by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo says he is relishing the opportunity to feature in Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a flying start to life at the Etihad, scoring four goals in his first six appearances for City. He already has fond memories of Anfield this season, having found the net twice there on the opening day while still with former club Bournemouth.
Now wearing City blue, Semenyo is eager to experience one of English football’s biggest rivalries from the inside.
“As an outsider before joining here, it was always entertaining watching City and Liverpool,” Semenyo told the club’s website. “To be part of it, I’m so grateful, but it’s going to be a challenge.
“We’re prepared for it and we’ll be fired up on the day. I’m really looking forward to the game.”
With a combined tally of 14 goals in 27 appearances for Bournemouth and Manchester City this season, it is easy to see why Semenyo was one of the most in-demand attackers in the Premier League.
Just a month into his new chapter in Manchester, the Ghanaian reflected on how smoothly he has settled into life at the club.
“Everyone has been very welcoming,” he said. “It’s a great environment to be around. We feel comfortable and can just be ourselves. It’s a champion environment.
“Playing with the best players in the world and being coached by one of the best coaches in the world is only going to take my game to the next level.”
Semenyo also spoke glowingly about working under Pep Guardiola, describing the City boss as demanding but deeply motivating.
“He’s very intense and gives us a lot of insight into how he thinks as a coach,” Semenyo explained. “He only wants us to get better and he believes in us so much. He reminds us every day that we can win, and I’m really enjoying it.”
On the expectations that come with joining a star-studded squad, Semenyo admitted he embraces the pressure.
“I have expectations for myself. I knew coming here there would be pressure to score goals like Erling [Haaland], but I set those goals for myself from the start to compete at that level.
“Being on the same team as Erling is a blessing. Goalscoring is in my blood, it’s in my DNA, and I just want to keep going.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, World Cup
Kenya’s Rising Starlets will welcome neighbours Tanzania on Saturday in a crucial first-leg encounter of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, as teams from the CECAFA Zone battle for progress.
The match will be played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi and is expected to be keenly contested. Elsewhere in the region, Uganda will host Zambia at the FUFA Stadium in Kadiba in another first-leg fixture.
Kenya head coach Jackline Juma has stressed the importance of securing a strong home result against Tanzania before heading into the return leg.
“Our training has gone well and we are prepared for the match. We know it will not be an easy one,” Juma said, adding that a home victory would serve as a major boost for her side.
On the other side, Tanzania’s experienced coach Bakari Shime underlined his team’s ambition to get a positive away result.
“I have told my players how important it is to win away and make our work easier in the return leg. Kenya is not an easy team, but we have prepared well,” he said.
Kenya reached this stage after defeating Ethiopia 5–1 on aggregate, while Tanzania were dominant in their previous round, crushing Angola 7–0 over two legs.
In Kampala, Uganda face a stern test against Zambia, one of the strongest sides from the COSAFA Zone. The Ugandans progressed after eliminating Namibia 5–0 on aggregate and will look to experienced players such as Sylvia Kabene of Hibernian FC (Malta) and Desire Katisi Natooro of Kenya Police Bullets FC for inspiration.
Uganda head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes emphasized the need for focus in the home leg. “We need to concentrate and get a good result,” she said.
The winners from this round will advance to the next phase of the qualifiers, with the final round determining Africa’s four representatives at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in Poland.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is set for a high-profile challenge as Atlético Madrid prepare to take on Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Atlético will host the first leg on February 12 before travelling to Barcelona for the decisive return fixture on March 3. The winner over the two legs will book a place in the final, where either Athletic Bilbao or Real Sociedad await.
Lookman goes into the tie in scintillating form after delivering a standout performance in the quarter-finals. The Nigerian international was on the scoresheet and also provided an assist as Atlético dismantled Real Betis 5–0 to seal their place in the last four.
Since joining the Spanish giants, Lookman has wasted no time making his presence felt, quickly becoming an influential figure in attack. He will now be eager to carry that momentum into the showdown against Barcelona and help Atlético take a step closer to Copa del Rey glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
The Ghana Football Association has firmly rejected recent comments made by Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral regarding midfielder Thomas Partey, insisting the Black Stars star remains a top-quality player.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum spoke out in defence of the 32-year-old following remarks from Marcelino suggesting Partey has been mentally affected and is struggling to meet expected standards since joining Villarreal.
Partey signed for the Spanish club last summer on a free transfer after leaving Arsenal, but his time at the Estadio de la Cerámica has been disrupted by injuries, limiting his rhythm and consistency.
Marcelino’s assessment of the situation, however, did not sit well with the player’s camp, who publicly expressed their disappointment and offered context around the challenges Partey has faced.
Addressing the issue, Asante Twum described the comments as overly harsh and stressed that the Ghana FA does not share the coach’s viewpoint.
“We believe in the quality of Partey, and one game does not define him as a player,” he said. “At the FA, we do not agree with the coach’s views on this matter. Partey remains a top player and we have strong belief in his abilities.”
He further emphasized that Partey continues to be an important figure for the Black Stars as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana are set to regroup during the March international window for pre-World Cup friendly matches against Austria and Germany, with Partey expected to play a key leadership role within the squad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Luton Town manager Jack Wilshere has expressed his satisfaction after the club secured the permanent signing of England-born Ghanaian attacker Gideon Kodua, underlining the forward’s growing importance to his team’s style and identity.
The League One side confirmed on Friday, February 6, that Kodua’s loan spell from Premier League outfit West Ham United has been converted into a long-term deal.
Reacting to the announcement, Wilshere praised not only Kodua’s on-field impact but also his professionalism and mindset behind the scenes.
“Gids is so important to how we want to play,” Wilshere said. “He’s one I knew a lot about before coming here, especially after he scored against my team in the FA Youth Cup final for West Ham. Since we’ve been in, he’s been outstanding for us.”
The former Arsenal and England midfielder highlighted Kodua’s productivity, pointing to his goalscoring record, but stressed that his real value goes beyond the numbers.
“His output is there for everyone to see with the number of goals he’s scored. But what people don’t always see is his attitude towards working hard and improving himself every single day on the training ground.”
Wilshere added that the 21-year-old has quickly grown into a leader within the squad, making the decision to sign him permanently an easy one.
“He’s emerged as a key character in the group and someone we’re delighted to have with us for the long term, not just for the rest of this season.”
Kodua has enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, scoring 10 goals in 31 appearances across competitions. His consistent performances, work rate, and commitment have endeared him to the Luton faithful at Kenilworth Road, with his efforts now rewarded by a permanent stay at the club.
