by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 24, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Felix Afena-Gyan delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner to hand Amedspor a crucial victory over Vanspor in Monday night’s TFF 1. League clash.
The Ghanaian forward struck in the 94th minute to seal all three points, ensuring Amedspor remain third on the table as their push for promotion to the Turkish top flight gathers momentum.
Afena-Gyan’s late winner was his fourth goal since arriving on loan from US Cremonese, with the agreement reportedly including an option for a permanent transfer.
At 23, the striker is using his stint in Turkey to rediscover rhythm and consistency after a challenging spell in Italy. His recent performances not only keep Amedspor firmly in the promotion race but also boost his ambitions of returning to the international spotlight.
With the 2026 global tournament on the horizon, Afena-Gyan will be eager to translate club form into national team recognition as he eyes a place in Ghana’s squad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 24, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
1. FC Köln head coach Lukas Kwasniok has lavished praise on striker Ragnar Ache following his spectacular overhead kick in the 2-2 draw against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
Ache’s acrobatic effort, which briefly put Köln ahead, quickly became the defining moment of the match. For Kwasniok, however, the goal represented more than just technique — it symbolised months of relentless hard work and physical commitment.
Speaking after the game, the coach even proposed his own headline for the striker: “If someone scores a goal like Ragnar Ache, I would love to see the headline everywhere: King of the Skies!”
Kwasniok highlighted Ache’s aerial dominance, power, and timing, noting that such brilliance is rooted in the striker’s intense physical preparation. While teammate Joel Schmied humorously remarked that Ache sometimes “can hardly move” during training sessions, the coach made it clear that this exhaustion reflects the level of dedication required to produce moments of magic on the pitch.
Describing it as a “great sign,” Kwasniok revealed that Ache now pushes himself so hard in matches that he often needs to be substituted around the 80th minute. According to the Köln boss, the forward has taken the difficult route this season — earning his spot through resilience and effort — and has grown into an indispensable figure for the team.
With performances like this, Ache’s reign in the air may just be beginning.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 23, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Ibrahim Osman earned glowing praise from teammate Elisha Owusu following an impressive loan spell at AJ Auxerre.
Although his stay in France was shorter than expected, Osman made it count. The dynamic winger injected pace, directness, and creativity into Auxerre’s attack, quickly becoming a reliable option whether starting matches or coming off the bench. His fearless approach and attacking flair consistently unsettled opposition defenders.
Owusu, speaking to Sportsblog247.com, described Osman as much more than just a talented footballer.
“He is a top guy, always positive and hard-working. I thank him for what he did for us.”
Despite the loan being cut short, Osman remained fully committed and professional throughout his time at the club. Owusu acknowledged that football journeys do not always unfold as planned but emphasized the winger’s attitude and influence in the dressing room.
“Sometimes things don’t go as planned in football. He trained well and brought good energy to the dressing room.”
On the pitch, Osman delivered tangible results, registering 10 goal involvements during his spell — a clear reflection of his importance to Auxerre’s attacking play. His work rate and consistency ensured he remained a constant threat in crucial fixtures.
Osman’s rise continues to reflect steady development. A product of Ghana’s renowned Right to Dream Academy, he moved to FC Nordsjælland where he gained valuable European exposure. His performances earned him a transfer to Feyenoord, further elevating his profile before the Auxerre loan move.
Now at Birmingham City, the Ghanaian winger appears determined to build on his French experience. Having already shown promising signs, Osman will be eager to convert lessons learned into consistent performances as he continues his upward trajectory.
If his time at Auxerre is anything to go by, Ibrahim Osman’s influence — both on and off the pitch — is only just beginning to grow.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 23, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghana international Lee Addy has embarked on an exciting new chapter in football after being appointed Head of Scouting for Ghana and Africa at Virtus International, a respected global football agency owned by Serbian agent Goran Milovanovic.
Addy, who launched his professional journey with Nania FC before gaining national attention at Berekum Chelsea, built a solid career that took him across Europe. His impressive performances earned him moves to Red Star Belgrade and Dinamo Zagreb, while also representing Ghana at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. At the peak of his career, he was even linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
In his new role, Addy will oversee talent identification across Ghana and the wider African region. His responsibilities will span the Ghana Premier League, Division One League, school competitions, and grassroots community tournaments.
Beyond scouting, he is expected to mentor young prospects and help create structured pathways for African talents to secure professional opportunities in Europe.
Virtus International boasts an impressive history in player representation, having facilitated notable transfers such as Daniel Opare’s move to Real Madrid and Dominic Adiyiah’s switch to AC Milan. The agency has also worked with celebrated Ghanaian stars including Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien.
Addy’s appointment marks a major boost for Ghanaian and African football, underlining the growing global respect for homegrown expertise in talent development and international recruitment networks.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 23, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Former Ghana Football Association Vice President George Afriyie has cautioned Ghanaians against expecting immediate transformation within the Ghana national football team despite recent additions to the technical bench ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His remarks come after the GFA announced five new appointments aimed at strengthening the Black Stars’ backroom staff in preparation for the global tournament.
French tactician Alain Ravera and Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren have been named assistant coaches.
Spanish strategist Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso will oversee scouting and match analysis, while Carlos Lozano Romero returns as physiotherapist after serving during the 2022 World Cup. British-born Ghanaian performance coach Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi completes the revamped technical team.
Despite these reinforcements, Afriyie insists that expanding the technical setup does not automatically guarantee improved performances.
“Ghanaians should temper their expectations for the Black Stars at the World Cup,” he told Asempa FM, emphasizing that simply adding more personnel does not necessarily enhance the team’s prospects.
As part of their preparations, Ghana will regroup in March for international friendlies against the Austria national football team and the Germany national football team.
The Black Stars, making their fifth appearance at the Mundial, have been drawn in a challenging group alongside the Panama national football team, the England national football team, and the Croatia national football team. Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
Afriyie’s message is a call for measured optimism as the Black Stars prepare for another shot at football’s biggest stage.
