by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo has declared that his best is yet to come, despite enjoying a stellar 2024/25 season with Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.
The 25-year-old has been in red-hot form, netting nine goals and supplying five assists in 35 appearances across all competitions — his most productive campaign since moving to Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023.
In an exclusive interview with SuperSport, Semenyo attributed his resurgence to improved fitness and injury-free consistency, which had previously eluded him due to persistent knee and shin issues.
“Just playing with no fear. If I’m honest, I feel like I’m just enjoying the game,” he said. “Being fit, being healthy, and staying injury-free has been key for me.”
While the numbers highlight a remarkable rise in form, Semenyo remains grounded, insisting that he’s far from done.
“I feel like I’ve still got a lot more to show,” he added, signaling greater ambition ahead of future Premier League and international campaigns.
With his confidence high and his body finally cooperating, the Black Stars attacker looks set to become a key figure for both club and country in the years ahead.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 8, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Veteran Ghanaian coach Joseph Emmanuel Sarpong has cautioned against premature comparisons between Hearts of Oak shot-stopper Benjamin Asare and Black Stars regulars Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Jojo Wollacott.
While Asare impressed with back-to-back clean sheets in his debut outings against Chad and Madagascar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Sarpong believes the goalkeeper’s abilities remain largely untested due to the lack of serious pressure from the opposition.
“The pressure Ati-Zigi and Wollacott faced while keeping goal for Ghana, Asare didn’t experience that,” Sarpong told Sportsblog247.com. “We are yet to see his real quality. When he’s up against top-class players who take long shots, apply relentless pressure, and strike unpredictably, then we can start comparing.”
Despite this, Sarpong did commend Asare’s calm demeanor and his effective communication with defenders like Alexander Djiku, noting the goalkeeper’s contribution to the team’s defensive solidity.
“Against Madagascar, the defence was well-organized, backed by a composed Asare. If a goalkeeper isn’t tested, that means the defence did its job well. I liked how he communicated at the back — that’s a good sign.”
As Ghana prepares for tougher tests ahead, all eyes will be on whether Asare can rise to the occasion and prove he belongs at the highest level.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Antoine Semenyo’s transformation at Bournemouth has been nothing short of inspiring. The Ghanaian forward is enjoying his best-ever campaign since joining the Cherries from Bristol City in January 2023. But according to Semenyo, it’s not just his goals and assists that have earned him the trust of manager Andoni Iraola—it’s his relentless defensive work.
Semenyo has tallied nine goals and five assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this season, including seven in the Premier League, making him the club’s third-highest scorer behind Justin Kluivert and Evanilson.
Yet beyond his attacking stats, Semenyo’s impact without the ball has been just as vital. His average of 1.1 successful tackles per 90 minutes ranks him seventh in the team, ahead of even central defender Dean Huijsen. He’s also fourth for possessions won in the final third—proof of his high-pressing energy.
Speaking to Sportblog247.com, Semenyo credited Iraola’s faith in him to his defensive willingness.
> “So he’s given me that license in games to go forward,” Semenyo said. “But I’m also reciprocating—helping in defense, recovery runs, and whatever is needed.
I feel like that’s the reason why I’m getting so much freedom—because I’m doing the defensive job I need to. When we get the ball, I’ve got all the space in the world to attack.”
That balance of hard work and attacking flair is turning Semenyo into a key figure in Iraola’s system—and a rising star for both Bournemouth and Ghana.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian football star and Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has etched his name into Premier League history, reaching the remarkable milestone of 300 appearances in England’s top flight.
The 33-year-old marked the occasion during Leicester City’s clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, where he came on as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat. While the result wasn’t in Leicester’s favor, the night held personal significance for Ayew, who has spent nearly a decade showcasing his talents across the league.
Ayew’s English journey began in 2015 when he joined Aston Villa. After a two-year stint, he moved to Swansea City, where he continued to prove his mettle. In 2019, Crystal Palace snapped him up—a move that saw him deliver some of his most memorable performances, including vital goals and tireless displays.
Now plying his trade with Leicester City, Ayew has notched four goals in 26 Premier League appearances this season, demonstrating his enduring quality and experience.
Across his Premier League career, he has amassed 41 goals and 25 assists—an impressive return for a player known as much for his work ethic and versatility as his scoring ability.
As Leicester prepare to face Newcastle United on Monday night, Ayew is expected to once again bring his experience and leadership to the fore.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shed light on why key midfielder Thomas Partey, along with three other first-team regulars, was left out of the starting XI in Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Everton at Goodison Park.
The Ghanaian international was a notable omission alongside captain Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli. While Ødegaard, Saka, and Martinelli were later introduced in the second half, Partey remained an unused substitute throughout the match.
Speaking after the game, Arteta explained that the changes were precautionary, particularly after Gabriel Magalhães suffered an injury during their previous outing against Fulham.
“There were four players that couldn’t start the game after what happened with Fulham, and obviously the injury of Gabi, so that forces you as well to make some changes,” Arteta said in his post-match interview.
The Spanish tactician emphasized the importance of rotation with a congested fixture list ahead. “Players deserve to play minutes, so I’m very happy with that. Everybody has to be important, has to feel important. They have so many games coming up right now, and we have to rely on all of them.”
Thomas Partey is expected to return to the starting lineup when the Gunners face Real Madrid on Tuesday night in the UEFA Champions League, as Arsenal look to make a statement on the European stage.
