by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a bold step across the Atlantic, American-Ghanaian striker Patrick Agyemang has swapped Major League Soccer for the fierce competition of the English Championship, sealing a transfer to Derby County.
The 24-year-old forward, who previously lit up the MLS with Charlotte FC, penned a four-year deal with the Rams on Tuesday, July 16, committing his future to the Pride Park outfit until 2029. His arrival marks Derby County’s fifth signing of a busy summer as Head Coach John Eustace shapes his squad for the demanding 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship campaign.
In his first exclusive chat with RamsTV, Agyemang embraced the challenge ahead with quiet confidence, acknowledging the hurdles while focusing on the rewards.
“I’m expecting it to be very tough. Definitely hard-working, and you’re playing a lot of games,” he admitted. “I know it’s going to be trying at times, but it’s all about how you deal with it. For me, I usually like to take those big next steps. There’s going to be adjustment periods, but I know once I get through that, I should be fine.”
Known for his pace, power, and determination, Agyemang is eager to leave his mark on English football. His addition is expected to inject fresh energy and attacking threat to Derby County’s frontline as they gear up for what promises to be a thrilling season.
With roots tracing back to Ghana and experience forged in America, Patrick Agyemang now stands ready to make his name in England’s unforgiving Championship stage—undaunted and hungry for success.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
After nearly a decade in the shadows, Ghana’s Black Queens have roared back onto the continental stage — but for midfield dynamo Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, the mission is far from over.
Fresh off a commanding 4-1 victory over Tanzania that secured Ghana’s first WAFCON quarterfinal berth since 2015, Boye-Hlorkah has thrown down the gauntlet: success will only be counted if the trophy comes home.
In a passionate interview with Sportsblog247.com, the England-based midfielder made her intentions clear: “This tournament will only be successful for me when we take the trophy. I think we deserve it. We’ve earned the respect of African football and now it’s time to show it.”
She added, “I respect this continent so much, but to truly gain that respect, you have to perform. You have to prove who you are — and that means winning.”
With their eyes firmly on the prize, the Black Queens are set for a high-stakes clash with Algeria on Saturday, July 19 at the Berkane Stadium. Kick-off is at 17:00 GMT, with a place in the semifinals up for grabs.
Ghana’s resurgence is real — but according to Boye-Hlorkah, true glory lies in finishing the job.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Despite their inspiring march to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), none of Ghana’s Black Queens players were named in CAF’s Best XI after the group stage.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled its standout performers from the first phase of the competition ahead of the knockout rounds, but the Ghanaian squad was notably absent.
The Black Queens booked their spot in the last eight for the first time since 2016, finishing second in Group C. They capped off their group stage campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Tanzania. However, even with Player of the Match awards for Jennifer Cudjoe and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah along the way, Ghana failed to land any representation in CAF’s elite list.
The Best XI was dominated by powerhouses South Africa and Zambia, who contributed three players each. Zambia’s Barbra Banda, Rachel Kundananji, and Lushomo Mweemba made the cut, alongside South Africa’s Jane Refiloe, Fikile Magama, and Bambanani Mbane. Nigeria also had two players featured in the selection.
Ghana will now shift focus to their quarterfinal showdown against Algeria, scheduled for Saturday, July 19 at 16:00 GMT. A win will set up a semifinal clash with either Morocco or Mali—teams the Black Queens are already familiar with, having drawn 1-1 with Mali during the group stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Satellites of Ghana displayed remarkable grit and determination to book their spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship after edging past Benin 1-0 on Wednesday at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
It was far from an easy ride for the home side, who battled through adversity after being reduced to 10 men just before halftime. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Golden Kick FC starlet Bless Ege became Ghana’s hero on the day, netting the decisive goal in the 52nd minute. Ege timed his run perfectly to meet a delightful through ball from captain Aziz Misbau before calmly slotting home.
The first half was cagey, with few clear-cut chances. Ghana’s goalkeeper Gidios Aseako made a crucial save in the 31st minute to deny Benin from distance. The game’s complexion changed when Kelvin Nkrumah of Medeama SC received his marching orders after a second yellow card in the 40th minute for a reckless tackle.
With their backs against the wall, the Black Satellites dug deep, showcasing discipline and character. Benin, desperate to salvage their tournament hopes, dominated possession in the second half but were frustrated by Ghana’s resilient backline.
Asante Kotoko winger Peter Amidu Acquah nearly made it two for Ghana but was inches away from scoring in the 72nd minute.
The hard-fought win sees Ghana finish second in Group A with four points, following their opening 1-1 draw with Nigeria—both nations progressing to the semi-finals. Benin, meanwhile, bow out of the tournament empty-handed.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Grace Adjoa Bayor, the legendary former captain of the Black Queens, has seamlessly transitioned from leading Ghana on the pitch to playing a crucial off-field role at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Bayor, celebrated for her exploits during the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup and crowned African Women’s Player of the Year in 2003, now serves as the Equipment Manager for the national team, ensuring the Queens are professionally equipped at every turn.
“From training kits, match jerseys, to every single cone, my job is to make sure everything is in place before training sessions and matchdays,” Bayor revealed in an interview with CAFOnline. “This role demands thorough planning because there’s absolutely no room for mistakes.”
Though soft-spoken, Bayor’s influence within the Queens’ camp remains as strong as ever. Known for her discipline, she maintains strict standards, noting, “Anyone who forgets something or arrives late faces heavy fines—discipline is non-negotiable here.”
Since hanging up her boots in 2011, Bayor has stayed close to the national team, proving that leadership goes beyond the field. Her tireless dedication continues to inspire a new generation of Black Queens to chase greatness.
