by Emmanuel Atanga | May 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has heaped praise on Ghanaian forward Brandon Thomas-Asante following his impressive performance in their 2-0 win over Middlesbrough in the English Championship on Saturday.
The Sky Blues’ vital victory has boosted their promotion hopes, securing them a spot in the playoff places as the race for Premier League football intensifies. With Leeds United and Burnley already sealing automatic promotion, four clubs will now compete for the final ticket to England’s top flight — and Coventry have thrown their name firmly into the hat.
Despite featuring for just 18 minutes after coming off the bench, Thomas-Asante made a significant impact, providing an assist and injecting energy into the attack. His contribution did not go unnoticed by Lampard, who was full of admiration for the 25-year-old’s determination and quality.
“Shout out to Brandon, who came on, showed physicality, speed and desire,” Lampard said. “He’s been injured, came back, trained well and has been telling me he’s ready, and he showed me he was ready today. He had a massive impact on the game.”
Coventry will now face Sunderland over two legs, on May 9 and May 13, as they aim to book a place in the Championship playoff final and move one step closer to Premier League football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 5, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a heartwarming blend of music and football, award-winning Ghanaian rapper M.anifest shared an unforgettable moment with Black Stars and West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus during a Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur in London.
The celebrated rapper, currently in the UK ahead of his May 21 show at Hoxton Square, attended the match at the London Olympic Stadium, where Kudus played a pivotal role in West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Spurs.
Before kickoff, M.anifest caught up with Kudus, offering words of encouragement and praise to the young football sensation. Kudus, a self-confessed fan of the rapper’s lyrical genius, was visibly thrilled by the gesture. The moment was sealed post-match when the midfielder presented M.anifest with a customised West Ham jersey, symbolizing the mutual respect between two of Ghana’s finest talents.
M.anifest later shared clips of their interaction and the game on his social media, hailing Kudus as “the chosen one.” The meeting came amid promotional rounds for the rapper’s newly released album New Road and Guava Trees.
Meanwhile, Kudus continues to make waves in the Premier League following his move from Ajax, contributing significantly to West Ham’s season. With transfer rumors swirling, the summer window could see another major move for the Ghanaian midfielder.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 5, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
After months on the sidelines, Ghanaian international Tariq Lamptey made a much-anticipated return to action for Brighton & Hove Albion in their Premier League encounter against Newcastle United on Sunday.
Lamptey had been out of action since February, missing Brighton’s FA Cup tie against the Magpies and Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar due to injury. But at the London Olympic Stadium, the dynamic right-back stepped back onto the pitch, replacing Mats Wieffer just nine minutes into the second half.
Brighton took the lead through a first-half goal from Gambian forward Yankuba Minteh, but Newcastle clawed back late in the game with a penalty from Swedish striker Alexander Isak, ensuring the points were shared.
With the season nearing its conclusion, Lamptey will be eager to build momentum and impress, especially with his contract set to expire at the end of June. The 23-year-old has been linked with a potential move to Dutch giants Ajax, making his performances in the coming weeks even more crucial.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 5, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana U-20 head coach Desmond Ofei has praised his young squad for their tactical maturity and discipline following a tense 1-0 triumph over Senegal in the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Black Satellites edged out the defending champions under the lights at the New Suez Stadium on Monday, with Emmanuel Mensah’s first-half strike proving to be the difference in a fiercely contested encounter.
Ofei, clearly pleased with the performance, highlighted the team’s adherence to their tactical strategy as a key factor in the victory.
“It was a very difficult game, no doubt about that,” the coach admitted. “But tactically, I believe we got it right.”
He acknowledged Senegal’s physical and direct style of play, but commended his players for maintaining their composure and matching their opponents’ intensity without losing focus.
“Senegal came at us with a very direct and physical approach. It wasn’t easy, but our players showed great tactical discipline and fighting spirit throughout the game.”
With Ghana under pressure for much of the second half, Ofei credited his team’s defensive organization and mental strength for preserving the lead.
“The boys followed the game plan, stayed organized, and gave everything on the pitch. That’s all you can ask for as a coach.”
Ghana will now turn their attention to their final Group C match against the Central African Republic on Thursday, May 8, with a place in the knockout stage — and ultimately the FIFA U-20 World Cup — still on the line.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 5, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana U-20 head coach Desmond Ofei has sounded the alarm ahead of a crucial clash against the Central African Republic (CAR) in their final Group C encounter at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Satellites head into Thursday’s showdown brimming with renewed belief after a hard-fought 1-0 win over reigning champions Senegal at the New Suez Stadium. Emmanuel Mensah’s decisive strike in the first half proved enough to lift Ghana’s hopes, following a tense 1-1 draw in their tournament opener against DR Congo.
Despite the momentum, Coach Ofei remains cautious, recognizing the high stakes and the formidable challenge posed by CAR.
“We know the game against the Central African Republic will be difficult,” he admitted. “But just like today, we’ll fight, prepare well, and give our best.”
With qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Qatar on the line, Ofei emphasized the team’s unwavering focus.
“Our main goal is to qualify for the World Cup. That’s the focus. Each match and positive result take us a step closer.”
As the young Black Satellites prepare for their biggest test yet, the nation watches with hope, dreaming of another historic journey on the continental and global stage.
