by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana midfielder Lawrence Agyekum has expressed strong belief in the Black Stars’ chances of securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging fans to rally behind the team.
With four decisive games remaining in the qualifiers, Ghana currently leads their group with a three-point cushion over second-placed Comoros. Agyekum, one of the newest additions to the national setup, is confident that the team has what it takes to cross the finish line.
“For us as a team, we will give the best we can to make sure we qualify for the World Cup and then put smiles on the faces of Ghanaians,” said the Cercle Brugge midfielder.
Acknowledging the power of fan support, Agyekum called on the nation to unite behind the Black Stars ahead of the September double-header against Chad and Mali.
“We need the fans behind the team because we can’t do it without them,” he added.
Ghana’s World Cup dream faces its next big challenge in September — and Agyekum’s optimism reflects a squad determined to return to football’s biggest stage in 2026.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana legend and Black Stars Vice Chairman Stephen Appiah has expressed unwavering confidence in the team’s chances of securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former national team captain, who famously led the Black Stars to their historic World Cup appearances in 2006 and 2010, believes the current squad has the right momentum and talent to repeat history—and more.
Ghana’s recent performances in the qualifiers have ignited a new wave of optimism among fans. The Black Stars thrashed Chad 5-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium and followed up with a commanding 3-0 victory over Madagascar in Morocco. These back-to-back wins have placed the four-time African champions firmly at the summit of Group I with 15 points, and just four matches left to seal qualification.
Speaking on the TotalEnergies Auto Show on Sportsblog247.com, Appiah highlighted the team’s growing chemistry and the impact of new talents who impressed in recent games, including the Unity Cup friendlies in the UK against Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago.
“For what I saw against Chad and Madagascar—and even in the Unity Cup games—there’s a new energy in the squad,” Appiah said. “The new players who came in proved themselves. I am very convinced. We still have four games to go, but when you do the calculations, nothing tells me that we’re not going to qualify.”
The Black Stars are set to return to action in September for crucial Matchday 7 and 8 encounters against Mali and Chad, before rounding off their campaign in October with games against Comoros and the Central African Republic.
With belief running high both on and off the pitch, Ghana’s road to North America is shaping up to be one filled with promise—and purpose.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Southampton have turned down a £10 million bid from Serie A side Atalanta for Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, as transfer interest in the explosive forward heats up this summer.
Atalanta, keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, identified Sulemana as a prime target. However, their opening offer was quickly rebuffed by the Saints, who are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £15–20 million.
Sulemana, known for his blistering pace and direct style of play, featured 26 times in the Premier League last season, scoring once and providing one assist. Despite flashes of brilliance, he couldn’t prevent Southampton from suffering relegation, with the club finishing bottom of the table with just 12 points from 38 games.
With Southampton now preparing for life in the Championship, the 23-year-old’s future remains uncertain. Though under contract until 2027, Sulemana is currently on holiday and carefully considering his next move amid mounting interest.
In addition to Atalanta, Serie A rivals Genoa, Turkish side Trabzonspor, and Dutch heavyweights Ajax are all reportedly keeping tabs on the Ghana international.
The summer transfer window promises to be a defining one for Sulemana as he weighs up whether to stay and help Southampton return to the top flight or pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere in Europe.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana midfielder Lawrence Agyekum has issued a passionate appeal to fans to throw their full support behind the Black Stars as the team gears up for the final stretch of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Currently leading their group by three points ahead of Comoros, the Black Stars have four matches left to secure their ticket to the global tournament. Agyekum, who recently broke into the national team setup, believes unity and fan backing will be crucial in the decisive fixtures.
“For us as a team, we will give the best we can to make sure we qualify for the World Cup and put smiles on the faces of Ghanaians,” he stated.
He stressed the importance of the supporters, adding, “We need the fans behind the team because we can’t do it without them.”
Ghana will next travel to face Chad in September before returning home to take on Mali. Agyekum is confident that with the unwavering backing of the nation, the Black Stars can book their place at the 2026 World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Lawrence Agyekum has shared the behind-the-scenes moment that hinted at his long-awaited call-up to the Black Stars — and it all began with a mysterious message.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who plays for Belgian side Cercle Brugge, was a surprise late inclusion in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March. But before the official announcement, Agyekum already had a gut feeling — thanks to a vague but telling message from assistant coach Desmond Ofei.
“I had been hoping for a call-up since January,” Agyekum told Sportsblog247.com. “Then just before a training session, Desmond [Ofei] sent me a message asking me to call him after I was done. That’s when I knew something fishy was going on.”
His instincts were right. Agyekum went on to make his senior debut in the 2–1 win over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium and later celebrated his first international goal in Ghana’s Unity Cup triumph over Trinidad and Tobago.
