by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Stephen Appiah, former Ghana captain and current member of the Black Stars Management Committee, has expressed optimism about Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the impressive debut of several new players during the recent Unity Cup.
Appiah believes the fresh faces in the squad have added depth and quality to the team, describing their performance as impactful and promising. “The new players who came showed themselves well,” he said. “So yeah, I am very convinced. We still have four games to play, but when you do the calculations, nothing tells me that we are not going to qualify.”
With crucial qualifiers against Chad and Mali lined up in September, Appiah’s remarks hint that the new crop of talent may be central to Ghana’s qualification hopes. His confidence underscores a renewed sense of belief around the national team’s campaign after a mixed start.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
As the countdown to the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) continues, head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren is steering Ghana’s Black Queens through a crucial series of preparatory matches, with a highly anticipated friendly against Nigeria taking centre stage.
The Black Queens are scheduled to play three international friendlies in June — part of their final build-up ahead of the continental showdown in Morocco. Having already lined up clashes against Malawi and Botswana, the Queens will face regional rivals Nigeria in what promises to be the toughest test of the lot.
Coach Bjorkegren, speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s official website, highlighted the strategic importance of these matchups.
> “We want to test ourselves against different playing styles and team dynamics. Malawi and Botswana provide technical and disciplined opposition, while Nigeria offers the challenge of a traditional powerhouse,” he remarked.
Ghana will open the friendly series against Malawi at the Ziaida Complex in Benslimane on June 21, then return to the same venue to face Botswana on June 25. The final game — and arguably the marquee fixture — will see the Queens take on the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the Lanouria Complex on June 29.
The test against Nigeria, Africa’s most decorated women’s national team, is seen as a vital yardstick for assessing the Black Queens’ readiness for WAFCON. Ghana will begin their campaign on July 5 with a daunting Group C opener against defending champions South Africa.
Coach Bjorkegren and his squad hope that these friendlies — particularly the clash with Nigeria — will sharpen their form and forge cohesion ahead of the big tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Godwin Agbevor is set to take the next big step in his career after earning a well-deserved promotion to the first team of Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC.
Agbevor, 21, joined Wolfsberger AC in 2024 on a three-year deal from the renowned West African Football Academy (WAFA), a club known for nurturing some of Ghana’s finest football talents. Upon his arrival, the young attacking midfielder was integrated into Wolfsberger II, the club’s reserve side, where he focused on settling into life in Austria and honing his skills.
Despite being new to European football, Agbevor quickly found his feet. During the 2024/25 Austrian Regional League (Central) season, he featured in seven matches and netted two goals, showcasing his creativity, composure, and attacking instinct. His impressive performances caught the attention of the club’s technical team, who have now rewarded his efforts with a call-up to the senior squad.
Agbevor will officially link up with the first team when pre-season training begins on Monday, June 23, ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. With hard work and determination, he will be hoping to cement a spot in the Wolfsberger AC midfield and continue his upward trajectory in European football.
This milestone marks another success story for Ghana’s WAFA and a proud moment for Agbevor as he inches closer to realising his professional dreams.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has shared renewed optimism over the Black Stars’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a string of encouraging performances.
Appiah, who famously led Ghana to their first World Cup appearance in 2006, admitted he had been concerned during the team’s shaky run in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. However, recent victories in the World Cup qualifying series—particularly against Chad and Madagascar—have reignited his belief in the current squad.
“For what I saw against Chad and Madagascar, and even in the friendlies—especially the Unity Cup matches in the UK against Nigeria and Trinidad—it has given me a lot of hope,” Appiah said.
He was particularly impressed with the new players integrated into the team, praising their hunger and cohesion. With four crucial qualifiers remaining, Ghana will regroup in September for back-to-back games against Chad and Mali—fixtures that could define their road to the 2026 World Cup.
As the Black Stars aim for their fifth World Cup appearance, Appiah’s hope reflects the cautious optimism building among fans and football stakeholders alike.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Kamaldeen Sulemana could soon be swapping the English Championship for Serie A, with AS Roma reportedly stepping up their interest in the Ghanaian winger. The 23-year-old, currently on holiday, is at the center of a growing transfer tussle, with Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini believed to be a keen admirer of his pace and flair.
Although no official offer has been tabled by the Giallorossi, rival suitors Atalanta have already tested Southampton’s resolve with a €12 million bid — promptly rejected by the Saints. Sulemana’s future remains uncertain following Southampton’s disastrous Premier League campaign, which ended with the club rooted to the bottom of the table with just 12 points.
Despite scoring only once and registering a single assist in 26 league appearances last season, Sulemana continues to draw interest from top-flight clubs across Europe. Genoa, Torino, Ajax, and Turkish giants Trabzonspor are all reportedly monitoring the winger’s situation.
Still under contract with Southampton until 2027, Sulemana faces a pivotal decision: fight for promotion with the Saints or embrace a new challenge in a top European league. One thing is clear — the race for his signature is heating up.
