by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 19, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
A tale of betrayal rocked the world of football as six men, including Mathias Pogba, the elder brother of French international Paul Pogba, faced justice on Thursday. The group was convicted of attempting to extort the Juventus midfielder, with the court handing down prison sentences ranging from three to eight years.
The shocking case unraveled in 2022 when Paul Pogba revealed that he had been the target of an elaborate extortion scheme involving his childhood friends and even his own brother. The group allegedly demanded €13 million, threatening to release damaging information about the player if their demands weren’t met.
Mathias Pogba initially denied involvement but later admitted to being present during the events. Prosecutors described the acts as a betrayal of trust, painting a tragic picture of a football star targeted by those closest to him.
The trial concluded with firm sentences for all involved, marking the end of a bitter chapter for the Pogba family and a reminder of the dark side of fame.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Black Galaxies captain Gladson Awako has cautioned Ghana’s home-based national team to brace for a tough encounter against Nigeria in the 2024 CHAN qualifiers. Ghana will host the first leg of the playoffs on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the return leg set for the following week in Nigeria.
Awako, who played a pivotal role in Ghana’s victory over Nigeria in the 2022 CHAN playoffs, believes history alone won’t guarantee success this time. Speaking to Asempa FM, he said, “It will not be easy for the Black Galaxies to eliminate Nigeria again. The last time, we managed to edge them out, but this is Ghana versus Nigeria—it’s never straightforward.”
He added, “Nigerians always feel they are ahead of us because of their stature and where they are coming from, but we often surprise them. I believe these young players can do the same by staying humble and listening to their technical staff.”
The rivalry between the two West African nations adds another layer of intensity to the fixture. Ghana will be hoping to replicate their success from two years ago when they defeated Nigeria on penalties to qualify for the tournament.
With a spot in the 2024 CHAN tournament at stake, the Black Galaxies will need to deliver a strong performance at home to gain an advantage before heading to Nigeria.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 19, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has earned recognition as one of the English Premier League’s most effective defensive players this season, ranking ninth on the list of players with the most tackles won.
Partey has successfully completed 28 tackles, placing him alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool and Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City. The list is dominated by midfielders and defenders, with Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz leading the pack with 38 tackles won.
Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo follows in second place with 32 tackles, while Viktor Kristiansen of Leicester City and Antonee Robinson of Fulham occupy third and fourth spots with 31 tackles each. Other notable names include Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United, Mario Lemina of Wolves, and Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace.
Partey has been a vital cog in Arsenal’s midfield this season, contributing not only defensively but also offensively, with two goals in 15 league appearances. The Ghanaian international was also instrumental in Arsenal’s recent victory over Crystal Palace, helping the Gunners advance in the EFL Cup.
As Arsenal continues their campaign, Partey’s consistency and defensive contributions remain a key component of Mikel Arteta’s system.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Black Galaxies head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has urged Ghanaians to rally behind his team as they prepare to face arch-rivals Nigeria in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. The highly anticipated encounter will take place on Sunday, December 21, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Speaking to the media ahead of the crucial clash, Dramani highlighted the importance of home support. “The fans should come in their numbers and support us. Their presence will give the players an extra push to perform,” he said.
Dramani also expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and readiness for the game. “We are fully prepared for Sunday. Technically, tactically, and mentally, the players are well-oriented. We’ll continue to refine our strategies and make the necessary adjustments,” he assured.
The second leg of the tie will be played in Nigeria a week later, with both sides aiming to secure qualification for the 2024 CHAN tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
This marks the second consecutive year that Ghana and Nigeria face off in the CHAN playoff round. The Black Galaxies edged Nigeria on penalties two years ago to book a spot in the tournament, where they reached the quarterfinals.
With such a rich rivalry and high stakes, Sunday’s encounter promises to be a thrilling contest, and Dramani hopes the home crowd will be the team’s 12th man.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Great Olympics head coach Annor Walker has heaped praise on Asante Kotoko’s sensational striker Albert Amoah, labeling him a talented and promising player. Amoah has been a revelation in the ongoing 2024/25 Ghana Premier League, with his performances capturing national attention.
The young forward cemented his place in the spotlight after scoring the decisive goal in Asante Kotoko’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over rivals Hearts of Oak on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Walker, who played a pivotal role in Amoah’s early career, reminisced about discovering the striker during a scouting trip to Koforidua. “During my time at Great Olympics, we went to Koforidua to play a game, and I spotted Albert Amoah playing for Kwaebibirem United FC. I immediately told my technical team to bring him to Olympics,” Walker recounted.
He continued, “Amoah joined us, and he was an exceptional player. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay together for long, but his talent was undeniable. Seeing his incredible start at Asante Kotoko doesn’t surprise me at all.”
Albert Amoah’s remarkable form at club level has also earned him a spot with the Black Galaxies, where he will aim to continue his goal-scoring exploits in the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Nigeria.
With the backing of seasoned coaches like Annor Walker and his growing reputation, Amoah’s future in Ghanaian football looks exceptionally bright.
