by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 27, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars forward Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer experienced a special moment as he scored a stunning goal for Hamburger SV in their thrilling 3-2 victory over Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga 2. The match at the Olympiastadion marked the first time Konigsdorffer’s mother watched him play live, adding emotional significance to his performance.
The Berlin-born striker curled in a spectacular goal from the edge of the box, netting his team’s second in a hard-fought contest. “My mother was in the stands today for the first time ever, which makes me even happier that we won and also that I scored such a great goal,” Konigsdorffer said after the match. “As soon as the ball left my foot, I knew it was a good strike.”
Despite the personal milestone, Konigsdorffer emphasized the importance of the team’s victory. “The win is obviously the most important thing. We’re over the moon after this game, but there’s still a lot of matches to go. Now it’s about keeping the momentum and not letting up.”
Davie Selke opened the scoring for Hamburg before Konigsdorffer doubled the lead. However, Hertha Berlin responded with two quick goals from Michael Cuisance and Martin Winkler. Emir Sahiti sealed the win for the visitors with a late strike, keeping Hamburg firmly in the race for Bundesliga promotion.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 27, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Sudan’s head coach, Kwesi Appiah, has declared that his team’s objective at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is not merely to compete but to challenge for the trophy.
Appiah, who masterminded Sudan’s historic qualification amidst the adversity of civil unrest, has set an ambitious target for his side as they gear up for their first AFCON appearance in decades. Overcoming immense obstacles, including playing all qualifiers away from home, Sudan’s journey to the tournament stands as a testament to Appiah’s tactical acumen and leadership.
“The goal is not just to participate but to fight for the trophy,” Appiah stated in an interview with CAF. “With the right mentality, I believe we can achieve it. There’s no point in going to the competition if you don’t aim to win. We are heading to Morocco with ambition and belief.”
Under Appiah’s guidance, Sudan’s team has become a beacon of hope and resilience for a nation striving to rebuild amidst challenges. With renewed confidence, the squad enters the 2025 AFCON determined to make a lasting impact on the continental stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 27, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has taken a significant step in his football leadership journey after passing the rigorous integrity and eligibility test to contest for a seat on the Executive Council (EXCO) of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The CAF Review Committee confirmed Mr. Okraku’s compliance with stringent ethical criteria, including adherence to CAF and FIFA’s ethics codes, a clean criminal record, financial integrity, and an exemplary track record in football governance.
With this green light, Okraku is now set to represent the West African Football Union Zone B (WAFU B) in the March 12, 2025, CAF EXCO Elective Congress in Cairo, Egypt. Remarkably, he runs unopposed for the position, further solidifying his pathway to a seat on the council.
This milestone represents a major achievement for Ghanaian football, as Okraku’s inclusion in CAF’s decision-making body would bolster the nation’s influence in shaping the future of African football.
Notably, this marks a return to the EXCO race for Okraku, who withdrew his candidacy in 2021 to support former WAFU B President Djibrilla Hima Hamidou. His unopposed candidacy this time around underscores his growing stature in African football governance.
The upcoming Congress is set to be a pivotal moment for African football, with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe also running unopposed for a second term. As Okraku prepares to take his place at the heart of CAF’s strategic decision-making, Ghana stands poised to play a larger role in shaping the game across the continent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 27, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a tale of resilience and bittersweet emotions, Kwesi Appiah, head coach of Sudan, has etched his name in African football history by guiding the war-torn nation to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This remarkable feat came at the expense of his homeland, Ghana, who failed to qualify for the tournament for the first time in 21 years.
Appiah, who once captained and coached Ghana, reflected on the emotional journey of eliminating his country during the qualifiers. Sudan, despite enduring the challenges of civil conflict that forced them to play all their matches away from home, displayed remarkable determination and secured their place in the continental tournament.
“When the draw placed Ghana in our group, I expressed hope that both Ghana and Sudan would qualify,” Appiah shared in an interview with CAF. “It’s unfortunate Ghana couldn’t make it. As a Ghanaian, I’m not happy about that, but football has evolved, and every country needs to prepare well for competitions. I hope Ghana learns from this and comes back stronger in future tournaments.”
Ghana’s shocking failure to win a single game in the qualifiers has sparked introspection, with Appiah hoping his home nation uses this disappointment as a springboard for future success.
Meanwhile, Sudan’s qualification serves as a symbol of hope for a nation grappling with immense adversity. Under Appiah’s leadership, the team has showcased resilience and unity, inspiring pride among Sudanese fans.
With the 2025 AFCON group stage draw set for Monday, January 27, Sudan now looks forward to making their mark in the tournament after decades of absence.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 27, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has passionately called for unity and unwavering support to ensure Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Reflecting on the nation’s challenging football year, Badu emphasized the importance of the tournament set to take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
After the heartbreak of failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana’s hopes now rest on the ongoing World Cup qualifiers. With morale boosted by back-to-back victories against Mali and the Central African Republic, the Black Stars face crucial encounters against Chad and Madagascar in March.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Agyemang Badu, a U-20 World Cup champion, urged Ghanaians to rally behind the Ghana Football Association (GFA). “We need to support the FA, respect them, and understand their perspective. The year has been tough—we missed out on CHAN and AFCON—but we can’t afford to miss the World Cup. It’s non-negotiable,” he stressed.
Having featured in the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions of the World Cup, Ghana boasts a proud history on the global stage. Badu believes that unity and determination will be key to keeping that legacy alive.
