by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghana international Samuel Inkoom has been granted bail by an Accra court following allegations of visa fraud. The bail was set at GHC100,000, with two sureties required, each earning a minimum monthly income of GHC5,000.
Inkoom, who denies the charges, is accused of taking $4,000 from a woman under the pretext of securing a US visa for her client. According to the prosecution, the incident occurred in December 2023, when Inkoom allegedly claimed to have connections in the travel industry and promised to deliver the visa within six weeks.
The court has adjourned the case to January 22, 2025, when Inkoom is expected to appear for further proceedings.
Inkoom, a well-known figure in Ghanaian football, began his career with Sekondi Hasaacas before joining Asante Kotoko. His talent earned him a move to Swiss side FC Basel in 2009, where he gained international recognition. Over his career, he played for clubs like Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and Antalyaspor.
On the international stage, Inkoom earned 46 caps for the Ghana national team, scoring one goal. He represented Ghana at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, leaving a lasting legacy in Ghanaian football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ahead of a crucial Premier League showdown between Liverpool and West Ham United, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has singled out Mohammed Kudus as a player to watch. Slot, speaking during his pre-match press conference, praised the Ghanaian’s versatility and impact on the pitch.
“I think he’s a good player, that’s for sure. Everybody sees this,” Slot remarked. “He can play multiple positions. I think he played here for Ajax against Liverpool as a nine as well. He’s a big threat for them.”
Kudus, who joined West Ham from Ajax, has been turning heads with his performances. In 13 appearances this season, the 24-year-old has netted three goals and provided one assist, cementing his role as a vital asset for the Hammers. His ability to adapt across various positions has not only strengthened West Ham but also attracted interest from Liverpool.
Reports suggest that the Reds are considering a move for Kudus in the January transfer window, igniting speculation about his future at the London Stadium.
As West Ham prepares to face Liverpool, Kudus’ talent and flexibility will be central to the Hammers’ strategy, while Slot’s admiration hints at the potential for a new chapter in the Ghanaian’s career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Leicester City manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy has expressed his disappointment over the season-ending injury of Ghanaian winger Fatawu Issahaku as the Foxes prepare to face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League encounter.
The highly anticipated clash sees Leicester host a struggling Manchester City side, but Van Nistelrooy admits the absence of Issahaku is a significant setback for his team.
“I think with Fatawu out on a cruciate, that was a big blow just a week before I started. It’s a massive loss for this team,” the Leicester boss stated during a pre-match interview.
The 19-year-old suffered a devastating knee injury during Ghana’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola, forcing him to miss the final group game against Niger. The injury also contributed to Ghana’s disappointing campaign, as they failed to qualify for the tournament.
Issahaku, who joined Leicester from Sporting CP, is currently undergoing rehabilitation. His absence will extend into next year, ruling him out of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar in March.
As Leicester fight to maintain their spot in the Premier League, Van Nistelrooy will have to find a way to cope without the dynamic winger, whose creativity and pace have been sorely missed.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a high-stakes Serie A clash on Saturday, Ghanaian forward Caleb Ekuban emerged as the hero, delivering a crucial goal that secured Genoa’s 2-1 victory over Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani – Computer Gross Arena.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock despite several attempts. However, Genoa wasted no time after the interval, taking the lead just one minute into the second half through Croatian midfielder Milan Badelj.
Empoli had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 54th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Sebastiano Esposito’s spot-kick went astray, keeping Genoa in front.
Enter Caleb Ekuban. Substituted on in the 63rd minute for Andrea Pinamonti, the 30-year-old Ghanaian wasted no time making his mark. Five minutes later, Ekuban connected with a precise pass from Fabio Miretti, slotting home Genoa’s second goal and what would ultimately be the match-winner.
Though Esposito redeemed himself with a goal in the 74th minute to pull one back for Empoli, Genoa held firm to claim all three points.
Ekuban’s strike marks his first goal of the season in six Serie A appearances, a confidence booster for the former Trabzonspor star. Fellow Ghanaian and Empoli forward Emmanuel Gyasi also featured prominently, playing the full 90 minutes but receiving a yellow card in the 81st minute.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
It was a night of high stakes and electric football as Mohammed Kudus and his team took on the mighty Liverpool. The young Ghanaian playmaker dazzled the crowd with his skill and precision, weaving through the opposition with ease. Twice, he came agonizingly close to glory—once with a thunderous strike that rattled the crossbar, and another with a low drive that grazed the post.
Kudus’s performance was a masterclass in creativity and determination, but luck was not on his side. Despite his efforts, the goal he so deserved remained elusive. The night ended with applause for the midfielder, a testament to his relentless spirit and undeniable talent.
