by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
It was a warm afternoon at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, and the Black Princesses took to the pitch with determination. Under the watchful eye of head coach Charles Sampson, the young Ghanaian side faced off against Army Ladies in a crucial test of their preparations.
The game was closely contested, but it was Zainab Haruna who made the difference, slotting home the only goal of the match to secure a 1-0 victory for the Princesses. Yet, for Coach Sampson, the result was secondary.
“I am satisfied with how the girls played. I wasn’t really looking at the result, but rather at how they would play as a team,” he remarked after the match. “I could see them replicating some of the things we have been doing in training, and so it’s a good thing. We will keep working on areas that need improvement and also organize these matches as needed to keep them in shape.”
The Black Princesses have been in camp for the past week, sharpening their skills ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers later this year. With tactical discipline and match sharpness as top priorities, Coach Sampson is determined to mold a team ready for the big stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Michael Essien had always admired Stephen Appiah. When he joined the Black Stars, he looked up to the captain, who was not only a leader on the pitch but a mentor off it. However, their bond was soon tested.
Rumors started swirling in the camp—whispers that Essien and Appiah were at odds. Some players would speak ill of one to the other, hoping to create a rift. They would approach Essien, hinting that Appiah didn’t trust him. Then, they would run to Appiah, suggesting Essien was trying to undermine his leadership.
But rather than fall for the mind games, Essien and Appiah chose a different approach. They picked up the phone and spoke directly.
“We would call each other to clear the air,” Essien revealed in an interview with Sporty FM. “These same guys would tell me something about Stephen, and then go to him with the same lies about me.”
Despite the challenges, neither held grudges. They understood that beyond the locker room politics, external influences, especially from fans and the media, fueled such divisions.
“There’s no bitterness in me,” Essien said. “But sometimes, fans and outsiders create tension within the squad. Players hear these things, and it affects them.”
Through open communication and mutual respect, Essien and Appiah maintained their friendship and unity—proving that true leadership rises above division.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As a young boy growing up in Austria, Kevin Danso never envisioned himself on the football pitch. His heart was set on the silver screen, inspired by action legends like Jackie Chan and Jean-Claude Van Damme.
“I hated football,” Danso admitted in a conversation with Ghanaian musician Black Sherif. “I was into karate and action movies. While my dad and brother watched football, I found it boring.”
His dream was to become an action movie star, performing high-flying stunts and fight sequences like his idols. But fate had other plans.
At the age of seven, something changed. A sudden spark of interest in football turned what was once a dull game into a passion. “One day, it just clicked. I realized, actually, I like this sport,” he recalled.
Starting out as a striker, Danso quickly developed a love for the game. Born in Voitsberg, Austria, to Ghanaian parents, he moved to England at six and eventually found his way into MK Dons’ youth academy. From there, his football journey took off, leading him to the highest levels of the sport.
Now a Tottenham Hotspur defender, Danso may not be starring in action movies, but on the pitch, he still delivers performances worthy of the big screen.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As the Black Stars prepare for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien has issued a heartfelt plea: respect your opponents.
Ghana will first face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium before traveling to Morocco to take on Madagascar on June 24. With memories of their disappointing 2025 AFCON qualifiers still fresh—where they failed to win a single match—Essien’s words carry extra weight.
Speaking to Sporty FM, the former Chelsea midfielder stressed the importance of preparation and mindset. “I sometimes hate to hear that Black Stars couldn’t beat this opposition,” he said. “If you’re facing an underdog, you must prepare well because they have nothing to lose. But for you, if you lose, it becomes big news. Respect your opponents and prepare well for the games.”
Ghana, determined to secure their fifth World Cup appearance, must heed Essien’s advice. These two matches could define their journey to the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers heating up, Ghana’s Black Stars are brimming with excitement and determination ahead of their crucial showdown against Chad. Sports Minister Kofi Adams has assured the nation that the team’s morale is soaring, emphasizing their readiness to give their all for the country.
Speaking at a parliamentary briefing, Adams highlighted the positive atmosphere in camp, crediting the technical team for fostering a winning mentality. “The players are in high spirits, ready to fight for the nation. The squad selection reflects this commitment, and we are focused on restoring pride in the team, making Ghana a dominant force in African and global football,” he stated in an interview with Peace FM.
The much-anticipated clash will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21st, at 19:00 GMT. With the stakes high, the Black Stars will look to put on a performance worthy of their ambitions on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
