by Emmanuel Atanga | May 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in London as Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has named a dynamic 23-man squad for the much-anticipated Unity Cup 2025.
The squad features a refreshing blend of youth, experience, and homegrown talent. Notably, four players from the Ghana Premier League have earned spots: goalkeeper Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), Razak Simpson (Nations FC), Kamaradini Mamudu (Medeama SC), and striker Kwame Opoku (Asante Kotoko), showcasing Addo’s trust in local talent.
Former West Ham United goalkeeper Joseph Tetteh Anang, now at St. Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland, receives his first senior call-up, while Black Satellites’ standouts Abdul Aziz Issah and Aaron Essel, who impressed at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt, also make the cut.
Europe-based rising stars Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland) and Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini (Union Saint-Gilloise) bolster the squad’s depth.
Returning to the national fold are Sunderland midfielder Abdul Samed Salis, back from injury, Anderlecht’s Majeed Ashimeru, and forward Felix Afena-Gyan, making his return after nearly two years out of the setup.
Ghana’s campaign begins with a high-stakes clash against rivals Nigeria at the GTech Community Stadium in West London on May 28. A win secures them a place in the final on May 31, where they could meet either Trinidad and Tobago or Jamaica.
With a rejuvenated squad and a blend of promise and pedigree, the Black Stars are poised to make a strong statement at the Unity Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 26, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Abdul Baba Rahman will not be making a return to the Black Stars for the upcoming 2025 Unity Cup in London, despite widespread speculation following his surprise visit to the national team’s camp over the weekend.
The experienced PAOK left-back was spotted near the Black Stars’ training base in West London, leading to rumors of a potential recall. However, Sportsblog247.com can confirm through close sources that Baba Rahman remains unavailable for national team duty and will not feature in Coach Otto Addo’s plans for the mini-tournament.
Baba Rahman, who has been on an extended break from international football, stepped away from the national team following a painful episode during a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Central African Republic. Despite delivering a strong performance on the day, the defender was subjected to harsh verbal abuse by a section of fans at the Baba Yara Stadium—criticism that many in the football community deemed excessive and unjust.
That incident deeply affected the former Chelsea man, prompting him to take a step back from international commitments. Since then, the 30-year-old has focused on his club career with Greek side PAOK, where he has been in solid form and is regarded as one of the most dependable players in their backline.
Though his presence at the Black Stars’ London camp raised hopes among supporters of a possible comeback, those expectations have now been dashed.
Ghana is set to kick off their Unity Cup campaign with a high-profile clash against regional rivals Nigeria on Wednesday, May 28, at the GTech Community Stadium in West London. The winner will face either Trinidad and Tobago or Jamaica in the tournament final scheduled for Saturday.
While Baba Rahman’s absence will certainly be felt, Ghana’s coaching staff is expected to look to younger options as they prepare for a busy international calendar.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
As the curtains fall on the 2024/25 European football season, a host of Ghanaian stars have left a lasting impression across the continent’s top leagues. From rising talents making their mark to seasoned professionals leading by example, these players have showcased the growing strength and depth of Ghanaian football on the global stage.
Compiled by renowned football analyst Herbert Boakye Yiadom for Sportsblog247.com, here’s a rundown of the top 8 performing Ghanaian players in Europe this season, selected based on their individual brilliance, consistency, and impact on their respective teams.
1. Ibrahim Zuberu – Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)
At just 20, Zuberu was enjoying a breakout campaign with Serbian giants Partizan before a knee injury prematurely ended his season. Despite the setback, the former King Faisal striker tallied 9 goals and 3 assists in 26 appearances—an impressive 12 goal contributions that showcased his explosive potential. His form early in the season turned heads and hinted at a future star for Ghana.
2. Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer – Hamburger SV (Germany)
Yeboah was a key figure in Hamburg’s long-awaited return to the Bundesliga, ending their seven-year exile. The dynamic attacker scored 14 goals and added 3 assists—making him the top-scoring Ghanaian in Europe this season with 17 goal contributions. His consistent brilliance made him one of the most influential players in Germany’s second tier.
3. Jerry Afriyie – CD Lugo (Spain)
The promising Ghana youth international made an instant impact on loan at Spanish side CD Lugo. Afriyie netted 4 goals in just 10 appearances, sparking interest from multiple clubs in Spain. His meteoric rise has marked him as one of Ghana’s hottest young exports, with a move to a top-tier team looking highly likely.
