by Emmanuel Atanga | May 27, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a historic first for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), six stadiums across Morocco have been officially named as hosts for the 2024 edition of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, set to kick off from July 5 to 26, 2025.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in partnership with the Local Organizing Committee, has revealed the selected venues, marking a significant expansion from previous editions where matches were limited to just three locations. This decision reflects the tournament’s rapid growth and rising popularity across the continent.
The Six Host Venues:
Olympic Stadium, Rabat: A newly built 21,000-seater that will also serve as a key venue for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca
Père Jégo Stadium, Casablanca: Both stadiums in Casablanca have rich football histories and have previously hosted CAF youth competitions.
El Bachir Stadium, Mohammédia: Recently renovated, this venue brings modern upgrades to enhance the matchday experience.
Honor Stadium, Oujda: The largest among the six, with a capacity of 35,000, and known for hosting high-profile international matches.
Berkane Stadium, Berkane: A 12,000-seater with a strong record of hosting recent CAF fixtures.
This marks a significant moment for WAFCON, showcasing not just Morocco’s readiness but also CAF’s commitment to elevating women’s football. The expanded number of venues is expected to enhance fan engagement, offer wider regional access to matches, and provide upgraded broadcasting and digital experiences for global audiences. Fans can join the conversation using the hashtag #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024.
Group Stage Draw:
Group A: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo
Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
Group C: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
The stage is now set for a groundbreaking tournament—bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever before.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Ghana head coach Otto Addo is expected to have his full squad at his disposal today, Tuesday, May 27, as preparations intensify ahead of a crucial Unity Cup semi-final showdown against Nigeria.
The Black Stars began their training on Monday, May 26, in England with 16 players, as they fine-tuned strategies for the 2005 Unity Cup revival tournament. The initial session saw key players like Jordan Ayew, Gideon Mensah, Majeed Ashimeru, and Lawrence Ati-Zigi take part, alongside rising talents such as Christopher Baah Bonsu and Abdul Salis Samed.
Later that evening, Abdul Aziz Issah bolstered the squad, with six more players — Ebenezer Annan, Mohammed Salisu, Aaron Essel, Ibrahim Sulemana, Felix Afena Gyan, and Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini — expected to join the camp today to complete the roster.
Ghana is drawn alongside Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago for the tournament, which is being staged at the GTech Community Stadium in West London.
The much-anticipated clash between Ghana and Nigeria takes place on Wednesday, May 28, with a ticket to the final on the line. The winner will face the victor of the Jamaica vs. Trinidad and Tobago match on Saturday, May 31.
Coach Addo and his technical team are optimistic that with a full squad available, Ghana can push for glory and use the tournament as a platform to assess new and returning players ahead of future competitive fixtures.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Ghana’s midfield maestro, Thomas Partey, is among five footballing powerhouses shortlisted for the prestigious “Best West African Player Abroad” award at the inaugural 2025 CIS Awards, scheduled for June 20 in Conakry, Guinea.
The 31-year-old Arsenal star has enjoyed a standout season, making 52 appearances, scoring four goals, and providing three assists—all while orchestrating play from the heart of midfield. His contributions were vital in helping Arsenal finish as Premier League runners-up and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Known for his tactical intelligence, tenacity, and leadership, Partey’s performances this season have not only won plaudits from fans and pundits alike but also cemented his status as a seasoned leader in Mikel Arteta’s setup. His nomination brings pride to Ghana and reflects his enduring influence in European football.
Joining Partey on the elite list of nominees are:
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray) – A goal-scoring machine and talisman for club and country.
Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal) – A dynamic midfielder known for his work rate and vision.
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) – A lethal forward whose exploits have thrilled Bundesliga fans.
Franck Yannick Kessié (Côte d’Ivoire) – A powerful presence with immense experience and impact.
As the awards night approaches, excitement builds across the continent. Can Thomas Partey add this individual honour to his growing legacy and become a beacon of West African football excellence on the global stage?
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 27, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
The 2025 edition of the Cheetah Cup is shaping up to be the biggest yet, as 24 youth football teams from across the continent prepare to converge on Senya Beraku, Ghana, for a week of talent, passion, and opportunity.
Running from August 17 to 25, this year’s tournament has drawn clubs from 13 different African nations, underlining the Cheetah Cup’s reputation as a rising powerhouse in grassroots football development. With its growing pan-African appeal, the tournament provides a vital stage for young prospects to showcase their skills to an international audience, including scouts and agents from Europe.
Ghana, the host nation, is heavily represented with 12 clubs, including household names like Asante Kotoko SC and Hearts of Oak, as well as rising academies such as MSK Zilina Africa and the host club, Cheetah FC. Other standout participants include Nigeria’s HypeBuzz FC, Djikiya FC from Mali, Oyili FC of Cameroon, and Burkina Faso’s Salitas FC.
This year’s edition will also see teams from Cameroon and Benin joining for the first time, a clear sign of the competition’s expanding footprint.
With excitement building and preparations underway, the Cheetah Cup 2025 promises to be a thrilling celebration of Africa’s footballing future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo believes Felix Afena-Gyan has what it takes to revive his international career as he returns to the Black Stars squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in London.
Afena-Gyan, who currently plays for Juventus Next Gen in Italy’s Serie C, has been handed a recall to the national team for the first time since 2022. His career, which began with a burst of promise at AS Roma, has seen ups and downs, but Addo insists the 21-year-old striker still has a lot to offer.
“There are a lot of young players, and he’s also young… He did well, and that’s why we want to give him another chance,” Addo said during a pre-match press conference. “His career hasn’t been like he expected it to be, but this is normal in football. Sometimes you have ups and sometimes you have downs. For him, it’s another opportunity to show himself.”
Afena-Gyan has netted six goals in 30 appearances this season for Juventus Next Gen and is expected to join the Black Stars camp in London today. Ghana will clash with arch-rivals Nigeria on Wednesday, May 28, at the Gtech Community Stadium. The winner of that tie will move on to face either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup final on Saturday, May 31.
