by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
In a thrilling display of dominance and composure, 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba once again proved why he’s the future of midfield brilliance. His performance today was nothing short of spectacular:
1 chance created: Vision and creativity that carved open the opposition.
6 passes to the final third: Always pushing the team forward.
3/4 tackles won ⭐️: A relentless presence in defensive duties.
6/6 ground duels won ⭐️: Untouchable on the ground.
3/4 aerial duels won ⭐️: Dominant in the air.
4 recoveries and 3 interceptions: Anticipation and work rate at its finest.
Forget about overhyped options or aging stars. Baleba is the real deal. A complete midfielder who brings energy, precision, and grit to every game. If you’re looking for a player to anchor your midfield for the next decade, this is the man to invest in.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Black Satellites goalkeeper Daniel Agyei has voiced his frustration over the unexpectedly low returns from a 15-year investment agreement made after Ghana’s historic triumph at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citi Sports, Agyei revealed that each team member has received just over 70,000 Ghana Cedis from the 10,000 Ghana Cedis investment initiated in 2009. This amount falls significantly short of the anticipated 150,000 Ghana Cedis payout.
“We are in a way disappointed about the money we are receiving. With this money, you can’t even do business,” Agyei lamented.
The former shot-stopper called on former President John Mahama, who served as Vice President during the team’s victorious campaign, to intervene and assist the team members in finding a sustainable way forward.
Agyei, who represented Ghana with distinction during the tournament, went on to play for clubs such as Medeama SC, Liberty Professionals, Free State Stars in South Africa, and Simba SC in Tanzania.
The 2009 Black Satellites team remains a celebrated part of Ghana’s football history as the first African team to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup. However, the current struggles of its members serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges many athletes face after their playing days.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Ghanaian defender Lalas Abubakar has officially begun pre-season training with his new club, FC Dallas, as preparations for the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season get underway.
The 29-year-old joined FC Dallas as a free agent in December after departing Colorado Rapids, where he spent four successful seasons. Abubakar returned to the U.S. after a short holiday in Ghana to link up with his new teammates for the intensive drills marking the start of pre-season in Dallas.
Having spent his entire senior career in the MLS, Abubakar brings a wealth of experience to FC Dallas. He previously played for Columbus Crew before making 153 appearances for Colorado Rapids, where he contributed nine goals and helped the team reach the playoffs last season.
FC Dallas Sporting Director Andre Zanotta expressed excitement about the signing, emphasizing Abubakar’s quality and leadership. “We’re very happy to sign Lalas to our roster. Strengthening our defensive group this offseason was a priority. Lalas provides us with a great player, competitor, and flexibility along our backline. We look forward to his impact as we prepare for the new season.”
The former Rapids Defensive Player of the Year (2019, 2020) is set to add steel and depth to FC Dallas’ backline. Although Abubakar has not yet represented Ghana at the international level, he acquired U.S. citizenship last year, further cementing his ties to the league he has called home.
As FC Dallas gear up for a competitive season, Abubakar’s arrival signals a strong intent to fortify their defensive unit and push for MLS success.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, Uncategorized
In a thrilling North London Derby, Thomas Partey became a divisive figure as Arsenal edged past Tottenham with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday. The Ghanaian midfielder’s performance was a tale of two halves, sparking mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike.
The game began with Partey at the heart of controversy. In the 24th minute, he faced criticism from former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and pundit Ally McCoist for his lackluster effort in closing down space. This lapse allowed Pape Matar Sarr to set up Heung-Min Son for Spurs’ opener. Ferdinand labeled Partey’s effort as “insufficient,” urging the importance of a holding midfielder’s defensive instincts. McCoist added that greater awareness was needed in such key moments.
However, Partey quickly silenced some of his critics with a moment of brilliance in the second half. His clean tackle and rapid transition sparked the move that led to Leandro Trossard’s equalizer. This crucial contribution underlined his defensive quality and ability to turn defense into attack seamlessly.
Fans flooded social media with praise for Partey’s game-changing intervention, acknowledging his impact in securing the Gunners’ victory. Yet, the earlier criticism still lingered, pointing to areas where improvement is needed.
As speculation over Partey’s future at Arsenal continues, this performance highlighted both his potential and imperfections. For now, the Ghanaian remains a vital piece in Mikel Arteta’s puzzle, capable of delivering decisive moments in high-stakes encounters.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
A Rising Star Reignites His Spark
Felix Afena-Gyan, the Ghanaian prodigy, is making waves in Italy as he continues to rediscover his magic on the pitch. The 21-year-old striker was voted Serie C Player of the Week for Matchday 22 after an electrifying performance for Juventus Next Gen in their 2-1 away victory over Catania.
Afena-Gyan’s decisive goal not only sealed the win for his side but also propelled them further up the league table. His contributions over the past month have been nothing short of remarkable, with the young forward delivering goals, assists, and an infectious enthusiasm that’s reigniting his career.
The recognition comes on the back of a fan vote, where Afena-Gyan claimed a commanding 67% of the ballots, beating out Messina’s Pierluca Luciani (24%) and Maxim Girona of FC Crotone (9%).
Since joining Juventus Next Gen on loan from Cremonese, the former AS Roma starlet has worked tirelessly to make his mark. With four goals and three assists in 16 appearances, he’s proving that his talent and determination remain undiminished.
Afena-Gyan’s resurgence in Serie C is turning heads, and this accolade will undoubtedly fuel his confidence as he strives for greater heights in his career.