4. Mohammed Fuseini – Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium)
In his debut season in Belgium, Fuseini equaled last season’s tally with 9 goals in 33 games. His relentless energy, pace, and pressing have won fans over at Union SG. The 23-year-old’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Black Stars coach Otto Addo reportedly keeping a close eye on his development.
5. Abdul Mumin – Real Valladolid (Spain)
Mumin had a solid campaign in La Liga before injury curtailed his progress. The Right to Dream Academy product made 24 appearances, scoring twice—including a stunning long-range goal against Real Madrid that’s already being tipped as a Puskás Award nominee. Mumin was a rock in defense and one of Ghana’s most dependable players this season.
6. Antoine Semenyo – AFC Bournemouth (England)
Semenyo enjoyed a career-best season in the Premier League, finishing with 11 goals and 5 assists from 37 appearances. He ended the campaign with a brace on the final day and netted against English giants like Man United, Man City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. His impressive performances have sparked interest from top clubs including Liverpool and Manchester United.
7. Thomas Partey – Arsenal FC (England)
Though injuries posed a challenge, Partey remained a central figure in Arsenal’s midfield when fit. Featuring in 35 matches, he scored 4 goals and assisted twice, delivering big performances in the Champions League quarterfinals against Real Madrid. With his contract expiring in 2025, several clubs are monitoring his future closely.
8. Jonas Adjetey – FC Basel (Switzerland)
Adjetey was a pillar in FC Basel’s defense, playing 32 matches across competitions and helping guide the club to the Swiss Super League title. His commanding presence at the back earned him national team call-ups for World Cup and AFCON qualifiers. A consistent and reliable performer, Adjetey’s stock continues to rise.
These eight Ghanaian footballers have not only flown the national flag high but have also proven their worth on some of Europe’s biggest stages. Their contributions are a testament to the growing influence and quality of Ghanaian talent across the global football landscape.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Joseph Tetteh Anang’s dream has finally taken flight.
Once a promising talent in West Ham United’s youth academy, Anang has now earned his first-ever senior call-up to the Ghana national team — the Black Stars — for the upcoming 2025 Unity Cup. It’s a moment steeped in personal victory and national pride, as the young goalkeeper steps onto the international stage after years of relentless pursuit.
Born in Ghana and raised in the UK, Anang’s story is one of perseverance. He spent years developing under elite coaching at West Ham, but with first-team chances limited in the Premier League, he never wavered. Instead, he took the tougher path — enduring loan spells and grinding out performances to sharpen his skillset.
His eventual move to St. Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland’s top flight turned out to be a career-defining choice. There, Anang blossomed into a reliable, confident shot-stopper. In the current campaign, he has notched 7 clean sheets in 18 league appearances and added 3 more shutouts in 6 UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier games — proof of his growing stature and dependability.
His Unity Cup call-up is more than a selection — it’s a statement. It reflects the fruits of hard work, the importance of resilience, and the bright future of Ghanaian football. Anang now brings new depth to the Black Stars’ goalkeeping ranks, and perhaps, the beginning of a long and impactful international career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
As anticipation builds for the Unity Cup showdown in London, Ghana head coach Otto Addo has shaken things up with a bold and refreshing squad announcement. In a move that signals both trust in youth and a vision for the future, Addo has handed debut call-ups to five promising talents for the 23-man squad set to challenge for regional bragging rights.
Among the headline inclusions is Joseph Tetteh Anang, the in-form goalkeeper currently with St. Patrick’s Athletic in the Northern Ireland Premier Division. With seven clean sheets in 18 games, Anang has proven his shot-stopping prowess and now earns a deserved place in the senior team.
Aaron Essel, the commanding centre-back who anchored Ghana’s defence during their U-20 AFCON run, also makes the cut. His reliability at the back was a highlight, despite Ghana missing out on World Cup qualification.
Flying under the radar but catching Addo’s eye is Caleb Yirenkyi of FC Nordsjaelland. The Danish-based defender turned heads in the latter half of the season, making 17 appearances and contributing two goals and two assists—an impressive tally for a defensive player.
Abdul Aziz Issah, a dynamic midfielder from Barcelona Athletic, joins the squad despite limited minutes in Spain. His youth international experience, however, adds valuable depth and promise to the midfield setup.
Up front, Mohammed Gaddafi Fuseini has forced his way into the reckoning with a clutch performance for Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, scoring in their title-clinching finale against Gent.
Ghana’s campaign kicks off on May 28 against archrivals Nigeria, with the winner advancing to the final on May 31. Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica round out the competitive four-nation lineup.
With new faces ready to make their mark and regional pride on the line, all eyes will be on the Black Stars as they look to shine under London’s spotlight.
