by Emmanuel Atanga | May 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has finally released the official 26-man squad for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, just under 24 hours before the Black Satellites kick off their campaign against DR Congo.
The last-minute announcement stirred a wave of criticism from fans and media alike, who had called for greater transparency and earlier communication from the GFA ahead of the prestigious youth tournament.
Despite the delay, the squad boasts a promising mix of homegrown talent and international prospects. Headlining the list are Jerry Afriyie, a forward currently on the books of Spanish side CD Lugo, and Abdul Aziz Issah, an exciting attacking midfielder from FC Barcelona B.
Dreams FC’s in-form striker Aziz Musibau also makes the cut and is expected to lead the line for Ghana. The team is under the guidance of head coach Desmond Sakyi Ofei and is based in the city of Suez, where they will play their opening Group C match.
Ghana’s tournament opener against DR Congo is set for Friday, May 2, at the Suez Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 GMT. The Black Satellites are eyeing a strong start as they target a top-two finish in their group—or one of the best third-placed positions—to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
Beyond continental glory, the stakes are even higher, as the four semifinalists will earn qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The squad includes players from top European clubs such as Real Sociedad, FC Sturm Graz, and Zulte Waregem, raising hopes that Ghana can mount a serious challenge for the title and reclaim their status as a dominant force in African youth football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | May 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Chelsea’s patience appears to be wearing thin with Belgian-Ghanaian midfielder Romeo Lavia, as the club prepares to listen to summer offers for the injury-hit youngster.
Signed from Southampton in a big-money move worth around £58 million ahead of the 2023/24 season, Lavia arrived at Stamford Bridge with high expectations and raw talent. But after nearly a year in West London, his Chelsea career has yet to take flight, blighted by a string of persistent injuries that have limited him to just one competitive appearance.
Still only 21, Lavia’s early promise had seen him break through impressively at Southampton after leaving Manchester City’s academy. His performances there made him one of the Premier League’s hottest prospects, drawing interest from several top clubs before Chelsea ultimately secured his signature.
However, his time at the Blues has been defined more by time in the treatment room than on the pitch. Ongoing muscular issues have made it impossible for the midfielder to build rhythm or showcase his potential.
Now, under the guidance of sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea are reportedly open to parting ways with Lavia — but only if a suitable offer comes in. A fee in the region of £40 million is believed to be enough to tempt the Blues into letting him go, even if it means taking a financial hit.
As part of a wider squad overhaul and fitness-focused evaluation, Chelsea are reassessing the long-term value of players with recurring injury issues. Despite Lavia’s undeniable talent and youth, the club fears his physical problems may persist, making him a risky asset over the course of a demanding season.
With the summer transfer window nearing, clubs across Europe and the Premier League could be tempted to take a calculated gamble on Lavia — hoping to unlock the potential that once made him one of the most exciting young midfielders in England.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 30, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Despite drawing a full-capacity crowd at the Baba Yara Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Chad, the National Sports Authority (NSA) made a surprisingly small profit of just 3,000 cedis. The match, which generated gross proceeds of 500,000 cedis, was overshadowed by unusually high operational costs — with over 300,000 cedis reportedly spent on ticket printing alone. This raises questions about the efficiency of expenditure and revenue management at major sporting events in Ghana, even when fan turnout hits record highs.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 26, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
In a major development for African football, Ghana Football Association President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has been appointed as the 2nd Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The appointment marks a proud moment for Ghana and a significant step in Okraku’s career, reflecting his growing influence within the continental football scene. His leadership at the GFA has now earned him a place among the top executives shaping the future of African football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 25, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
In a dramatic night of CAF Champions League semi-final football, Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC booked their places in the final, setting up a historic showdown between South Africa and Egypt.
At the iconic Cairo International Stadium, defending champions Al Ahly were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Sundowns side. Mohamed Taher gave the hosts the lead, but a heartbreaking own-goal by Yasser Ibrahim deep into stoppage time handed the advantage to the South Africans. With the aggregate tied at 1-1, Sundowns progressed on the away goals rule, showing grit and composure under pressure.
Over at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Pyramids FC made history of their own by reaching their first-ever CAF Champions League final. In a five-goal thriller against South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, the Egyptians edged the tie 3-2. Fiston Mayele starred with a brace while Ramadan Sobhi’s powerful header sealed the result. Pirates, despite goals from exciting young talents Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota, couldn’t overturn the deficit.
Now, the stage is set for a titanic two-legged final between two ambitious clubs. The first leg will take place in Pretoria on May 24, with the return leg in Cairo on June 1. Sundowns will be chasing their second continental title after their 2016 triumph, while Pyramids hope to etch their name into African football history for the first time.
