by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Michelle Agyemang, the talented 19-year-old forward born to Ghanaian parents in England, has earned her first senior call-up to the England women’s national team for their UEFA Nations League clash against Belgium. The call-up, which comes as a replacement for injured striker Alessia Russo, marks a significant step in Agyemang’s international career and seemingly settles the debate over her international allegiance.
Having represented England across various youth levels, Agyemang was still eligible to play for Ghana. However, her inclusion in the senior Lionesses squad for the second-leg match in Leuven on Tuesday suggests her commitment lies with the country of her birth — a decision that sees Ghana miss out on another promising diaspora talent.
Just days ago, Agyemang featured for England’s U19 team during the Euros qualifiers, but swiftly joined the senior side on Sunday as they prepared for their encounter with Belgium. The Brighton & Hove Albion striker — currently on loan from Arsenal — is expected to make her senior debut tomorrow evening.
So far this season, Agyemang has made 19 league appearances, scoring once and providing one assist. Her progression from youth prospect to senior international reflects her growing influence in the women’s game.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports has revealed that it remains uninformed about the budget allocated for the Black Stars’ recent games against Chad and Madagascar, despite government promises of transparency.
Committee member Vincent Ekow Assafuah disclosed in an interview on Metro TV that the only financial details shared with the committee pertained to salaries of the technical team and staff — but not the full budget for the matches.
“We are not aware of the full budget for the Black Stars as we speak,” Assafuah said. “The only information that has been provided to the committee is the breakdown of salaries for the coaches and staff, such as assistant coaches and team managers. These details were made available, but the actual budget for the games has not been shared with us.”
This comes despite President John Mahama’s pledge during his February State of the Nation Address that the budget for Black Stars matches would no longer be kept secret. The president’s vow aimed to enhance accountability and public trust in the national team’s financial affairs.
However, Assafuah played down the significance of the president’s promise. “This isn’t anything new,” he said. “In the past, ministries and the GFA have disclosed match expenses — but only after games were played. What would be truly different is sharing the budget before the games.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has assured Ghanaians that the full budget for the matches will be released soon.
The Black Stars recently impressed on the pitch, thrashing Chad 5-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium and defeating Madagascar 3-0 in Morocco during the Matchday 5 and 6 fixtures.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Arsenal are preparing for a blockbuster summer transfer window as they hand new sporting director Andrea Berta a massive £200 million budget to reshape the squad. The Gunners are eyeing a trio of major signings, with Spanish-Ghanaian winger Nico Williams topping the wishlist.
According to The Sun, Berta is prioritizing moves for three key targets: Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad, and Athletic Bilbao’s rising star Nico Williams. Arsenal are ready to activate Williams’ £40m release clause, despite a dip in form this season, where he’s tallied 7 goals and 5 assists in 39 appearances.
Zubimendi, the La Real captain and midfield anchor, is another prime target, with a proposed £50m bid in the works. Meanwhile, Gyokeres, who has been in electrifying form in Portugal, is seen as a vital addition to Arsenal’s attacking options.
Beyond headline names, the Gunners are also planning for squad depth improvements, with a new goalkeeper on the radar to replace Neto, who returns to Bournemouth after his loan spell.
Berta is currently in talks with the Arsenal board to finalize funding for these deals, and there is growing optimism that all three transfers can be completed. As Arsenal aim to take the next big step in their quest for Premier League and European glory, this summer window could prove pivotal.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 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.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Manchester City could be set for a surprise shake-up in their attacking lineup, with reports suggesting the club is willing to listen to offers for Belgian-Ghanaian winger Jeremy Doku ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old, who joined City from Rennes in August 2023, has had a mixed campaign in his second season in England. Despite racking up 29 appearances across all competitions, contributing six goals and seven assists, Doku has struggled to cement a consistent role in Pep Guardiola’s setup.
Notably, the fleet-footed winger was left out of the matchday squad in both legs of City’s recent Champions League Round of 16 clash with Real Madrid — a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
While Manchester City are not actively shopping Doku, sources close to the club told Foot Mercato that a suitable offer could prompt a sale. This has reportedly piqued the interest of top European sides, including La Liga giants Barcelona, who are said to be monitoring the situation closely.
Doku’s potential departure would reflect broader changes at City, as the club faces an unusually turbulent season and a fierce battle for Champions League qualification. His future now hangs in the balance, as the summer promises major decisions for both player and club.
