by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 12, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Ghanaian winger Yaw Yeboah is on the verge of signing with MLS expansion side San Diego FC ahead of their inaugural season.
The 27-year-old parted ways with Columbus Crew after the newly crowned 2023 MLS champions decided against triggering his contract extension. However, Yeboah remains eligible for the MLS Re-Entry Process, paving the way for him to be drafted by a new team.
San Diego FC, partly owned by Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy — the institution that nurtured Yeboah’s talents — is set to benefit from the winger’s experience and versatility. Yeboah’s career spans four major European leagues, including stints in England, France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
After starting with Manchester City, Yeboah featured for Lille (France), FC Twente (Netherlands), and several clubs in Spain, including Numancia and Celta Vigo. He later made waves in Poland with Wisla Krakow before moving to the United States in 2021.
Yeboah is fondly remembered by Columbus Crew fans for his decisive winner in the MLS final against LAFC. His addition to San Diego FC is expected to bring a blend of skill and experience as the club looks to make a strong start in Major League Soccer.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s U-17 girls’ team delivered a commanding performance, defeating Benin 4-1 in the ongoing WAFU B tournament. The young Black Maidens showcased their superiority with an impressive display of skill and teamwork.
The match saw Ghana take control early on, overwhelming their opponents with swift attacks and clinical finishing. Despite Benin’s efforts to mount a comeback, the Ghanaian side maintained their composure, sealing a comfortable victory.
This win bolsters Ghana’s position in the tournament, highlighting the team’s potential to go far. The players and coaching staff have expressed confidence as they prepare for the next phase of the competition.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Sudan’s head coach, Kwesi Appiah, has set his sights on guiding the Falcons of Jediane to their first-ever FIFA World Cup after successfully securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 63-year-old Ghanaian tactician, who signed a three-year contract with the Sudanese FA earlier this year, has defied the odds, leading the team to AFCON qualification despite the ongoing civil unrest in the country. Sudan, currently topping Group B of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with 10 points from four games, looks poised for another historic achievement.
“When I was appointed, I wasn’t given specific targets. I was only asked to build a team over a few years. However, considering the situation in Sudan, with just two clubs participating in CAF competitions, I told them I wanted to qualify for the AFCON and the World Cup if they could fully support me,” Appiah revealed in an interview with Asempa FM.
Appiah credited his prior experience in Sudan, having coached Al Khartoum in 2015, as a significant factor in his success. “Five players I coached back then are still in the national team. They helped me reconnect with others, which made the process smoother,” he noted.
Appiah also praised the discipline and commitment of Sudanese players. “They are always eager to improve and make sure they’re doing the right thing. Their willingness to learn was key during the qualifiers,” he added.
The Falcons of Jediane consist entirely of players based in Africa, with many hailing from Sudanese clubs Al Hilal and Al Merrikh. Due to the unstable political situation, both clubs have been temporarily competing in the Mauritanian league.
As Sudan prepares for AFCON in Morocco and crucial World Cup qualifiers against Senegal and South Sudan in March 2025, Kwesi Appiah remains optimistic about achieving his ambitious goals.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 12, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu endured a tough return to England as AS Monaco fell to a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League.
The former Southampton center-back, who has been a standout performer for the French side this season, saw his night unravel in the 78th minute. Salisu’s misjudged back pass to goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki was intercepted by Kai Havertz, allowing Bukayo Saka to pounce and score his second of the night.
Saka had earlier opened the scoring in the first half, slotting home from a precise Gabriel Jesus cross. Despite Monaco’s spirited response after the break, creating chances and defending with determination, they were unable to find a breakthrough.
Arsenal sealed the victory late on when Havertz added a third goal, securing back-to-back wins for the English club in the competition.
Salisu, who played the full 90 minutes, has been in impressive form this season after overcoming an injury-plagued debut campaign at Monaco. Despite this setback, he remains a key figure at the Stade Louis II.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 12, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
AS Monaco manager Adi Hutter did not hold back his frustrations following his team’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. A costly mistake by Mohammed Salisu in the second half gifted Arsenal their second goal, ultimately sealing the match in favor of the English side.
With 12 minutes remaining, Salisu’s misjudged back pass was intercepted by Kai Havertz, who set up Bukayo Saka for a simple finish. Saka had earlier opened the scoring in the 34th minute, while Havertz himself added the third goal with just two minutes left on the clock.
Hutter, visibly disappointed, addressed the defensive errors in his post-match interview. “At this level, mistakes like that are simply not acceptable. They’re gifts that a team like Arsenal will always capitalize on,” he said. “To be honest, we were lucky they missed several other chances.”
Despite the result, the Monaco manager highlighted his team’s improved second-half performance. “I was pleased with the courage and attacking intent we showed after the break. We have a young team that came close to finding an equalizer, but at this level, a mistake like that is too costly.”
Monaco’s second-half resurgence proved futile as Arsenal took advantage of their defensive lapses, leaving Hutter with much to ponder as his side looks to bounce back in the group stage.
