by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Majeed Waris has voiced his deep disappointment over the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing it as a monumental blow to the nation’s football legacy.
After a dismal campaign in Group F, Ghana found themselves at the bottom of the table with just three points from six games, marking their first absence from the tournament in 21 years. Angola and Sudan claimed the group’s two qualifying spots, leaving the once-mighty Black Stars to watch from the sidelines when the tournament kicks off in Morocco in December 2025.
“It’s a shame for all of us, and I feel like something needs to be done,” Waris told Sportsblog247.com, reflecting on the team’s dismal run.
The former Ghanaian international, who donned the Black Stars jersey between 2012 and 2019, expressed his concern over the long-term emotional impact of the absence. “Everyone is hurt, but we won’t feel the gravity of it now. It’s when the tournament begins, when countries start arriving, and we see the joy and happiness it brings to others—that’s when Ghana will truly feel the pain.”
Ghana’s poor performance has drawn widespread criticism, with pressure mounting on head coach Otto Addo, who led the team through the qualifiers. His future with the Black Stars remains uncertain as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) deliberates on the next steps.
For a nation with a storied football history and four AFCON titles, missing the tournament is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Ghanaian football. The absence from the continental showpiece is not just a missed opportunity on the pitch but a blow to the pride and spirit of a football-loving nation.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Following Ghana’s disappointing failure to qualify for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), forward Joseph Paintsil has urged Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Despite the national team’s struggles in the AFCON qualifiers, where they finished at the bottom of Group F with just three points from six games, Paintsil remains hopeful for the future. The Black Stars recorded no victories, with three losses and three draws, leaving their fans disheartened.
However, Paintsil emphasized the importance of support, acknowledging that football has become more competitive globally. “This is football – now all nations are really good,” he stated. “It’s not like 10 years ago when you could easily predict a win. Now, every team is capable of surprising you.”
The LA Galaxy forward is calling on the nation to unite in support of the Black Stars as they head into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will resume in March 2025. Ghana’s upcoming fixtures will see them face Chad and Madagascar in March, and Paintsil is confident that with the right backing, the team will make the country proud and secure a spot in the World Cup.
“We need your prayers and support,” he said. “Come in your numbers to support us, and we will make you proud. We’ll keep the World Cup ticket in your pockets.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Latifa Musah has been named Player of the Tournament at the inaugural WAFU Zone B U17 Girls Cup in Ghana. The young midfielder played an instrumental role in helping the Black Maidens clinch the title with stellar performances throughout the competition.
Musah’s journey to the top was marked by standout moments, beginning with her dominant performance against Benin in the group stage. She continued to impress with a Player of the Match display in the semi-finals against Ivory Coast, and it was her leadership and brilliance in the final that guided Ghana to victory over Nigeria. The match ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, where the Black Maidens emerged triumphant, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.
Teammate Christiana Ashiaku was awarded the Golden Boot for her clinical finishing, while Nigeria’s Christiana Uzoma earned the Golden Glove for her outstanding goalkeeping.
As the tournament concluded, the talented squad of young players now looks to the future. Many of them, including Musah, are expected to transition to the U20 team as part of the Ghana Football Association’s ongoing efforts to enhance women’s football development in the country. With players like Musah leading the charge, the future of Ghanaian football looks bright.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has warned Black Galaxies head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani against adopting a defensive strategy in the crucial 2024 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) qualifiers against Nigeria. The first leg ended in a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium, setting the stage for an intense return fixture on December 28 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Agyemang-Badu, who played a pivotal role in Ghana’s 2009 CHAN campaign, stressed the significance of securing a win in the second leg. “We should be very careful not to go and defend,” he cautioned. “This is only one game, and if you lose, you’re out. We can’t afford to lose, especially after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”
The former midfielder expressed the gravity of the situation, pointing out that failing to qualify for the CHAN tournament would be disastrous for Ghanaian football. “If we don’t qualify for CHAN, it will be a big setback,” Agyemang-Badu said. “We have to support the team and pray for them to go all out and secure the win.”
The winner of the tie will earn a spot in the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Ghana, who triumphed over Nigeria in a penalty shootout to qualify for the previous edition, will be hoping to repeat their success. Meanwhile, Nigeria is determined to end its two-edition absence from the competition.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 24, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Ademola Lookman, Nigeria’s CAF Men’s Player of the Year, has reflected on how his decision to switch his national allegiance from England to Nigeria has transformed his career. The 26-year-old, born in London and a former England Under-17 World Cup winner, made the switch to represent the Super Eagles in 2022.
Lookman’s shift to Nigeria, he says, has been nothing short of life-changing. In a recent interview with SportyTV, the Atalanta forward shared that since donning the Super Eagles jersey, everything in his career has been on an upward trajectory.
“I think ever since I put on the Super Eagles jersey, it’s been fruitful,” Lookman explained. “We’ve achieved so much as a team, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie. Everything has just gone upwards for me.”
The impact of Lookman’s decision has been undeniable. In less than two years, he has transformed from being viewed as a Premier League underachiever to becoming Africa’s best player, as recognized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). His contributions to Nigeria’s AFCON qualification campaign, with three goals and two assists, were vital in helping the Super Eagles secure their spot in the prestigious tournament.
Lookman’s success hasn’t been limited to international duties. At club level, he made history by scoring a European record hat-trick for Atalanta in the UEFA Europa Cup final against Bayer Leverkusen. His rapid rise has drawn comparisons to other successful Nigerian diaspora players, such as Osaze Odemwingie and Victor Moses.
Reflecting on his CAF Awards win, Lookman expressed his gratitude and pride in joining the ranks of Nigerian football legends. “It’s an incredible moment for me. An incredible achievement,” he said. “It’s special to be able to join the list of many great players who have achieved a lot in the game.”
Beyond personal accolades, Lookman also emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation of players. “It’s not just me but we have a lot of talent, not just in the men’s game but also in the women’s game,” he said. “To be able to motivate young kids who aspire to be like us is the most important thing. We want to set a good example for them to follow.”
