by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian international Emmanuel Gyasi has kicked off preseason training with his new club, Palermo FC, as he looks to make a bold impression in the upcoming 2025/26 Serie B campaign.
The 31-year-old, born in Italy, made the switch from Serie A side Empoli to the ambitious Sicilian outfit on a season-long loan. The deal includes a performance-based obligation to buy, giving Gyasi the perfect incentive to reignite his career at the iconic Stadio Renzo Barbera.
Last season, Gyasi was a key figure for Empoli, racking up 37 appearances in Italy’s top flight and contributing two goals and an assist. Since joining Empoli in 2023, the former Spezia Calcio star featured in over 70 matches, showcasing his versatility and work rate.
Now embracing a new challenge, Gyasi has already settled into life at Palermo, joining his new teammates in preseason preparations. He could make his unofficial debut soon in a friendly clash against Swiss side Paradiso.
Though born and raised in Italy, Gyasi chose to represent Ghana on the international stage, earning three caps, including his debut against South Africa during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Palermo fans will be hoping the experienced forward can bring his energy and attacking flair to the team as they push for promotion back to Serie A.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a fresh twist to his European journey, Ghanaian forward Emmanuel Yeboah has completed a loan move to Swedish top-flight side Halmstads BK from Danish giants Brondby IF. The deal comes with an option for Halmstads to make the move permanent, offering Yeboah a chance to reignite his promising career.
Yeboah, 22, endured a frustrating spell in Denmark after signing for Brondby from Romanian side CFR Cluj in 2023. Struggling to find his rhythm, the former Ghana U-23 star was loaned to Vejle Boldklub for the second half of last season, where he netted just one goal. Overall, his Danish adventure produced a modest tally of three goals and one assist across all competitions.
Despite being tied to Brondby until 2027, the Danish club made it clear Yeboah was surplus to requirements. Now, with a new chapter unfolding in Sweden’s Allsvenskan, Yeboah is determined to rediscover his confidence and showcase his talent.
Halmstads BK, sitting mid-table, are counting on Yeboah’s arrival to add firepower to their attack for the remainder of the campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a fresh twist to his vibrant football journey, Ghanaian international Samuel Owusu has sealed a move to Israeli side Maccabi Petah Tikva FC, as the club ramps up preparations for a promotion charge back to the Israeli Premier League.
The 29-year-old winger, known for his blistering pace and electrifying dribbles, makes the switch from Serbian outfit OFK Beograd after an impressive campaign in the Serbian top-flight. Owusu featured in 23 league matches, notching three goals and two assists, once again proving his worth as a creative spark on the wings.
With 17 senior caps for Ghana’s Black Stars under his belt, Owusu is no stranger to high-stakes football. His wealth of international experience, coupled with a career that has spanned clubs in Serbia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia—including eye-catching spells with Al-Fayha, Al-Ahli, and Gençlerbirliği—adds significant firepower to Petah Tikva’s ambitions.
The Israeli Liga Leumit club is banking on Owusu’s attacking prowess and leadership to guide them back to top-flight football, counting on his experience to lift the dressing room and the fans alike.
Having started his professional adventure with Ghana’s Vision FC back in 2014, Owusu’s latest move is yet another exciting chapter in a career defined by flair, speed, and consistency.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Ghana international Joetex Frimpong has opened up about one of the most nerve-racking moments of his career during his time with the Black Stars.
Frimpong, who played a key role in Ghana’s historic qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, revealed how the fear of being dropped haunted him as a young player. The ex-BSC Young Boys striker earned 11 caps and scored two goals for Ghana but missed out on the final squad for the World Cup in Germany.
Speaking in an interview with Sikka Sports, Frimpong recalled how former Black Stars coach Ratomir Dujkovic put intense pressure on the new players in the team.
“It was a scary moment when Ratomir Dujkovic told us the new players that if we didn’t make any impact, we would never be called again,” Frimpong shared.
Determined to impress, Frimpong seized his chance during a crucial match against Burkina Faso. “I came on as a substitute, won a penalty, and assisted the winning goal as we came from a goal down to win 2-1,” he narrated.
Despite his contributions during the qualifiers, Frimpong admitted that missing out on the World Cup remains the most painful moment of his career. “My biggest regret with the Black Stars was my omission from the 2006 World Cup squad. It was very difficult for me to take at the time,” he confessed.
Frimpong’s story is a reflection of the intense competition within the Black Stars and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with representing Ghana at the highest level.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil continued his recent scoring streak, but his efforts weren’t enough to save LA Galaxy from a 2-1 home defeat to Austin FC in Major League Soccer on Thursday morning.
Playing at the Dignity Health Sports Park, the Black Stars speedster featured for the entire duration of the game and found the back of the net late on, grabbing a consolation goal for the hosts.
The night belonged to Austin FC, who executed their game plan to perfection. Albania international Myrto Uzuni opened the scoring in the 40th minute after latching onto a clever pass from Diego Rubio, sending the visitors into the break with a deserved lead.
Austin extended their advantage in the second half when Owen Wolff netted what proved to be the match-winner, capping off a dominant performance from the visitors.
Despite LA Galaxy’s late push, it was Joseph Paintsil who pulled one back deep into stoppage time, confidently converting a penalty to reduce the deficit. It marked Paintsil’s fourth goal in 15 MLS appearances this season, adding to his growing influence in the squad.
Paintsil, who recently ended his scoring drought with a brace, seems to have rediscovered his goal-scoring touch and will be eager to continue his fine form as the season progresses.
Interestingly, it was a battle of Ghanaians on the pitch, as his Black Stars teammate Osman Bukari also featured, completing the full 90 minutes for Austin FC and contributing to their hard-fought away victory.