by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Queens of Ghana were dealt a late blow in Dakar as they fell 1-0 to Senegal in the second leg of their international friendly on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. After securing a hard-fought 1-0 win in the first encounter in Accra, expectations were high for Coach Kim Lars Björkegren’s side. However, a late header from Senegal’s Hapsatou Diallo turned the tables, giving the Teranga Lionesses a measure of revenge.
Björkegren made five changes to the team that triumphed in the first leg, opting for fresh legs in Dakar. Despite the reshuffle, the Black Queens held their own for most of the match and looked set to earn a draw. But a moment of lapse in the dying minutes proved costly as Diallo rose highest to nod in the winner.
In the first leg played on Sunday, Ghana had claimed victory through a first-half header by Evelyn Badu, even after going down to ten players following a red card to Anasthesia Achiaa in the 63rd minute.
The two-leg series offered a good test for both sides as they continue preparations for upcoming international competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghanaian international and AS Monaco defender, Mohammed Salisu, is mourning the painful loss of his father, Mr. Mohammed Abdul Karim, who passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Kumasi.
Mr. Abdul Karim died at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital after a short illness. Following Islamic customs, he was laid to rest shortly after his passing.
Salisu, visibly shaken by the tragic news, is yet to release an official statement. However, fans noticed a sign of mourning as he wiped all photos from his Instagram account, signaling a period of personal grief.
Due to the bereavement, the towering centre-back missed AS Monaco’s crucial Ligue 1 clash against Stade de Brestois over the weekend, a match that ended in a defeat for Monaco. He is also expected to be absent from the squad when they face Olympique Marseille in a key fixture that could determine the race for second place in the French league.
The 25-year-old was last seen in national colors in March during Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, playing a pivotal role in victories against Chad and Madagascar.
The entire football community in Ghana and beyond extends condolences to Mohammed Salisu and his family during this difficult time.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has reacted to his side’s narrow 1-0 defeat to the Teranga Lionesses of Senegal, emphasizing that the friendly match could have easily ended in a draw.
The defeat, which came on Tuesday, followed a heavily rotated squad selection by the coach, who introduced several new faces into the starting eleven. Bjorkegren explained that the changes made team chemistry a challenge but were necessary for testing depth and versatility.
“We changed half of the team between those two games. Many players hadn’t played together before, and that can be a bit difficult because football is about natural relations,” Bjorkegren noted in his post-match remarks.
Despite the result, the coach believes the match was evenly contested and lacked clear chances for either side.
“It was a close game, not so many chances for either team. Normally it’s a 0-0 game, but they scored and there’s nothing I can do about it, so congratulations to Senegal,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Black Queens boss acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in the attacking third, and remains committed to refining the team’s offensive approach.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a major boost for the Black Stars, St Patrick’s Athletic goalkeeper Joseph Tetteh Anang has officially availed himself for selection to Ghana’s senior national team. The 24-year-old former England youth international, who currently plies his trade in the Irish Premier Division, is eager to don the Ghanaian jersey after years of waiting.
Anang, born in Ghana but raised in England, has enjoyed an impressive start to the season with St Patrick’s, keeping five clean sheets in just eight appearances. His outstanding performance in the recent Dublin derby against Shelbourne earned him the Man of the Match award, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s top shot-stoppers.
Having once been on the books of Premier League side West Ham United — where he was part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Conference League — Anang’s decision to represent Ghana comes at a time when the national team is searching for long-term stability between the posts.
“I’m ready to represent the country of my birth. It’s always been my dream to play for Ghana,” Anang said from his base in Ireland. Bureaucratic delays previously stalled his switch, but with his profile rising in Europe, the timing now seems perfect.
Anang is expected to add depth and serious competition to Ghana’s goalkeeping unit, currently led by Benjamin Asare, with Lawrence Ati Zigi and Jojo Wollacott also in the mix. With the Black Stars looking to bounce back to their former glory, the addition of Anang could be a vital piece in that puzzle.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Queens of Ghana are set for another fierce encounter with the Teranga Lionesses of Senegal on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, as they continue their international friendly series in Thies, Senegal. The match, which kicks off at 5:00 PM GMT at Stade Lat-Dior, marks the second meeting between the two sides during Ghana’s intensive nine-day training tour.
In their first clash, the Queens claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory, courtesy of a brilliant header from Evelyn Badu. Despite being reduced to ten players after Anasthesia Achiaa saw red, the team showed remarkable grit and defensive discipline to secure the win.
Head Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren lauded his side for their fighting spirit and their quick adaptation to Senegal’s physical style of play. As the Black Queens continue their buildup to the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Tuesday’s rematch presents another crucial test of their strength, strategy, and squad depth.
With momentum on their side, Ghana will look to finish the tour on a high note and reinforce their ambitions of making a deep run at WAFCON 2025.
