by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 24, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Ghanaian footballers made headlines worldwide this weekend with stellar performances in their respective leagues. From Spain to the USA, these athletes showcased their talent, finding the back of the net and playing key roles for their clubs.
Zubairu Ibrahim’s Red-Hot Form Continues
Zubairu Ibrahim netted his eighth goal of the season for Partizan in an electrifying 3-3 draw against Crvena Zvezda in the Serbian SuperLiga, proving his consistency in front of goal.
La Liga Brilliance: Inaki Strikes Again
Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams was on target in their emphatic 7-1 victory over Valladolid, solidifying his reputation as a key player in Spain’s top flight.
MLS Magic: Bukari’s Dream Start
Osman Bukari made an instant impact in the MLS season opener, scoring the decisive goal that secured Austin’s 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City.
Belgian Pro League: Odoi Joins the Scorers’ List
Denis Odoi found the net for Antwerp in their 2-2 draw against OH Leuven, proving his versatility in both defensive and attacking roles.
Ghanaian Presence in England’s Top Flight
In the Premier League, Mohammed Kudus delivered an impressive performance in West Ham’s 1-0 triumph over Arsenal, while Thomas Partey played the full match for the Gunners. Jordan Ayew saw 55 minutes of action in Leicester’s 4-0 loss to Brentford, while Antoine Semenyo played the entire match in Bournemouth’s 1-0 loss to Wolves.
Elsewhere in Europe
Baba Alhassan was on the scoresheet for FCSB in their 2-1 win over Dinamo Bucuresti in Romania.
Jordan Mintah netted in Malaysia for Kuching City FC in a 2-2 draw against Terengganu.
In Italy, Emmanuel Gyasi had an unfortunate moment, scoring an own goal in Empoli’s 5-0 loss to Atalanta.
Tariq Lamptey played 67 minutes in Brighton’s dominant 4-0 win over Southampton.
MLS & Beyond
The MLS season saw more Ghanaian involvement, with Yaw Yeboah making his debut for Los Angeles FC in their 1-0 win over Minnesota United. Kwadwo Opoku played 46 minutes for CF Montreal in their 3-2 loss to Atlanta United, where Prince Osei-Owusu found the net for Montreal.
From Europe to North America and Asia, Ghanaian footballers continue to shine, proving their worth on the global stage. Stay tuned for next week’s roundup of their performances worldwide!
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by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 24, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
GFA Executive Council Member Focuses on Team Duties Despite Speculation
Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member Gifty Oware-Mensah is currently in Morocco with the Black Queens, fulfilling her role as the chairperson of the team’s management committee, despite reports linking her to a National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) investigation.
Sources confirm that Oware-Mensah, who previously served as Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), remains committed to her responsibilities and is expected to return to Ghana with the team at the end of their training tour. Insiders close to her indicate that she is open to any accountability process and maintains that she performed her NSA duties with integrity.
The Black Queens, under new head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, played their first match of the tour on February 21, 2025, narrowly losing 1-0 to Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses. They will conclude their tour with a friendly against Raja Club Athletic Women on February 24.
Meanwhile, rumors suggesting the GFA was preparing emergency elections due to Oware-Mensah’s alleged absence were dismissed by the association, which reaffirmed her active participation in Executive Council meetings.
Reports indicate that the NIB’s interest in Oware-Mensah is linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged payroll fraud at the NSA.
Beyond her GFA and Black Queens roles, Oware-Mensah is also the co-owner of Berry Ladies Football Club and Vice President of Berekum Chelsea, further cementing her influence in Ghanaian football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 24, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Black Stars Defender Hails Gyan’s Legacy
Ghanaian football legend Sam Johnson has crowned Asamoah Gyan as the greatest striker in the country’s history.
In an interview with Sporty FM, the former Hearts of Oak and Fenerbahçe defender praised Gyan’s incredible goal-scoring record and lasting impact on Ghanaian football.
“Asamoah Gyan is Ghana’s best striker. He has impressive numbers,” Johnson stated.
Gyan, who retired in June 2023, remains Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals. He also holds the record as Africa’s highest goal-scorer in World Cup history with six goals across the 2006, 2010, and 2014 tournaments.
Beyond the World Cup, Gyan represented Ghana at the 2004 Summer Olympics and played in seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, leading the team to the final in 2010 and 2015. His club career saw him net 177 goals in 347 appearances, with stints at clubs like Udinese, Sunderland, and Al Ain before finishing his career at Legon Cities.
With a legacy built on consistency, clutch performances, and historic milestones, Gyan’s place as Ghana’s greatest striker seems undisputed.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 24, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Ghana Defender Calls for Stronger Leadership in National Team
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Ghanaian national team, the Black Stars, has failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 20 years. Their disappointing campaign saw them finish at the bottom of their group, collecting just three points from six games.
Following this setback, former Black Stars defender Sam Johnson did not hold back in his criticism. Speaking on Sporty FM, the ex-Hearts of Oak and Fenerbahçe player pointed out what he sees as a major flaw in the current squad.
“The Black Stars have captains but no leaders,” Johnson remarked, highlighting the absence of strong characters to guide the team through challenging moments.
With AFCON out of the picture, Ghana must now shift focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in crucial matches this March. The question remains—can the Black Stars find the leadership they so desperately need before then?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Austin, TX – February 23, 2025
Austin FC kicked off their 2025 MLS season in style, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari. Under the bright lights of Q2 Stadium, the 26-year-old forward delivered a match-winning performance, guiding his team to a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City.
The game was a tense battle, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock. But in the 76th minute, Bukari showcased his trademark speed and precision. Latching onto a perfectly placed pass from Owen Wolff following a well-worked corner, the Black Stars international slotted the ball home with confidence, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Bukari, who joined Austin FC last year from Red Star Belgrade, picked up right where he left off, terrorizing the Kansas City defense with his pace and energy. His relentless efforts earned him the Man of the Match award, and his goal ensured a perfect start to the season for the Verde and Black.
With this statement performance, Bukari has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting campaign for Austin FC. Fans will be hoping for more magic from their Ghanaian star as they chase success in the 2025 MLS season.
