by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian Left-Back Poised for UEFA Champions League Debut
At just 22 years old, Ebenezer Annan is ready to make waves on the European stage. The Ghanaian left-back has returned to Serbian champions Crvena Zvezda following a remarkable loan spell at OFK Beograd, where he played a key role in their unexpected surge to third place in the Serbian Superliga.
Annan, who joined Crvena Zvezda from Serie A side Bologna on a three-year deal last summer, spent the first half of the season with newly promoted OFK Beograd. There, he flourished, forming a dynamic partnership with fellow Ghanaian Edmund Addo and becoming a pivotal figure in the team’s impressive run. Annan contributed four assists in 19 matches, the highest in the squad, earning him an average SofaScore rating of 7.
Now back with Crvena Zvezda, Annan joins a squad sitting comfortably atop the league table with 51 points from 20 matches. The team is currently in Antalya, Turkey, preparing for the second half of the season and a crucial UEFA Champions League campaign, where they will face PSV Eindhoven and Young Boys.
Annan’s return adds strength and versatility to Crvena Zvezda’s defense as they look to extend their dominance domestically and make strides in Europe. The Ghanaian’s journey continues, with his Champions League debut just around the corner.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Manchester City are reportedly preparing a summer swoop for Ghanaian sensation Mohammed Kudus, with plans to activate his £85 million release clause. According to Football Insider, the Premier League champions are eager to bolster their attacking options by securing the services of the West Ham United star.
Kudus has been a revelation since his arrival at the London Stadium, dazzling fans with his debut-season exploits. During the 2023/24 campaign, the former Ajax playmaker delivered an impressive 14 goals and six assists, catching the attention of top European clubs.
While West Ham value the 23-year-old at £100 million, his release clause—which becomes active next summer—provides a more feasible route for City to land their target. A January move seems unlikely, as the Hammers are reluctant to part ways with their prized asset mid-season.
City will face stiff competition for Kudus’ signature, with Arsenal and Liverpool also monitoring the versatile forward. In the current season, Kudus has registered three goals and two assists in 16 appearances, underlining his growing influence in English football.
The coming months will determine whether Kudus dons the sky blue of Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola’s side looks to strengthen their squad with the dynamic Ghanaian.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Chelsea’s promising young defender, Josh Acheampong, has shared his mixed emotions following his Premier League debut in the Blues’ 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The 19-year-old Ghanaian talent, making his first league start under manager Enzo Maresca, delivered a composed performance in a tightly contested match. Chelsea took the lead through Cole Palmer’s first-half goal, but a late equalizer from Jean-Philippe Mateta denied them all three points.
Reflecting on the match, Acheampong expressed both pride and disappointment. “It was a really enjoyable game and my first Premier League start,” he told the club website. “I’ve worked a lot for it, and overall it was really enjoyable, but it’s unfortunate that we couldn’t come away with the three points.”
Despite the intense atmosphere at Selhurst Park, Acheampong displayed confidence and maturity well beyond his years. His passing accuracy and time on the ball stood out, with the youngster completing more passes than any other player on the pitch.
“That’s one of the things I like to do when I play,” Acheampong explained. “I like to be on the ball, and as I got more into the game, my confidence grew. I don’t really think about my opponent or the crowd; I just focus on my own game.”
Acheampong’s impressive debut has fueled speculation about his inclusion in the starting lineup when Chelsea faces A.F.C. Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Teenage sensation Josh Acheampong is determined to build on his promising Premier League debut for Chelsea, following a solid performance against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The 19-year-old defender, born in England to Ghanaian parents, first tasted senior football last month in a Conference League match against FC Astana. However, Saturday’s game marked his maiden appearance in England’s top flight—a challenge he thoroughly embraced.
“It felt like a big step up physically,” Acheampong admitted in an interview with the club’s website. “But you get used to it training with my teammates. Levi [Colwill] was a big help before, during, and after the game—even reminding me to clap the fans. It’s great to have someone like him around.”
While Chelsea initially led through Cole Palmer’s strike in the first half, a late goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta saw the game end in a 1-1 draw, leaving Chelsea fans disappointed. Nevertheless, Acheampong’s composed display in defense was a bright spot for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Reflecting on his experience, the promising center-back expressed his hunger for more opportunities. “I always try to work for more and more, and hopefully, there are more chances to come,” he said.
Acheampong will be keen to retain his spot when Chelsea welcomes A.F.C. Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Augustine Boakye delivered a masterclass performance for AS Saint-Étienne, earning a well-deserved place in Sofascore’s Ligue 1 Team of the Week.
Boakye was instrumental in Saint-Étienne’s stunning 3-1 comeback victory over Stade Reims at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on Saturday. Despite trailing 1-0 at halftime after a 42nd-minute strike by Japan’s Keito Nakamura, the home side roared back to life in the second half, inspired by Boakye’s brilliance.
The 22-year-old midfielder equalized just five minutes after the restart with a well-placed effort and followed it up with a second goal in the 57th minute to put Saint-Étienne in front. Belgian forward Lucas Stassin added the finishing touch with a 74th-minute goal to secure all three points.
Having joined Saint-Étienne this season from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC, Boakye has endured injury setbacks but is beginning to hit his stride. With two goals in nine Ligue 1 appearances, the former WAFA prodigy looks poised to play a crucial role for the Stéphanois this season.
As Saint-Étienne gears up for a challenging trip to face PSG at the Parc des Princes next weekend, fans will hope Boakye can carry this momentum into their next fixture.
