by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The grand finale of the Kozie Cares Champions League kicks off today, Sunday, November 17, at the Adjiriganor Astro Turf, with a mission to unite the youth and promote peace ahead of Ghana’s December general elections.
This thrilling tournament has brought together top football teams from the capital, showcasing not just talent but the spirit of togetherness and harmony. Events for the day begin at 11:30 a.m. with the quarter-finals, followed by a special curtain-raiser at 2:30 p.m., featuring a friendly match between Adenta NPP Executive Members and Coordinators.
The semi-finals will follow at 4:10 p.m., setting the stage for the eagerly anticipated grand finale later in the evening.
Mrs. Akosua Asaa Manu, widely known as Kozie and the Parliamentary Candidate for Adenta Constituency, will deliver a keynote address. Her message will focus on empowering the youth, fostering unity, and advocating for peaceful coexistence during the election season.
Adding star power to the event is Shatta Wale, the celebrated musician and leader of the Shatta Movement Family, who will entertain fans with a live performance to energize the crowd before the final match.
The event will conclude with the presentation of awards and cash prizes to outstanding players and teams, followed by a reflective vote of thanks and a prayer.
The Kozie Cares Champions League goes beyond football, serving as a vital platform to inspire collaboration, respect, and peace within the community as the elections draw near. Residents of Adenta are encouraged to join this vibrant celebration of sportsmanship and unity.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that Jordan Ayew, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku will miss the Black Stars’ final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Niger due to injuries.
Ayew and Issahaku both sustained injuries during Friday’s 1-1 draw with Angola. Medical reports revealed significant knee damage for Ayew, while Issahaku, forced off in the first half, requires further rehabilitation. Both players will return to their clubs—Crystal Palace and Leicester City, respectively—for recovery.
Defenders Alidu Seidu and Gideon Mensah, who were doubtful for the Angola clash, were ruled unfit after post-match medical evaluations confirmed their inability to feature further.
Ghana’s AFCON qualification hopes were officially extinguished after the draw with Angola left the Black Stars in fourth place in Group F, with just three points from five matches. This disappointing campaign marks the first time in 21 years that Ghana will miss the continental tournament.
With no stakes attached to Monday’s match against Niger, the team will focus on salvaging some pride. The Black Stars will hold their final training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Guinea’s talismanic forward Serhou Guirassy delivered another moment of brilliance, scoring a dramatic 92nd-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The win ended DR Congo’s unbeaten run and moved Guinea closer to securing a spot in Morocco.
The Borussia Dortmund striker has been in scintillating form, leading the AFCON qualifiers’ top scorers chart with six goals and two assists in five matches. His knack for decisive moments was on full display as he powered his team to a crucial win in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
Guirassy’s leadership and clinical finishing have been instrumental in Guinea’s campaign, earning praise from fans and pundits alike. With just one game remaining, his contributions have put Guinea within touching distance of booking their ticket to the AFCON tournament.
The Syli Nationale now aim to carry this momentum into their final group fixture as they edge closer to the continental showpiece.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Stars have bolstered their ranks with the inclusion of Kamaradini Mamudu, the dynamic fullback from Medeama SC, ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Niger.
Mamudu’s first-ever senior national team call-up comes on the back of an impressive season in the Ghana Premier League, where his consistent performances have made him one of the standout players. In nine league appearances, the defender has played every minute, contributing two goals and earning a Man of the Match accolade.
His form has been pivotal not only for Medeama’s domestic campaign but also on the continental stage. Mamudu famously scored the decisive goal in Medeama’s CAF Champions League group stage victory over CR Belouizdad, showcasing his knack for rising to the occasion. Last season, he featured in 36 matches across all competitions, amassing six goals and two assists, a remarkable feat for a defender.
Known for his speed and overlapping runs, Mamudu is expected to bring versatility and depth to Ghana’s defense, especially as the team deals with injuries to key players. With the Black Stars struggling in the qualifiers, head coach Chris Hughton will hope Mamudu’s energy and confidence can inspire a turnaround when Ghana faces Niger on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The nation will be watching closely as the young Medeama star steps onto the international stage for the first time, aiming to help Ghana end their qualifying campaign on a high.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | Uncategorized
Accra, Ghana – The Black Stars are set to feature a fresh face in their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger. Ebenezer Abban, captain of Heart of Lions, has earned his maiden call-up to the national team, a decision that highlights his impressive form in the Ghana Premier League.
The 23-year-old centre-back has been a standout performer this season, amassing 975 minutes across 11 matches. His consistent displays, marked by defensive solidity and a commanding aerial presence, have not gone unnoticed by Ghana’s technical team. Abban’s contributions last season were equally remarkable, with 33 appearances and a staggering 13 goals—an unusual feat for a defender—helping Lions secure their place in the top flight.
Abban’s inclusion comes at a critical time for the Black Stars, who are without injured regulars Gideon Mensah and Alidu Seidu. Known for his composure and tactical intelligence, the Heart of Lions skipper is seen as a reliable option to shore up Ghana’s backline.
Speaking ahead of the Monday, November 18 clash at the Accra Sports Stadium, the technical team expressed confidence in Abban’s ability to transition smoothly into international football. The 4 pm showdown offers him a chance to make a mark and provide stability in a team eager to bounce back after a challenging qualifying campaign.
The match against Niger is not just about securing a result—it’s a battle to restore pride, and for Ebenezer Abban, it could be the beginning of a long and successful journey with the Black Stars.
