by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Gideon Mensah is turning the page to a new chapter in his football journey. The former Ghana youth international has officially joined Swedish club Ljungskile SK, marking a fresh start after parting ways with Varbergs BoIS.
Mensah’s time at Varbergs was filled with promise but marred by persistent injuries, ultimately leading to a mutual decision to part ways. Reflecting on his departure, the defender expressed both gratitude and sadness.
“I want to thank everyone at the club, all those who were there when I came and all those who are there now that I’m going. I came here as a boy and left as a man,” Mensah shared, acknowledging the personal and professional growth he experienced during his tenure.
Despite the setbacks, the Ghanaian defender remained a fan favorite, earning the admiration of the Varbergs faithful. “To all BoIS fans, it is unfortunate and sad that I have to leave you this way, knowing how much you loved watching me play. Thanks for the good times,” he added.
At Ljungskile SK, Mensah will be seeking to rediscover his form and make a significant impact. With his technical ability and unwavering commitment, the club will be eager to integrate him into their squad as they prepare for the upcoming season.
For Mensah, this move represents not just a new club, but a new opportunity to fulfill the potential that once made him one of Ghana’s most promising young defenders.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
After five years of legal scrutiny, former German international Jerome Boateng has been cleared of all assault-related charges following the decision by Munich prosecutors to drop the case due to lack of evidence.
The ex-Bayern Munich defender had been under investigation since late 2019 over allegations of assault against his former girlfriend, Kasia Lenhardt. The case gained renewed attention in 2021 after Lenhardt’s tragic suicide, prompting the authorities to reopen the investigation. An autopsy report raised suspicions due to severe injuries found on Lenhardt’s body, but no conclusive evidence emerged to substantiate the claims.
The prosecution’s decision to close the case came after a key witness failed to appear for questioning and subsequently disappeared. In accordance with the legal principle in dubio pro reo (“when in doubt, for the defendant”), all charges of assault, coercion, and defamation against Boateng have now been dismissed.
Reacting to the outcome on Instagram, Boateng expressed his relief and optimism for the future.
“The Munich public prosecutor’s office has finally dropped the case against me after five years. All my statements were correct, and the allegations against me were false,” he wrote. “Thank you to everyone who stood by my side and supported me despite the heavy prejudice. That means so much to me. Now my family and I can finally look to the future with positivity. Never give up.”
The conclusion of the case marks the end of a prolonged legal battle for the World Cup-winning defender, who can now focus on rebuilding his life and career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 27, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghanaian striker Antoine Semenyo has voiced his belief that the Black Stars are among the best teams in Africa, expressing optimism about their World Cup qualification campaign.
Fresh off a dominant international break, where Ghana secured vital wins against Chad and Madagascar, the Black Stars sit comfortably atop Group I in the World Cup qualifiers. With four games left to play, they hold a three-point lead over second-placed Comoros, strengthening their path to the 2026 World Cup.
Semenyo, who found the net in Ghana’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Chad, highlighted the team’s ambition to return to the global stage. “Hopefully, by September, we can win one game or qualify for the World Cup, and then in 2026, we can show the world what a team we are,” he said with confidence.
Having featured in Ghana’s 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar, Semenyo is eager for the team to prove their worth on a larger platform. “We have one of the best African teams,” he asserted. “I feel like we just need to show the world what we can do. So the World Cup would be great.”
With their recent form and Semenyo’s confidence, the Black Stars are setting their sights on making a powerful statement when the world turns its attention to the 2026 tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 27, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s World Cup dreams received a major boost after the Black Stars secured back-to-back victories in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, earning praise from former national defender Dan Quaye.
In a commanding display, Ghana thrashed Chad 5-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium before sealing a 3-0 triumph over Madagascar in Morocco during the fifth and sixth rounds of the qualifying series. These emphatic wins have propelled the Black Stars to the top of Group I, with four matches remaining in the qualifying campaign.
Speaking to Koforidua-based Bryt FM, Dan Quaye, a former Hearts of Oak stalwart, commended the team’s performance and urged the players to maintain their focus and momentum.
“This is what we all wish for. I will commend the players for their performance in both games. We hope they continue like this. We are not there yet but with time, I’m sure we will get there,” Quaye remarked.
The Black Stars’ impressive victories have reignited hope for a return to the World Cup stage, as the team prepares to regroup in September for the next phase of the qualifiers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 27, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
In-form Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has reaffirmed his commitment to representing the Black Stars, declaring he will always make himself available for national duty.
Since making his debut in June 2022, the 27-year-old has become a vital part of the Ghanaian national team. With 21 appearances and three goals to his name, Semenyo continues to make significant contributions on the international stage.
His latest exploits came during Ghana’s impressive back-to-back victories in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Semenyo played a pivotal role as the Black Stars bounced back from their disappointing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign. He found the net in Ghana’s emphatic 5-0 win over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium and also featured in the team’s dominant performance against Madagascar.
Speaking to Sportsblog247.com, Semenyo emphasized his unwavering dedication to the national team.
“I feel that anything that will stop me from the national team is obviously injury. I will always avail myself. I always want to play for the nation. It’s been a dream to play for the national team, and it’s an honour to represent the country as well,” he said.
The former Bristol City star, who has attracted interest from several clubs, has returned to England to rejoin Bournemouth ahead of their upcoming league fixture.
The Black Stars will reconvene in September 2025 to continue their quest for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
