by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 3, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As Ghana prepares for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, former Black Stars midfielder Godwin Attram has issued a strong call to head coach Otto Addo: assemble the best squad possible.
Following Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—their first absence in two decades—the Black Stars are under pressure to redeem themselves. With decisive fixtures against Chad and Madagascar on the horizon, Attram believes the stakes are too high for any complacency.
“The upcoming matches are not easy games for us. Otto Addo has to assemble the best players for the games because Ghanaians want to go to the World Cup,” he told Oli City Radio in Takoradi.
Ghana, currently second in Group I with nine points after four matches, will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, at 19:00 GMT. They will then travel to Morocco to face Madagascar at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima on Monday, March 24.
With World Cup dreams on the line, the Black Stars must rise to the challenge.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 3, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Rayo Vallecano’s hopes were shaken on Saturday when Ghanaian defender Abdul Mumin was forced off the pitch in the 35th minute during their 1-1 draw against Sevilla. The setback came early in the game, adding to Vallecano’s injury woes, as Angolan midfielder Randy Nteka had already exited in the 26th minute due to a muscular issue.
Speaking after the match, head coach Íñigo Pérez expressed concern over the situation but stressed the need for further medical examinations to determine the full extent of Mumin’s injury.
“Randy’s seems to be a muscular issue in the abductor, while Mumin is waiting for more specific tests to diagnose his condition,” Pérez stated.
The injury comes at a critical time for Mumin, who was expected to be part of Ghana’s squad for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar on March 21 and 24. With the club awaiting official test results, early indications suggest that the defender may be ruled out of the international fixtures, a potential blow for the Black Stars.
As fans and teammates hope for positive news, Mumin’s fitness will remain a major concern in the coming weeks.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 3, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Wilfred Osei Kwaku Palmer, the owner of Tema Youth, once played a key role in nurturing Thomas Partey’s football career. However, for the past five years, the Arsenal midfielder has remained silent, leaving Palmer with more questions than answers.
In an interview with Hot FM, Palmer recounted the last time he spoke with Partey—back when he was a member of the Black Stars management committee. Since then, communication has completely ceased.
The roots of this silence, Palmer believes, may trace back to Partey’s controversial exit from Tema Youth. The club’s former boss recalled how the player left for Atletico Madrid under questionable circumstances. “There wasn’t any proper transfer,” Palmer revealed. “We wrote to Atletico, but they never responded. I considered taking the matter to FIFA, but Moses Odjer pleaded with me to let it go for the sake of Partey’s career. I stepped back, hoping we could still benefit from a solidarity fee in the future.”
What hurt Palmer the most, however, was how Partey left. “The night he was traveling, he told me he had a stomach issue and couldn’t play against Kotoko. Later, I found out he had already left to sign for Atletico Madrid.”
Now, years later, Palmer wonders if this deception is the reason for Partey’s prolonged silence. Though the midfielder has risen to global stardom, his former mentor remains in the shadows, waiting for a conversation that may never come.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 3, 2025 | Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
Can the South African legend lead Harambee Stars to their first-ever World Cup?
Kenyan football has entered a new era with the appointment of South African icon Benni McCarthy as the head coach of the national team. With just three weeks to prepare, McCarthy faces an uphill battle as he gears up for two crucial World Cup qualifiers that could define Kenya’s campaign.
After months of speculation, the 47-year-old former Manchester United strikers coach officially signed a contract with the Kenya Football Federation. Joining him are seasoned football minds—Vasili Manousakis, ex-Richards Bay head coach, and Moeneeb Josephs, a former South African international goalkeeper.
The newly assembled coaching team will make their debut on the sidelines as Harambee Stars take on Gambia away before hosting Gabon. The exact dates and venues for the fixtures remain unconfirmed, but one thing is clear: Kenya must deliver results to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Currently sitting fourth in Group F with five points from four matches, Kenya trails group leaders Ivory Coast by five points. With only a handful of games left, every point matters.
McCarthy brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach. As a UEFA Champions League winner with Porto and Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading goal scorer with 31 goals, he understands what it takes to succeed on the biggest stages. His coaching résumé includes stints with Cape Town City and AmaZulu, along with his recent tenure at Manchester United.
Now, the question remains: Can Benni McCarthy inspire Harambee Stars to their first-ever World Cup appearance? The journey begins now.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 3, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
On a chilly Monday afternoon at the Kalyon Stadium, Emmanuel Boateng emerged as Gaziantep FK’s hero, scoring twice off the bench to inspire a 3-1 comeback victory over Eyupspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
The match began as a tight contest, with both sides seeking control. Gaziantep’s coach made a bold move at halftime, introducing Boateng in place of Halil Dervisoglu. The decision paid off almost immediately, as the former Ghana U20 star broke the deadlock just minutes after his introduction, finishing off a well-placed pass from Alexandru Maxim.
Eyupspor responded in the 65th minute through Tayfur Bingol, who latched onto a delivery from Caner Erkin to level the score. But Boateng wasn’t done yet. In the 78th minute, he struck again, restoring Gaziantep’s lead and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
As the match entered stoppage time, Nigerian forward Dennis Okereke sealed the victory with a well-taken goal, ensuring all three points for the hosts. Meanwhile, Ghanaian forward Prince Obeng Ampem featured for Eyupspor, playing until the 83rd minute before making way for Umut Bozok.
Boateng, who joined Gaziantep in the winter transfer window from Al Orubah in Saudi Arabia, now has two goals in seven appearances for his new club. His latest performance signals a bright future ahead in Turkey.
