by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian striker Ropapa Mensah has been named to Sofascore’s USL League One Team of the Season, an individual accolade that shines through in a challenging year for Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.
Mensah, 27, was one of the few standout performers for the Red Wolves, despite the team finishing in 11th place in the 2024 USL League One standings. Over 18 appearances, including 14 starts, Mensah contributed a solid nine goals and two assists, showcasing his attacking ability. His performances were a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for Chattanooga, who ended the campaign with just 18 points from 22 games, equal with last-placed CV Fuego.
Chattanooga’s struggles were highlighted in their final match, a 3-0 loss to Lexington SC, which marked a disappointing end to the season for Mensah and his teammates. However, the striker’s consistent efforts earned him a place in the league’s best XI, a recognition that could lead to potential interest from higher-tier clubs, especially with his contract set to expire on November 30, 2024.
Mensah, who joined Chattanooga in January 2023 from Sporting Kansas City II, has continued to prove his worth in the USL League One and remains a player to watch as his future unfolds.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations came to a crushing end with a 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium. The loss marked the conclusion of a disappointing qualifying campaign for the Black Stars, who finished bottom of Group F with no wins and just three goals from six matches. While there were brief moments of individual brilliance, the team’s ongoing struggles with finishing and defense were once again laid bare. Here are five key takeaways from the match:
1. Kudus’ Missed Penalty Summarizes Ghana’s Frustrations
Mohammed Kudus had the chance to salvage a draw for Ghana deep into added time when he was awarded a penalty after being fouled in the box. However, his spot kick was saved by Niger’s goalkeeper, sealing Ghana’s 2-1 defeat. The miss symbolized the Black Stars’ inability to close out matches and finish chances, a problem that has plagued them throughout the qualifiers. Kudus’ failure to convert the penalty confirmed Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the team’s preparedness for future challenges.
2. Debutants Show Promise Despite Tough Loss
While the loss was painful, there were some bright spots for Ghana, particularly the performances of debutants. Jerry Afriyie, Nathaniel Adjei, Terry Yegbe, Isaac Afful, and Kamaradini Mamudu all earned their first starts for the Black Stars. Afriyie scored a debut goal to briefly restore hope, and Yegbe, although challenged by the intensity of the match, showed composure. Though the overall performance fell short, the young players offered a glimpse of the future, with Ghana looking to build a team around this promising talent.
3. Afriyie’s Debut Goal Offers Hope for the Future
The standout moment of the game came when 17-year-old Jerry Afriyie marked his debut with a well-taken equalizer. Coming on as a substitute, Afriyie showed remarkable composure under pressure and demonstrated his potential with a clinical finish. His goal was a rare highlight in an otherwise disappointing campaign and suggests that the Black Stars have a promising talent to develop in the years to come.
4. Defensive Frailties Prove Costly Once Again
Ghana’s defensive problems resurfaced in the dying moments of the match. After Afriyie’s equalizer, the Black Stars failed to hold onto the draw, as Niger scored the winner through a header from Oumar Sako. Ghana’s inability to organize defensively, particularly in set-piece situations, has been a recurring theme throughout the qualifiers. Despite having quality defenders, poor concentration and a lack of defensive solidity continue to cost the team dearly.
5. Otto Addo’s Future as Coach in Jeopardy
Coach Otto Addo is under increasing pressure following Ghana’s poor performance in the AFCON qualifiers. The Black Stars finished at the bottom of their group with just three points, and Addo’s inability to secure a single win has raised serious questions about his future. The Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council is scheduled to meet to discuss the team’s performance and decide whether to retain Addo as head coach or make a change ahead of future competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
In a night filled with missed opportunities and defensive lapses, the Super Eagles fell to a 2-1 defeat against Rwanda in their final AFCON 2025 qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Despite taking the lead through a moment of brilliance from Samuel Chukwueze, the team’s defensive frailties were exposed as Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti turned the tide in favor of the Wasps.
Here’s how the players performed:
Goalkeeper and Defense
Maduka Okoye – 5.7/10
Returning to the starting lineup after two years, Okoye showed glimpses of his potential but failed to command his area during key moments. He could have done better with Rwanda’s second goal, raising doubts about his readiness to reclaim the No. 1 jersey.
William Troost-Ekong – 6/10
The experienced defender showed slight improvement compared to his performance against Benin but struggled to organize the backline. His partnership with Gabriel Osho looked shaky and uncoordinated.
Gabriel Osho – 6/10
Still adapting to the intensity of African football, Osho’s lack of awareness was evident during Rwanda’s two goals. He needs time to build better chemistry with Troost-Ekong.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – 6/10
An average performance from the Fenerbahçe fullback. He struggled defensively, allowing Rwanda to exploit his side for their second goal, and offered little going forward.
Bruno Onyemaechi – 6/10
Onyemaechi failed to link effectively with Moses Simon on the left flank, and his poor delivery in attack left much to be desired.
Midfield
Alhassan Yusuf – 6.8/10
Yusuf was a bright spot in midfield, putting up a tough fight against Rwanda’s players. However, his substitution left the midfield vulnerable, allowing Rwanda to seize control late in the game.
Raphael Onyedika – 6.7/10
The Club Brugge star worked hard in midfield but lacked creativity in the final third.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6.5/10
A quiet outing from the Lazio man, who struggled to make meaningful contributions despite his role as a creative outlet.
Frank Onyeka – 6.5/10
Onyeka provided a physical presence in midfield and broke up Rwanda’s play effectively. However, his poor positioning often left gaps for the opposition to exploit.
Attack
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6/10
Iheanacho failed to make an impact yet again, playing out of position on the right wing. His sluggish performance slowed down Nigeria’s attack, and he was substituted at halftime.
