by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Mohammed Salisu is set for a high-stakes battle as AS Monaco travels to face Paris Saint-Germain in a thrilling Ligue 1 showdown on Friday night. The Ghanaian defender, named in Adi Hütter’s 21-man squad, will be a key figure in Monaco’s backline as they look to contain the firepower of the league leaders.
Since joining Monaco, Salisu has established himself as a defensive pillar, making 13 appearances this season and even finding the back of the net once. His consistency has not gone unnoticed, with Ghana’s national team coach, Otto Addo, recently meeting with him ahead of the Black Stars’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
As Salisu steps onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes, all eyes will be on his defensive prowess, knowing that a strong performance could further cement his place as one of Africa’s top defenders.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Sannie Daara Questions the Quality of Black Stars Players
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director, Ibrahim Sannie Daara, has raised concerns about the quality of the current Black Stars squad, claiming that most of the players are “average” except for a few standouts like Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, and Thomas Partey.
His comments come in the wake of Ghana’s disappointing performances in recent international tournaments, including early exits at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the last two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) editions in Cameroon and Ivory Coast. The team’s struggles reached a new low when they finished bottom of Group F in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, failing to secure a spot in Morocco.
Speaking on Sporty FM, Sannie Daara attributed the team’s decline to a lack of top-quality players, emphasizing that the national team must rebuild if it hopes to compete at the highest level again.
With the AFCON dream shattered, the Black Stars will now shift their focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they face Chad and Madagascar in March. Ghanaian football fans will be hoping for a turnaround as the team fights for redemption on the road to North America.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
For nearly a decade, Ibrahim Sannie Daara dedicated himself to the Black Stars, serving as the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). His role saw him navigate the highs and lows of Ghanaian football, ensuring the national team’s image remained strong both locally and internationally.
Yet, despite his unwavering commitment, Daara recently revealed on Sporty FM that he never received any financial compensation for his efforts. His revelation comes amid public scrutiny over payments made to Management Committee members following Ghana’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, where each reportedly received $100,000.
“When I was working with the Black Stars, I did not get anything,” Daara shared, shedding light on the stark contrast between his experience and the financial rewards given to others in similar roles.
Now serving as a Senior CAF Media Officer, he remains passionate about the game but urges the GFA to improve its engagement with the government to justify financial decisions related to the national team’s administration. His story is a reminder of the silent sacrifices made behind the scenes in football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Rising Star Propels AZ to Victory
AZ Alkmaar’s young sensation, Jayden Addai, delivered a crucial performance as his side triumphed 3-1 over Quick Boys to book a place in the KNVB Cup semi-finals.
The 19-year-old Ghanaian forward set the tone for the night at the AFAS Stadion, breaking the deadlock with a well-taken goal midway through the first half. However, the visitors responded quickly, leveling the score through Revelino Junte just six minutes later.
AZ regained control after the break when Troy Parrot converted a penalty to restore their lead. Addai, after an impressive display, made way for Zico Buurmeester with nine minutes left on the clock. Dutch-Ghanaian winger Ernest Poku then played a key role in the final goal, setting up Kees Smit to seal the win.
Goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Odoru, another player of Ghanaian descent, also featured for AZ Alkmaar, further highlighting the club’s growing Ghanaian connection.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Sadiq was absent from the squad as he continues his recovery from an injury that sidelined him after an electric start to the season, where he netted four times in seven matches.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
On a pivotal day for Ghanaian sports, newly appointed Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, received a crucial mandate from President John Dramani Mahama—to restore the Black Stars to their former glory.
During the swearing-in ceremony on Friday, February 7, President Mahama did not mince words about the state of Ghanaian sports, calling it “unacceptable.” He emphasized the need for a strategic revival, starting with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), to bring back the nation’s footballing prestige.
“I don’t envy your job,” President Mahama remarked, acknowledging the immense responsibility on Adams’ shoulders. “The shambles that is Ghana sports today is unacceptable. I expect that you will concentrate on building all the sports disciplines, and I know the Ghana Football Association will be a good place to start.”
The President urged Adams to lead with transparency, professionalism, and modern strategies to uplift not just football but the entire sports sector. With this charge, the new minister faces the daunting yet crucial task of steering Ghanaian football back to the top of African and global competitions.
