by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As Stephen Appiah steps into his new role as vice chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, former Ghana international Godwin Attram has urged him to embrace the position with boldness and authority.
In an interview with Oil City Radio, Attram acknowledged the significance of Appiah’s return to the national team setup, alongside chairman Randy Abbey. He praised their experience but emphasized that Appiah, as a former captain, must take an assertive approach in defining clear expectations for the team.
“Stephen Appiah has led this team before, and his presence will surely be beneficial. Randy Abbey also brings strong administrative experience, but Appiah must make it clear to the players what Ghanaians expect from them,” Attram stated.
With Ghana set to host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21 before traveling to Morocco for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Madagascar on March 24, the pressure is on. Fans are eager to see the Black Stars rise to the occasion, and Attram believes that strong leadership from Appiah will be crucial in shaping their path forward.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As the Black Stars gear up for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, technical advisor Winfried Schäfer has delivered a powerful message: unity and teamwork will be the key to success.
Schäfer, a seasoned coach with vast experience, understands the weight of individual talent but insists that true victories come from collective effort. “Not the best players win matches, but the best teams win matches when all play together,” he emphasized. His words serve as a rallying cry for Ghana’s national team to put club loyalties aside and wear the Black Stars jersey with pride.
Since his appointment in January, Schäfer has worked alongside head coach Otto Addo and Black Satellites coach Desmond Ofei, forming a support system to rebuild Ghana’s footballing strength after their AFCON 2025 qualification failure. He believes success hinges not only on the players but also on the infrastructure and support system behind them.
“We have a good backroom staff, including the doctor, the physio, and the coach, Otto. And then we have a big picture, so we can go to the States all together. From the President [Kurt Okraku] to the [Sports] Minister, the coaches, the staff, and the players— all together. We can do it,” Schäfer affirmed.
With Ghana set to face Chad on March 17 and Madagascar four days later in Morocco, the Black Stars’ journey to redemption begins. Schäfer’s message is clear: unity, preparation, and a shared vision will determine Ghana’s fate on the road to 2026.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s U20 team faces a critical challenge ahead of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations—finding a reliable striker. National team technical advisor and GFA Director of Football, Winfried Schafer, has pinpointed the lack of a strong number nine as a major weakness in the Black Satellites squad.
After a goalless draw against Hearts of Oak, Schafer expressed concerns over the team’s attacking inefficiency. “The match was good, but in the first half, nobody took a shot at goal. We had 70% contact, but no final pass. We need a strong number nine—someone who can keep the ball and attack crosses,” he emphasized.
Ghana’s U20 team will battle in Group A against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Tanzania, and another Central African side yet to be confirmed. With AFCON fast approaching, Schafer’s words underline the urgency of sharpening the team’s frontline.
The experienced tactician also weighed in on Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further emphasizing the need for attacking reinforcements across the national teams.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Thomas Partey’s time at Arsenal appears to be nearing its end, with the Ghanaian midfielder set to depart on a free transfer this summer. Despite no contract talks from the Gunners, Partey is not short of suitors, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus all expressing strong interest in acquiring his services.
Partey, who arrived at Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in a dramatic £45 million deadline-day move in 2020, has faced an injury-hit spell in North London. With Arsenal planning a midfield overhaul—including a push for Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi—Partey and Jorginho are expected to exit at the end of their contracts.
While Saudi Arabian clubs have shown interest, Partey’s preference is to continue in Europe, with Barcelona emerging as frontrunners. The 31-year-old is said to favour a return to Spain, but PSG and Juventus remain in the race, hoping to convince him with their offers.
As the summer approaches, Partey’s future remains uncertain, but what is clear is that the next chapter of his career will be closely watched by fans and clubs alike.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 4, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Attram’s Advice: Otto Addo Must Get Black Stars Selection Right
As Ghana prepares for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, former Black Stars midfielder Godwin Attram has urged head coach Otto Addo to be meticulous in his squad selection.
Speaking to Oil City Radio, Attram stressed that Ghana’s recent struggles—including their failure to qualify for AFCON 2025—should serve as a lesson for Addo. He believes the coach must learn from past mistakes and introduce the best available players to ensure success.
“It’s something we all have been thinking about—why the Black Stars have struggled in recent times. But I believe this time, Otto Addo has learned from his previous mistakes,” Attram stated.
With the pressure mounting on the Black Stars, he emphasized the importance of fielding a competitive squad for the upcoming fixtures.
“The upcoming matches are not easy games for us. Otto Addo has to assemble the best players because Ghanaians want to go to the World Cup,” he added.
Ghana will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21 before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar on March 24, with their World Cup qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
