by Emmanuel Atanga | May 24, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
After a tough 2024 that saw the Black Stars win only two out of ten games, Ghana’s senior national team has found new momentum in 2025. With back-to-back victories over Chad and Madagascar in March, optimism is rising once again—and none more so than from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku.
The Black Stars emphatically ended a six-game winless streak by thrashing Chad 5-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium, followed by a convincing 3-0 win over Madagascar in Morocco. These results have not only lifted team morale but have also placed Ghana at the top of Group I with 15 points, significantly boosting their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in an interview with GhOne TV, Kurt Okraku expressed his unwavering faith in the team’s prospects:
“I have absolute belief that the Black Stars will fight for qualification to the 2026 World Cup,” he stated confidently.
Looking ahead, the team is set to participate in a four-nation tournament in London as part of preparations for their crucial Matchday 7 and 8 qualifiers against Chad and Mali in September.
With renewed form and solid leadership, the dream of seeing Ghana at the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada is alive once again.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Teenage forward Daniel Adu-Adjei capped off an impressive season by finding the net in AFC Bournemouth’s narrow 3-2 loss to Brentford in the final of the Professional Development League at Vitality Park on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old English-born Ghanaian striker opened the scoring for the Cherries, continuing his fine goal-scoring form. However, Brentford responded through Iwan Morgan and a spectacular effort from Romelle Donovan to take the lead.
Bournemouth managed to pull level through Harold William in a pulsating clash, but a late strike from Brentford sealed the victory and the title, despite a spirited performance from the hosts.
Adu-Adjei has been a standout performer this season for Bournemouth’s youth side, finishing as their top scorer. After returning from a short loan spell at Carlisle United in January, he trained with the senior team and played a key role in their run to the final, netting double digits across the campaign.
His consistency and goal-scoring prowess have further cemented his reputation as one of Bournemouth’s most promising young talents.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The Black Stars of Ghana will open camp on Sunday, May 25, in preparation for the highly anticipated Unity Cup tournament in London, according to Management Committee Chairman Dr. Randy Abbey.
The Ghanaian national team is set to face long-time rivals Nigeria in a thrilling semifinal on May 28 at the Gtech Community Stadium. The winner of that clash will meet either Trinidad and Tobago or Jamaica in the final scheduled for May 31 at the same venue.
In an interview with Sportsblog247.com, Dr. Abbey revealed the team’s itinerary, confirming that the squad will convene in London on Sunday, with three training sessions lined up ahead of their opener against Nigeria.
“There are quite a number of players who are injured,” Dr. Abbey said. “Some are also involved in promotion playoffs or qualifying matches in Europe, so their clubs won’t release them, especially as this falls outside the official FIFA window.”
Despite challenges with player availability due to injuries and ongoing league campaigns in Europe’s top five leagues, the Unity Cup serves as a crucial tune-up for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Black Stars will face Chad and Mali in September and later complete their group fixtures against Comoros and the Central African Republic in October.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
At the start of the French Ligue 1 season, AJ Auxerre were forced to navigate the campaign without one of their key defenders. Ghana international Gideon Mensah was sidelined by a long-term, undisclosed injury, missing the opening five matches. But what followed was a story of determination, grit, and footballing brilliance.
Once fit, the 25-year-old left-back wasted no time in making his presence felt. Slotting seamlessly into Auxerre’s defense, Mensah went on to feature in every remaining match, starting 26 out of 29 games. Whether deployed in a traditional back four or as a wing-back in a more flexible formation, he was a constant on the left flank.
Mensah’s numbers spoke volumes—68 tackles, 50 interceptions, and 74 clearances—a reflection of his consistency and growing influence. Beyond the stats, it was his intelligent reading of the game, his tireless running, and his unwavering discipline that made him indispensable to the team’s setup.
A former Red Bull Salzburg player, Mensah’s return wasn’t just about fitness; it was about resilience. His comeback became a cornerstone of Auxerre’s defensive solidity, and a beacon of leadership on the pitch.
His club form also reinforced his standing with Ghana’s Black Stars, proving that even after setbacks, true quality always rises.
As Auxerre look ahead, Gideon Mensah’s campaign will be remembered not just for his stats, but for the story of a footballer who refused to be sidelined—literally and figuratively.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The countdown has officially begun as Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare for a fiery encounter against the Black Stars of Ghana in the long-awaited return of the Unity Cup.
Set for May 28 at the Gtech Stadium, this West African derby promises to reignite one of the fiercest rivalries in African football. The Unity Cup, making a comeback after nearly two decades, will kick off a day earlier with a Caribbean face-off between Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago on May 27.
Fans were treated to a rallying call on Friday, May 23, as the Super Eagles took to social media to announce their regrouping next week in preparation for the clash. Head coach Eric Chelle has introduced a fresh-looking squad for the tournament, notably leaving out attacking stars Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
Despite the absence of the two big names, Nigeria remains confident, bringing a quality side to London in pursuit of silverware. The winners of both semi-final matchups will face off in the final on May 31, closing out the mini-tournament in style.
All eyes will be on the Gtech when Nigeria and Ghana lock horns once again, not just for bragging rights, but for a place in Unity Cup history.
