by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 27, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Black Stars defender Gideon Mensah has urged his Ghanaian teammates to remain mentally sharp as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers enter the home stretch.
After securing back-to-back wins over Chad and Madagascar, Ghana sit atop Group I with 15 points from six matches — putting themselves in a strong position to qualify for the tournament set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Looking ahead to the final four fixtures, including two more in September against Chad and Mali, Mensah believes the team’s current structure is solid. The key, he says, lies in their mindset.
> “We [Black Stars] don’t have to change a lot for the remaining World Cup qualifiers,” the AJ Auxerre defender told Sporty FM.
“We just need a change in mentality towards the games that are remaining.”
Ghana will conclude their qualifying campaign in October with matches against the Central African Republic and Comoros. Having previously qualified for four World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022), the Black Stars are looking to make it five appearances on the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Arsenal are making quiet but significant strides in their pursuit of Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
> “Behind the scenes, Arsenal have been working very well on Mosquera,” Romano revealed. “The player sees Arsenal as the ideal step for his career — and he’s eager to join.”
Despite knowing he’d be up against top-tier competition in Gabriel and William Saliba, Mosquera isn’t backing down.
> “What I’m hearing is that Mosquera is not afraid of the challenge. He wants to be there,” Romano added.
The Gunners could reportedly seal the deal for a fee in the region of €20m to €25m, making the 19-year-old defender a serious target in Arsenal’s long-term defensive plans.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
In a recent interview, French defender Pierre Kalulu revealed the player he has admired since childhood — none other than England international Harry Maguire.
> “Since I was a kid until now, I’ve always idolised Maguire and wanted to be like him,” Kalulu said.
Now, with his career taking shape at the highest level, the young defender feels he’s living out the dream he once imagined — following in the footsteps of his footballing hero.
From childhood admiration to professional inspiration, Kalulu’s journey continues to echo the traits of the player he’s always looked up to.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
PAOK Thessaloniki have reached a full agreement with Benfica to sign Soualiho Meïté on a permanent basis, activating a €1 million clause in the process.
The 31-year-old midfielder had just one year remaining on his contract with the Portuguese giants, paving the way for a smooth transfer.
Meïté, who impressed during his time with PAOK, will now continue his journey in Greece as the club moves to solidify its midfield options ahead of the new campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
AS Monaco are on the brink of pulling off a stunning double signing as both Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati touched down in the Principality on Thursday evening to undergo medical tests.
The high-profile arrivals mark a major statement of intent from the Ligue 1 club, with sources confirming that final paperwork and formalities are in motion to seal the deals.
Behind the scenes, Monaco director Thiago Scuro has been instrumental in crafting the strategy that made the ambitious double move a reality.
With medicals scheduled and plans fully aligned, Pogba and Fati are now just hours away from becoming AS Monaco players — a major coup for the club ahead of the new season.
