by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is relishing the challenge of facing Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Ghanaian international is determined to help his side bounce back after a disappointing draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League last Saturday. Partey believes the Gunners have what it takes to secure a crucial advantage on home turf before the return leg at St James’ Park in a month.
“I’m very excited. We have to prepare well because we know how difficult it is to play against them,” Partey told the club’s website. “They have quality players, but we have to be ready for them.”
He also emphasized the importance of the home crowd, adding, “It’s going to be amazing. We know how passionate our supporters are and the big role they play in our games. We’ll need them for this one.”
The match, scheduled to kick off at 20:00 GMT, promises to be a thrilling encounter as Arsenal aims to strengthen their push for silverware this season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 6, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Sudan’s head coach, James Kwesi Appiah, has boldly set his sights on winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), signaling his ambition to elevate Sudanese football to historic heights.
Appiah, the former Black Stars manager, masterminded Sudan’s impressive qualification campaign, finishing second in Group F with eight points. This achievement secured Sudan’s first AFCON appearance since 2012.
In an interview with Akoma FM, Appiah expressed his belief in Sudan’s potential and his determination to aim for the ultimate prize.
“By God’s grace, we have qualified. We will prepare very well and ensure we have a strong team before the AFCON. Any competition we enter, we aim to win,” Appiah stated.
He dismissed the notion of participating without ambition, adding, “I don’t believe in taking part with a mindset of being eliminated early. Once you’re in, you aim for the cup rather than leaving empty-handed.”
Appiah also highlighted football’s unpredictability, citing Ivory Coast’s triumph in 2023 as an example. “No one thought Ivory Coast would win the competition—they were almost eliminated but came back to win. Football has matured, and no team should be underestimated.”
With the tournament set to kick off in North Africa on December 21, 2025, and the final scheduled for January 18, 2026, Appiah is determined to ensure Sudan is ready to compete against the continent’s best.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Latina Calcio secures the services of Ghanaian forward Joseph Ekuban in a bid to strengthen their attacking force.
Latina Calcio has made a significant addition to their squad during the winter transfer window by signing Joseph Ansah Ekuban from SS Turris Calcio. The 25-year-old forward, born in Italy to Ghanaian parents, is set to bolster the team’s offensive lineup as they push for success in the Serie C campaign.
Ekuban’s football journey has been one of perseverance and promise. Starting his professional career at SS Arezzo, he later joined SS Turris, where he featured in 13 league matches this season, contributing a goal and an assist. Now, he arrives at Stadio Domenico Francioni with the ambition to make a lasting impact.
Latina Calcio expressed their excitement in an official statement:
“We are pleased to welcome Joseph Ekuban to Latina Calcio 1932. As a dynamic and versatile forward, he brings quality and energy to our attack. We believe he will be a valuable addition to our squad.”
Football runs deep in the Ekuban family, with Joseph’s older brother, Caleb Ekuban, representing the Ghana national team and currently playing for Genoa CFC. Although Joseph has yet to don the Black Stars jersey, his talent and potential could one day earn him a call-up.
Latina supporters are eager to see how Ekuban integrates into the team and contributes to their ascent in the league standings. For the ambitious striker, this move represents a fresh chapter and an opportunity to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a Championship clash filled with drama, Ghanaian midfielder Forson Amankwah delivered a heroic late cameo to lead Norwich City to a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory over Coventry City at Carrow Road on Saturday.
Coventry took control early on when Milan van Ewijk slotted home in the 24th minute, leaving the Canaries chasing the game. Despite dominating possession in the second half, Norwich struggled to find a breakthrough as frustration mounted.
Manager David Wagner’s bold decision to introduce Amankwah in the 84th minute proved pivotal. With just minutes left in stoppage time, the 20-year-old turned the game on its head. In the 91st minute, Amankwah struck a clinical equalizer, energizing the home crowd. Four minutes later, he delivered the decisive blow, calmly finishing in the 95th minute to seal all three points for Norwich.
The dramatic victory lifts the Canaries to 11th in the Championship standings, with 36 points in their campaign.
Amankwah, who joined Norwich from Red Bull Salzburg, now has two goals in 17 appearances this season. His star turn offers a confidence boost ahead of Norwich’s upcoming FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton on January 11 and a critical league clash at Sheffield United on January 18.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a tactical reshuffle by Arsenal, Thomas Partey has once again found himself stepping into the defensive line for his team. Known for his versatility and composure, the Ghanaian midfielder took on the responsibility of shoring up Arsenal’s backline in a crucial match. Mikel Arteta’s decision to deploy Partey in this role underscores the trust placed in his adaptability and football intelligence, proving invaluable for the Gunners in moments of need.
