by Emmanuel Atanga | May 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo closed out a stellar 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a sensational brace against Leicester City — his most prolific topflight season yet. The AFC Bournemouth star’s performance not only lifted his side to their best-ever league finish but also earned praise and admiration from a special supporter in the stands — his girlfriend, Jordeen Buckley.
Ms Buckley, who was at Vitality Stadium to witness the season finale, shared a heartfelt message on social media after the game, expressing her pride in the 25-year-old striker. “I’m so proud of you!! You finished the season off with a bang,” she wrote alongside photos of the couple soaking in the post-match atmosphere.
Semenyo’s 2024/25 campaign was nothing short of remarkable. With 11 goals in the league and 20 goal contributions across 42 appearances in all competitions, he became only the fourth Ghanaian to hit double-digit goals in a single Premier League season. His rise in form has reportedly attracted interest from top clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool, casting uncertainty over his future at Bournemouth.
Off the pitch, Semenyo and Buckley have become a fan-favorite couple, often sharing glimpses of their life together and creating content for social media. Their public bond has been both inspiring and endearing to fans of the Ghanaian international.
Unfortunately, Semenyo is set to miss the upcoming 2025 Unity Cup in London due to a minor injury sustained during the Leicester clash, but his season will be remembered as a defining chapter in his career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Arsenal star Thomas Partey will not feature for the Black Stars in their much-anticipated Unity Cup clash against Nigeria, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed. The midfielder has been granted time off after a demanding season with the Gunners, where he played a pivotal role in their campaign.
Partey, 31, was a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s side, helping Arsenal reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and finish second in the Premier League. His composure and experience in midfield were hailed as crucial during the season’s closing stages.
In an official statement, the GFA emphasized that Partey remains central to Otto Addo’s future plans, especially ahead of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September. The decision to rest him was made in consultation with the player and his club, with a focus on ensuring full fitness for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ghana will lock horns with rivals Nigeria on May 28 at the GTech Community Stadium in West London. The winner of the match will advance to the Unity Cup final, where they will take on either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
As the Black Stars prepare to take on arch-rivals Nigeria in the 2025 Unity Cup semi-final, head coach Otto Addo is using the high-profile friendly not just to win, but to shape the future of Ghanaian football.
The much-anticipated match, set for Wednesday, May 28 at the Gtech Community Stadium in West London, offers more than just a chance at silverware. For Addo, it’s a pivotal moment to assess Ghana’s next generation of stars. With several household names absent—Kamaldeen Sulemana, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, and Ernest Nuamah—the spotlight shifts to fresh faces eager to make their mark.
“These two matches are extremely important for the team, just like the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September,” Addo told the Ghana Football Association. “I believe this is the perfect time to closely observe the players we’ve been monitoring over the last few months.”
Addo’s approach is deliberate. He views the Unity Cup not as a distraction but as an integral part of his long-term vision. “Team building is a process that takes time, and it’s not something that happens overnight,” he explained. “Our aim is to create competition within the team, which can only be achieved by providing an equal platform for all our talents to showcase their skills.”
That platform includes five debutants ready to wear the Black Stars jersey for the first time: Joseph Tetteh Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Abdul Aziz Issah (Barcelona B), Aaron Essel (North Texas SC), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjælland), and Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini (Union St. Gilloise).
While Ghana’s roster may lack some star power, Addo is optimistic. Players like Abdul Salis Samed, Kwame Opoku, and Felix Afena-Gyan return to the fold, bringing experience and hunger. “The Unity Cup comes at a crucial time for us,” Addo added. “We’re excited to welcome back players who have been absent for months due to various reasons, as well as integrate new players into the team.”
For Addo, it’s not about individuals—it’s about the collective. The Unity Cup is more than a tournament; it’s a testing ground for Ghana’s future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a show of solidarity and team spirit, Premier League stars Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Sulemana paid a surprise visit to the Black Stars camp in London as the team gears up for the upcoming Unity Cup.
Although both players were left out of Coach Otto Addo’s 23-man squad due to minor injuries, their presence brought a morale boost to the squad. Kudus, who plies his trade with West Ham United, and Sulemana, recently relegated with Southampton to the Championship, joined their teammates during early preparations for the much-anticipated clash against Nigeria on Thursday.