Moses Simon – 6.4/10
The usually electric winger had an off day, struggling to beat his markers and create chances from the left.
Victor Boniface – 6/10
Boniface’s struggles in front of goal continued, as he failed to make a meaningful impact in attack. His decision-making and finishing were poor, highlighting his growing frustration.
Samuel Chukwueze – 8/10
The standout performer for Nigeria, Chukwueze was electric after coming off the bench. His dazzling solo goal was the highlight of the night, and he injected much-needed urgency into the Super Eagles’ attack.
Conclusion
Despite already qualifying for AFCON 2025, the Super Eagles’ lackluster performance against Rwanda exposed key weaknesses. With World Cup qualifiers around the corner, coach Austin Eguavoen will need to address these issues to ensure Nigeria performs at the highest level.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Despite already securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Rwanda’s Wasps in front of their home fans in Uyo. Samuel Chukwueze’s brilliant solo goal initially put the hosts ahead, but two quick strikes from Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti sealed a historic victory for the visitors. Here are five major observations from the match.
1. Eguavoen’s Overhaul: Seven Changes to the Starting Lineup
With qualification already guaranteed, interim coach Austin Eguavoen rotated heavily, making seven changes to the lineup that faced Benin. Maduka Okoye returned in goal, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Simon, and Victor Boniface featured in the starting XI.
Defender Gabriel Osho retained his spot to make his home debut alongside William Troost-Ekong, while Calvin Bassey was benched, and Ola Aina was rested after returning to his club, Nottingham Forest. Despite the fresh faces, the Super Eagles lacked cohesion and struggled to dominate.
2. Iheanacho’s Continued Struggles Raise Concerns
Kelechi Iheanacho, given a rare starting opportunity, delivered another underwhelming performance. The Sevilla forward, who struggled in the previous match against Benin, failed to make an impact again and was substituted for Samuel Chukwueze at halftime.
Iheanacho’s poor club form appears to have spilled over into his national team duties, raising questions about his inclusion in future Super Eagles squads. His back-to-back subpar outings under Eguavoen highlight the need for more consistent contributions from the experienced forward.
3. Set-Piece Vulnerabilities Haunt Nigeria Again
Defensive frailties at set pieces continued to plague the Super Eagles. Despite boasting a strong defensive record in the qualifiers, the team struggled to deal with a well-delivered cross from Jojea Kwizera, which Ange Mutsinzi headed home to level the game in the 72nd minute.
This recurring weakness cost Nigeria dearly and serves as a warning ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Rwanda exploited the flaw expertly, making their intentions clear for their March 2025 rematch with the Super Eagles.
4. Complacency Costs Nigeria After Taking the Lead
After Samuel Chukwueze’s stunning solo goal in the 61st minute, Nigeria appeared to relax, allowing Rwanda to grow into the game. The Super Eagles failed to maintain their intensity, conceding twice within three minutes to relinquish control.
Innocent Nshuti’s 75th-minute goal, a composed finish through the legs of Maduka Okoye, epitomized Rwanda’s determination to seize their moment. Nigeria’s lapse in focus after taking the lead highlights the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the match.
5. Rwanda’s Heroic Ntwari Exits Injured
Fiacre Ntwari, Rwanda’s goalkeeper, was instrumental in keeping the Super Eagles at bay with crucial saves, including an impressive stop to deny Alhassan Yusuf’s header. However, his night ended prematurely due to a suspected hamstring injury.
Ntwari, who also shone in the reverse fixture in Kigali, was substituted in the 69th minute, leaving Clement Twizere Buhake to finish the game. His absence moving forward could be a blow to Rwanda’s hopes in the World Cup qualifiers.
Conclusion
While the Super Eagles remain group winners and have secured their spot in Morocco, this defeat serves as a wake-up call. For Rwanda, this historic victory is a morale boost as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Rwanda’s Wasps Break Super Eagles’ Unbeaten Streak in Dramatic Comeback
In a shocking turn of events, Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a historic 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their sixth-ever meeting during the AFCON qualifiers. The loss marked Rwanda’s first-ever victory over Nigeria and ended the Super Eagles’ unbeaten run in the campaign.
The match, held at a packed stadium, began with both sides showcasing their intent. Nigeria looked to assert dominance early, with Victor Boniface linking up with Alhassan Yusuf for a chance in the ninth minute. However, Yusuf slipped at the vital moment, leaving Kelechi Iheanacho to take a deflected shot, resulting in a corner that Rwanda’s goalkeeper Ntwari punched away.
Rwanda’s response came in the 21st minute when Emmanuel Imanishimwe found Gabriel Mushiga on the left wing, but Mushiga’s cross was easily claimed by Nigeria’s Maduka Okoye. Despite sparingly dominating possession, the Super Eagles struggled to break down Rwanda’s resilient defense.
The second half saw Nigeria introduce fresh legs with Samuel Chukwueze and Frank Onyeka coming on. Chukwueze’s substitution paid off almost immediately. In the 58th minute, the Villarreal winger weaved through three defenders to score a stunning solo goal, putting Nigeria ahead and silencing the Wasps’ spirited fans.
However, Rwanda refused to back down. Ange Mutsinzi leveled the score in the 71st minute, heading home a perfectly delivered free kick by Jojea Kwizera. Just two minutes later, Innocent Nshitu delivered the knockout blow, flicking the ball into the net at the near post from another well-executed cross.
Eguavoen responded by introducing Victor Osimhen and Sadiq Umar to salvage the game, but the Super Eagles couldn’t find the breakthrough. Frank Onyeka squandered a late chance in injury time, sealing Nigeria’s fate.
The Wasps’ remarkable victory marked their second win of the qualifiers, propelling them into the spotlight as they prepare to face Nigeria again in next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
