by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As Ghana gears up for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, they have been dealt a setback with the injury of defender Abdul Mumin.
The 26-year-old, who has been a defensive rock for Rayo Vallecano this season, suffered an injury during his side’s 1-1 draw against Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday, March 1. Mumin started the game strongly, making key defensive contributions, including a goal-line clearance, an interception, and a crucial block. However, his night was cut short in the 35th minute when he was forced off and replaced by Aridane Hernández. The extent of his injury remains unknown.
This injury comes at a crucial time, with Ghana set to take on Chad on March 21 at the Accra Sports Stadium before facing Madagascar in Morocco on March 24. The latter fixture was relocated after CAF deemed Madagascar’s home stadium unfit for the qualifier.
Despite being in and out of the Black Stars squad, Mumin has been one of La Liga’s standout defenders for the second consecutive season, featuring in 24 matches while contributing two goals and an assist. His absence could pose a challenge for Ghana as they push forward in their World Cup qualification campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Athletic Club’s Inaki Williams was left frustrated after his team’s narrow 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, insisting they deserved a better outcome.
The Basque side put up a strong fight at the Wanda Metropolitano, creating several opportunities, but failed to find the net. Williams himself came agonizingly close, striking the woodwork in what turned out to be a frustrating night for the visitors.
“We had more chances, but football isn’t about deserving—it’s about taking them. We were unlucky,” the Ghanaian international told Movistar. “On a tough pitch, we created chances, but it just wasn’t our day.”
The result sees Athletic Club fall eight points behind Atletico in the La Liga standings, missing an opportunity to tighten the race. Williams also highlighted the importance of their battle for European places, as they now anxiously await Villarreal’s result against Espanyol.
“It’s disappointing. We wanted to keep our advantage over Villarreal, but now we have to wait and see,” he added.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Athletic Club’s dream of securing a crucial result against Atletico Madrid was shattered by a moment of brilliance from Julian Alvarez. The Argentine forward struck the decisive goal, sealing a 1-0 win for Diego Simeone’s side and sending them to the top of La Liga.
Despite a valiant effort from the Basque side, including several near misses from Inaki Williams, they failed to find the back of the net. Speaking after the match, Williams acknowledged the quality of their opponents and Alvarez’s impact.
“We played a good game. They have decisive players,” the Ghanaian forward admitted. “He improves the play, he is a great substitute.”
The defeat puts Athletic in a tough position in the race for European qualification, but they have little time to dwell on the loss. Their focus now shifts to the UEFA Europa League, where they face AS Roma in a crucial knockout tie. With the final set to take place at San Mamés, the Basque club is determined to fight for a historic run in front of their home supporters.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a thrilling FA Cup Round of 16 encounter, Antoine Semenyo played a key role as AFC Bournemouth edged past Wolverhampton Wanderers in a dramatic penalty shootout. Despite the victory, the Ghanaian forward believes his team must sharpen their finishing to avoid such nerve-wracking endings.
Bournemouth took the lead through Evanilson, but Wolves fought back to force extra time with a 1-1 draw. After a grueling 120 minutes, the Cherries held their nerve in the penalty shootout to book their place in the quarterfinals.
Reflecting on the game, Semenyo—who was named Man of the Match—acknowledged the team’s effort but emphasized the need for more clinical finishing.
“It was end-to-end stuff. I feel like everyone’s legs started to go after 90 minutes. It went to pens and luckily we won—grateful. I feel like we could have done it in 90 minutes, but the most important thing is we got the win and we’re into the next round,” he said.
The Black Stars forward further noted that Bournemouth’s league position could be better if they were more efficient in front of goal. “I think as a group we need to be a bit more clinical, and maybe in the table, we’d be higher,” he added.
With a quarterfinal spot secured, Bournemouth now awaits their next opponent as they aim for FA Cup glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Palace Forward Continues Fine Form with Late Header
Crystal Palace’s impressive season continued as Eddie Nketiah found the net once again, sealing a 3-1 victory over Millwall in the FA Cup at Selhurst Park.
The 26-year-old striker, who recently opened his Premier League account for Palace in a 4-1 win over Aston Villa, delivered another crucial moment in the cup, rising high to head home in the 81st minute.
Palace took an early lead after Millwall’s Liam Roberts saw red just eight minutes into the match, with Japhet Tanganga inadvertently turning the ball into his own net. Seven minutes later, Daniel Muñoz doubled the advantage, putting the home side in control.
However, Millwall refused to back down and managed to pull one back through Wes Harding during a lengthy first-half stoppage time. But any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Nketiah put the game beyond doubt late in the second half.
Since his summer move from Arsenal, Nketiah has now scored three goals for Palace. Although capped by England, the forward remains eligible to represent Ghana on the international stage.
