by Emmanuel Atanga | May 3, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana U-20 head coach Desmond Ofei has applauded the fighting spirit and intensity of DR Congo following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their opening Group C match at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The Black Satellites were tested from the outset at the Suez Stadium, conceding in the 16th minute to a well-taken goal by Samuel Ntanda, who finished off a pinpoint pass from Messy Manitu. Despite the early setback, Ghana hit back quickly as Aziz Musibau found the net in the 24th minute, finishing a sharp through ball from Emmanuel Mensah.
In his post-match remarks, Ofei recognized the quality of the Congolese side, admitting they were a tough opponent.
“They are a very aggressive team — they fought for every ball and were very direct,” Ofei said. “I think we handled it quite well, though we slipped once and got punished. But full respect to Congo, they were a very good opponent.”
The match remained intense throughout, with both sides creating chances but failing to find a winner. The result leaves Group C wide open, with all four teams — Ghana, DR Congo, Senegal, and the Central African Republic — level on one point after identical 1-1 draws.
Ghana’s next test comes on May 5, when they face defending champions Senegal in a crucial encounter that could shape their journey in the tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 3, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
After a spirited 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening Group C fixture at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana U-20 forward Abdul Hakim Sulemana has assured fans that the Black Satellites will be more clinical in front of goal when they face Senegal.
The match, played at the Suez Stadium, saw Ghana concede early to a 16th-minute header by DR Congo’s Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa. But the Satellites quickly responded, as Aziz Musibau converted a well-placed pass from Emmanuel Mensah in the 24th minute to level the score.
Sulemana, who was named Man of the Match for his standout performance, reflected on the team’s missed chances but remained optimistic ahead of their next clash.
“We gave it our all but just couldn’t make our chances count,” Sulemana said. “Next time, especially against Senegal, we’re going to take every opportunity seriously and use our chances wisely.”
With all four teams in Group C – Ghana, Senegal, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic – sitting on one point each after similar 1-1 draws, the group remains wide open. Ghana’s next match against Senegal promises to be a crucial one in the race for knockout qualification.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
As the FIFA Club World Cup prepares for a historic transformation in June 2025—with 32 clubs set to battle for global supremacy in the United States—it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the Ghanaians who have left their mark on this elite tournament.
Since its inception in 2000, the FIFA Club World Cup has been won by just 12 clubs, with Spanish giants Real Madrid leading the pack with five titles. Among the hundreds of players who have tasted glory on this stage, only five men of Ghanaian descent have stood on the podium with medals draped around their necks.
Here’s a look at these trailblazers—from a midfield general who represented the Black Stars with pride, to those whose allegiance remained with European nations but whose Ghanaian roots remain undisputed.
Sulley Muntari – Inter Milan (2010)
A midfield powerhouse for Ghana, Sulley Muntari remains the only one among the five to have worn the Black Stars jersey at the senior level. In 2010, he was part of Inter Milan’s golden squad under José Mourinho, which completed a historic treble. Although Mourinho had departed before the Club World Cup in the UAE, Muntari stayed on with Rafael Benitez’s side. While he watched the final from the bench, he was part of the squad that sealed a 3-0 victory over TP Mazembe, with goals from Goran Pandev, Samuel Eto’o, and Jonathan Biabiany.
Jerome Boateng – Bayern Munich (2013, 2021)
A two-time Club World Cup winner, Jerome Boateng—brother to Ghana’s Kevin-Prince Boateng—won his first title in 2013 with Bayern Munich. He played in the final against Morocco’s Raja Casablanca as Bayern triumphed 2-0. In 2021, he was again named in the squad for the tournament in Qatar. Unfortunately, he left the team just before the final due to personal tragedy, but was still part of the champion squad that edged Tigres 1-0.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – Chelsea (2022)
Still eligible to play for Ghana, Callum Hudson-Odoi remains a tantalizing prospect for the Black Stars. In 2022, he started for Chelsea in the Club World Cup final against Palmeiras. Though he was substituted in the 76th minute, he played a crucial role in the build-up to their 2-1 extra-time victory, with Kai Havertz delivering the decisive blow.
Danny Welbeck – Manchester United (2008)
Danny Welbeck was the first Ghanaian-origin player to claim a Club World Cup title. In 2008, the forward was part of Manchester United’s squad that traveled to Japan. Though he didn’t feature in the final, he was on the bench as Wayne Rooney’s strike secured a 1-0 win over LDU Quito, making United the first British team to lift the trophy.
Jeremy Doku – Manchester City (2023)
In December 2023, just months after signing for Manchester City, Jeremy Doku joined the squad that traveled to Saudi Arabia. Though he didn’t see minutes on the pitch, he was part of the historic squad that delivered City’s first-ever FIFA Club World Cup title with a dominant 4-0 win over Fluminense. Julian Alvarez’s brace, an own goal from Nino, and Phil Foden’s finish sealed the victory.
From benchwarmers to starters, each of these players has contributed to the legacy of Ghanaian talent on football’s global stage. And with the expanded Club World Cup just around the corner, more names could soon join this elite list.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Bernard Tekpetey has added another feather to his cap, securing his fifth consecutive Bulgarian First League title with Ludogorets Razgrad despite a season hampered by injury.
The 27-year-old forward, sidelined for most of the campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear, watched from the stands as his teammates sealed the championship with a decisive 2-0 win over Cherno More in the Championship playoffs. Olivier Verdon broke the deadlock just before halftime, while Swiss-born Ghanaian striker Kwadwo Duah sealed the win for the Green Eagles.
Since joining Ludogorets in 2020, Tekpetey has become a consistent winner, now boasting nine trophies with the club. Even though injuries limited him to just seven appearances this season, he still managed to find the net twice across all competitions.
The former Schalke 04 star is expected to reunite with his teammates at the Ludogorets Arena on Saturday ahead of their match against Levski, where the team will celebrate yet another successful campaign.
Tekpetey is steadily recovering and is expected to return to full fitness in time to play a significant role in the club’s 2025/26 season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 2, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana and DR Congo played out a gripping 1-1 draw in their opening Group C clash at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, held Thursday evening at the Suez Stadium in Egypt.
The match began cautiously, but it was DR Congo who found the early breakthrough. In the 16th minute, a lapse in Ghana’s defense proved costly. Midfielder Messy Manitu unlocked the Ghanaian backline with a precision pass, and striker Samuel Ntanda coolly finished to put the Congolese side ahead.
The early setback stirred the Black Satellites into action. Just eight minutes later, they responded in style. Emmanuel Mensah weaved a slick pass through DR Congo’s defense, setting up Aziz Musibau, who showed poise and control to fire in the equalizer.
The remainder of the game was fiercely contested. DR Congo applied attacking pressure in the second half but were often let down by poor finishing in the final third. Ghana, meanwhile, looked threatening on the counter but couldn’t find the decisive goal.
In the end, both teams settled for a point each in a tightly fought encounter. Ghana now faces defending champions Senegal in their next match—a daunting challenge—while DR Congo prepares to meet the Central African Republic in what could be a crucial tie for their campaign.
