by Emmanuel Atanga | May 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Thomas Partey is eager to remain at Arsenal for another season, showing a strong desire to extend his stay in North London. However, the Gunners are grappling with the financial and strategic implications of such a decision. Partey’s high weekly wages combined with concerns about his age have complicated negotiations over a potential contract renewal.
Despite these hurdles, there’s still hope for an agreement. If both sides can find common ground on revised salary terms, Partey could yet continue in Arsenal red beyond the summer.
However, Arsenal are already preparing for all outcomes. Should talks fall through, the club is looking to bolster its midfield with fresh talent. Alongside long-term target Martín Zubimendi, they are eyeing additional reinforcements to strengthen their engine room ahead of the next campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a season full of grit, growth, and golden moments, 19-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Douglas Owusu has written his name into FK Radnik Surdulica’s history books.
On a tense Sunday afternoon, Radnik secured promotion to the Serbian Super Liga with a narrow but decisive 2-1 win over OFK Vrsac. With one game still to spare, the club has officially booked its place back in Serbia’s top tier — and Owusu has been at the heart of the journey.
Making his 32nd league appearance of the season, the former Asekem FC starlet started the match and put in another tireless shift in midfield before being subbed off in the 62nd minute. His dynamic movement, sharp positioning, and relentless work rate helped Radnik control the rhythm in a high-stakes encounter.
Since arriving in Europe, Owusu has been nothing short of a revelation. Two goals and six assists only tell part of the story — it’s his consistency, flair, and tactical intelligence that have made him a standout performer in Serbia’s second tier. He’s earned multiple Team of the Week honors and the admiration of fans and pundits alike.
Now, as Radnik returns to the Super Liga, Owusu’s meteoric rise from Ghana’s lower divisions to European football’s spotlight is gaining momentum. With top-flight football on the horizon, he is poised to take his burgeoning career to even greater heights.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 19, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
History was made under the Cairo lights on Sunday night as South Africa’s U-20 team lifted their first-ever CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating Morocco 1-0 in a thrilling final at the June 30 Stadium.
In a match that was as much about discipline as it was about desire, it was Gomolemo Kekana who carved his name into history. In the 70th minute, the midfielder unleashed a spectacular right-footed strike from outside the box — a curling rocket that soared into the top corner. The goal, confirmed after a brief VAR check, sent South African players and fans into raptures.
It was a moment of redemption and glory for a side that had not reached this stage since 1997 — ironically, also against Morocco — where they had fallen short. But this time, the Young Bafana turned the narrative on its head.
Their journey to the title was anything but smooth. After an opening defeat to host nation Egypt, the team rebounded with narrow but gritty victories over DR Congo and Nigeria before edging past an unbeaten Moroccan side in the final.
Central to their campaign was goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, whose 24 saves earned him the distinction of the tournament’s top shot-stopper. Anchoring the backline were Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba, whose composure and strength nullified Morocco’s attacking threat.
Nigeria clinched third place earlier in the evening, defeating Egypt in a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
For South Africa, this title is more than a trophy — it’s a landmark moment in youth football, a testament to perseverance, and a glimpse into a promising future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian footballers across the globe delivered standout performances over the weekend, lighting up their respective leagues with goals, assists, and commanding displays. From Belgium to Bosnia, Italy to Austria, the Black Stars’ exports made their presence felt in dramatic fashion.
Red-Hot Fuseini, Afriyie Continue Scoring Streaks
In Belgium, Mohammed Fuseini was the star of the show for Royale Union SG, netting a brilliant brace in their emphatic 4-0 demolition of Antwerp. The goals take his tally to nine for the season, as he continues to establish himself as a formidable forward in the Jupiler Pro League.
Over in Spain’s Primera Federación, Jerry Afriyie continued his rich vein of form with a vital goal for CD Lugo in their 2-0 win over Zamora CF, underlining his growing importance to the team.
Baidoo, Sulemana, Boakye and Agyekum Join the Party
Edmund Baidoo came off the bench in Austria to inspire Salzburg with a goal and an assist in a hard-fought 2-1 win over BW Linz. In Italy, Ibrahim Sulemana found the net for Atalanta in their thrilling 3-2 victory over Genoa.
Veteran striker Richmond Boakye Yiadom rolled back the years with a goal for Sloga Doboj in Bosnia as they cruised past Sloboda 4-1. Meanwhile, Lawrence Agyekum capped a dominant midfield display for Cercle Brugge by scoring in a 5-1 thrashing of Patro Eisden in the Belgian Pro League relegation playoff.
Premier League Watch: Partey and Kudus in Action
In England, Thomas Partey returned to full fitness with a solid 90-minute shift in Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle United. Mohammed Kudus was lively for West Ham, playing 79 minutes in their 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest, while Jordan Ayew and Kamaldeen Sulemana also saw action for Leicester City and Southampton, respectively.
Ayew Brothers, Djiku, Opoku, and Andre Ayew in French, Turkish Spotlight
In France, Andre Ayew helped Le Havre secure a 3-2 win over Strasbourg, while Gideon Mensah and Elisha Owusu featured in Auxerre’s 3-1 loss to PSG. In Turkey, Jerome Opoku found the back of the net in Basaksehir’s 3-2 win over Kasimpasa, with Alexander Djiku playing a key role in Fenerbahce’s 2-1 triumph.
Ghanaian Contingent Thriving in Scandinavia, Central Europe
In Finland, Bismark Ampofo grabbed an assist for Inter Turku, and Clinton Antwi played 75 minutes in Haka’s win over KuPS. Lawrence Ati-Zigi was pivotal for St. Gallen in Switzerland’s Super League with a 3-2 win over Zurich, and Caleb Yirenkyi added an assist for Nordsjaelland in Denmark.
Everywhere You Look, A Ghanaian is Making Headlines
From Serbia to Slovenia, Germany to Romania, and Lithuania to Sweden, Ghanaian players were in action, some grabbing minutes, others grabbing headlines with goals, assists, and strong performances.
As the season winds down, the Ghanaian diaspora continues to make its mark, with several players in red-hot form ahead of international duties and crucial league fixtures.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 19, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
The atmosphere at West Ham United has taken a bitter turn, as frustration among fans boiled over following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. At the centre of the storm is Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus, whose underwhelming performance has triggered calls for his sale in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Once heralded as a rising star at the London Stadium, Kudus now finds himself under immense scrutiny. Against Forest, he was substituted in the 79th minute after a largely anonymous display, drawing fierce criticism from fans who branded him “lazy” and “uninterested” on social media. With just four goals and four assists in 35 appearances this season, supporters say he has failed to live up to expectations.
The defeat left West Ham languishing in 15th place with only one game remaining—a far cry from the promise shown under manager Graham Potter earlier in the campaign. Forest struck early through Morgan Gibbs-White, while Nikola Milenkovic doubled their lead after a lengthy VAR review. Jarrod Bowen pulled one back, but it was too little, too late.
Amid the backlash, speculation over Kudus’ future is intensifying. Reports suggest that Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Arsenal are monitoring his situation, and former West Ham scout Mick Brown recently claimed the midfielder is open to a move—warning that only improved performances will earn him a ticket to a top-tier side.
Kudus, who dazzled fans in the 2023/24 season with eight goals and nine assists in 33 league appearances, has struggled to replicate that form. His October visit to watch Arsenal face PSG at the Emirates only added fuel to the transfer rumours.
With the transfer window looming, West Ham now face a tough decision: reinvest in the talented but inconsistent Kudus or cut their losses and move on.
