by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 21, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed suggestions that Thomas Partey’s deployment as a right-back is responsible for the Gunners’ recent struggles in the Premier League. Despite managing just one win in their last six matches, Arteta defended the Ghanaian midfielder’s versatility following a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, where both goals conceded originated from his flank.
Partey, who is traditionally more impactful in midfield, has faced scrutiny for his performances in defense. Yet Arteta was quick to shield the player from blame. “I cannot judge just because one player plays in one position,” the Spaniard remarked when quizzed about Partey’s positional shift.
It appears Arteta has no plans to restore Partey to his natural midfield role, favoring the partnership of Declan Rice and Mikel Merino at the heart of Arsenal’s setup. Since joining Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020, Partey has been a pivotal figure in midfield, a role fans feel he should reclaim.
The Gunners, currently seeking consistency, face Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, where a win could secure their place in the knockout stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Brandon Thomas-Asante’s hard work and dedication have earned him praise from Coventry City manager Frank Lampard after his match-winning performance against Bristol City in the English Championship. The Ghana forward was instrumental in Coventry’s narrow 1-0 victory at the Coventry Building Society Arena, scoring the only goal of the match in the 62nd minute.
After receiving a precise pass from Jack Rudoni, Thomas-Asante demonstrated excellent movement and composure in the penalty box, rifling a shot into the top left corner to seal the three points for his team. Lampard commended Thomas-Asante for his improved work ethic, noting that the 26-year-old had not always been a regular starter but had shown significant development in his all-around game.
Since joining Coventry, the former West Bromwich Albion player has made 26 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist, with his hard work finally paying off with a crucial goal in this latest fixture.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
After weeks under fire for lackluster performances and public criticism from his coach Dieter Hecking, Myron Boadu delivered a career-defining performance that silenced his doubters. The 24-year-old forward netted a sensational hat-trick in a dramatic 3-3 draw against RB Leipzig, rescuing Bundesliga strugglers VfL Bochum from the jaws of defeat.
Boadu’s three goals not only secured a vital point for the league’s bottom team but also reignited hope for their survival campaign. Speaking after the game, Hecking praised the Dutch striker’s newfound determination:
“He reminded us all that we have a weapon up front we’ve been missing. If he carries this self-belief forward, he’ll become indispensable for us.”
The road to redemption hasn’t been easy for Boadu. A prolonged injury layoff, including a taxing recovery from a pubic bone infection, left the once-promising forward struggling to regain form. However, a heartfelt one-on-one talk with Hecking seemed to spark a turning point. “I told him to keep believing in himself,” the coach shared. “He offers qualities no one else in this team possesses.”
Now, all eyes will be on Boadu as he seeks to build on this electrifying display in the crucial upcoming clash against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a hard-fought Bundesliga 2 clash at the Home Deluxe Arena on January 19, SC Paderborn succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Hertha BSC despite a late spark from Ilyas Ansah.
The visitors took control early, with Derry Scherhant delivering a stunning right-footed strike from the edge of the box in the 16th minute. Paderborn struggled to penetrate Hertha’s compact defense and fell further behind in the 69th minute when Michaël Cuisance coolly converted a penalty following a foul inside the box.
As the clock wound down, Paderborn’s attack looked to be running out of ideas. But in the 81st minute, German-Ghanaian forward Ilyas Ansah entered the fray and injected fresh energy into the side. Deep into injury time, Ansah showcased his vision and precision, threading a perfectly weighted pass to Sven Michel. Michel unleashed a brilliant left-footed strike from outside the box to bring Paderborn within touching distance.
While Ansah’s assist gave the home fans a reason to cheer, it was not enough to overturn Hertha’s lead. Paderborn will now regroup ahead of their next challenge against Darmstadt on January 26.
Ansah, who now has one goal and one assist in 18 appearances this season, continues to prove his value as a reliable impact player for Paderborn.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
A Decade of Perseverance Pays Off for Former Ghana U20 Midfielder
Moses Odjer, once a bright prospect for Ghana’s U20 team, has officially become an Italian citizen after over a decade of dedication and hard work in Italy. The 28-year-old midfielder, who now plies his trade with Serie C side US Pianese, celebrated this monumental achievement during a special ceremony.
Odjer first captured the world’s attention in 2013 at the FIFA U20 World Cup, where he played a key role in helping Ghana secure third place. A year later, at just 16 years old, he made the bold move to Italy, signing with Catania. His journey in Europe hasn’t been without challenges, but his determination has been unwavering.
“If someone told me as a kid that I’d achieve this, I wouldn’t have believed it. Today, I hold Italian citizenship with pride,” Odjer shared on Instagram. He recounted arriving in Italy without a phone, little money, and no knowledge of the language. Through hard work and resilience, he rose above the adversities, earning a career that has taken him through clubs like Salernitana and Palermo.
Odjer is now married to an Italian woman, with whom he shares a son, and has fully embraced his life in Italy. This season, he has been a vital player for US Pianese, making 20 appearances, scoring two goals, and providing an assist.
Grateful for the support of his family, teammates, and friends, Odjer also took a moment to reflect on his own perseverance. “Thanks to me for never giving up, for working harder than others, and for remaining humble. Finally, ITALIAN,” he wrote.
Odjer’s story is one of resilience and triumph—a young boy from Ghana who dared to dream and achieved more than he could have imagined.
