by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 25, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Ghanaian football sensation Mohammed Kudus has lifted the lid on hidden challenges within the Black Stars setup, offering candid insights that may surprise fans. The West Ham United midfielder spoke openly about internal issues affecting the team’s performance, shedding light on matters previously kept under wraps.
As the Black Stars gear up for their next challenge, they’ve also been hit with disappointing news that could impact their future prospects. With growing concerns over squad unity and off-field matters, Ghana’s path forward in international football appears more uncertain than ever.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 25, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The sun hung low over Kotoka International Airport as Winfried Schäfer, the seasoned German tactician, stepped onto Ghanaian soil. His arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Black Stars—a team desperate to reclaim its lost glory.
Awaiting him at the terminal was assistant coach Desmond Ofei, a welcoming smile on his face. Schäfer, known for leading Cameroon to AFCON triumph in 2002, carried the weight of expectation as he shook hands with the young coach. His appointment as technical advisor was no ordinary move; it was a calculated effort by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to steady a ship rocked by recent setbacks.
Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 had left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans. Otto Addo had tried, but the Black Stars fell short. Now, with crucial World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar on the horizon, Schäfer’s experience was seen as the missing piece in Ghana’s puzzle.
But he wouldn’t be working alone. In the coming days, psychologist Kris Perquy and video analyst Gregory De Grauwe would join the team, ensuring a well-rounded approach to Ghana’s resurgence. More than an advisor, Schäfer was set to take on the role of technical director, shaping the future of Ghanaian football beyond just the qualifiers.
As he drove away from the airport, Schäfer knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy. But with the pride of a football-loving nation resting on his shoulders, he was ready for the challenge. The mission was clear—steer the Black Stars back to the grandest stage of them all: the FIFA World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 25, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
From the streets of Ghana to the grand stages of European football, Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Sulemana have shared a journey shaped by talent, friendship, and a deep understanding of the game.
In a recent interview with Perspectives [Rising Ballers], Kudus, now starring for West Ham United, named Kamaldeen as the best player he has ever played alongside. Their bond traces back to the famed Right to Dream academy, continuing through their time in Denmark and onto the global stage with the Black Stars.
“I’ll go with Kamaldeen of Southampton because I have known him since he was young. We played in the same academy in Ghana and in Denmark as well. He’s the best player I’ve played with. I think he has everything a winger needs to succeed,” Kudus revealed.
Though the West Ham playmaker has shared the pitch with some of football’s biggest names, his admiration for Kamaldeen remains unwavering.
On the flip side, when asked about the toughest opponent he has faced, Kudus didn’t hesitate: “Thiago Alcantara, when he was at Liverpool. Growing up, I loved watching him play. He entertained the game, and playing against him at Anfield, he was untouchable. I was a fan on the pitch but still had to do my job.”
As Kudus prepares for West Ham’s upcoming clash against struggling Leicester, he will be eager to score his first goal of the year—perhaps with the same flair and brilliance that once united him with Kamaldeen.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 25, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
From Qatar to the Future, the Ghanaian Midfielder Aims for More
When Mohammed Kudus stepped onto the pitch in Qatar for his first FIFA World Cup, he knew he was living every footballer’s dream. The West Ham star had always admired the competition, but experiencing it firsthand solidified his belief—it was the pinnacle of the sport.
“The World Cup is the best football tournament,” Kudus shared in an interview with Rising Ballers. “The Champions League is up there, but the World Cup was just different. My family flew all the way to support me, so it was an amazing feeling.”
Though Ghana’s journey ended earlier than he had hoped, Kudus left his mark, scoring twice in three games and earning a Man of the Match award. The tournament may have been brief, but for Kudus, it was unforgettable.
Now, after the heartbreak of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the 24-year-old is determined to lead Ghana back to the World Cup in 2026. His dream remains the same—to shine on football’s biggest stage once again.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 25, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The Acting Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Seth Panwum-Bayoyo, has dismissed concerns about the suitability of the Accra Sports Stadium for Ghana’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar in March.
According to Panwum-Bayoyo, the stadium remains in excellent condition due to continuous maintenance and refurbishment efforts. He strongly refuted reports suggesting that the facility was in a deteriorated state, emphasizing that such claims do not reflect reality.
“The Accra Sports Stadium is in very good shape,” he stated. “Since the last incident that led to the closure of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, we have ensured that Accra Sports Stadium remains well-maintained and up to standard.”
Concerns had been raised about the condition of the VIP section, but the NSA boss reassured the public that all previous issues regarding sanitation and structural integrity had been fully resolved.
“We have a sanitary consultant working with the authority, and the challenges that were highlighted in the VIP section have been completely addressed. Anyone who visits the facility now will see a significant improvement,” he explained.
Panwum-Bayoyo further confirmed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) had officially selected the Accra Sports Stadium for the upcoming qualifiers, with Ghana set to face Chad at the venue on March 17.
“As far as we know, the GFA has submitted the stadium, and from our communication with them, the game against Chad will be played here,” he affirmed.
