by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The stadium lights flickered as Mohammed Kudus led the Black Stars onto the pitch, the captain’s armband tightly wrapped around his left arm. It was an unexpected honor, bestowed upon him in October 2024 after Thomas Partey’s injury forced him out of Ghana’s AFCON qualifiers. At just 24, Kudus found himself at the heart of a nation’s hopes, a leader in the making.
Among those watching closely was Sulley Muntari, a Ghanaian football legend who had once worn the national colors with pride. He admired Kudus’ raw talent, his commanding presence on the field, and the way he carried the team forward. But Muntari, a veteran of many battles, believed leadership needed time to grow.
“Kudus is destined to wear the armband permanently one day,” Muntari said, his voice steady with conviction. “But let the process be natural. He doesn’t need the title to lead—he already does it with his play.”
Despite Kudus’ best efforts, Ghana’s AFCON dreams ended in disappointment, leaving fans heartbroken. Yet, the young midfielder’s journey was far from over. As the Black Stars set their sights on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March 2024, Kudus stood poised—not just as a star but as a future captain, ready to lead when the time was right.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Sulley Muntari believes that former players have a crucial role in supporting the Black Stars, but not necessarily as coaches. Instead, their presence alone can be a source of motivation for the team.
Recalling his own experiences, Muntari shared how he always pushed himself to new heights whenever Ghanaian football legend Abedi Pele was in the stands. The mere sight of the iconic figure watching from above gave him an extra edge, driving him to perform at his very best for the national team.
For Muntari, the influence of past greats goes beyond tactical advice—it’s about the pride, inspiration, and expectations they bring, reminding current players of the rich legacy they carry on their shoulders.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
A Rising Star with Shades of Sadio Mané
Liverpool’s recruitment team is on the hunt for reinforcements, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a fascinating prospect. On the Transfer Market Metrics podcast, analysts Dave Davis and Dr. Phil Barter broke down why the Ghanaian forward could be a fit for Arne Slot’s evolving system.
Semenyo’s pace and power make him one of the most explosive attackers in the Premier League. In fact, Davis went as far as to compare him to a Liverpool legend:
“His physical metrics are huge—almost outperforming Sadio Mané.”
But beyond his attacking threat, Semenyo also stands out defensively, ranking in the 99th percentile for aerial clearances and 92nd for blocks—traits Liverpool highly values in its wide forwards.
A Statistical Trajectory Similar to Jota’s
Davis also highlighted an interesting parallel between Semenyo and Diogo Jota before his move to Anfield. While the Bournemouth star’s raw numbers aren’t eye-catching yet, his steady improvement suggests he could be on the verge of a breakout.
Dr. Barter shared some key data:
Non-penalty xG per 90 minutes: 0.10 → 0.20 → 0.33 (last three seasons)
Expected assists per 90 minutes: 0.00 → 0.10 → 0.24
“He’s trending in the right direction,” Barter noted, though he admitted Semenyo’s output still lags behind Liverpool’s current options.
The Missing Piece: End Product
Despite his impressive growth, Semenyo’s final product remains a concern. Compared to Cody Gakpo, his expected goals (xG) output is still 20% lower, and while he takes plenty of shots, his goal-creating actions rank only in the 31st percentile.
Davis summed it up perfectly:
“Semenyo does 90% of everything you need, but that final element—finishing—is the most expensive thing in football.”
A Worthy Gamble for Liverpool?
With Premier League experience and a clear upward trajectory, Semenyo offers an intriguing option for Liverpool’s attack. Having played at Bristol City before, he knows English football well—a factor that could make him a lower-risk signing.
However, with a reported price tag of £50-60 million, the Reds must weigh whether his numbers justify the investment.
“Semenyo will be on the list,” Davis concluded. “But is he the first-choice signing? That’s harder to say.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
For Antoine Semenyo, the road to Premier League success has been anything but smooth. From battling a career-threatening shin injury to becoming a key player in Bournemouth’s European push, his journey is one of resilience and determination.
When the Ghanaian forward arrived at the Vitality Stadium in January 2023 for €10.3 million from Bristol City, expectations were high. However, an injury setback in 2022 had left questions about his ability to shine at the top level. Instead of letting adversity define him, Semenyo used that time to study the greats—Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba—analyzing their movement, heading, and footwork.
That dedication has transformed him into one of Andoni Iraola’s most reliable attackers. With 10 goal contributions this season, he has propelled the Cherries to within three points of fourth-placed Chelsea. His influence was evident during Bournemouth’s remarkable 11-game unbeaten run, which was only ended by league leaders Liverpool.
Semenyo’s rise has not gone unnoticed. His performances have caught the eye of top clubs, but for now, his focus remains on leading Bournemouth to a historic top-four finish—a feat that once seemed like a dream but is now within reach.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Abdul Rashid Abubakar has signed with Kazakhstani Premier League side FC Ordabasy during the January transfer window. The 24-year-old, who previously played for Moldovan club Spartanii, is set to bring versatility to the midfield.
Abubakar, capable of playing both defensive and attacking roles, has joined his new teammates as they prepare for their match against Surbatalo on February 16, 2024. His career includes stints with Accra Lions, Ice City (China), FK Sarajevo (Bosnia), Loznica, Al Soqour (Libya), and Bahla Club.