Coach Otto Addo has taken this opportunity to blend youth with experience, handing call-ups to several new faces, including FC Nordsjaelland’s promising talent, Caleb Yirenkyi.
“Team building is a process that takes time, and it’s not something that happens overnight,” Addo said. “This is a great opportunity to give some of our young players a chance to prove themselves. Our aim is to create competition within the team by offering a level playing field for all talents to shine.”
The four-nation Unity Cup tournament, taking place at the Gtech Community Stadium, will see Ghana face their West African rivals Nigeria on Thursday, while Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago battle it out on Wednesday.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
The 2024/25 football season will be remembered not only for dramatic finishes and historic wins but also for the brilliant contributions of Ghanaian footballers across Europe and beyond. From England to Israel, Ghanaian players played pivotal roles—both on the pitch and from the sidelines—in helping their clubs secure silverware.
Here’s a look at some of the standout Ghanaian performers who ended the season with medals around their necks.
1. Henry Addo – Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
Young forward Henry Addo played his part in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s charge to the Israeli Premier League title. While he was an unused substitute in the final matchday 5-0 win over Beitar Jerusalem, Addo’s performances earlier in the campaign helped the club maintain consistency en route to the title.
2. Ebenezer Annan – Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
Following a productive loan stint at OFK Beograd, left-back Ebenezer Annan returned to Red Star Belgrade in January and quickly established himself. With 16 league appearances and a goal, he helped guide the Serbian giants to yet another SuperLiga triumph.
3. Bernard Tekpetey – Ludogorets (Bulgaria)
Despite battling injury for much of the season, Bernard Tekpetey added to his growing legacy in Bulgaria. The energetic forward celebrated his third straight Bulgarian Cup win with Ludogorets, who also clinched a league and cup double after edging CSKA Sofia in the final.
4. Eddie Nketiah – Crystal Palace (England)
It was a fairytale campaign for Crystal Palace, and Eddie Nketiah played a significant role in their historic FA Cup success—the club’s first major trophy in over a century. Coming off the bench in the final against Manchester City, Nketiah’s earlier contributions in the competition and subsequent brace against Wolves further highlighted his value.
5. Jeffrey Schlupp – Celtic & Crystal Palace (Scotland & England)
Schlupp had the rare distinction of collecting two winners’ medals in one season. While on loan at Celtic, he played a key role in helping them seal the Scottish Premiership. He also featured for Crystal Palace in the FA Cup earlier in the season, earning recognition as a joint winner.
6. Mohammed Fuseini – Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium)
In one of the season’s most compelling stories, Mohammed Fuseini starred for Union Saint-Gilloise as they clinched the Belgian Pro League title for the first time since 1935. The 23-year-old forward netted nine goals in 33 appearances, matching his previous season’s tally and proving vital in the title push.
7. Emmanuel Mensah – FC Arges (Romania)
Emmanuel Mensah celebrated a major personal milestone by helping FC Arges Pitesti secure promotion to the Romanian Superliga. It marked his first major achievement in European football.
8. Abdul Salis Samed – Sunderland (England)
On loan from Lens, midfielder Abdul Salis Samed made 10 appearances for Sunderland, helping them achieve promotion to the English Premier League. His calm presence in midfield added depth and grit during a tense run-in.
9. Jonas Adjetey – FC Basel (Switzerland)
The towering defender was a rock at the back for FC Basel, making 32 appearances as the club stormed to the Swiss Super League title. A 4-0 win over Luzern on the final weekend sealed their dominance.
10. Isaac Pappoe – Ferencvaros (Hungary)
Young defender Isaac Pappoe won his first major title with Ferencvaros in the OTP Bank Liga. Though he featured only four times this season, he was part of the squad that clinched a narrow 2-1 win over ETO FC Győr to seal the championship.
11. Jarell Quansah – Liverpool FC (England)
The England-born Ghanaian defender, Jarell Amorin Quansah, had a season to remember. With a staggering 78 appearances across all competitions, the 22-year-old helped Liverpool secure the English Premier League title, drawing 1-1 with Crystal Palace on the final day at Anfield to confirm their status as champions.
From title races to cup finals, Ghanaian players have left their mark across Europe this season. Their contributions, whether through consistent performances, key moments, or strong squad presence, have once again elevated the country’s reputation in global football.
