by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian footballers delivered standout performances over the weekend across various leagues worldwide, with Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, Geoffrey Acheampong, and Samuel Obeng finding the back of the net for their respective clubs. Here’s a comprehensive roundup of their exploits:
England
Antoine Semenyo stole the spotlight in the Premier League, netting his fifth goal of the season in Bournemouth’s stunning 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Mohammed Kudus also made his mark, scoring a crucial equalizer in West Ham’s 1-1 draw against Brighton, where Tariq Lamptey made a late appearance.
Arsenal’s Thomas Partey provided an assist in a commanding 5-1 derby win over Crystal Palace, while Jordan Ayew featured for Leicester City in a 3-0 defeat to Wolves.
Spain
In La Liga, Inaki Williams recorded an assist in Athletic Bilbao’s 2-1 triumph over Osasuna, maintaining his impressive form.
Italy
Caleb Ekuban made a brief cameo for Genoa in their narrow loss to Napoli, while Felix Afena-Gyan continued his hot streak for Juventus Next Gen, scoring in a thrilling 3-3 draw in Serie C.
Germany
In Bundesliga II, Christopher Antwi-Adjei played a key role in Schalke’s 4-1 rout of Elversborg.
Belgium
Denis Odoi and Christopher Bonsu Baah contributed to wins for Antwerp and Genk, respectively, while Ghanaian duo Lawrence Agyekum and Francis Abu featured in Cercle Brugge’s victory.
Portugal
Samuel Obeng found the net for Casa Pia in their emphatic 3-1 win over Arouca, highlighting his growing influence in the league.
Other Highlights
Geoffrey Acheampong scored for Sliema in Malta, while Abdul Baba Rahman impressed in PAOK’s win in Greece. Alexander Djiku and Joseph Attamah showcased their talents in Turkey.
Ghanaian players continue to make significant strides on the global stage, proving their quality and consistency week after week.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus remains optimistic about the team’s potential after their 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday at the London Olympic Stadium. The Ghanaian international believes that the quality within the squad can lead to remarkable success if the team finds its rhythm and works cohesively.
“We’re together as a group, and I think we’re getting there,” Kudus told the club’s website. “We have a lot of quality, and I think there is a lot that we can achieve. It’s about completing the puzzle together, and hopefully, we can do better again in the next game.”
The game saw Brighton take the lead shortly after halftime when Mats Wieffer scored his first goal for the club. A high ball from Pervis Estupiñán into the box forced a weak clearance from West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, allowing Wieffer to strike from close range.
West Ham equalized just seven minutes later. Jarrod Bowen dazzled with a brilliant run, unleashing a shot that Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen could only parry. Kudus, alert and well-positioned, headed in the rebound to secure a point for the Hammers.
West Ham will look to build on this result when they travel to St. Mary’s to face Southampton in their next Premier League clash on December 26.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Mohammed Kudus made his mark for West Ham United in their hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at the London Olympic Stadium. The match saw an early second-half breakthrough from Brighton when Mats Wieffer capitalized on a partial clearance by West Ham’s goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to put the visitors ahead.
However, just seven minutes later, West Ham responded. Jarrod Bowen surged forward and unleashed a shot, which Brighton’s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen parried. Kudus, always alert to the situation, was in the perfect spot to head in the rebound, drawing the game level.
In a post-match interview, Kudus shared his satisfaction in contributing to the result, expressing that scoring brings him confidence. “As an attacker, it’s always good to score, and it will really help my confidence,” he said. Although he wished for a victory, he remained positive about the outcome.
Looking ahead, Kudus and his teammates will face Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on December 26, where they will aim to secure all three points.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Bayer Leverkusen’s star defender, Jeremie Frimpong, couldn’t hide his excitement as he arrived in Ghana for the first time on Sunday night. The 23-year-old Netherlands international, whose parents hail from Ghana, was warmly welcomed at Kotoka International Airport as he kicked off a one-week holiday trip to the country.
Frimpong, who had expressed his intent to visit Ghana after Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League triumph over Inter Milan earlier in December, finally made the journey. His arrival marks a momentous occasion, fulfilling a long-held dream of reconnecting with his roots.
In a heartfelt statement upon landing, Frimpong shared his joy: “Amazing. To come to this welcoming atmosphere for the first time, amazing. This is my people. I’m so happy to see everybody; I’m so happy to be in Ghana.”
The talented right-back reflected on his deep connection with the country, saying, “I’ve always been connected to my Ghanaian roots. Both my parents are Ghanaians, I eat Ghanaian food, I speak the language, so I feel like I’ve always been connected, but obviously being here makes it extra special.”
Frimpong elaborated on why this trip meant so much to him, saying, “I have to come to Ghana; this is where I am from. My blood is Ghanaian blood, so for sure I had to come here one day, and this is the right time to come.”
The trip is a testament to Frimpong’s ongoing embrace of his heritage, even as he excels on the international stage, most recently playing a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win with 16 goals last season. His visit to Ghana marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in his personal journey as he continues to bridge his Ghanaian roots with his remarkable football career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Mohammed Kudus believes that West Ham United are gradually finding their best form after a series of positive results. The Hammers, who began their season with a shaky start that nearly led to the sacking of manager Julen Lopetegui, have shown signs of improvement.
Following a 2-1 win over Wolves, the team earned back-to-back draws against A.F.C. Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion. In their most recent outing, a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton, Kudus made his mark on the scoresheet, continuing his strong individual campaign with three goals so far this season.
Despite the draw, Kudus is optimistic about the team’s progress. “I think we’re getting close to our best, step-by-step, and the team gave their best today,” he said after the match. “The boys showed good energy and resilience to come back after going down, and although we wanted the win, we’ll take the point and move forward.”
As West Ham look ahead to their next fixture away to Southampton at St. Mary’s on December 26, Kudus is determined to help lead his side to victory and further solidify their resurgence.
