by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In an inspiring twist of fate, Jerry Afriyie has risen from the humble pitches of Ghana’s third-tier league to earn a historic call-up to the Black Stars. His selection for Ghana’s final 2025 AFCON qualifier against Niger marks a groundbreaking moment, as he becomes the first player from the third tier to achieve this feat in the modern era.
Afriyie’s meteoric rise has been fueled by remarkable performances on international stages. At the 2024 African Games, he dazzled as Ghana’s top scorer, helping the nation secure the gold medal. His momentum carried into the WAFU Zone B U20 Championship in Togo, where he claimed both the Goal King and Best Player awards while leading the Ghana U20 team to qualify for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
This milestone is more than personal—it reflects the Ghana Football Association’s renewed focus on grassroots talent. Afriyie’s story is a beacon of hope, proving that even players from the lower divisions can reach the pinnacle of Ghanaian football. His journey echoes the rise of Fatawu Issahaku, who made his Black Stars debut while playing in Division One before a move to Leicester City.
As Afriyie joins the national team, his story stands as a testament to determination, raw talent, and the power of opportunity in Ghana’s football ecosystem.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Edo delivered a breathtaking comeback, clinching a vital win in dramatic fashion during extra time. Trailing deep into stoppage time, they found the equalizer in the 95th minute, igniting hope and determination. Refusing to settle for a draw, Edo pushed forward relentlessly and scored the decisive goal in the 101st minute, completing a stunning turnaround.
This remarkable victory not only showcased Edo’s resilience but also proved crucial for their progression in the competition, leaving fans and opponents alike in awe of their fighting spirit.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Lazio’s injury concerns continue to pile up, with news of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru picking up a slight knock during training while on international duty with the Nigerian national team. This development adds to the Biancocelesti’s growing list of worries, as they are already dealing with the absence of Boulaye Dia, who is recovering from malaria.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who was touted as a potential replacement for Dia in an attacking midfield role, remained an unused substitute during Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Benin on Thursday. Reports from La Lazio Siamo Noi suggest that Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen opted for caution, keeping Dele-Bashiru on the bench to avoid aggravating his condition.
With Nigeria having already secured their spot in the upcoming African Cup of Nations, Eguavoen is expected to maintain a risk-free approach for their Monday fixture against Rwanda. Dele-Bashiru will likely travel with the squad but is not expected to feature in the game.
Meanwhile, Lazio are anxiously awaiting the player’s return to Rome, where he will undergo further medical evaluations. The club hopes the tests will confirm that the knock is minor, allowing the former Manchester City U23 starlet to be available for their Serie A match against Bologna next weekend.
For now, Lazio fans and coach Marco Baroni will be crossing their fingers, hoping for good news as the team battles to maintain form amidst these fitness challenges.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana coach reflects on Black Stars’ struggles after Angola’s high-intensity approach ends AFCON hopes.
Ghana head coach Otto Addo has admitted that his team struggled to cope with Angola’s relentless pressing during their 1-1 draw in Luanda, a result that confirmed the Black Stars’ elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Palancas Negras, playing with freedom and nothing to lose, effectively pinned the Black Stars in their own half, disrupting Ghana’s rhythm and forcing errors. Speaking after the match at the Estádio 11 de Novembro, Addo highlighted how Angola’s tactics exposed Ghana’s lack of intensity.
“They didn’t have anything to lose today, you could see. They could play freely, while we were a little bit more under pressure,” Addo explained. “They pressed us very well, held us down in our half, and it was difficult for us. We were missing our intensity, and I think it was not good enough from our side.”
The result leaves Ghana at the bottom of Group F, with no chance of qualifying for the tournament in Morocco. The Black Stars needed a win against Angola to keep their hopes alive and were also required to beat Niger in their final group match.
This marks a historic low for Ghana as they miss the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 21 years, raising questions about the team’s preparation and performance throughout the qualifiers. The final match against Niger on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium now holds no significance for the team’s campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Cape Coast-based club suffers scare en route to league fixture against Halifax Ladies.
The Ghana Women’s Premier League team, Lady Strikers, encountered a road accident on the Tema Motorway on Saturday, November 16, 2024, while traveling for a match against Halifax Ladies. The incident occurred as the team headed to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Park in Tema New Town for their fourth-round league game.
Reports indicate that the team’s bus veered off the road and tipped onto its side, with images circulating on social media showing the aftermath of the accident. Some players were seen with head bandages, raising concerns about the extent of their injuries. However, further details regarding their health conditions remain unknown at this time.
The accident has cast uncertainty over the status of the scheduled match, with no confirmation yet on whether it will proceed or be postponed.
Lady Strikers, who have collected four points from their first three games this season, are currently navigating a challenging start to their campaign, and this incident adds to their woes.
Updates on the players’ well-being and the match’s status are expected in due course.
