by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 28, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Since Asamoah Gyan’s retirement, Ghana has struggled to find a true successor to its legendary striker. Former Black Stars forward Kwesi Appiah believes the void left by the country’s all-time top scorer remains difficult to fill.
“It’s a very tough task to replace someone of his calibre and quality. That type of striker and character is not produced that often,” Appiah told Flashscore. Having played alongside Gyan at the 2015 AFCON, he understands firsthand the leadership and goal-scoring prowess the former captain brought to the national team.
While Ghana boasts talented forwards like Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, Appiah stresses the importance of consistency. “At this moment in time, you have a player like Kudus and potentially Semenyo, who are playing really well for their clubs. We’d hope they can eventually reach that level and consistency for Ghana to help lead the team to glory as Asamoah Gyan so often did.”
The Black Stars have struggled to establish a dominant attacking force in recent years, and their lack of a prolific goal-scorer has been evident in key matches. Now playing for Boreham Wood in England’s National League, Appiah believes strong leadership and team cohesion are essential for Ghana’s resurgence.
The search for Ghana’s next talisman continues, but until a striker emerges with Gyan’s presence and ability, the Black Stars will have to rely on teamwork and tactical discipline to reclaim their former glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston continues to shape his coaching career, drawing inspiration from some of the best in the game. The ex-Black Stars winger recently met Croatian national team coach Zlatko Dalic, a man who guided Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and a strong showing in Qatar 2022.
Kingston, who is currently with RPS Academies in the United States, expressed his admiration for Dalic and the invaluable advice he received.
“Nice to meet you, sir. Your words of advice carry a lot of weight that can help me grow,” Kingston shared on social media.
This mentorship comes at a crucial time in Kingston’s journey. After coaching Ghana’s U17 side during the WAFU Zone B U17 Cup of Nations, he resigned following their failure to qualify for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations. Despite the setback, Kingston remains determined and has even stated in recent interviews that he feels ready to take charge of the Black Stars one day.
As he learns from seasoned managers like Dalic, Kingston continues to build his coaching philosophy, keeping his dream of leading Ghana’s senior national team alive.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 28, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Ghanaian international Sam Johnson has delivered a blunt message to Black Stars players, urging them to decline national team invitations if they fear injuries or lack of support.
His strong remarks follow Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for AFCON 2025—the first time in 21 years—leading to heavy criticism from ex-players and football stakeholders. Speaking to Joy Sports, Johnson expressed frustration over the perceived lack of commitment from the current squad.
“For me personally, I know what they can do, but they don’t do it,” he said. “They don’t show us their best when they come here.”
Johnson dismissed concerns that injuries sustained while playing for the national team might not be properly managed, calling such excuses unacceptable.
“This is your job, and this is what you chose to do. If you’re afraid of injuries and don’t trust the system, then don’t come at all,” he stated.
His comments come as Ghana prepares for the crucial 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar in March, a period that will test the team’s resilience and determination.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
On a thrilling evening in Barcelona, 18-year-old Ghanaian defender Hafiz Gariba announced himself in style, scoring a dramatic late equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw for Barcelona Juvenil B against L’Hospitalet.
The visitors took the lead early in the match, but Barcelona responded through Antonio Gómez, who expertly headed in an Adrian Guerrero corner. L’Hospitalet, however, struck again, regaining their advantage as the game edged toward its conclusion.
Just when it seemed Barcelona would suffer defeat, Gariba rose to the occasion—literally. The towering centre-back latched onto a precise cross in the dying moments, sending a powerful header into the net and rescuing a crucial point for his side.
Gariba’s journey to Barcelona is one of determination and promise. Discovered playing football in Teshie, Ghana, he made his way to Spain through the Maschet School academy before earning a three-year deal with the Catalan giants. With Barcelona increasingly investing in young African talents—including fellow Ghanaians David Oduro and Aziz Issah—Gariba now has the perfect stage to develop into a future star.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
In a remarkable turn of events, Malawian football sensations Tabitha Chawinga and her younger sister Temwa Chawinga have claimed the top spots among Africa’s most valuable players in the current transfer market. Their dominance highlights the growing influence of African talent in world football, with elite clubs recognizing their incredible goal-scoring prowess and impact on the pitch.
As the Chawinga sisters continue to dazzle in Europe and beyond, they lead a list of elite African players commanding significant market value. Their rise is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the ever-growing reputation of African football on the global stage.
