by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
In recognition of their unwavering support for African football, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe presented the prestigious 2024 CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award to Cameroon’s President Paul Biya and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The ceremony, held on Monday, December 16, 2024, celebrated the vital role both leaders have played in fostering partnerships between their governments, football associations, and CAF Member Associations to promote the growth of the sport across the continent.
“This award acknowledges the critical collaboration between national governments and football leadership, which is essential for the development of African football,” said Dr. Motsepe.
Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, accepted the award on behalf of President El-Sisi, reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to advancing football at all levels.
This accolade continues a tradition of honouring African leaders who have championed football’s transformative power. In 2022, the award was bestowed upon Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for their efforts to elevate African football on the global stage.
The contributions of Presidents Biya and El-Sisi underline the importance of strategic partnerships in making African football competitive and sustainable, ensuring its growth for future generations.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
As the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers loom, Black Galaxies head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani is laser-focused on his mission: to showcase the strength of Ghana’s domestic talent on the continental stage. With two high-stakes clashes against Nigeria set for December 22 at the Accra Sports Stadium and December 26 in Lagos, Dramani remains unfazed by the magnitude of the challenge.
“For me, it wasn’t surprising that we were drawn against Nigeria. In football, when you want to reach the top, you must face the top contenders,” Dramani remarked confidently, reflecting the resilience and ambition driving his team.
The CHAN tournament, exclusively for players plying their trade in their home countries, presents a unique opportunity for Dramani to elevate his squad’s profile while proving that Ghana’s local league can produce players capable of excelling at higher levels.
“The future of this team lies in showcasing what we are made of domestically and proving to these young players that they have the quality to transition to the senior national team,” Dramani explained.
Beyond the results, the coach is determined to use this platform to highlight the potential of local players, affirming that their contributions can rival those of their international counterparts. With Ghana’s rich football heritage on his shoulders, Dramani aims to inspire confidence in homegrown talent and rekindle pride in domestic football.
The battle against Nigeria is more than just a game—it’s a statement.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In the world of football, where the beautiful game often intersects with politics and power, James Kwesi Appiah has drawn a line in the sand. The former Black Stars head coach, now at the helm of Sudan’s national team, has boldly spoken out against what he sees as a growing menace in the sport: interference in player selection by club owners, football agents, and even high-ranking officials.
Appiah, no stranger to controversy during his tenure with Ghana’s national team, was resolute in his stance during an interview with Asempa FM. “If you’re a coach and you allow a club chairman, an agent, or even the president of a country to dictate your team selection, then you are not a good coach,” he said firmly.
Reflecting on his philosophy, Appiah emphasized the importance of integrity and autonomy in coaching. “For me, even if you are the president, I will lose respect for you. At the end of the day, when things go wrong, it’s the coach’s name that is tarnished—not the agents or the officials.”
The veteran coach’s words echo the sentiments of many in the football world, where behind-the-scenes influence often overshadows meritocracy. His message is clear: a good coach must have the final say, ensuring that team decisions are based on skill, strategy, and the best interests of the game.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 18, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Chelsea’s rising star, Josh Acheampong, has penned a new five-year contract, committing his future to the club until 2029. The 18-year-old defender, who has been with the Blues since his early years, expressed his delight at the new deal.
“I’m so pleased to announce that I have signed a new contract with my boyhood club,” Acheampong shared. “Excited for this new chapter. It means so much, and I can’t wait to continue this journey.”
The contract renewal comes after initial negotiations between the club and his representatives seemed to stall. However, Acheampong’s stellar performances at youth and senior levels solidified his place as a key figure for Chelsea’s future.
Acheampong rose through the ranks, starting with the developmental side and progressing to the U18 and U21 teams before breaking into the senior squad. He made his first-team debut against Tottenham and has since been a regular under manager Enzo Maresca, including a standout performance in Chelsea’s victory over Astana, which secured their spot in the knockout stages of European competition.
Despite representing England at the U17 World Cup in 2022, Acheampong remains eligible to play for Ghana’s Black Stars, leaving his international future open.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 18, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
President-elect John Dramani Mahama has been urged to prioritize Ghana’s sports development by appointing a capable and visionary Sports Minister. The call comes from New Edubiase President, Abdul Salam Yakubu, who has expressed deep concerns over the stagnation of football under the outgoing administration.
Yakubu criticized the lack of tangible progress in Ghana’s football during the Akufo-Addo era, particularly citing the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) — a historic low for the team after 20 years of consistent appearances.
In an interview with Asempa FM, Yakubu emphasized the urgent need for strong leadership at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, arguing that Ghana’s football development hinges on having a minister with the vision and expertise to make a real impact.
“The current government appointed two sports ministers in eight years. What have they done? We need a sports minister who is very serious and can take our football to a different level,” he said.
With the Black Stars struggling in international competitions and Ghana’s domestic football facing numerous challenges, Yakubu hopes that Mahama’s administration will take bold steps to appoint someone capable of revitalizing the sport and restoring the country’s footballing pride.
