by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghanaian defender Jerome Opoku is keeping his sights on European qualification despite Istanbul Basaksehir enduring a tough season in the Turkish Super Lig.
The 26-year-old centre-back has been a key figure for Basaksehir, starting 24 league matches and registering two goals and two assists. However, his contributions haven’t been enough to lift the team higher than eighth place, a significant drop from their previous campaign.
Reflecting on the season’s challenges, Opoku admitted in an interview with Sportsblog247.com that things haven’t gone according to plan.
“We’ve had a pretty rough season so far compared to last season,” he acknowledged. “We played in the Conference League but failed to make it out of the league phase. We are out of the League Cup also and now in eighth place in the league.”
Despite these setbacks, Opoku remains optimistic about turning things around and securing a place in European competitions next season.
“The aim is to make Europe, so we work harder from now till the season ends to try and achieve it,” he said. “It’s going to be tough, but that’s what the game is all about, so we keep pushing.”
Opoku’s consistent performances at both club and international levels have drawn attention, and with Ghana chasing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the defender remains determined to maintain his form and help his teams reach their goals.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a show of faith and long-term commitment, Stade Rennais has officially announced the contract extension of Ghanaian defender Alidu Seidu until 2029. Despite currently being sidelined due to injury, Seidu has made a significant impact since joining the club on January 29, 2024. The 23-year-old has featured in 26 matches for the Red and Black, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the team’s defensive line.
Seidu’s extension reflects the club’s confidence in his abilities and potential, as they aim to strengthen their squad for future campaigns. Fans eagerly await his return to action, hopeful that he will continue to be a pillar of Rennes’ defense in the years to come.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Black Stars delivered a powerful statement in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, claiming emphatic victories over Chad and Madagascar during the March international window. Head coach Otto Addo has credited the team’s collective effort and growing cohesion for their commanding performances.
In a dazzling display of attacking prowess, Ghana dismantled Chad 5-0 before sealing a 3-0 triumph against Madagascar. These back-to-back wins propelled the Black Stars to the summit of Group I, establishing a three-point cushion over second-placed Comoros and reinforcing their ambitions for a place at the global showpiece.
Speaking to Sportsblog247.com, Addo expressed pride in how the team has responded to recent tactical adjustments and praised the leadership of experienced forward Jordan Ayew.
“Jordan has done a really good job. We have also reshaped the team, and the team is working together really well. We have shown it in our last matches,” Addo remarked. “I think he is the right person to work hard with all his experience.”
The Black Stars will now turn their attention to the next round of fixtures in September, where they will face Chad again and a challenging encounter with Mali. With momentum on their side, Addo’s men aim to maintain their winning form and edge closer to securing their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the newly-appointed Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), has raised serious concerns about the alarming state of the Accra Sports Stadium.
In a candid interview with Citi Sports, the veteran broadcaster revealed his shock after a personal inspection of the stadium ahead of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad. Describing the condition as nothing short of a “crime scene,” Mr. Ampofo Ankrah did not mince words about the stark reality he encountered.
“What we were told previously is not what we met,” he stated with visible frustration. “If I’m being honest, I think I need to use the word ‘crime scene’ because what was painted to us does not reflect the reality.”
His inspection exposed significant structural issues and widespread deterioration, contradicting the reports he had received prior to assuming office. Mr. Ampofo Ankrah expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to restore the iconic stadium.
The dilapidated state of the stadium, a venue that has hosted some of Ghana’s most historic sporting moments, raises serious concerns about safety and the nation’s readiness to host major international fixtures.
As the Black Stars prepare to face Chad in a crucial World Cup qualifier, the NSA boss’s revelations cast a shadow over the preparations, amplifying calls for immediate action to salvage the facility.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Benjamin Asare’s journey from the Ghana Premier League to the national spotlight is a testament to hard work and a winning mindset.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper, formerly of Great Olympics, has been in sensational form during the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season, keeping an impressive 12 clean sheets. His performances earned him a maiden call-up to the Black Stars for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
For Asare, the recipe for success is simple: “As a player, the secret is hard work; training, preparation, and mindset. You have to be aggressive about it because, without these things, you cannot make it as a footballer,” he revealed.
Stepping onto the international stage, Asare did not disappoint. He kept clean sheets in both matches, as Ghana secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Chad and a 3-0 win against Madagascar. His assured performances between the posts solidified his reputation as a rising force in Ghanaian football.
Beyond his skill, Asare credits the welcoming atmosphere in the Black Stars camp for boosting his confidence. “As soon as I entered camp, everyone was happy to welcome me, which gave me more motivation to work hard,” he said, acknowledging the role senior players played in his seamless integration.
He offered special praise to Jordan Ayew for his encouragement. “Special thanks to Jordan Ayew- he motivated me all the time and told me that, despite being a local player, I can do this.”
With his performances now drawing national acclaim, Benjamin Asare is proving that talent from the domestic league can rise to the highest levels and thrive. As the Black Stars prepare for a four-nation tournament in June and pivotal qualifiers against Chad and Mali, Asare will aim to hold onto his place between the posts and continue his remarkable journey.
