by Emmanuel Atanga | May 3, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Chelsea’s latest European outing wasn’t just about the goals—it was a stage for rising talent to shine. Among those who seized the opportunity was 18-year-old full-back Josh Acheampong, whose mature performance in a 4-1 win over Djurgarden caught the eye of teammate Benoit Badiashile.
The UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg saw head coach Enzo Maresca rotate his squad, and Acheampong, of Ghanaian heritage, was handed a start at right back. Despite his age, the youngster looked right at home on the continental stage as Chelsea dominated proceedings in Stockholm.
First-half strikes from Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke gave the Blues early control, before Nicolas Jackson added two more after the break to virtually seal Chelsea’s place in the final. But amid the attacking fireworks, Acheampong’s calm defensive presence and work rate didn’t go unnoticed.
“Josh is a really good player who can be a top, top player,” said Badiashile after the match. “He’s someone who loves to listen and to work, so we will try to help him reach the highest level.”
Acheampong, who penned a long-term contract with Chelsea last year, has already made 11 senior appearances this season, including two in the Premier League. His standout debut against Crystal Palace earned praise from Maresca, who described him as the best player on the pitch that day.
As Chelsea prepares for a crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool, Acheampong’s emergence offers Maresca depth—and hope for the future. With the guidance of experienced players like Badiashile, the teenager looks set to continue his rise through the Chelsea ranks.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 3, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
On a night where Manchester City needed a touch of brilliance, Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne combined to provide just that. The reigning Premier League champions edged out a determined Wolverhampton Wanderers side 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium, thanks to a first-half goal orchestrated by their Belgian duo.
It was Doku, the 22-year-old winger of Ghanaian descent, who danced down the left flank before delivering a precise cutback into the path of De Bruyne. Without hesitation, the veteran midfielder slotted home in the 35th minute, reminding fans and critics alike of his enduring quality.
“There was no doubt in him still being capable of doing those things,” Doku said post-match. “He has shown today that he still has that quality. I am happy for him that he scored.”
Despite the early breakthrough, City found themselves in a physical battle against a resilient Wolves side, who came close through efforts from Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri. Doku admitted it wasn’t City’s finest display but highlighted the importance of securing the points.
“It was a tough game, they played very well. We didn’t play our best but three points is three points. Fair play to them though,” he remarked.
He also credited Wolves’ recent form, acknowledging the challenge they presented: “They are very strong in the midfield and a very physical team… I am not surprised they had a six-game run of wins but I’m glad we ended it.”
With the victory, Manchester City climbed to third place as the season edges toward its conclusion. The team remains focused on their remaining targets, with Doku affirming their hunger: “Now we look forward to being in the Champions League and we still have the FA Cup final to look forward to as well.”
In a tight title race, performances like these could make all the difference—and with De Bruyne back among the goals, City’s engine looks ready to roar into the final stretch.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 3, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian football administrator Wilfred Osei Kwaku has hailed the 2024/25 season as Thomas Partey’s most outstanding since joining Arsenal, calling on the club to retain the experienced midfielder.
Kwaku, the man credited with discovering Partey during his early days in Ghana, commended the 31-year-old’s consistency, work rate, and overall impact on Arsenal’s midfield. Speaking to The Sportsblog247.com, he expressed admiration for Partey’s ability to break up opposition play and drive transitions—a trait that has made him indispensable to the Gunners this season.
“This is probably his best season since he went there,” Kwaku stated. “He does things nobody else does. If there’s a chance for him to stay, then that should be his home.”
Partey has featured in 47 matches across all competitions this season, contributing four goals and three assists—his most productive campaign statistically since his arrival in 2020. His appearance count has also eclipsed his previous best of 40 in the 2022/23 season.
Kwaku highlighted the midfielder’s absence during Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League semifinal first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain as proof of his importance. “If you look at the goal Arsenal conceded against PSG, that’s normally where he dominates,” he remarked, underlining Partey’s key role in shielding the defense and maintaining midfield balance.
As speculation continues to swirl around Partey’s future, with just one year remaining on his contract, Kwaku believes Arsenal would be wise to hold onto a player now operating at his peak.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 3, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian football administrator Wilfred Osei Kwaku has hailed the 2024/25 season as Thomas Partey’s most outstanding since joining Arsenal, calling on the club to retain the experienced midfielder.
Kwaku, the man credited with discovering Partey during his early days in Ghana, commended the 31-year-old’s consistency, work rate, and overall impact on Arsenal’s midfield. Speaking to The Sun, he expressed admiration for Partey’s ability to break up opposition play and drive transitions—a trait that has made him indispensable to the Gunners this season.
“This is probably his best season since he went there,” Kwaku stated. “He does things nobody else does. If there’s a chance for him to stay, then that should be his home.”
Partey has featured in 47 matches across all competitions this season, contributing four goals and three assists—his most productive campaign statistically since his arrival in 2020. His appearance count has also eclipsed his previous best of 40 in the 2022/23 season.
Kwaku highlighted the midfielder’s absence during Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League semifinal first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain as proof of his importance. “If you look at the goal Arsenal conceded against PSG, that’s normally where he dominates,” he remarked, underlining Partey’s key role in shielding the defense and maintaining midfield balance.
As speculation continues to swirl around Partey’s future, with just one year remaining on his contract, Kwaku believes Arsenal would be wise to hold onto a player now operating at his peak.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 3, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana U-20 head coach Desmond Ofei is optimistic that his team will sharpen their finishing and deliver a more clinical performance when they face reigning champions Senegal in their second Group C clash at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
After a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their tournament opener at the Suez Stadium, Ofei acknowledged his side’s missed chances but took positives from their overall display.
“Unfortunately, we conceded that goal. But I feel like we dominated the game,” Ofei said in his post-match comments. “We have to finish our chances — and it will surely happen in the next game.”
Ghana went behind in the 16th minute after a well-timed assist from Messy Manitu allowed Samuel Ntanda to put DR Congo ahead. The Black Satellites reacted swiftly, equalising in the 24th minute through Aziz Musibau, who latched onto a brilliant through ball from Emmanuel Mensah.
Both sides had opportunities to grab a winner in the second half, but solid defending and errant finishing meant the points were shared. Ghana looked dangerous on the counter but were unable to capitalize on their momentum.
With all four teams in Group C tied on one point after identical 1-1 results, Ghana’s May 5 encounter with Senegal is shaping up to be a crucial tie in the race for qualification to the knockout stages.
