by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
In a show of support and tactical insight, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo and goalkeepers’ trainer Fatau Dauda joined the Black Galaxies’ training camp ahead of their crucial CHAN qualifier against Nigeria.
The duo, who attended the session at the Accra Sports Stadium, engaged with the players and coaching staff, scouting talents for potential inclusion in the senior national team. Their presence brought an extra layer of motivation to the squad as they prepare for one of the biggest fixtures in their campaign.
The first leg of the qualifier is scheduled for Sunday at 4:00 PM local time in Accra, with the return leg set for December 28 in Nigeria. Head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, confident in his team’s readiness, has announced a 26-man squad, aiming to replicate the resilience that saw Ghana eliminate Nigeria in penalties two years ago.
This year’s qualifiers hold added significance as the CHAN tournament will take place in East Africa, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in 2025.
Fresh off a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Togo, the Black Galaxies are determined to extend their momentum and secure their place in the prestigious tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a thrilling Round 15 clash of Liga Portugal at the Estádio Municipal de Rio Maior, Casa Pia AC delivered a commanding 3-1 victory over Arouca, with Ghanaian forward Samuel Obeng stealing the spotlight in the dying moments.
The stage was set with an evenly matched head-to-head record between the two sides, promising a fierce contest. Casa Pia wasted no time asserting dominance, as Jérémy Livolant opened the scoring with a breathtaking long-range strike in the 19th minute. Just a minute later, Leonardo Lelo showcased his composure, slotting home a second goal to double the lead.
Arouca refused to back down, fighting their way back into the game in the 63rd minute when Alfonso Trezza’s precise left-footed strike brought them within reach. Sensing the shift in momentum, Casa Pia turned to their bench, introducing Samuel Obeng in the 70th minute.
The Ghanaian forward, determined to make his mark, answered the call in spectacular fashion. In the 88th minute, he rose to meet a perfectly delivered corner from Leonardo Lelo, his header finding the back of the net and dashing any hopes of an Arouca comeback.
With this crucial win, Casa Pia climbed the league table, and Obeng celebrated his first Liga Portugal goal of the season—a testament to his growing impact. As the team sets their sights on a tough encounter against Braga on December 29th, Obeng’s late-game heroics will undoubtedly inspire confidence.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigerian defender Gabriel Osho has opened up about his close friendship with Ghanaian teammates Elisha Owusu and Gideon Mensah since joining French side Auxerre in the summer transfer window. Osho, who signed from Luton Town after four years in England, shared how the duo helped him settle into life at the club.
“Elisha and Gideon are two of my good friends here. When I first came, they were probably the two that I spoke to the most. They’re good people and really good players as well,” Osho revealed during an interview with Sportsblog247.com.
The 26-year-old has made an immediate impact in Ligue 1, recently scoring his first goal for Auxerre in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Lens. Osho’s performances have been part of a broader resurgence for the club, which now sits comfortably in the top half of the table after enduring relegation from Ligue 1 two seasons ago.
Reflecting on Auxerre’s turnaround, Osho emphasized discipline and teamwork as key factors. “We’ve kept 11 men on the pitch, which is always useful. The manager set a clear plan and we followed it pretty much. So when you do that and you defend well, it gives you an incredible chance to win games,” he explained.
With a Coupe de France clash against Dunkerque on the horizon, Auxerre aims to carry their momentum into the winter break. Osho’s chemistry with Owusu and Mensah, both on and off the pitch, continues to play a vital role in the team’s success this season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
FC Dallas has made a significant move to bolster its defensive lineup by signing experienced Ghanaian defender Lalas Abubakar to a two-year deal, with an option for a third year. The signing highlights the club’s ambition to solidify its backline as they prepare for an ambitious 2025 MLS season.
“We’re very happy to sign Lalas to our roster,” said FC Dallas Sporting Director André Zanotta. “Strengthening our defensive group this offseason was a priority. Lalas provides us with a great player, competitor, and flexibility along our backline. We look forward to him joining our group once the preseason begins.”
Abubakar, a Kumasi-born center-back, arrives with an impressive résumé in Major League Soccer. The 29-year-old was pivotal in the Colorado Rapids’ successful 2024 campaign, helping the team secure an MLS Cup playoff spot and a historic third-place finish in the Leagues Cup. Over five seasons with Colorado, he amassed 153 appearances, scored nine goals, and recorded three assists. His stellar performances earned him back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2019 and 2020.
Before his time with the Rapids, Abubakar played for Columbus Crew, where he made 35 appearances after being selected fifth overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. He also has international experience, having represented Ghana at the U-20 level.
Abubakar joins an already strong defensive unit at FC Dallas, which includes Sebastien Ibeagha, Nkosi Tafari, and Marco Farfan. His arrival brings the club’s roster to 27 players as they gear up for a promising 2025 campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 20, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Black Stars Coach Offers Support to Injured Defender During Tough Spell
Ghana head coach Otto Addo traveled to France to visit Alidu Seidu, the Black Stars defender, as he prepared for knee surgery following a cruciate ligament injury. The Stade Rennes right-back sustained the injury in a Ligue 1 clash against LOSC last month, a blow that has ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Addo met with Seidu before the operation, offering words of encouragement and reassurance during this challenging time. The surgery, which was successful, marks the beginning of Seidu’s rehabilitation process. However, the injury will sideline him until next year, ruling him out of Ghana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar in March.
Before his injury, Seidu had been a standout performer for Stade Rennes, even winning the club’s Player of the Month Award in September. His absence is a significant loss for both his club and the national team.
Addo’s visit underlines his commitment to supporting his players through all circumstances, fostering a strong sense of unity and morale as Seidu begins the road to recovery.
