by Emmanuel Atanga | May 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian youngster Douglas Owusu is making waves in Serbia, earning his second consecutive spot in the Serbian Prva Liga Team of the Week after another standout performance for FK Radnik Surdulica.
The 19-year-old midfielder was instrumental in his side’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Graficar Beograd on matchday 34, providing a crucial assist—his sixth of the season—for Radnik’s third goal. His vision and ability to impact the final third have become a defining feature of his game and a key weapon in Radnik’s push for promotion to the Serbian Super Liga.
Owusu, formerly of Asekem FC, has now racked up two goals and six assists in 29 league appearances during what has been an impressive debut season in Europe. His consistency and maturity on the field have not gone unnoticed, with his latest inclusion in the league’s best XI placing him alongside top talents from Mladost GAT, Macva Sabac, and Graficar Beograd.
His rise in the Serbian second tier is quickly drawing attention, and if he continues at this level, it won’t be long before bigger clubs come calling. For Owusu, the future looks bright—and this could just be the beginning of an exciting journey on the European stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s women’s football continues to soar as two pioneering coaches, Mercy Tagoe Quarcoo and Joyce Boatey-Agyei, proudly represent the nation at the prestigious CAF Women Instructors Development Program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The week-long workshop, which runs from May 5 to 9, 2025, has brought together some of Africa’s most promising female football instructors for a hands-on training initiative aimed at elevating women’s football on the continent.
Tagoe Quarcoo, the current Head Coach of Ghana’s Women’s U23 team, and Boatey-Agyei, who led Ghana’s U15 Girls to gold at the CAF African Schools Football Championship, were selected for the in-person phase after excelling in the program’s online modules. Their participation highlights Ghana’s growing reputation in the development of women’s football and showcases the depth of coaching talent within the country.
Organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Women Instructors Development Program is part of a wider strategy to empower female coaches, encouraging their leadership and professional growth in an evolving football landscape. The Addis Ababa sessions blend theory with practical application and encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants from across Africa.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has commended the coaches, with General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq.) stating, “We are proud of Mercy and Joyce. Their involvement on this continental stage reflects not only their personal achievements but also Ghana’s commitment to advancing women’s football.”
Their participation is expected to bring fresh expertise and new perspectives that will benefit the development of Ghana’s next generation of female footballers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
In a high-stakes showdown at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Emmanuel Mensah emerged as Ghana’s hero, guiding the Black Satellites to a crucial 1-0 victory over Senegal.
Ghana entered the game knowing the quality of their opponents but came prepared. “We knew Senegal were good, so we took our chance,” said Mensah, whose first-half goal proved decisive. “We prepared very well. The first game we didn’t take our chances, so we worked on our attacking. Our mission is to qualify to the World Cup — that is our mission and definitely to win the AFCON.”
The lone goal not only secured three vital points for Ghana but also earned Mensah the Player of the Match award. With four points from two games, the Black Satellites now sit second in Group C, behind DR Congo on goal difference.
Their final group match against the Central African Republic — who were beaten 3-1 by DR Congo — could be decisive. A draw or win would see Ghana through to the quarterfinals, keeping their World Cup and AFCON title dreams alive.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
As Arsenal prepare for one of their biggest European nights in nearly two decades, midfield general Declan Rice has paid glowing tribute to teammate Thomas Partey, highlighting the Ghanaian’s calming presence as a vital ingredient in the team’s chemistry.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s must-win UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, May 7, Rice didn’t hold back his admiration.
“The best thing about playing with Thomas is the calmness he brings to the team,” Rice said. “He doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. I’m quite lucky Thomas is there — he lets me roam up and down.”
Partey, who was suspended for the first leg in Paris, was sorely missed as the Gunners struggled to control the midfield early on. PSG capitalized, with Ousmane Dembélé striking in the fourth minute to give the French giants a 1-0 edge.
With Partey set to return for the decisive clash at the Emirates, hopes are high that his presence will restore balance and control to Mikel Arteta’s midfield. The former Atlético Madrid man, whose contract winds down this season, is reportedly in talks with the club over a potential extension.
As Arsenal dream of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006, Rice’s endorsement of Partey is a timely reminder of the often-unseen value of experience, poise, and intelligence in football’s biggest moments.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
As Arsenal brace themselves for a season-defining UEFA Champions League semifinal second-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, midfielder Declan Rice has singled out teammate Thomas Partey as a vital—yet often overlooked—component of the Gunners’ engine room.
With Arsenal trailing 1-0 after a tense first-leg loss in Paris, the return of Partey from suspension could prove pivotal. The Ghanaian international’s absence was felt early in the match, with PSG capitalizing on Arsenal’s shaky start to take the lead through Ousmane Dembélé in just the fourth minute.
Speaking ahead of the crunch fixture, Rice opened up about his admiration for Partey’s style and influence.
“The best thing about playing with Thomas is the calmness he brings to the team,” Rice said. “Before I joined Arsenal, I’d already heard so much about how good he is. He doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. I’m quite lucky Thomas is there—he lets me roam up and down.”
Since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2020, Partey has quietly anchored Arsenal’s midfield when fit, and his return couldn’t be more timely. With his contract expiring in a few months, ongoing discussions about an extension loom large in the background, but for now, his focus remains on helping the Gunners reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
For Mikel Arteta’s men, Partey’s stabilizing presence might just be the difference as they look to overturn the deficit and chase European glory.
