by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 13, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations delivered high drama on Saturday as defending champions Senegal bowed out of the tournament in heartbreaking fashion.
The Young Lions of Teranga were held to a goalless draw by Ivory Coast in a tense quarter-final encounter at the Berrechid Municipal Stadium. The match went to penalties, where the Young Elephants displayed nerves of steel, converting all five of their spot-kicks to clinch a 5-3 victory and send the champions packing.
Meanwhile, Mali edged Tunisia in a dramatic shootout after a 1-1 draw in their quarter-final clash at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida. The Young Eagles held their composure to triumph 10-9 in the marathon penalty decider, securing a hard-fought place in the semi-finals.
Looking ahead, Mali will face Burkina Faso in the first semi-final on 15 April at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off set for 18h00 CAT. Later that evening, hosts Morocco will take on Ivory Coast in the second semi-final at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, kicking off at 21h00 CAT.
The battle for the U17 crown intensifies, but for Senegal, the dream of a title defense ends here.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 13, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Samuel Osei Kuffour, one of Ghana’s most celebrated defenders, has revealed his all-time best Black Stars XI — a lineup made up entirely of players he shared the pitch with during his international career.
In an exclusive interview with Sportsblog247.com, the former Bayern Munich and Ghana stalwart took a nostalgic journey back through the golden era of Ghanaian football, highlighting the teammates he believes were the finest in their respective positions.
At the heart of his dream team is veteran goalkeeper Richard Kingson, the dependable shot-stopper who stood tall for Ghana at both the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups. Kingson’s heroics were instrumental in the Black Stars’ historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa 2010.
In defense, Kuffour partnered with the tough-tackling Emmanuel Armah, affectionately known as “Senegal,” who helped Ghana reach the final of the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations.
The midfield features powerhouse Michael Essien, whose dynamic play earned him global acclaim. Kuffour and Essien famously lined up together during Ghana’s World Cup debut in 2006, even though their campaign began with a tough loss to eventual champions Italy.
Further up the field is the iconic Abedi Pele, arguably Ghana’s greatest footballer. His vision and flair lit up the 1992 AFCON, where he captained Ghana to a runner-up finish.
And leading the line is none other than Anthony Yeboah, the prolific striker known for his thunderous goals and tenacity. Yeboah, too, was part of the memorable 1992 squad that came heartbreakingly close to AFCON glory.
This dream team, according to Kuffour, isn’t just about skill — it’s about heart, experience, and unforgettable memories.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 13, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s U20 national team, the Black Satellites, are gearing up for a challenging campaign at the 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations, following a tricky draw that has placed them in the tournament’s so-called “Group of Death.”
The draw, conducted in Egypt on Sunday, saw Ghana land in Group C alongside formidable opponents: Senegal, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic. These teams promise a tough contest, but the Satellites remain optimistic, buoyed by their recent success at the 2023 African Games, where they clinched gold.
Ghana booked their spot at the continental tournament by finishing as runners-up in the WAFU B Championship, narrowly losing out to rivals Nigeria in the final. Now, the stage is set in Egypt, with the tournament scheduled to kick off on April 27.
The Black Satellites begin their campaign on May 2 against DR Congo before facing a heavyweight clash against Senegal on May 5. They wrap up the group stage with a match against the Central African Republic on May 8.
This edition of the U20 AFCON carries added significance as it serves as the qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. Ghana, famously the only African nation to have won the U20 World Cup—back in 2009—are eager to return to the global stage after last appearing in 2015, where they exited at the Round of 16.
In the other groups, hosts Egypt headline Group A with Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania, while Nigeria lead Group B featuring Tunisia, Kenya, and Morocco.
The tournament was initially set to be hosted in Ivory Coast but was moved to Egypt following the Ivorian FA’s withdrawal.
Ghana will be hoping to channel their rich legacy and recent momentum into a deep run in the competition—and possibly another AFCON triumph.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 9, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
From the bustling streets of Accra to the grandest stages of world football, Asamoah Gyan’s journey has inspired a generation. Now, Ghana’s all-time top scorer is stepping into a new role—one that blends his footballing legacy with a passion for youth development. Joining him is fellow icon Abedi Pele, a name etched into the very heart of African football history.
Together, these two legends have been appointed as ambassadors for the upcoming 2025 African Schools Football Championship, set to kick off in the final week of April in Accra. With matches to be played across multiple venues, the tournament promises not only thrilling competition but also a platform for discovering the continent’s next stars.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed his excitement about their involvement: “We are honored to have Abedi Pele and Asamoah Gyan on board. Their presence will not only boost the visibility of the tournament but will also motivate the young players to dream big and work hard.”
Their influence extends beyond the pitch. With charisma, experience, and a deep connection to the African football story, Gyan and Pele are set to inspire thousands of young athletes and fans. As Ghana once again positions itself at the heart of African football development, the presence of these legends ensures that the future is not only bright—it’s unstoppable.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 9, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Antoine Semenyo is relishing life on the south coast of England. The Ghanaian forward has been a revelation for Bournemouth this season, playing a pivotal role in the Cherries’ push for a historic European spot.
After enduring injury setbacks in past seasons, Semenyo now credits his consistent fitness as the cornerstone of his impressive form. With nine goals and five assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, the 24-year-old has become a key figure in Andoni Iraola’s attacking setup.
“Just playing with no fear… being fit, being healthy, being injury-free at some point [has been key],” Semenyo shared, reflecting on his journey.
But it’s not just his physical condition that has fueled his rise — the bond he’s built with the Bournemouth faithful has also been instrumental.
“I feel like it’s been built over time,” he said of his relationship with the fans. “Everyone connected with the fans.”
Despite Bournemouth’s recent dip — three losses and two draws in their last five games — Semenyo remains a beacon of hope. As the team eyes a first-ever European qualification, all eyes will be on the Ghanaian to help guide them through the decisive final stretch of the season.
