by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 12, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams has lauded Athletic Bilbao’s all-around performance after their impressive 2-0 win over Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday night.
Playing at the challenging Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Williams starred for the Spanish side, scoring both goals to secure the crucial victory. The Black Stars striker opened the scoring just five minutes into the game, converting a precise pass from Gorka Guruzeta. He doubled Bilbao’s lead on the stroke of halftime, putting the match beyond the reach of the Turkish hosts.
Speaking after the game, Williams highlighted the significance of the win.
“The truth is that coming to Turkey and getting this result is very positive for us. We are happy that thousands of fans joined us, and I hope they enjoyed it because it has been tough. It couldn’t work out better,” he said. “I think going 2-0 up always weakens the opposing team. The team has played a great game in general.”
The 30-year-old attacker has been in sensational form this season, contributing eight goals and four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions. His brace against Fenerbahçe brings his Europa League tally to four goals in six matches, further cementing his importance to the team.
Athletic Bilbao will now shift focus to La Liga, where they face Alavés this Sunday, with Williams eager to maintain his fine form.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 12, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams has expressed his delight after his team’s crucial 2-0 victory against Fenerbahçe in the Europa League on Wednesday night.
The Ghanaian forward was the hero of the night, netting a quick brace in the 5th and 45th minutes to secure Bilbao’s win. The result not only keeps the Spanish side unbeaten in the competition but also propels them to the top of their group with 16 points from six matches.
Reflecting on the game, Williams acknowledged the challenges of playing in Turkey but emphasized the significance of the victory.
“The truth is that coming to Turkey and getting this result is very positive for us. We are happy that thousands of fans joined us, and I hope they enjoyed it because it wasn’t easy,” Williams said. “Going 2-0 up always weakens the opposing team, and I think the team played a great game overall.”
The 29-year-old, who has now scored eight goals across all competitions this season, will aim to extend his impressive form when Athletic Bilbao visits Alavés in La Liga action on Sunday.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 12, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Athletic Bilbao coach, Ernesto Valverde, has heaped praise on Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams following his outstanding performance in their Europa League triumph over Fenerbahçe.
Williams delivered a stellar display on Wednesday night, scoring both goals in Bilbao’s hard-fought 2-0 victory against the Turkish giants. His brace marked his third and fourth goals in this season’s Europa League, cementing his reputation as a key player for the Spanish side.
Speaking to the club’s media after the match, Valverde highlighted Williams’ vital role in the team.
“For us, Iñaki Williams already knows what he means because of the heart he has and how he pushes us,” Valverde stated. “This victory means a lot. We are a team that has just returned to continental competition after years, and it leaves us in a good position.”
The win bolsters Athletic Bilbao’s Europa League campaign, giving them a crucial advantage in the group stage. Williams will now aim to carry his impressive form into La Liga when Bilbao face Alavés on Sunday.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 12, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Abdul Rashid Fuseini has been crowned Player of the Month at Slovenian club NK Tabor Sezana following a remarkable run of form in November.
The 21-year-old playmaker, a former Accra Shooting Stars player, was instrumental in Tabor Sezana’s surge up the league table. Fuseini featured in all four of the club’s games last month, racking up 330 minutes and driving the team to three wins and a draw. His performances helped the Red and Blacks cut the gap to league leaders Aluminij to just a single point.
November saw NK Tabor Sezana draw against Vitanest Bilje before securing victories over Krka, Tolmin, and Jedran Dekani. Fuseini’s creativity and consistency have made him a key player, as he continues to shine in his debut season after rejoining the club in July 2023. So far, he has made 14 appearances and scored one goal for the Slovenian side.
With the league on a winter break, Fuseini and his team will look to carry their impressive form into March when the title race resumes.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 12, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has handed starts to two young Ghanaian talents, Samuel Rak-Sakyi and Josh Acheampong, in their UEFA Europa Conference League encounter against Astana. The game, set to kick off at 3:30 pm GMT at the Ortalyq Stadium in Kazakhstan, marks a significant opportunity for the duo to showcase their abilities on the European stage.
Rak-Sakyi, 19, will operate in midfield, while the 18-year-old Acheampong takes up a spot in defense. Both players, who have represented England at youth level, remain eligible to play for Ghana at the senior international level. On the bench, another Ghanaian prospect, Ato Ampah, could make an appearance, adding to the intrigue surrounding Ghana’s influence on Chelsea’s youthful squad.
Chelsea’s preparations include addressing a prolonged contract deadlock with Acheampong, with Maresca hinting at positive developments during his pre-match press conference. Meanwhile, midfielder Cesare Casadei is unavailable, serving a suspension after his red card against Heidenheim in the last group fixture.
The Blues’ lineup blends youthful energy with experienced names like Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo, as they look to secure a crucial victory in their group-stage campaign.
Starting XI:
Jorgensen; Acheampong, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga; Rak-Sakyi, Dewsbury-Hall, Chukwuemeka; Neto, Guiu, George
Subs:
Bergstrom, Merrick, Dyer, Vale, Olise, Ampah, Murray-Campbell, Wilson, Mheuka
