by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 12, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The pressure is mounting on the Black Stars as Ghana faces a defining moment in their football history. After the shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON—a first in two decades—former GFA Executive Council member Kweku Eyiah has sounded the alarm: missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be a disaster too heavy to bear.
Currently second in Group I with nine points, Ghana trails Comoros in the race for a World Cup ticket. With qualification hanging in the balance, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has made significant changes to its technical team, bringing in German tactician Winfried Schäfer as a technical advisor. Despite these moves, Eyiah questions whether backroom adjustments alone will fix the team’s struggles.
“The real issue is, are these changes addressing the core problem?” Eyiah told Asempa FM. “Ultimately, it’s the head coach who makes the final decisions. If the issues lie there, altering the staff won’t change much.”
Ghana’s World Cup journey continues in March with crucial clashes against Chad and Madagascar. Alongside Schäfer, Desmond Ofei joins the technical team, while John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda remain in their roles. Kris Perquy has been brought in as a team psychologist, and Gregory De Grauwe will serve as the video analyst.
Eyiah remains hopeful but warns that the stakes are incredibly high. “Ghanaians are counting on this team to qualify, not just for football pride but for the opportunity to travel to the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The GFA cannot afford to let them down.”
With history on the line, the Black Stars must rise to the occasion—or risk facing the wrath of a nation hungry for redemption.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 12, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
New Celtic signing Jeffrey Schlupp is brimming with confidence ahead of the club’s UEFA Champions League playoff against German powerhouse Bayern Munich.
The Ghanaian midfielder, who joined the Scottish giants on loan from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day, is eager to make an impact in one of European football’s biggest stages. Having made his full debut in Celtic’s recent win over Raith Rovers, Schlupp is ready to play a key role in their quest for a place in the last 16.
Speaking to the club’s media, Schlupp expressed his belief in the team’s ability to pull off an upset.
“I’ve watched the other Champions League games, and the boys have performed so well,” he said. “To get a draw against Bayern Munich is exciting for the fans and the club, but we’re going into this match with the mindset to win.”
The former Leicester City player also spoke highly of Celtic’s manager, stating that he is eager to repay the trust placed in him.
“I know players who have worked under the manager, and they’ve always said great things—he’s a fantastic coach and a great person. If you work hard for him, he’ll bring the best out of you,” Schlupp added.
With Celtic looking to defy the odds against one of Europe’s elite clubs, Schlupp and his teammates will need to be at their very best to secure a famous victory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 12, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Coventry City’s decision to keep Ghanaian striker Brandon Thomas-Asante may have raised some eyebrows, but it could turn out to be a masterstroke by Frank Lampard.
The 26-year-old forward was on the verge of leaving for Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers in the January transfer window, with a £1.75 million offer on the table. However, Coventry chose to reject the bid, keeping faith in the former West Brom striker despite his inconsistent form.
Thomas-Asante has contributed four goal involvements in his last six games across all competitions, including a stunning strike against Swansea. While his overall return of just four goals in 30 Championship appearances is underwhelming, Coventry’s decision to retain him seems to be justified—at least for now.
Sky Blues fan pundit Chris Deez believes keeping the Ghanaian was the right move. “I can see there is a real player there,” he said. “Lampard really likes him, and in the current system, he’s working well. The big question is, what happens when Haji Wright returns?”
Wright, Coventry’s top striker, is currently sidelined with an injury, making Thomas-Asante a crucial asset in the squad. However, competition for places will intensify once Wright is fit again. Deez also expressed concerns about Ellis Simms, preferring Thomas-Asante’s potential in the team’s setup.
For now, Lampard’s belief in the Ghanaian forward remains strong. If Thomas-Asante can continue improving his output, Coventry’s decision to hold onto him might just turn out to be a turning point in their season.
The Ghana international, who earned his first cap for the Black Stars in June 2024 during a World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic, now has a golden opportunity to prove himself on both club and international fronts.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 12, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a heartwarming act of generosity, FC Basel owner David Degen has sent 55 boxes filled with football gear to Ghana, aiming to support young athletes chasing their dreams. This initiative was made possible through the efforts of Daniel Boifio Junior (DBJ), who played a key role in facilitating the donation.
The shipment, which includes jerseys, boots, and other essential football equipment, is set to benefit aspiring footballers across Ghana, providing them with much-needed resources to develop their skills.
This gesture highlights the growing connection between European clubs and African grassroots football, offering hope and opportunity to the next generation of stars.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghanaian football legend Mohammed Polo has stirred the debate on the Black Stars’ technical leadership, arguing that the appointment of Winfried Schäfer as technical advisor exposes Otto Addo’s shortcomings as head coach.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) recently brought in the experienced German, who led Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2002, to assist Otto Addo in reviving the struggling national team. However, Polo sees this move as a direct admission that Addo is not fit for the job.
In an interview with Sportsblog247.com, Polo didn’t hold back his criticism:
“Black Stars are in crisis, and the root of the problem is coaching. Otto Addo failed to qualify Ghana for AFCON, yet he has been retained. It is baffling. If he was good enough, we wouldn’t need a technical advisor. This decision shows he lacks the competence to lead the team.”
Polo further suggested that the GFA should have relieved Addo of his duties and handed full control to Schäfer rather than having the two work together.
Ghana’s next major test comes in March when they face Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Currently, the Black Stars sit second in Group I, level on points with Comoros after four games. With pressure mounting, all eyes will be on the technical bench to see if Schäfer’s influence can turn things around.
