by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Tacoma, WA – A new chapter begins for Ghanaian midfielder Charles Dodzi as he embarks on his professional journey with Tacoma Defiance. Head coach Herve Diese has lauded the youngster’s arrival, expressing excitement over the impact Dodzi is expected to make in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.
“We are thrilled to have a player like Charles on our team,” Diese stated, emphasizing that Dodzi’s playstyle and skillset will bring fresh energy to the squad. “His abilities are welcome additions to Defiance, and we’re eager to explore how best to utilize his strengths this season.”
The Accra-born midfielder earned his place at Tacoma Defiance following an impressive stint at DME Academy in Florida. His technical prowess and dynamic style caught the eye of scouts, paving the way for this next step in his career.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Dodzi as he integrates into the team, hoping to leave a lasting mark in MLS NEXT Pro.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
West Ham United manager Graham Potter has come to the defense of Mohammed Kudus, attributing the Ghanaian midfielder’s struggles this season to the unpredictable nature of football.
Kudus, who has managed just three goals and two assists in 27 appearances, has found it difficult to replicate the form that made him one of the club’s standout performers last season. A five-game suspension and a hefty fine further disrupted his rhythm, denting his confidence.
Addressing concerns over the 23-year-old’s performances, Potter remained optimistic about Kudus’ ability to bounce back.
“Football can go like that sometimes,” Potter said. “You can have a little spell when it doesn’t quite happen for you in front of goal, or your final pass just doesn’t quite get there. It doesn’t take much to turn that around.”
As West Ham gear up for a crucial clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Kudus will be eager to put his struggles behind him and rediscover his best form to help the Hammers climb the Premier League table.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Scottish giants Rangers have set their sights on Red Star Belgrade’s rising defensive star, Ebenezer Annan, as they prepare for a crucial summer transfer window.
Sources close to the club reveal that Rangers have closely monitored the 22-year-old left-back, attending multiple matches to assess his performances. Their interest has now escalated to formal inquiries regarding a potential permanent move.
However, the Ibrox side faces stiff competition, with several European clubs also tracking Annan’s progress. The Ghanaian defender initially spent the first half of the season on loan at OFK Beograd but has thrived since returning to Red Star in February, making nine appearances and even netting his first goal for the Serbian champions.
A former Bologna youth player, Annan has also earned three international caps for Ghana, further cementing his reputation as a promising talent. With the transfer window approaching, the race to secure his signature is heating up.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Kevin-Prince Boateng’s brief but eye-opening stint at Barcelona in 2018/19 gave him a front-row seat to Lionel Messi’s unconventional training habits. While the world marveled at Messi’s brilliance on matchdays, Boateng saw another side of the Argentine—one that, in his view, wasn’t the best example for young players.
Recalling his time at the Catalan club, Boateng painted a vivid picture of Messi’s pre-game routine. “We come into the dressing room, and he’s just sitting there on his phone, getting a massage. Two minutes before we go out, he stands up, laces his boots, and heads out. In the warm-up, he does the crossbar challenge and then goes back inside. Right before kickoff, he FaceTimes, throws on his jacket, and—BOOM—goal, goal, goal.”
Boateng suggested that Messi’s laid-back approach to training had a trickle-down effect on Barcelona’s younger players like Malcom and Ousmane Dembélé. “They saw him and thought they could do the same, but when game time came, they weren’t Messi—they got injured.”
Yet, despite this attitude, Messi’s dominance on the pitch was unquestionable. With eight Ballon d’Or titles and countless trophies, he remained an enigma—effortless yet unstoppable.
The question remains: was Messi’s influence in the dressing room a gift or a curse? For young players trying to follow in his footsteps, the answer may not be as simple as his magic on the field.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Apr 2, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Polokwane, South Africa – A costly administrative oversight has thrown South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign into turmoil. FIFA has ruled that Bafana Bafana must forfeit their 2-0 victory over Lesotho after fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena, handing their opponents a 3-0 win instead.
The mistake stems from Mokoena’s failure to serve a suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in previous qualifiers against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe. Despite Lesotho reportedly withdrawing their protest, FIFA’s regulations left no room for leniency, enforcing an automatic punishment.
Football lawyer Jonas Michael pointed to Nigeria’s similar fate in 2018, when Shehu Abdullahi’s ineligibility cost the Super Eagles three points and three goals in a dead rubber against Algeria. “The rules are clear—no protest is needed,” Michael stated. “South Africa has lost those points. A fine will likely follow.”
The ruling has sent shockwaves through the qualifying group. South Africa remains at the top, but with just a four-point cushion over last-placed Zimbabwe and four matches left, their World Cup dream is now in jeopardy.
