by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Fred Pappoe, has called on the leadership of the GFA to make qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup their utmost priority. This follows the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 20 years.
The Black Stars endured a disappointing AFCON campaign, finishing bottom of Group F with just three points after three draws and three defeats. With World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March, Pappoe emphasized the critical importance of securing Ghana’s place on the global stage.
“Qualification to the 2026 World Cup should be our topmost priority. It will be more expensive not to qualify,” Pappoe told Accra-based Original FM.
Currently, Ghana sits second in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers, tied on nine points with group leaders Comoros. The Black Stars are set to face Chad and Madagascar in the final two matches, with their hopes of qualification hanging in the balance.
Pappoe’s remarks highlight the financial and footballing implications of missing out on the prestigious tournament, urging the GFA to take decisive steps to ensure success.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Coventry City boss remains focused on improving his squad despite transfer rumors.
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has downplayed speculation linking Ghanaian striker Brandon Thomas-Asante with a move to Blackburn Rovers or Stoke City during the January transfer window. The 26-year-old, who joined Coventry from West Bromwich Albion in the summer, has struggled to secure regular starts, managing just eight appearances in the Championship.
Amid reports of Blackburn’s interest, Lampard has made it clear that Thomas-Asante remains a key part of his plans, especially with top scorer Haji Wright sidelined due to injury. Speaking to Coventry Live, Lampard dismissed the transfer talk as baseless rumors.
“Not as far as I’m concerned. He is our player and remains so,” Lampard stated firmly. “There is always going to be speculation, but the rumor mill and what actually happens are two different things. Right now, my focus is on the squad we have and how we can make the most of it.”
The Coventry manager also voiced his support for Thomas-Asante, urging the forward to seize his opportunities and improve his finishing.
“I back him. I like him as a lad—he trains with a great attitude. He’s shown improvement in recent weeks, but like all our strikers, he needs to deliver more in front of goal,” Lampard said.
Despite creating chances with a high xG, Lampard acknowledged his team’s struggles with converting opportunities in the final third. “Our strikers need to become more clinical. When you get your chance, you have to produce, and that’s something we’re working on every day.”
With injuries hampering Coventry’s attacking options, Lampard has placed his faith in Thomas-Asante and the current squad, focusing on squeezing every ounce of potential as the January window approaches.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Jerry Afriyie, the talented 18-year-old prodigy from Ghana’s lower-division side, Thoughts FC, is set to take center stage for the Black Stars in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar this March. The youngster, who recently impressed in his senior team debut, has won the admiration of head coach Otto Addo and his technical team.
Afriyie’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable. The forward capped off a stellar 2024 with a goal in Ghana’s 1-1 draw against Niger, despite the team missing out on a spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His debut performance followed a golden boot-winning campaign at the WAFU B Championship and a gold medal triumph with Ghana’s U-20 team at the African Games.
Otto Addo, an ardent admirer of the youngster’s skill and composure, has reportedly earmarked him for a prominent role in the March qualifiers. Sources close to the coach suggest Afriyie’s inclusion will send a clear message to Ghana’s established stars in Europe, who now face stiff competition for places in the squad.
While some skepticism might arise about Afriyie’s readiness for such a pivotal role, Addo is confident in the teenager’s ability to rise to the occasion with proper guidance and focus.
The Black Stars, under immense pressure to deliver after a disappointing year, will look to bounce back against Chad at home and Madagascar away. With Afriyie potentially leading the charge, fans are eager to see if the rising star can inspire Ghana to brighter fortunes on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Amad Diallo has written his name into Manchester United folklore by becoming the first player since Cristiano Ronaldo to score a hat-trick for the club. The young star delivered a breathtaking performance, leading United to a commanding victory with his clinical finishing and composure in front of goal.
Diallo’s hat-trick not only showcased his immense potential but also brought back memories of Ronaldo’s iconic displays for the Red Devils. The Old Trafford faithful erupted with joy as the 21-year-old winger celebrated his historic achievement, cementing his place as one of the brightest prospects in world football.
This moment is a testament to United’s commitment to nurturing young talent and signals a bright future ahead for the club under the guidance of their current setup. Amad Diallo has officially arrived on the big stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
In a thrilling match at Old Trafford, Manchester United secured a 3-1 win over Southampton, thanks to a remarkable ten-minute hat-trick by Amad Diallo. The game took a surprising turn when Southampton, the Premier League’s bottom club, took the lead through a first-half corner. United struggled to break down the resilient Saints defense, with key players missing crucial opportunities. However, Diallo’s late-game heroics turned the tide, as he netted three goals in quick succession, sparing the Red Devils from an embarrassing defeat and securing all three points for his team.
