by Emmanuel Atanga | May 12, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Eugene Ansah played a pivotal role in FC Ashdod’s emphatic 4-2 victory over Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona on Saturday in Round 33 of the Israeli Premier League relegation group.
Ansah, who started and completed the match, was a constant threat with his movement and energy. His moment of brilliance came in the dying moments of the game when he teed up Ebenezer Mamatah with a clever assist, capping off a thrilling performance and sealing Ashdod’s fourth goal in stoppage time.
Ashdod had earlier taken control of the match through back-to-back penalties, converted by Mohammad Kna’an and Roy Levy in the 50th and 56th minutes. Midfielder Israel Coll then added a third shortly after, putting the hosts in a commanding position.
Despite a spirited attempt at a comeback by Kiryat Shmona — including long-range strikes from Denis Kulikov and Roei Zikri — Ashdod’s dominance proved too much.
The win was particularly sweet for Ashdod, who had previously trailed their opponents in head-to-head matchups, with just 7 wins compared to Kiryat Shmona’s 19. Ansah’s late contribution helped flip the script and lifted Ashdod spirits as they continue their battle for top-flight survival.
The Ghanaian now has 2 goals and 2 assists in 12 league appearances this season — a solid return as he looks to finish the campaign strong.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 12, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Francis Amuzu announced his arrival in Brazil with a bang, but his first goal in the Brazilian Serie A wasn’t enough to secure victory as Gremio were held to a 1-1 draw by Red Bull Bragantino on Saturday night.
Coming off the bench in the 59th minute for Alysson Edward, the Belgian-Ghanaian winger wasted no time making an impression. With just three minutes of regulation time left, Amuzu finished off a lightning-quick counterattack with a breathtaking right-footed shot from outside the box. Martin Braithwaite provided the assist, and the Arena do Grêmio erupted in celebration as Amuzu ran toward the home crowd, arms stretched wide in jubilation.
But the joy was fleeting. Only two minutes later, Bragantino hit back through Isidro Pitta, who calmly slotted home from close range after a clever layoff from Eric Ramires, silencing the home fans.
Gremio, who had just 38% of possession and struggled to create clear chances throughout the match, will see the result as two points dropped. The draw leaves them still seeking consistency after eight rounds of the league campaign.
Amuzu, however, will take heart from his performance. With one goal in five league appearances and an eye-catching display, he’ll be pushing hard for more minutes in the coming fixtures.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations journey came to a dramatic and emotional end on Monday night, as the Black Satellites bowed out in the quarterfinals following a 5-4 penalty shootout loss to host nation Egypt at the Suez Stadium.
It was a match that had everything—goals, drama, resilience, and heartbreak. Ghana’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals—and securing a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup—were dashed despite a spirited comeback from two goals down.
The game began disastrously for Ghana. Two defensive errors within minutes in the first half saw Egypt’s Moamen Goweily Sherif strike twice, punishing lapses between defender McCarthy Ofori and goalkeeper Gidios Aseako.
But the Black Satellites refused to fold. On the stroke of halftime, Abdul Aziz Issah fired home a thunderous strike to reduce the deficit and breathe life into Ghana’s campaign.
Their determination paid off in dramatic fashion deep into second-half stoppage time, as substitute Abdul Hakim Sulemana converted a coolly-taken penalty to level the score and push the contest into extra time.
The game took another twist in the 107th minute when Aaron Essel received a controversial red card, leaving Ghana with ten men. Yet even under pressure, they battled bravely to force a penalty shootout.
In the end, Egypt held their nerve, edging Ghana 5-4 in the shootout lottery.
For the Black Satellites, it was a cruel end to a campaign that showcased their fighting spirit, individual brilliance, and potential. Though they exit without a World Cup ticket, they leave with pride—and a glimpse of a promising future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, World Cup
Rulani Mokwena’s time at the helm of Wydad Casablanca has officially come to an end, bringing a close to a short but eventful chapter in the Moroccan club’s storied history.
After enduring a difficult stretch of performances late in the season, Mokwena was initially sidelined by the club’s hierarchy. The final decision came on Sunday, shortly after Wydad wrapped up their campaign against Nahdat Berkane. It was then that the South African coach, with dignity and grace, said his goodbyes to the squad and supporters.
In a touching moment, Mokwena received a standing ovation from fans at the final whistle, a gesture that underscored the mutual respect shared despite the team’s recent struggles. Sources close to the club have confirmed that the split was amicable, with no legal disputes or arbitration issues arising between the two parties.
While Mokwena’s tenure did not yield the anticipated silverware or Club World Cup qualification, the club is set to honour the terms of his contract. The deal reportedly included a clause guaranteeing an additional season and a substantial compensation package, estimated at around $1 million, should certain objectives not be met.
With Mokwena now officially out, Wydad Casablanca will begin their search for a new head coach. The announcement of a successor is expected after the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 12, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
After leaving a strong impression in the Volta, Central, and Western regions, the Ghana Football Association’s Talent Identification Programme is now making its way to the Eastern Region, continuing its mission to uncover the next generation of football stars.
From May 12 to 18, 2025, the programme will engage communities in two key districts—Koforidua (May 12–14) and Somanya (May 16–18). More than just a scouting mission, the initiative will offer structured training sessions for Physical Education tutors, Colts coaches, district sports coordinators, and budding coaches. These sessions aim to instill foundational knowledge in coaching, talent development, and effective scouting techniques.
A major highlight of the event will be a vibrant football festival for basic school pupils, giving them a platform to showcase their skills in front of national selectors. The most outstanding talents may find themselves on the radar for future call-ups into junior national teams or invitations to GFA academies.
This initiative is part of the GFA’s broader vision to build a sustainable football development pipeline that reaches deep into the grassroots, ensuring that raw talent from every region has a chance to shine on the national and international stage.
