by Emmanuel Atanga | May 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian rising star Jalal Abdullai made a memorable impact in the Norwegian Eliteserien on Sunday, netting a dramatic stoppage-time winner to give Molde FK a 2-1 victory over FK Haugesund at the Aker Stadion.
In a tightly contested affair, Molde looked set for a frustrating evening despite taking the lead through Kristian Eriksen’s composed finish in the 43rd minute. Haugesund fought back and thought they had salvaged a draw when Senegalese defender Madiodio Dia struck in the 90th minute to level the scores.
But the final act belonged to Abdullai. In the dying seconds of added time, the 20-year-old forward reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, calmly slotting home his first league goal for Molde since joining from Swedish side IF Elfsborg. His late heroics sparked jubilant scenes on the Molde bench and secured the club’s first win of the 2025 league campaign.
The goal was Abdullai’s third in just six appearances across all competitions this season, highlighting his fast-growing reputation as one of the most promising young Ghanaian talents in European football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo is reportedly closing in on a high-profile move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, despite being on the radar of several top Premier League clubs.
The 25-year-old Bournemouth star has enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign, registering nine goals and five assists across 33 Premier League appearances. His standout performance against Manchester United in April, where he scored and constantly troubled their defence, significantly boosted his market value.
According to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, although Semenyo remains a target for elite English sides including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Newcastle, a move to Saudi Arabia is currently the most probable outcome. The Saudi Pro League continues its trend of attracting high-calibre talent and is reportedly ready to meet Bournemouth’s £60 million asking price—something Premier League suitors have so far hesitated to match.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly a strong admirer of Semenyo’s versatility and dynamism, believing he could add a new dimension to United’s front line. However, with limited transfer funds and other priorities to address, United’s pursuit could stall.
Bournemouth are willing to sell, provided their valuation is met, and Saudi clubs are well-positioned to not only fulfill the financial terms but also offer Semenyo a significant wage increase.
Now entering the prime of his career, Semenyo faces a major decision: chase Premier League glory or secure a lucrative future in the Gulf.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo stole the limelight at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday as Bournemouth pulled off a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Arsenal in the Premier League.
While Dean Huijsen and Evanilson scored the goals to overturn Declan Rice’s early strike for the Gunners, it was Semenyo’s brilliant long throw-in assist for the equaliser that became the talk of the match. Launching a missile-like delivery into the Arsenal box, Semenyo’s technique unsettled the home defence and created the chaos that led to Huijsen’s goal.
The assist, reminiscent of Rory Delap’s famous throw-ins, had Arsenal fans buzzing on social media—many humorously demanding that the Gunners sign Semenyo as the missing link in their “Set Piece FC” arsenal.
Reports from TBR Football suggest that Arsenal have had the 24-year-old on their radar for a while, and his standout performance is likely to intensify their pursuit. However, they’re not alone—top Premier League sides including Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Newcastle are also monitoring the Ghana international.
Despite Semenyo’s rising stock, Bournemouth are reportedly open to selling him this summer—but only for a hefty fee exceeding £60 million. That price tag could make Saudi Pro League suitors more likely candidates, unless a Premier League club decides to meet the valuation.
For now, Semenyo continues to cement his place as one of the most exciting and unique talents in the league, with fans and scouts alike watching closely.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielders Rahim Ibrahim and Sharani Zuberu played their part in a dramatic title-clinching performance as Slovan Bratislava secured the 2024/25 Slovak Super Liga crown with a pulsating 4-3 comeback win over MSK Zilina on Saturday at the Tehelne Pole Stadium.
In a match that typified the resilience of the reigning champions, Slovan overcame a shaky start that saw them trail 2-0 inside 26 minutes, courtesy of a brace from Cameroonian midfielder Xavier Adang. Although David Strelec pulled one back, Zilina quickly restored their two-goal lead through Mario Sauer.
Veteran winger Robert Mak reduced the deficit before the break, setting the stage for a spirited second-half performance. Slovan stormed back with Strelec completing his hat-trick in under ten minutes, lifting the team to a remarkable victory and sealing their seventh straight league title in front of ecstatic home fans.
Rahim Ibrahim, who joined the club in January, started the match and featured for 80 minutes before being replaced by Julius Szoke. Zuberu entered the action at the same time, replacing Mak to help see out the final moments of the victory.
Ibrahim ends the season with 10 appearances, contributing one goal and one assist, while Zuberu had a more consistent run, tallying 20 appearances, two goals, and an assist.
Their contributions have etched both players into the club’s history as part of the team’s continued domestic dominance.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian skipper Jordan Ayew was on target once more, netting his fifth goal of the English Premier League season in Leicester City’s 2-0 win over Southampton on Saturday, 3 May 2025.
In a match between two already relegated sides, Ayew made his mark just before halftime. The forward stepped up for a free-kick, and although his initial effort was blocked by the wall, the rebound fell kindly to him. Wasting no time, he unleashed a precise low drive from 22 yards out that zipped past Aaron Ramsdale into the bottom corner, doubling Leicester’s lead in the 44th minute.
It was a familiar feeling for Ayew against the Saints, against whom he has now scored three times in 16 Premier League appearances. His latest strike added a bright note to an otherwise tough season for the Foxes.
Ayew’s afternoon ended in the 70th minute when he was substituted for Jeremy Monga, having put in a strong shift up front.
Despite the club’s confirmed relegation, the Ghana captain’s personal form remains a positive takeaway as he continues to prove his worth in England’s top flight.
