by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 2, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
GFA Refutes Reports on Schäfer’s Alleged Salary Amidst Coaching Revamp
In a bid to revamp Ghana’s national football setup, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed veteran German coach Winfried Schäfer as Technical Advisor and Director of Football. However, recent media reports suggesting that Schäfer will receive a whopping $65,000 monthly salary have been dismissed as false by the GFA.
The 75-year-old coach, who led Cameroon to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) glory in 2002, has been brought in to support head coach Otto Addo in reshaping the Black Stars. His role will involve implementing long-term strategies, youth development, and ensuring consistency in performance across Ghana’s national teams.
Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON has prompted a major restructuring within the coaching staff. Alongside Schäfer, Desmond Ofei, the Ghana U-20 coach, has been promoted to assistant coach of the Black Stars. Belgian experts Kris Perquy and Gregory de Grauwe have also joined the setup as team psychologist and chief video analyst, respectively.
With AFCON now out of the picture, Ghana will turn its focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they are currently second in their group. Upcoming matches against Chad and Madagascar will be crucial in their bid to secure a place in North America next year.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
London, England – February 2, 2025
Former Black Stars captain and current Black Stars Management Committee Vice-Chairman, Stephen Appiah, paid a special visit to Mohammed Kudus in London ahead of West Ham United’s crucial Premier League encounter against Chelsea on Monday, February 3.
During the visit, Appiah took time to motivate the talented midfielder, praising his dedication to Ghana and offering words of encouragement.
“I am here to support you guys,” Appiah assured Kudus, reinforcing his belief in the midfielder’s abilities and West Ham’s chances against Chelsea.
Despite experiencing a dip in form since the start of the 2024/25 season, Kudus remains a vital asset for both club and country. His performance against Chelsea could be pivotal as he looks to regain top form.
The highly anticipated clash is set for an 8 PM kick-off at Stamford Bridge, with fans eager to see if Kudus can rise to the occasion.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Young Blues Edge Past Derby in Hard-Fought Victory
Under the bright lights of Kingsmeadow, Chelsea’s Under-21s delivered a determined performance to secure their place in the Premier League Cup knockout rounds, overcoming Derby County 2-1 in a thrilling contest.
From the opening whistle, both teams showed urgency, knowing that victory would be key to progressing in the tournament. Chelsea wasted no time making their mark, with Ato Ampah’s relentless pressing forcing a Derby mistake. The loose ball fell kindly for Donnell McNeilly, who made no mistake, driving a low shot into the net to put the Blues ahead.
As the first half neared its end, Ampah took center stage. Picking up the ball deep in Derby’s half, he embarked on a dazzling solo run, weaving past defenders before clinically placing his shot into the bottom corner. His brilliance doubled Chelsea’s lead, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Derby County responded in the second half with a well-taken header from Adisa Osayande, but Chelsea’s backline held firm under pressure. Despite the visitors’ late surge, the Young Blues saw out the game with composure, sealing their passage into the knockout rounds.
With their sights now set on the next stage, Chelsea’s U-21s will look to build on this momentum, with Ampah’s star continuing to rise in the academy ranks.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Rising star Moritz-Broni Kwarteng continues to dazzle as Fortuna secures a hard-fought 3-2 victory at home.
In a pulsating Bundesliga 2 showdown at Merkur Spiel-Arena, Moritz-Broni Kwarteng once again proved his worth, delivering two crucial assists as Fortuna Düsseldorf edged past Ulm in a five-goal spectacle.
The action ignited early, with Kwarteng orchestrating the opening goal in the 9th minute. A clever layoff from the Ghanaian-German winger found Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson, who unleashed a stunning strike from distance to put Düsseldorf ahead. However, Ulm struck back just four minutes later when Aaron Keller capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score.
Undeterred, Düsseldorf pressed on, and in the 15th minute, Kwarteng turned provider again. His pinpoint pass set up Dawid Kownacki, who drilled home a low shot to restore the lead. The visitors, refusing to go down quietly, found another equalizer in the 52nd minute, courtesy of Oliver Batista Meier’s towering header.
The decisive moment arrived in the 60th minute when Kownacki coolly converted from the penalty spot, securing all three points for Fortuna. Kwarteng, who was subbed off in the 64th minute, now boasts three assists in as many games this season, underlining his growing influence in Fortuna Düsseldorf’s attack.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Coventry City etched their name into the history books with a commanding 2-0 victory over Swansea City at the Swansea.com Stadium, marking their first-ever win over the Welsh side.
From the opening whistle, Coventry showed intent, and it didn’t take long for their efforts to pay off. In the 17th minute, Brandon Thomas-Asante turned creator, threading a precise pass to Ellis Simms, who coolly slotted home to give the visitors an early lead.
Despite dominating possession, Swansea struggled to break through Coventry’s resolute defense. And just before halftime, Thomas-Asante produced a moment of magic. Picking up the ball outside the box, the Ghanaian winger unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike that soared into the top corner, leaving the Swansea keeper rooted to the spot.
Swansea pushed forward in search of a response after the break but lacked the cutting edge, managing six shots without troubling the Coventry goalkeeper. The Sky Blues, on the other hand, showcased their efficiency, making the most of their chances to secure all three points.
Thomas-Asante’s goal and assist bring his season tally to four goals and two assists in 29 Championship appearances. With this victory, Coventry climbs to 11th place with 41 points and will look to build on their momentum when they host Leeds United on February 5th.
