by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Ibrahim Osman delivered a decisive performance in Feyenoord’s commanding 4-1 victory over Rijnsburgse Boys in the KNVB Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday night.
Osman, who started on the wing, was instrumental throughout the match but saved his finest moment for added time. Set up by defender Gijs Smal, he calmly slotted home Feyenoord’s fourth goal to seal their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Shortly after his goal, Osman was substituted for midfielder Luka Ivanusec as Feyenoord closed out the game in style.
The Dutch giants dominated early, taking a 3-1 lead by halftime. Star striker Santiago Gimenez bagged a brace, while Givairo Read added another to showcase Feyenoord’s attacking flair.
Rijnsburgse Boys managed a consolation goal through Ilias Kariouh, assisted by Dutch-Ghanaian winger Delano Asante, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Feyenoord’s dominance.
Osman’s late contribution added the perfect finishing touch to a strong team performance, cementing Feyenoord’s status as one of the favorites to lift the KNVB Cup this season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council Member Samuel Aboabire has expressed frustration over the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). In an interview with Amansan TV, Aboabire criticized the players, pointing out their inability to replicate club-level performances in the national team setup.
The Greater Accra Regional FA chairman singled out Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo, whose prolific form in the English Premier League starkly contrasts with his performances for Ghana.
“Semenyo is scoring consistently for Bournemouth, yet we don’t see the same productivity when he plays for the Black Stars. This lack of conversion has hurt us,” Aboabire remarked.
He believes that bridging the gap between club and national team performance is essential for Ghana’s revival. “If our players can replicate their form at club level when they wear the national jersey, Ghana can definitely qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” he added.
Aboabire, rumored to be joining the new Black Stars management committee, emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the technical setup and better player management to regain the team’s competitive edge.
With their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign falling short due to missed opportunities, the focus now shifts to preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In an exciting January transfer window move, German-born Ghanaian striker Aaron Seydel has penned an 18-month deal with Danish Superliga side AaB Aalborg. The 28-year-old joins as a free agent following his stint with German 2. Bundesliga club SV Darmstadt 98, where he netted 10 goals in 65 appearances.
Seydel, who stands at an imposing two meters tall, brings a wealth of experience to his new club. Having featured in both the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga with Darmstadt and Mainz 05, he is expected to be a vital addition to AaB’s attacking options.
A former German U-21 international with four goals in as many matches, Seydel remains eligible to switch allegiance to Ghana, offering the Black Stars a potential option in their forward line.
Speaking on his new adventure in Denmark, Seydel expressed enthusiasm about joining the AaB family. “I aim to contribute with my experience and score plenty of goals. Together, we hope to achieve great results and build a strong bond with the fans,” he said.
AaB sporting director James Gow praised Seydel’s physical presence, aerial dominance, and finishing ability, which he believes will help the team climb higher in the league standings.
With his arrival, AaB is hopeful of rejuvenating their attack and turning their season around. For Seydel, this marks a new chapter to prove his quality and potentially catch the eye of Ghana’s national team selectors.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 15, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, World Cup
With just five months until the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicks off, Africa’s four representatives—Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)—are gearing up to showcase their talent on the global stage. The tournament, scheduled from June 14 to July 13, 2025, will be held in the United States, featuring 32 of the world’s top clubs.
African champions Al Ahly are riding high after a stunning hat-trick by Emam Ashour secured a win against Stade d’Abidjan, confirming their place in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals. The Egyptians will open the Club World Cup against Inter Miami on June 14 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. They share Group A with Brazilian side Palmeiras and Portuguese giants Porto.
Esperance, fresh off a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Djoliba in Bamako, will begin their Group D campaign against Flamengo (Brazil) on June 16 in Atlanta. The Tunisian powerhouse will also face Chelsea (England) and Leon (Mexico) in a challenging group.
Mamelodi Sundowns, nicknamed “The Brazilians,” continued their impressive CAF Champions League run with a 2-1 away win over AS Maniema Union. Drawn in Group F, the South African giants will face Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) on June 17 in Orlando, Borussia Dortmund (Germany) on June 21 in Cincinnati, and Fluminense (Brazil) on June 25 in Miami.
Meanwhile, Wydad Athletic Club maintained momentum with a domestic league win over Union Tourga, although they’ve been absent from recent CAF Champions League action. They look forward to representing Morocco at the Club World Cup and showcasing their strength on the world stage.
The tournament has drawn praise from football legends, including Didier Drogba, who views the competition as a transformative moment for global football, particularly for developing continents like Africa. “This will provide players from Africa a chance to shine at the biggest stage, improve infrastructure, and elevate local leagues,” Drogba told Goal Africa.
With 32 teams from six confederations set to participate, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 promises to be a landmark event, creating new opportunities and inspiring players and fans alike.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Liverpool legend Michael Owen has identified AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, should the Egyptian star leave Anfield.
Owen’s remarks followed Semenyo’s standout performance in Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea, where he found the back of the net, showcasing the form that has turned heads this season. Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen said, “Semenyo is a brilliant player. He scores goals, and if Mohamed Salah leaves Liverpool, Semenyo should be his replacement.”
With Salah’s contract nearing its expiration at the end of the season and no extension currently in sight, the possibility of his departure looms large. Salah is set to begin negotiations with other clubs in January if Liverpool does not secure his future.
Semenyo, who has already tallied seven goals this season, continues to impress as Bournemouth prepares for a challenging encounter against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park this weekend.
Could Semenyo be the heir to Salah’s throne at Anfield? Only time will tell, but Owen’s endorsement has certainly added to the growing buzz around the Ghanaian international.
