by Emmanuel Atanga | May 2, 2025 | Africa, Soccer
What began as a regular match turned tragic in a matter of moments. During play, Ousmane suddenly collapsed on the pitch, sending shockwaves through teammates and spectators. Medical teams rushed in, managing to resuscitate him before he was swiftly transported to Dijon hospital. For several days, he battled for his life, but despite every effort, the young footballer succumbed to his condition.
His club released a heartfelt statement: “On the pitch, he suffered a cardiac arrest. Resuscitated, he was rushed to Dijon hospital. After several days of struggling, Ousmane breathed his last.”
This heartbreaking incident casts a somber light on the persistent threat of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) in athletes—a silent danger that continues to haunt the world of sports.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes the return of Thomas Partey could be the catalyst the Gunners need to overturn their 1-0 first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
Mikel Arteta’s side fell behind early at the Emirates Stadium thanks to a goal from Ousmane Dembélé, and despite settling into the game later, they were unable to find an equaliser. Partey’s absence, due to suspension, was noticeably felt as Arsenal struggled to control the midfield in the early exchanges.
Speaking to Tribalfootball.com, Parlour emphasised how vital Partey’s return could be in the high-stakes return leg in Paris.
“Arsenal grew into the game after about 20 minutes, and with Partey back, it’s so important they win those midfield battles and dominate possession,” he said. “Scoring first is absolutely crucial.”
Parlour also pointed to Arsenal’s attacking firepower as a reason for optimism. “With Saka and Martinelli, they have the weapons to do damage. Merino playing as a number nine gives them another dimension—he can really trouble PSG.”
He stressed the importance of keeping things tight at the back in the early minutes.
“It’s not over, but Arsenal must avoid conceding early. If they stay compact and settle quickly, their away form in Europe gives them a good chance to turn things around.”
The second leg at the Parc des Princes promises to be a tense affair, and all eyes will be on Partey to help Arsenal rediscover their rhythm in the midfield engine room.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 1, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Ghanaian midfielder Elisha Owusu has expressed his deep desire to represent the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing it as the pinnacle of every footballer’s career.
Speaking with conviction, Owusu revealed that he is working tirelessly each day with one goal in mind—earning a spot in Ghana’s World Cup squad next year.
“I train every day and work hard to try and be in the squad for the tournament next year,” he said, underlining his commitment to both fitness and form. “Playing in the World Cup is a childhood dream for me, and I’m determined to make it happen.”
The 26-year-old’s journey hit a bump in March 2025 when he was ruled out of Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers due to injury. However, his optimism remains intact. Owusu is focused on returning to full fitness and contributing to the national team’s success as they aim to book their place at the global showpiece.
Currently, Ghana sits atop Group I in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers—a position that strengthens their hopes of securing a spot in the tournament set to take place across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
While Owusu watches from the sidelines for now, his passion for donning the Black Stars jersey on football’s grandest stage burns brighter than ever.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called on the club to offer Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey a new contract, insisting the 31-year-old remains a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s setup.
Partey’s current deal, signed in 2020 after his high-profile move from Atlético Madrid, expires this summer. With interest reportedly coming from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia, Arsenal are said to be deliberating over a possible extension for the injury-troubled yet influential midfielder.
Wright, however, believes the decision should be straightforward. Speaking in a recent interview, he passionately defended Partey’s value to the team.
“There’s nothing to think about,” Wright said. “Thomas Partey should be given another contract. It’s not easy to find a midfielder like Thomas. We don’t have many of them in the streets. He’s shown that he deserves more and more.”
Partey reminded fans of his quality with a commanding performance in Arsenal’s recent Champions League quarterfinal triumph over Real Madrid. Although he missed the narrow 1-0 defeat to PSG at the Emirates due to a minor knock, he is expected to return for the second leg in Paris—a crucial clash for the Gunners’ European ambitions.
As Arsenal chase silverware both domestically and in Europe, keeping experienced heads like Partey could prove vital. Wright’s message is clear: Arsenal must act swiftly to secure the future of one of their most reliable midfield generals.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Abdul Razak continued his impressive run of form over the weekend, scoring a stunning goal to help CSM Sighetu secure a resounding 5-2 away victory over ACS Diosig in the Romanian Liga III relegation play-off.
On matchday six of the mini-league, Razak delivered a moment of brilliance in added time to cap off the win. Picking up the ball near the center circle, the 21-year-old surged forward, skipped past a defender, and unleashed a precise low drive from the edge of the area to seal the three points. It was his third goal in just two matches—highlighting his growing influence in the squad.
CSM Sighetu had already established control in the first half, thanks to a brace from Gogo Nai. While Diosig mounted a brief comeback with a goal early in the second half, Nai completed his hat-trick and Alexandru Mare added a fourth to keep the visitors in command. Razak’s late goal made it a dominant and complete performance.
With seven goals in 16 appearances this season, Razak has emerged as a key figure in CSM Sighetu’s survival campaign. His dynamism in midfield and eye for goal have been crucial in keeping the club at the top of the relegation play-off table, where they now sit with 48 points.
As the season nears its conclusion, the young Ghanaian looks determined to help his side retain their Liga III status—and perhaps attract attention from higher leagues along the way.
