by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
In 2009, Ghanaian football witnessed a historic moment—one that should never be forgotten. Sellas Tetteh, a coach with a deep passion for the game, led the Black Satellites to an unprecedented treble, securing the African Youth Championship before conquering the world at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Against all odds, Ghana faced Brazil in the final. After a grueling battle that ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, the Black Satellites emerged victorious, making Ghana the first African nation to lift the U-20 World Cup trophy. It was a moment of pride, a moment of history.
Yet, years later, the man behind that success remains largely uncelebrated. Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, who was part of that victorious squad, believes it’s time to give Tetteh and his backroom staff the recognition they truly deserve.
“Sellas Tetteh and his team did a wonderful job for Ghana and deserve much more recognition. One year, three trophies,” Agyemang-Badu told Sporty FM.
Tetteh’s contributions to Ghanaian football extend beyond 2009. He has coached the Black Starlets, the Local Black Stars, and even served as caretaker coach for the senior national team. His expertise has also been sought beyond Ghana, with stints managing Rwanda and Sierra Leone.
For a man who brought so much glory to Ghana, his legacy deserves to be properly honored. It’s time for the football fraternity to celebrate Sellas Tetteh—before it’s too late.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah has revealed that African football legends Michael Essien and Didier Drogba played a pivotal role in shaping his career. The former Arsenal striker expressed deep admiration for both players, highlighting Drogba’s influence in particular.
Essien and Drogba, who were instrumental in Chelsea’s domestic and European triumphs, left a lasting impact on the Premier League. Nketiah, who spent time in Chelsea’s youth academy, recalled how watching them inspired him to dream big.
“There were loads! Growing up and being in Chelsea Academy, Michael Essien was a Ghanaian player at the time, but a big one would probably be Didier Drogba. He’s such an icon — a striker who really left his footprint with Chelsea and in the Premier League,” Nketiah told NBC Sports.
The young striker also spoke about Drogba’s infectious energy on the pitch and his signature celebrations.
“The joy he played football with, the smile he used to have on his face, the way he used to celebrate — dancing with teammates — that left a real impression on me. That’s why I always try to celebrate my goals whenever I score and just have that joy in football because that’s why we play — to be able to smile and enjoy our work that we are blessed to be able to do every day.”
So far this season, Nketiah has found the net three times in 23 appearances for Crystal Palace, aiming to channel the spirit of his childhood idols as he continues his career in the Premier League.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
As the international break looms, Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer ensured Hamburger SV entered the pause in style, delivering a stellar brace in their commanding 3-0 victory over Magdeburg on Friday night. His heroics propelled the team to the top of the Bundesliga 2 table, keeping their promotion dream alive.
Handed a starting role, the Ghanaian forward wasted no time making his mark, breaking the deadlock in the ninth minute. A Magdeburg own goal by Marcus Mathisen doubled the advantage before Königsdörffer sealed the win with his second goal just after halftime.
Reflecting on his outstanding performance, Königsdörffer expressed his delight:
“We put in a great performance today. We worked brilliantly as a team in both attack and defense. I knew I had a chance to show what I can do today, and I wanted to do exactly that.”
He highlighted how the match played to his strengths:
“The game today suited me perfectly, and I could exploit the spaces. I’m pleased that I could help the team. Now, we’re going into the international break top of the table. That gives us a chance to clear our heads before we give everything again for the final push.”
Despite his red-hot form, having netted 11 goals in Bundesliga 2 this season, Königsdörffer was omitted from Ghana’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar. However, his club form continues to make a strong case for future call-ups.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers intensifies, Ghanaian players abroad took to the pitch over the weekend, fine-tuning their form before joining Otto Addo’s squad. With Chad and Madagascar on the horizon, Sportsblog247.com tracks the performances of the 23 players invited for the crucial double-header.
The Black Stars will assemble on Monday, March 17, 2025, for a four-day training camp before facing Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21. They will then travel to Morocco to battle Madagascar on Monday, March 24, in a pivotal Group I clash. Ghana currently sits second in the group with nine points, tied with Comoros.
Goalkeepers: A Weekend to Forget
Lawrence Ati-Zigi endured a tough outing as FC St.Gallen suffered a 2-0 defeat to Lausanne in the Swiss Super League. Similarly, Joseph Wollacott had a difficult day between the posts, conceding five goals as Crawley Town fell 5-1 to Huddersfield in League One. Meanwhile, Benjamin Asare stood in goal for Hearts of Oak but couldn’t prevent a 1-0 loss to Dreams FC in the Ghana Premier League.
Defensive Battles and a Screamer from Simpson
Gideon Mensah played 63 minutes in AJ Auxerre’s 1-1 draw against Nice, while Ebenezer Annan had a brief 10-minute appearance in Red Star Belgrade’s 2-1 victory over Sp.Subotica. Mohammed Salisu also made a cameo in AS Monaco’s 2-0 win over Angers.
Jerome Opoku played the full 90 minutes for Istanbul Basaksehir, though they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Trabzonspor. Alexander Djiku was involved in Fenerbahçe’s 1-1 stalemate with Samsunspor, where Kingsley Schindler also featured. Razak Simpson was the standout performer in defense, scoring a sensational goal in Nations FC’s 2-1 victory over Medeama SC. Kamaradini Mamudu played for Medeama in the same fixture, while Jonas Adjetey remained on the bench for FC Basel in their 2-1 loss to Young Boys.
Midfield Action and Kudus’ Consistency
Thomas Partey played a part in Arsenal’s crucial 1-0 triumph over Chelsea in the English Premier League. Elisha Owusu featured for 76 minutes in Auxerre’s draw with Nice, while Abu Francis was on the bench as Cercle Brugge suffered a 3-0 defeat to Anderlecht. Mohammed Kudus continued his fine form, playing in West Ham’s 1-1 draw against Everton. Meanwhile, Ernest Nuamah contributed 71 minutes in Olympique Lyon’s 4-2 victory over Le Havre.
Forwards: Mixed Fortunes in Front of Goal
Antoine Semenyo featured in AFC Bournemouth’s 2-1 loss to Brentford, while Kamaldeen Sulemana played 83 minutes in Southampton’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Wolves. Jordan Ayew made a brief appearance in Leicester City’s 3-0 loss to Manchester United. In Spain, Inaki Williams helped Athletic Bilbao secure a 1-0 win over Sevilla, while Jerry Afriyie put in a 75-minute shift in CD Lugo’s 2-1 victory over Unionistas. Christopher Bonsu Baah impressed for Genk, playing 81 minutes in their 2-1 win over Royale Union SG.
As the Black Stars gear up for their upcoming matches, these performances will serve as a benchmark for Otto Addo in shaping his final XI. The stakes are high, and Ghana’s quest for World Cup qualification is in full swing.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Patrick Agyemang opened his MLS goal account for the season in style, helping Charlotte FC secure a commanding 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
The Ghanaian forward was a constant menace to the Cincinnati defense and finally got his reward after breaking free and firing past the goalkeeper to seal Charlotte’s win. His goal, set up by a brilliant through ball from Pep Biel, capped off a dominant performance.
Cincinnati’s defense had tried to contain Agyemang, with Miles Robinson making a crucial stop in the 27th minute. However, Charlotte FC found the breakthrough early in the second half, capitalizing on a defensive error. Liel Abada took full advantage, surging forward and finishing confidently to give Charlotte the lead in the 48th minute.
With momentum on their side, Agyemang doubled the advantage and ensured Charlotte FC walked away with all three points. The win marks an impressive performance for the team as they continue their push in the MLS season.
