by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana U-20 head coach Desmond Ofei has set his sights firmly on victory as the Black Satellites prepare for a decisive clash against Benin in the ongoing WAFU U-20 Championship.
After sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Nigeria in their opening Group A match at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Ghana now face a must-win scenario to book a spot in the next stage of the competition.
Benin, on the other hand, are reeling from a disappointing 4-1 loss to Nigeria and occupy the bottom of the group standings. With both teams desperate for a win, Ofei insists his side will remain focused and not underestimate the Young Cheetahs.
“It’s a very important game for us; we want to qualify, so we have to win,” Ofei declared ahead of the encounter.
“Despite their defeat to Nigeria, Benin are a good team. We have to stay sharp, stay hungry and avoid any mistakes. We must show on the pitch that we are the better side and take all three points,” he emphasized.
The high-stakes fixture is set for a 15:00 GMT kickoff, with Ghana determined to keep their WAFU title ambitions alive.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Queens are through to the quarterfinals of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a commanding 4-1 victory over Tanzania, setting up a high-stakes clash with Algeria.
After a tough start to Group C, which saw a 2-0 defeat to defending champions South Africa and a 1-1 draw with Mali, the Queens bounced back in style during their final group match in Rabat. Under the tactical direction of Swedish coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, Ghana produced a dominant display to finish second in the group with four points, just behind South Africa’s seven.
The match against Tanzania began with fireworks as experienced forward Princella Adubea opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a goalkeeping blunder. Despite squandering several chances, Ghana regained control after Tanzania’s 40th-minute equalizer, as Alice Kusi calmly converted from the spot to restore their lead.
Second-half goals from midfield dynamo Evelyn Badu and London-born attacker Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah put the result beyond doubt, securing Ghana’s progression to the last eight.
Boye-Hlorkah, who netted the final goal with a sensational strike, was full of praise for her teammates after the game.
> “I’m so proud of the girls,” she said. “They’ve got my back out there. As a vocal player, I try to lead and push the team to its best, and it’s amazing to see everyone working together.”
The Black Queens will now turn their attention to a quarterfinal showdown against Algeria on Saturday, July 19 at the Municipal Stadium in Berkane. With momentum on their side, Ghana will be aiming to reach the semifinals of the competition for the first time since 2006.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Majeed Ashimeru is setting his sights on a fresh European adventure after rejecting a move to Turkish side Antalyaspor. The 26-year-old, who recently parted ways with Belgian giants Anderlecht, is now prioritizing a switch to either Germany or Switzerland as his next destination.
Sources close to the player reveal that while Antalyaspor tabled a competitive offer, Ashimeru is determined to play in one of Europe’s more competitive leagues, with the Bundesliga and Swiss Super League at the top of his wishlist. Several clubs from both countries are reportedly monitoring his situation, with a transfer expected to be finalized before the end of the summer window.
Ashimeru, known for his composure on the ball and energetic box-to-box play, believes a move to either Germany or Switzerland will better suit his career ambitions and help him return to Ghana’s Black Stars squad ahead of crucial international fixtures.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 14, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Liverpool’s teenage starlet Rio Ngumoha continued his rapid rise with a sparkling display in their 3-1 pre-season win over Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday afternoon.
The 16-year-old forward, who has Nigerian roots and represents England at U17 level, was trusted with a starting spot by new Reds boss Arne Slot. This marked Ngumoha’s first start since his senior debut in January 2025 — and he didn’t disappoint.
Ngumoha wasted no time making his mark. In just the fourth minute, he danced down the left wing, sending in a dangerous cross which Preston only narrowly cleared. Minutes later, he weaved into the box again, forcing a corner after his deflected effort nearly broke the deadlock.
The youngster’s flair and confidence were on full display in the 33rd minute, as he was central to the build-up for Liverpool’s opener. After slicing through Preston’s defence, he linked up with Federico Chiesa, whose pass eventually led to Conor Bradley tapping home after smart interplay with Dominik Szoboszlai.
Darwin Núñez added Liverpool’s second shortly after the break, with Preston pulling one back through Liam Lindsay in the closing stages. Cody Gakpo’s late penalty sealed the Reds’ comfortable win.
Ngumoha was taken off at half-time after a promising shift, with fans buzzing over his exciting potential. Meanwhile, Preston gave a runout to Odel Offiah, their new summer signing, in the second half.
Liverpool are currently locked in talks with Ngumoha’s camp over his first professional contract, as the former Chelsea wonderkid turns 17 next month.
Anfield faithful have every reason to be excited — a star is emerging.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 14, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Chelsea were crowned 2025 FIFA Club World Cup champions after a commanding 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at the iconic MetLife Stadium on Sunday night. Among those celebrating the trophy triumph were Super Eagles-eligible duo Tosin Adarabioyo and Tyrique George, who, despite not featuring in the final, played key roles in Chelsea’s successful campaign.
Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, the Blues dominated from start to finish, with Cole Palmer grabbing a clinical brace in the 22nd and 30th minutes before Joao Pedro capped it off with a delightful chip just before half-time.
Adarabioyo, 27, had earlier stamped his mark on the tournament, scoring a powerful header in Chelsea’s 3-0 group stage win over Esperance de Tunis, demonstrating both his defensive strength and threat in the air.
Teen sensation Tyrique George, only 19, also made headlines in that match, coming off the bench to score in stoppage time, becoming Chelsea’s youngest-ever scorer in a Club World Cup at 19 years and 141 days. George, who is eligible to represent Nigeria and Ghana, impressed throughout the tournament, following a breakthrough season in the UEFA Conference League.
While the final saw them remain on the bench, their earlier contributions helped Chelsea reach the knockout rounds and ultimately lift their second Club World Cup trophy.
PSG’s night unraveled after a red card to Joao Neves in the 86th minute, while Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sanchez produced a string of crucial saves to preserve a clean sheet.
With Adarabioyo cementing his place as a defensive stalwart and George emerging as a promising attacking talent, both players have enhanced their reputations — offering fresh hope for Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of future international assignments.
