by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s football icon and former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah, has taken on a new leadership role as the Vice Chairman of the newly constituted Black Stars Management Committee. This significant development comes in the wake of the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) decision to dissolve the previous committee following the Black Stars’ disappointing performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The GFA has entrusted Dr. Randy Abbey with the chairmanship of the revamped committee, while Appiah steps into his new role. Renowned for leading Ghana to its first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2006 and repeating the feat in 2010, Appiah’s wealth of experience, both as a player and as a former team manager, makes him a fitting choice for this position.
The new management team also features other prominent football stakeholders, including Samuel Aboabire, Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Football Association and GFA Executive Council member, alongside Moses Armah, President of Medeama Sporting Club. Both will oversee matchday operations and ensure the smooth engagement of sponsors and partners. Richard Nsenkyire, President of FC Samartex 1996, rounds off the committee as an integral member.
This restructuring is part of a broader plan to revitalize the Black Stars as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With challenging matches against Chad and Madagascar looming in March, the team is eager to redeem itself after missing the mark in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In another scintillating Premier League display, Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo added to his impressive season tally with a crucial assist as AFC Bournemouth dismantled Newcastle United 4-1 at St. James’ Park. The victory propels Andoni Iraola’s side to sixth place in the league table, continuing their remarkable campaign.
Semenyo set the tone for the evening with a perfectly executed cut-back pass to Justin Kluivert, who slotted home the opener. However, the Magpies fought back, with Bruno Guimarães finding the net with a powerful header that left Kepa Arrizabalaga helpless.
The Cherries regained their lead just before halftime, thanks to Dango Ouattara’s pinpoint delivery that Kluivert coolly converted. After the break, Kluivert completed his second hat-trick of the season, before Milos Kerkez added a late fourth in injury time to seal the commanding win.
Semenyo has now recorded six goals and three assists in 20 appearances this season, solidifying his status as a key player for Bournemouth and a vital asset for the Ghanaian national team, the Black Stars.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup victory remains a historic moment for Ghana, but for the players who brought glory to the nation, a lingering investment issue has cast a shadow over their achievement.
Daniel Adjei, the heroic goalkeeper who played a crucial role in Ghana’s victory in the final against Brazil, is now speaking out. Adjei has made a heartfelt appeal to former President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to intervene in resolving the confusion surrounding an investment made for the team 15 years ago.
Following their historic triumph, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) facilitated a corporate investment of GHS 10,000 on behalf of each of the 21 players through SAS Finance Group. That investment, with accrued interest, now totals GHS 70,000 for each player.
However, while some players have received their payments, others have raised concerns about transparency in the accounting process and have refused to accept the funds. Adjei, speaking on GHOne TV, explained the hurdles the team is facing, including the inability to afford proper legal representation.
“This wasn’t an individual investment; it was made for all of us as a team. We’ve spoken to some prominent figures who advised us to get legal assistance, but many of us can’t afford it. This was a state-led initiative, and we believe the state should help us resolve this,” Adjei said.
He also pointed out that during the time of the investment, John Mahama was the vice president of Ghana. As such, Adjei appealed to him personally to step in and help bring clarity and fairness to the situation.
“We want what we are rightfully owed after these 15 years,” he emphasized.
The total investment made on behalf of the players amounts to GHS 210,000. Now, as the team seeks justice, they hope their efforts will remind the nation of the sacrifice and pride they brought to Ghana during their unforgettable victory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced the formation of a new management committee for the Black Stars. This development marks a significant step in their efforts to restructure and strengthen the team’s administrative and technical framework.
The newly appointed committee will oversee the team’s preparations, operations, and strategic plans as they aim to elevate the Black Stars to greater heights in international football. The GFA emphasized that the committee comprises seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience in football administration, ensuring that the team is well-positioned for upcoming tournaments and challenges.
This announcement has sparked excitement among football fans, who are eager to see how the new committee’s vision will translate into success on the pitch.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In an intense Premier League 2 showdown at the Lancashire FA County Ground, Daniel Nkrumah’s stunning strike wasn’t enough to save Middlesbrough U-21 from a narrow 3-2 defeat against Blackburn Rovers U-21.
The game kicked off with high energy, and it didn’t take long for the hosts to take the lead. Harrison Wood struck early in the 8th minute, giving Blackburn the upper hand. Middlesbrough’s forward line, led by the dynamic Daniel Nkrumah, responded immediately with a spell of pressure. Nkrumah came close to an equalizer but was denied by Blackburn’s formidable goalkeeper, Jack Barrett.
Undeterred, Nkrumah found his moment in the 17th minute. Rising to meet a corner, the English-Ghanaian forward smashed a breathtaking strike into the top corner, leveling the match and showcasing his clinical finishing.
The first half ended with both sides battling fiercely for control, but Blackburn regained the lead early in the second half, with Wood completing his brace. Middlesbrough fought back, and in the 85th minute, Ajay Matthews slotted home to reignite Boro’s hopes of a comeback.
Just as the visitors seemed poised to snatch a point, Exauce Mafoumbi unleashed a spectacular long-range strike in the 87th minute, sealing a dramatic win for Blackburn.
Though the match ended in disappointment for Middlesbrough, Nkrumah’s all-round performance and sensational goal stood out as a silver lining in an otherwise frustrating evening for his team.
