC Mons, bringing in the experienced ex-Dutch international represents a bold statement of intent as they aim to rise through the Belgian football pyramid.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Sunderland’s ambitious move for Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has hit a stumbling block after Leicester City rejected a £32 million (€37m) offer for the Ghanaian winger.
The Black Cats, keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season, identified Fatawu as a prime target following his breakthrough campaign at Leicester. However, the Foxes are determined to keep hold of the 20-year-old, who has become a key figure under manager Steve Cooper.
Despite the setback, Sunderland are expected to revisit negotiations later in the window as they remain intent on landing a versatile forward. In the meantime, the Wearside club are also monitoring alternative options, with Uche from Getafe emerging as another potential signing.
The rejection signals Leicester’s firm stance on retaining one of their brightest prospects, though Sunderland’s persistence suggests the transfer saga may be far from over.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo lit up Anfield with a dazzling performance for AFC Bournemouth, earning plaudits from Liverpool legend Steve McManaman despite his side’s 4-2 defeat in their Premier League opener.
Liverpool looked in full control in the first half, as new signing Hugo Ekitike broke the deadlock before Cody Gakpo doubled the advantage to give Jürgen Klopp’s men a comfortable 2-0 cushion at the break.
But the script flipped after halftime. Semenyo spearheaded Bournemouth’s fightback, showcasing his blistering pace and power to score in the 64th and 76th minutes, dragging the Cherries back to level terms at 2-2 and silencing the Kop in the process.
The Reds, however, struck back immediately through Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah, sealing a hard-fought 4-2 win.
Post-match, McManaman singled out Semenyo for special praise and hinted that Liverpool may have missed a trick in not securing his signature.
“Antoine Semenyo ran 50 yards to score that goal after signing a long-term contract,” McManaman told Premier League Productions. “He is strong, dangerous, and built for the Premier League. For me, he should be playing for clubs like Liverpool. He was linked to Anfield this summer before Salah extended his deal.”
With two goals already to his name, Semenyo will be brimming with confidence when Bournemouth welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, August 23.
