by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Niger got their 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Cup campaign off to a winning start with a narrow 1-0 victory over Togo in the opening Group B clash on Friday.
The tightly contested match took place at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Ghana, where both sides showcased strong intent but failed to convert numerous chances.
The decisive moment came in the 28th minute when Abdoul Latif Goumey found the back of the net with a composed finish from close range, giving Niger the lead heading into halftime.
Togo pushed hard in the second half in search of an equaliser, but Niger’s defence held firm to secure all three points in a hard-fought encounter.
Later in the day, defending champions Ivory Coast edged Burkina Faso 2-1 in another exciting Group B fixture, leaving Niger and Ivory Coast in strong positions to qualify for the knockout stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Defending champions Ivory Coast got their 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Cup campaign off to a flying start with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso on Friday at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Ghana.
The Group B encounter delivered a thrilling contest, with the Young Elephants showing their intent to retain the title. Ivory Coast took the lead on the stroke of halftime thanks to a composed finish by Yaya Tapé, who capitalized on a well-executed team move to break the deadlock.
Burkina Faso emerged stronger in the second half, chasing an equaliser, but their efforts were undone when Namory Keita doubled Ivory Coast’s lead in the 75th minute. The goal proved crucial, giving the Ivorians the cushion they needed as Burkina Faso pulled one back through Salif Simporé five minutes later.
Despite the late pressure from the Burkinabè side, Ivory Coast held firm to claim all three points, placing them atop Group B after the opening round of matches.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 12, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Promising midfielder set for key role in Avellino’s Serie B campaign
Italian-Ghanaian midfielder Justin Kumi has sealed a loan move to US Avellino from Serie A side Sassuolo, in a deal designed to provide the 19-year-old with valuable playing time and accelerate his development.
Avellino announced the transfer in an official statement on Friday, confirming the temporary acquisition of the talented youngster:
> “US Avellino 1912 announces that it has acquired the rights to the sporting performances of the footballer Justin Kumi from US Sassuolo Calcio, on a temporary basis.”
Born in Castelfranco Veneto on July 16, 2004, Kumi rose through the youth ranks at Sassuolo and made his Serie A debut during the 2023/24 season. He also featured 11 times in Serie B last term, splitting appearances between Sassuolo and Reggiana.
The move to Avellino represents a strategic decision for both player and club. Under the guidance of manager Raffaele Biancolino, the Irpinia-based side topped Serie C Group C last season with 75 points and are aiming to make an immediate impact in Serie B.
Known for his pace, vision, and sharp passing, Kumi is expected to become a vital cog in Avellino’s midfield as they look to climb further up the Italian football pyramid.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 12, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Mohammed Kudus has opened up on his motivations behind joining Tottenham Hotspur, revealing that newly appointed manager Thomas Frank played a major role in sealing the high-profile transfer.
The Ghanaian international completed a £55 million move from West Ham United this summer, signing a six-year deal that will keep him at Spurs until 2031.
In his first official interview as a Tottenham player, Kudus praised Frank’s reputation for nurturing top talent, saying the Danish manager’s vision and track record were crucial to his decision.
> “One of the most important parts of why I came here is the project and how the manager sees it, and to develop under him,” Kudus explained.
“With the history of where he’s come from, I’ve seen the amount of talent he’s developed to become great players. It’s a big sign of why I wanted to work under him as well.”
Kudus, 24, arrives at the North London club as one of the most electrifying attacking midfielders in Europe. Known for his creativity, flair, and scoring ability, he enjoyed a breakout season at West Ham and is now expected to play a central role in Frank’s long-term project.
With Champions League football returning to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season, fans are hopeful that Kudus will bring the spark needed to elevate the club’s ambitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 12, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana international Majeed Ashimeru has reportedly turned down an offer from Turkish side Alanyaspor, throwing fresh uncertainty over his future at Belgian giants Anderlecht.
The 27-year-old midfielder, whose recent seasons have been hampered by injuries and growing competition for places, was expected to leave during the summer transfer window. Anderlecht were ready to sanction his departure as part of efforts to trim the squad and free up wages for new arrivals.
However, the proposed move to Alanyaspor failed to materialize after Ashimeru rejected the offer, citing both financial and sporting concerns. Sources close to the player suggest he wasn’t convinced by the project on offer in Turkey.
Club officials had reportedly seen the Alanyaspor deal as a straightforward solution to Ashimeru’s uncertain status at Lotto Park, but his refusal means Anderlecht must now seek alternative pathways—whether that means finding a new suitor or keeping him in the fold for the upcoming campaign.
Ashimeru, currently valued at €1.5 million by Transfermarkt, may yet attract fresh interest before the window closes, but for now, he remains an Anderlecht player.
