by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s football legend and former Black Stars coach, Charles Kwablan Akonnor, has issued a rallying call for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to reset the nation’s footballing structures. His appeal comes on the heels of Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in two decades—a sobering moment for a footballing powerhouse.
Speaking on Joy FM, Akonnor, who coached the national team from 2019 to 2021, lamented the declining fortunes of Ghanaian football and attributed the crisis to the erosion of a coherent development system. Drawing from the successes of the past, Akonnor urged stakeholders to prioritize grassroots football and youth development programs.
“We need to have a plan that goes beyond profitability,” Akonnor stressed. “We have to look at our Under-17, Under-20, the local Black Stars (Black Stars B), and the senior national team. If we don’t strategize now, we will keep lamenting the decline of Ghana football.”
Recalling Ghana’s golden era of players like Asamoah Gyan, Stephen Appiah, and Laryea Kingston, Akonnor highlighted how their success stemmed from years of progression and familiarity within youth systems. He shared an example: “Laryea Kingston and Godwin Attram knew each other and had been playing together since they were ten years old. There was progression and cohesion. When the country needed them, they delivered.”
As the Black Stars prepare to face Niger in a meaningless final AFCON qualifier in Accra, Akonnor’s plea resonates as a wake-up call to rejuvenate a once-formidable footballing nation.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In the dying embers of the match, with everything hanging in the balance, Mohammed Kudus stepped up to the penalty spot. The hopes of an entire nation rested on his shoulders. The crowd held their breath, the tension palpable, as Ghanaians prayed for a moment of glory.
The whistle blew, and Kudus began his run. A clean strike could have brought jubilation, a much-needed win, and renewed belief. But fate had other plans. The ball veered off its mark, sending the players, fans, and millions of Ghanaians into despair.
Once again, the dream was just out of reach, sinking deeper into the mud of disappointment. For Ghana, it was another heart-wrenching chapter in their football story—a reminder of how cruel the beautiful game can sometimes be.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a match that began with frustration and lackluster performances, Ghana’s footballers faced a rocky first half. The team struggled to find their rhythm, leaving fans concerned as they failed to create significant chances. But as the second half unfolded, something shifted. With everything on the line, the Black Stars came alive, playing with newfound energy and composure. The local players, in particular, stepped up, proving their worth as the game progressed. Their skill and determination became the driving force behind the team’s revival, as they delivered a performance that demonstrated just how much they were willing to fight for victory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a standout moment of the match, a perfectly timed assist from the right flank in the 68th minute set up Afriyie for his first-ever goal in a senior team match. This goal not only marked a personal milestone for the young player, but it also came during his debut start for the senior side. As the game continues, fans eagerly await the next chapter, wondering how this key moment will influence the final outcome.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Full-Time Report:
Malawi delivered a stellar performance, defeating Burkina Faso with a commanding 3-0 scoreline. Goals from Gabadinho Mhango, Richard Mbulu, and Lloyd Aaron secured an emphatic victory for the Flames in a dominant display of football.
