by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Prince Osei Owusu delivered a masterclass in efficiency as CF Montreal pulled off a stunning 3-1 away win over Houston Dynamo FC in their MLS Round 18 showdown at Shell Energy Stadium.
The German-Ghanaian striker needed just two minutes to change the complexion of the match. In the 30th minute, he broke the deadlock with a composed finish following a swift counterattack led by Caden Clark. Moments later, Owusu doubled the lead with a precise header from Aleksandr Guboglo’s pinpoint cross, leaving the home crowd in stunned silence.
Though he registered the fewest touches (37) among outfield players who completed the full match, Owusu’s ruthless finishing told the story. He now boasts six goals and two assists this season.
CF Montreal extended their lead shortly after the restart when Jalen Neal nodded in a third from a well-worked set-piece. Houston responded in the 64th minute with a goal from Ondrej Lingr, but it was too little, too late.
Despite dominating possession (63%) and registering 18 shots, Houston lacked the cutting edge that defined Montreal’s performance. The result also levels the all-time head-to-head between the two teams, with each side now owning nine wins.
Montreal will look to build on this momentum when they host FC Cincinnati on June 25.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Hereford FC have completed the signing of English-Ghanaian defender Keenan Quansah, adding a seasoned presence to their backline ahead of the new season.
Quansah arrives from National League North outfit Southport FC, where he built a strong reputation over a three-year spell. Known for his calmness under pressure and uncompromising defensive style, he made an instant impact at Southport, racking up 45 appearances in his debut season and earning cult status among the fans.
The 6-foot defender previously played for Stalybridge Celtic, and began his senior football journey at Accrington Stanley. Most of his career has unfolded across various clubs in the North West of England, giving him a wealth of experience in the non-league system.
Now making the switch to Hereford, Quansah is expected to bring leadership, resilience, and stability to the Bulls’ backline. His signing is also a notable one—he’s the older brother of Liverpool FC rising star Jarell Quansah—signaling Hereford’s ambition to push higher in the football pyramid this season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Spanish-Ghanaian Winger Remains Priority Despite Arsenal and Bayern Interest
FC Barcelona are stepping up efforts to sign highly-rated Spanish-Ghanaian forward Nico Williams as the club works behind the scenes to resolve the financial complexities that could stand in the way of the transfer.
The 22-year-old Athletic Club star has long been on Barcelona’s radar and was close to making the switch to Camp Nou last summer before deciding to extend his stay in Bilbao with a new contract.
Now, following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, Barcelona have reignited their interest, with reports suggesting that the player has a clear preference for the Catalan giants—despite strong competition from Premier League side Arsenal and Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich.
Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that both Arsenal and Bayern have been made aware of Williams’ desire to join Barcelona, but that hasn’t deterred Bayern Munich, who remain eager to lure the winger to Germany.
However, the biggest hurdle for Barcelona remains their finances. The club is reportedly working hard to ensure their books are in order to enable them to present a viable offer for the player, who is considered one of the brightest young talents in Europe.
The coming weeks are expected to be pivotal as Barcelona aim to secure their top summer target amidst fierce competition.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially rolled out its 2025/26 football season calendar, aligning its schedule with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement follows a comprehensive presentation by the GFA General Secretary during the Executive Council’s June 9 meeting.
Per the approved plan, the new season kicks off on July 1, 2025, and will end on June 30, 2026, strictly in line with the GFA Statutes and financial year. The timeline ensures that all major domestic competitions will conclude ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11, 2026.
Key Highlights of the 2025/26 Season:
Ghana Premier League: Games to be played predominantly on Sundays, with midweek slots reserved for outstanding fixtures.
Division One & Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League: Sunday matchdays remain standard.
MTN FA Cup: Mostly weekend fixtures, although early-round matches (Round of 64 & 63) may be scheduled midweek.
Women’s FA Cup: Will be played strictly on weekends.
eTrophy (GFA eFootball): The virtual competition returns, offering players a pathway to the national eFootball team.
Beach Soccer & Futsal: Both leagues will run as part of the GFA’s expanded structure.
Grassroots and Regional Competitions:
RFA Leagues (Divisions 2 & 3, Women’s Division One, Colts U13–U17): Begin by October 1, 2025, and conclude by May 31, 2026.
Girls Colts Expansion: The successful pilot Girls Colts programme (U15 & U17) in Northern and Greater Accra Regions will expand nationwide, backed by FIFA and the 10 Regional Football Associations.
Off-Season Action:
The calendar makes room for key off-season youth tournaments, including:
Elite U15 Girls Championship
Elite U19 Second Division Championship
Boys U15 Elite Competition
KGL Foundation U17 Colts Championship
The GFA has also released early dates for club registration and its 31st Annual Congress, giving stakeholders enough lead time for preparations. With this roadmap, the GFA is aiming for a well-structured, competitive, and inclusive season ahead of a historic World Cup year.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
The world’s most beloved sporting spectacle is almost here. FIFA has officially launched the one-year countdown to the FIFA World Cup 26™, setting the stage for what promises to be the largest and most inclusive tournament in football history.
On June 11, 2026, the opening whistle will blow in Mexico City, kicking off a month-long celebration of football, culture, and unity across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For the first time ever, 48 national teams will compete in the tournament, a leap from the traditional 32-team format.
In a symbolic gesture to mark the milestone, all 16 Host Cities across North America have revealed giant countdown clocks, strategically placed in iconic locations. These cities are also rolling out local festivities and cultural showcases, inviting the world to get a taste of what’s to come.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the tournament as more than just a competition, calling it a “global celebration of connection, unity, and passion.” With 6.5 million fans expected to attend, the 2026 World Cup is being dubbed “the greatest football show on the planet.”
As of now, 13 teams have secured their places, including hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA, as well as reigning champions Argentina, five-time winners Brazil, and powerhouse Japan. Making historic appearances are Jordan and Uzbekistan, both qualifying for the first time. The final list of 48 nations will be known by March 2026, with the Final Draw scheduled for December 2025.
Ticket sales are set to begin in the coming months, and volunteer opportunities remain open through the FIFA Volunteer Community, offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of football history.
