by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman recently shared the personal decision behind his temporary break from the national team, the Black Stars. For the 30-year-old left-back, it wasn’t the jeers from Kumasi fans that led to his hiatus but rather his desire to focus on fitness after a long and challenging injury history.
During his last national team appearance, Rahman faced a rough reception from some Black Stars fans, which led to speculation that he was stepping away due to the boos. Coach Otto Addo himself acknowledged the impact of this crowd reaction on Rahman and his family back in May, explaining the PAOK player’s absence from Ghana’s squad.
However, Rahman clarified the reasons for his break in a recent interview with BBC Sport Africa. “I’ve decided to step back a bit to focus on my fitness,” he said. “My injury record has been tough, and after joining PAOK last year, I felt it was best to concentrate on regaining my strength.”
Rahman has been no stranger to adversity. Between 2017 and 2020, he spent nearly 1,000 days sidelined due to a series of injuries, including two ACL tears. Although he made a resilient comeback for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2022 World Cup, Ghana’s early exits in both tournaments underscored his ongoing challenges.
Now, Rahman hopes to restore his form with club football before reigniting his international career. “People constantly ask me to return to the Black Stars, but right now, my health is my priority,” he shared. “Once I’m back to full fitness, I know I’ll be ready to contribute to Ghana’s national team again.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Ghanaian international and ex-Kotoko goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi has thrown his support behind the Black Galaxies, Ghana’s home-based national team, expressing strong confidence in their chances to qualify for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN). Ofori Antwi believes the team is poised to make a statement, particularly as they prepare to face Nigeria in a crucial two-legged qualifying tie.
The Black Galaxies, who have been rigorously training for almost a month, are keen to erase the disappointments of their previous campaign and return to the CHAN stage with renewed vigor. Speaking to Sportsblog247.com, Ofori Antwi stated, “I believe this squad will be different. They’ll qualify for CHAN.”
Highlighting the quality within the team, Ofori Antwi singled out the goalkeepers, who he feels have been exceptional in the Ghana Premier League. “Any of them can start,” he said confidently. “Their performances in the league show they’re ready, and whoever is selected will deliver.”
The former Medeama and Hearts of Oak shot-stopper, who once played a crucial role in Ghana’s national teams, added that this team’s blend of talent and determination could be the key to unlocking their potential on the continental stage. As Ghanaians rally behind the Black Galaxies, there’s hope for a revitalized team ready to capture continental glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
After joining Sunderland on loan from RC Lens in the summer, Ghanaian midfielder Salis Abdul Samed anticipated a chance to showcase his skills in the English Championship. Having been a regular fixture for Lens last season, amassing 35 appearances and six Champions League outings, Samed hoped his time at Sunderland would build on this success. However, the 24-year-old’s expectations have been met with disappointment.
Since his arrival on deadline day, Samed has yet to make a single appearance for the Black Cats. More concerningly, he hasn’t even been included in any of Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris’ matchday squads, fueling speculation over his future at the Stadium of Light. As a defensive midfielder, Samed was supposed to bring stability and depth to Sunderland’s squad, but his exclusion has left fans questioning whether he’s truly part of the club’s plans.
The lack of progress has raised alarm at Lens, where Samed remains under contract until 2028. Reports from Allez Lens suggest that the French club is monitoring the situation closely and may consider recalling him in January to ensure he gets regular game time elsewhere. If Lens decides to proceed with a recall, they’re likely to seek another loan arrangement, aiming to secure more playing time for the midfielder in a different setup.
With the January transfer window approaching, both Sunderland supporters and Lens officials are waiting to see if Samed’s story at the Stadium of Light will find a new chapter or if he’ll be moved to a club better suited to his ambitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio has expressed confidence in teammate Mohammed Kudus’ resilience and skill as the midfielder prepares to return after an extended suspension. Kudus was red-carded in a Premier League clash against Tottenham on October 19, leading to a three-game ban that was later extended to five games by the English FA, alongside a £60,000 fine.
The suspension has kept Kudus out of West Ham’s games against Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, and Everton, and will see him miss upcoming fixtures against Newcastle United on November 25 and Arsenal on November 30. Despite this, Antonio remains hopeful about Kudus’ return, saying, “He’s an unbelievable player with incredible dribbling, scoring ability, and ambition. He’s a great miss and definitely someone we need in our lineup.”
While sidelined, Kudus has been training with Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, as they gear up for their final two qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Ghana is set to face Angola in Luanda on November 15 and then close out qualifiers against Niger at Accra Sports Stadium on November 18.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 14, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
West Ham United forward Michail Antonio is on a mission to inspire the next generation of football talent in Ghana. Arriving at Kotoka International Airport on Sunday, November 10, the Jamaican international was greeted warmly by the Ghanaian Hammers, a passionate West Ham fan group based in Accra. This visit is part of a special journey for the 34-year-old, as he heads to Kumasi, specifically the town of Bompata, where he is supporting a football academy aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent.
During a press interview, Antonio expressed his admiration for his teammate, Mohammed Kudus, whose exceptional skills have caught the attention of fans and football enthusiasts worldwide. Describing Kudus as a “starboy” with remarkable dribbling and goal-scoring abilities, Antonio hopes the academy in Kumasi will foster similar talents who could eventually play in the Premier League. “He is an unbelievable player with great ambition, and we’re hoping to find players just like him here in Ghana,” Antonio shared.
Antonio’s initiative is driven by a vision to provide young Ghanaian players with opportunities to showcase their talent on an international stage, and, hopefully, to make their mark in the Premier League one day.
