by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
After weeks under fire for lackluster performances and public criticism from his coach Dieter Hecking, Myron Boadu delivered a career-defining performance that silenced his doubters. The 24-year-old forward netted a sensational hat-trick in a dramatic 3-3 draw against RB Leipzig, rescuing Bundesliga strugglers VfL Bochum from the jaws of defeat.
Boadu’s three goals not only secured a vital point for the league’s bottom team but also reignited hope for their survival campaign. Speaking after the game, Hecking praised the Dutch striker’s newfound determination:
“He reminded us all that we have a weapon up front we’ve been missing. If he carries this self-belief forward, he’ll become indispensable for us.”
The road to redemption hasn’t been easy for Boadu. A prolonged injury layoff, including a taxing recovery from a pubic bone infection, left the once-promising forward struggling to regain form. However, a heartfelt one-on-one talk with Hecking seemed to spark a turning point. “I told him to keep believing in himself,” the coach shared. “He offers qualities no one else in this team possesses.”
Now, all eyes will be on Boadu as he seeks to build on this electrifying display in the crucial upcoming clash against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a hard-fought Bundesliga 2 clash at the Home Deluxe Arena on January 19, SC Paderborn succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Hertha BSC despite a late spark from Ilyas Ansah.
The visitors took control early, with Derry Scherhant delivering a stunning right-footed strike from the edge of the box in the 16th minute. Paderborn struggled to penetrate Hertha’s compact defense and fell further behind in the 69th minute when Michaël Cuisance coolly converted a penalty following a foul inside the box.
As the clock wound down, Paderborn’s attack looked to be running out of ideas. But in the 81st minute, German-Ghanaian forward Ilyas Ansah entered the fray and injected fresh energy into the side. Deep into injury time, Ansah showcased his vision and precision, threading a perfectly weighted pass to Sven Michel. Michel unleashed a brilliant left-footed strike from outside the box to bring Paderborn within touching distance.
While Ansah’s assist gave the home fans a reason to cheer, it was not enough to overturn Hertha’s lead. Paderborn will now regroup ahead of their next challenge against Darmstadt on January 26.
Ansah, who now has one goal and one assist in 18 appearances this season, continues to prove his value as a reliable impact player for Paderborn.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
A Decade of Perseverance Pays Off for Former Ghana U20 Midfielder
Moses Odjer, once a bright prospect for Ghana’s U20 team, has officially become an Italian citizen after over a decade of dedication and hard work in Italy. The 28-year-old midfielder, who now plies his trade with Serie C side US Pianese, celebrated this monumental achievement during a special ceremony.
Odjer first captured the world’s attention in 2013 at the FIFA U20 World Cup, where he played a key role in helping Ghana secure third place. A year later, at just 16 years old, he made the bold move to Italy, signing with Catania. His journey in Europe hasn’t been without challenges, but his determination has been unwavering.
“If someone told me as a kid that I’d achieve this, I wouldn’t have believed it. Today, I hold Italian citizenship with pride,” Odjer shared on Instagram. He recounted arriving in Italy without a phone, little money, and no knowledge of the language. Through hard work and resilience, he rose above the adversities, earning a career that has taken him through clubs like Salernitana and Palermo.
Odjer is now married to an Italian woman, with whom he shares a son, and has fully embraced his life in Italy. This season, he has been a vital player for US Pianese, making 20 appearances, scoring two goals, and providing an assist.
Grateful for the support of his family, teammates, and friends, Odjer also took a moment to reflect on his own perseverance. “Thanks to me for never giving up, for working harder than others, and for remaining humble. Finally, ITALIAN,” he wrote.
Odjer’s story is one of resilience and triumph—a young boy from Ghana who dared to dream and achieved more than he could have imagined.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In just his second season at West Ham United, Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus has achieved a significant milestone, reaching 50 Premier League appearances. The 24-year-old marked the occasion by starting in the Hammers’ clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday, a game that ended in a 2-1 defeat at home, courtesy of a second-half brace by Jean Philippe Mateta.
Kudus, who joined West Ham from Ajax in the summer of 2023, impressed in his debut season with 33 league appearances, tallying eight goals and six assists. This season, he has already made 17 appearances, contributing three goals and an assist despite facing challenges, including a five-game suspension following a red card against Tottenham Hotspur in October.
A product of the renowned Right to Dream Academy, Kudus has quickly established himself as a pivotal figure for the London club. His performances have drawn interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester City, who are reportedly monitoring the talented midfielder.
While West Ham’s season has been challenging, Kudus continues to shine, solidifying his reputation as one of Ghana’s brightest football talents on the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Fenerbahçe’s commanding 4-0 victory highlighted their dominance in the Turkish Super Lig
Ghanaian defender Alexander Djiku has celebrated Fenerbahçe’s emphatic 4-0 win over Adana Demirspor in the Turkish Super Lig, a result that cements their position as title contenders.
The Black Stars defender, who had to be substituted at halftime, watched as his team delivered a second-half masterclass at the Yeni Adana Stadyumu on Sunday. Taking to Instagram, Djiku expressed his delight, writing, “A great victory. We keep going our way.”
After a tightly contested goalless first half, Fenerbahçe shifted gears in the second half. Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri led the charge, netting twice in the 69th and 71st minutes. Veterans Edin Džeko and Cenk Tosun sealed the commanding win, earning Fenerbahçe a crucial three points.
Djiku, who joined Fenerbahçe from Strasbourg, has been a vital cog in José Mourinho’s setup this season. The 30-year-old has featured in 15 of their 20 league matches and 23 games across all competitions, showcasing his defensive prowess, even though he is yet to contribute directly to goals or assists.
The victory reinforces Fenerbahçe’s pursuit of the Turkish Super Lig title, with Djiku playing an essential role in their resolute defense under Mourinho’s guidance.
