by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 13, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari has returned to the United States to begin pre-season training with Austin FC ahead of the 2025 MLS season.
The 26-year-old arrived in Texas over the weekend and joined his teammates for their first training session at the St. David’s Performance Center on Saturday. This marks Bukari’s first full season with The Verde, having joined the club last year from Serbian side Red Star Belgrade as a Designated Player.
Austin FC will spend the next six weeks preparing for the new campaign, which kicks off with a home game against Sporting Kansas City on February 22. During pre-season, Bukari and his teammates will participate in seven matches, including fixtures in Florida against New England Revolution and Charleston Battery. They will also face reigning MLS champions LA Galaxy, St. Louis City, Charlotte FC, and Nashville SC.
Sharing his excitement for the upcoming season, Bukari wrote on social media, “Just getting started. Hopes high for the new season. Let’s go Verde! Alhamdulillah for everything!”
The Ghana international is eager to make a strong impact in his first full campaign with Austin FC, as the club looks to improve on their performances from last season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 13, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Anderlecht winger Francis Amuzu is set for an extended period on the sidelines after sustaining a serious concussion during his side’s clash against Club Brugge on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in the Belgian Pro League.
The 25-year-old started the match but was substituted at halftime after a heavy collision. Anderlecht went on to suffer a 3-0 home defeat. Initial medical assessments confirmed the concussion, with further examinations scheduled to determine the full extent of the injury.
Sources close to the club suggest Amuzu could be out for an extended period, compounding Anderlecht’s injury woes. The team is already dealing with a depleted squad, with key players like Jan Vertonghen, Moussa N’Diaye, Majeed Ashimeru, and Mario Stroeykens also sidelined.
Amuzu, who has been a consistent presence for Anderlecht this season with 17 league appearances and two goals, will be a significant miss for Brian Riemer’s squad as they aim to recover from their recent struggles.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 13, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
AFC Bournemouth have brought back their England-born Ghanaian forward, Dan Adu-Adjei, from his loan spell at Carlisle United after a remarkable stint in League Two.
The 19-year-old joined Carlisle at the start of the 2024/25 season, where he quickly established himself as a key figure for the Brunton Park side. Despite an early injury setback, Adu-Adjei returned strongly, featuring in the club’s last 10 matches and contributing two goals and an assist in 14 appearances. His performances earned praise for his maturity and impact at such a young age.
Adu-Adjei’s development has been closely monitored by Bournemouth, where he has been a rising star since joining from Fulham in 2021. Last season, he was crowned Bournemouth Academy Player of the Year after a stellar campaign with the U18s. This progress earned him a long-term contract with the Cherries in the summer of 2024, underscoring the club’s belief in his potential.
With his return to the Vitality Stadium, Adu-Adjei is expected to further develop his skills under the guidance of Bournemouth’s coaching staff. Whether he gets a shot at the Premier League this season or is set for another move, his future looks bright.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 13, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Alexandria, Egypt – A tough day at the office for Al Ittihad Alexandria
Ghanaian forward Benjamin Bernard Boateng endured a forgettable outing as his Al Ittihad Alexandria side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to ZED FC in the Egyptian Premier League at the Alexandria Stadium.
The 24-year-old attacker, who joined the club in 2021 from Ghanaian side Elmina Sharks, was shown a straight red card in the 55th minute, leaving his team with a mountain to climb. Despite their efforts, the home side couldn’t find a breakthrough, and ZED FC held on for all three points.
ZED FC’s Dilson scored the decisive goal in the 33rd minute after a well-timed assist from Ahmed Adel. With Boateng’s dismissal reducing Al Ittihad to ten men, the visitors maintained their advantage to secure victory.
In a spirited performance, Moro Salifu, another Ghanaian and a former Bechem United captain, completed the full 90 minutes for Al Ittihad. However, he also picked up a yellow card late in the game, adding to the team’s frustrations.
Boateng, yet to score or assist in his seven league appearances this season, will now face suspension as his team looks to recover from this setback.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 13, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Grit, Drama, and Penalty Heartache at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey endured a tough evening during his team’s dramatic FA Cup third-round clash against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, January 12, 2024.
The Ghanaian international entered the fray in extra time, replacing Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, but his arrival was met with jeers from the traveling Manchester United supporters. Undeterred by the hostile reception, Partey displayed professionalism and composure, even stepping up to successfully convert his penalty in the shootout.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. United took the lead when Bruno Fernandes pounced on a slip by Gabriel Magalhães, finishing off a swift pass from Alejandro Garnacho. Arsenal’s hopes were revived after United’s Diogo Dalot received a red card, allowing Gabriel to score the equalizer.
Despite their numerical advantage, the Gunners failed to capitalize during extra time, and the game went to penalties. While Partey and most of his teammates delivered under pressure, Kai Havertz’s missed penalty proved costly. Manchester United clinched a 5-4 shootout victory, advancing to the fourth round.
Now, Arsenal must regroup and shift focus to their upcoming Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the Emirates Stadium.
