by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Emmanuel Afriyie Mario Sabbi couldn’t hide his joy after netting his debut Major League Soccer goal during Vancouver Whitecaps’ 2-0 win over Colorado Rapids. The 27-year-old forward, born in Italy and raised in the United States to Ghanaian parents, joined the MLS side in February from French outfit Le Havre.
After a challenging start due to injury, Sabbi finally made his mark in his third appearance. His moment came in the 38th minute, when Ali Ahmed sliced through the Rapids’ defense with a precise through ball, allowing Sabbi to unleash a powerful left-footed strike into the net.
Earlier in the match, Brian White had given the Whitecaps the lead in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a smart pass from Sebastien Berhalter. Sabbi’s overall performance earned him the Man of the Match award before being substituted in the 70th minute by Cameroonian forward Jean Claude Ngando.
“It’s been a rocky start, obviously, with the injury,” Sabbi admitted post-match. “But I’ve just been level-headed, talking to the boys. The coaching staff has been helping me tremendously since I’ve been here. It’s been an interesting two-and-a-half months, but their support showed today.”
Though Sabbi holds American citizenship and has made one appearance for the U.S. national team, he remains eligible to represent Ghana at the senior level — a decision fans on both sides will be watching closely.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Ghanaian forward Prince Osei Owusu continued his impressive run of form, finding the back of the net once more for CF Montréal, though it wasn’t enough to overturn a strong Columbus Crew side in a 2-1 defeat at Lower.com Field on Saturday night in MLS Round 7 action.
The hosts took early command of the match, with Aziel Jackson breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute. Jacen Russell-Rowe then doubled the lead in the 26th, capitalizing on Columbus’ attacking momentum and control of possession.
Montréal, however, came out with renewed energy after the break. Owusu halved the deficit in the 50th minute with a composed left-footed strike, which stood after a VAR review. It was his second goal in seven appearances this season—highlighting the 26-year-old’s growing influence in Marco Donadel’s squad.
Despite the visitors’ spirited second-half push, Columbus’ midfield dominance and defensive discipline held firm, ensuring all three points stayed in Ohio. The win also nudged the Crew further ahead in their head-to-head tally, with 16 wins now to Montréal’s 10.
CF Montréal will aim to bounce back when they return home to face Charlotte FC on April 12.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
In a heartfelt reflection, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has credited the unwavering support of Ghanaians for helping him earn a dream call-up to the Black Stars.
At 32, Asare’s journey to the national team has been marked by persistence and resilience. After a string of standout performances for Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League, he was named in Ghana’s squad for their international fixtures against Chad and Madagascar. Not only did he make his debut, but he also rose to the occasion—keeping clean sheets in both matches and solidifying his spot as Ghana’s number one goalkeeper.
Speaking to Peace FM, an emotional Asare expressed deep appreciation:
“What I will say is that although it was by the grace of God that I got the call-up, I want to first thank the supporters, management, and the Ghanaian people—including players and football authorities. I didn’t do this alone. Their support helped me achieve this dream.”
Asare emphasized the role of hard work in his rise:
“My determination has always been that when I’m in the goalpost, it won’t be easy to concede. As a goalkeeper, if you keep clean sheets, people notice. That consistency helped me earn this call-up.”
His story has since inspired many, a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and faith.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ebenezer Annan’s football journey hit a major milestone this season as the 22-year-old Black Stars left-back celebrated his first major title win, helping FK Crvena Zvezda clinch the Serbian Superliga crown.
Annan began the 2023/24 season on loan at OFK Beograd, where he featured prominently with 19 appearances, six assists, and a goal—making his presence felt from the left flank. His impressive performances prompted a mid-season recall to parent club Crvena Zvezda, and he didn’t miss a beat.
Slotting seamlessly into Zvezda’s setup, Annan featured in 10 crucial league games, contributing two assists and scoring once. His average performance rating of 7.2 (according to Sofascore) underlines the consistency and impact he brought to the team during the title run-in.
For Annan, this title is more than just silverware—it’s a symbol of growth, perseverance, and rising promise. While he wasn’t eligible for Crvena Zvezda’s European campaign this season due to his loan move, the left-back is set to be part of their UEFA Champions League squad next season, a dream he’s worked tirelessly toward.
As Crvena Zvezda celebrate their record-extending 36th league title and prepare for European nights ahead, Ebenezer Annan’s rise stands out as one of the feel-good stories of the season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 6, 2025 | Africa, Soccer
In a candid and comical trip down memory lane, former SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt opened up about an unusual solution he once used to help a struggling striker find form.
During an interview with iDiski Dine, Hunt recalled how he first spotted Senegalese striker Mame Niang under extreme conditions.
“I went to Dakar, and it was 45 degrees Celsius. This guy was playing on a sand pitch in that kind of heat and still heading the ball like a beast,” Hunt said. “I thought, ‘If I bring this guy to South Africa, I’ll make a million.’”
Hunt did just that—he signed Niang and brought him to SuperSport United. But things didn’t go as planned initially.
“He couldn’t speak English, and that was a big problem,” Hunt admitted. “In his first four games, he didn’t score. My club owner started questioning the decision to bring him in.”
As frustration built, Hunt trusted his instincts and offered a rather unconventional fix to the problem.
“I figured he needed something else to help him settle,” the coach said with a laugh. “There was this girl who always chatted to him, so I went up to her and said, ‘Do me a favor—he’s new here, he’s struggling. Can you take him on a date?’ I gave her a few hundred rand.”
According to Hunt, the plan worked like magic. After spending time with the woman, Niang began to find his rhythm on the pitch and soon started scoring.
“He just needed to feel at home, and that helped him settle in,” Hunt said with a grin. “Sometimes, football isn’t just about tactics—it’s about understanding your players.”
It’s one of those offbeat, behind-the-scenes tales that highlight the human side of the beautiful game—and the unconventional lengths coaches sometimes go to help their players thrive.
