by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 11, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Preparations Intensify as Ghana Gears Up for West African Rivalry
The Black Galaxies of Ghana continued their fine form on Tuesday, December 11, with a commanding 2-0 victory over Togo in an international friendly played at the Stade de Kegue in Lome. This win serves as a major confidence boost ahead of their highly anticipated 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against archrivals Nigeria.
The match started in spectacular fashion, with Asante Kotoko’s Albert Amoah finding the net in just the 3rd minute. Ghana’s dominance in the opening stages was further rewarded when Yakubu Issah doubled the lead in the 27th minute. Despite spirited attempts from both sides for the remainder of the game, the scoreline remained unchanged, handing the Black Galaxies a morale-boosting win.
Coach Mas Ud Didi Dramani praised his team’s discipline and focus, emphasizing the importance of fine-tuning tactics ahead of their two-legged showdown with Nigeria. The first leg is set to take place in Ghana on Sunday, December 22, with the return leg scheduled for Saturday, December 28, in Nigeria.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the Super Eagles look to avenge their previous loss to the Black Galaxies in the CHAN qualifiers. For Ghana, the aim remains clear: to maintain their dominance and secure qualification for the tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 11, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Lyon’s financial woes could see Ghanaian winger on the move this January
Crystal Palace have entered the battle to sign Ghanaian forward Ernest Nuamah, joining Premier League rivals Everton and Fulham in the pursuit of the Olympique Lyonnais star.
The 21-year-old winger, who joined Lyon permanently from RWD Molenbeek in July 2024 for a reported €28.5 million, has endured a mixed debut season in Ligue 1. Despite flashes of brilliance, Nuamah has started just six of Lyon’s 13 games this campaign, with manager Pierre Sage often favoring Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki in attacking roles.
For Lyon, the January transfer window is shaping up to be crucial. The club faces mounting financial struggles and is reportedly prepared to offload Nuamah to stabilize its books. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the French giants hope to raise €25 million from the winger’s sale.
Last summer, Nuamah came close to joining Fulham in a deal that ultimately fell through after the player resisted a rushed move. The incident led Lyon’s owner, John Textor, to issue a public apology. Now, with the stakes higher than ever, a bidding war among Premier League clubs could push the transfer fee closer to Lyon’s asking price.
Crystal Palace’s interest adds another layer of intrigue. The Eagles, seeking attacking reinforcements, are set to challenge Fulham and Everton, who remain eager to land the Ghanaian talent.
Nuamah’s potential Premier League move will likely be one of the major stories of the January transfer window.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 11, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a dramatic turn of events, Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has been cleared to start for Arsenal in their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League encounter against AS Monaco at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
Partey’s inclusion comes as a relief for the Gunners, with the midfielder initially a doubt after missing Tuesday’s training session due to an injury concern. Following a late fitness test, the Black Stars star was deemed fit to anchor Arsenal’s midfield in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Arsenal Starting XI:
Raya, Partey, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus.
Substitutes:
Neto, Setford, Timber, Tierney, Robinson, Heaven, Monlouis, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling, Havertz.
Monaco Starting XI:
Majecki, Vanderson, Salisu, Kehrer, Henrique, Camara, Magassa, Akliouche, Ben Seghir, Golovin, Embolo.
Substitutes:
Kohn, Lienard, Teze, Ouattara, Nibombe, Mawissa, Matazo, Michal, Minamino, Ilenhikhena, Tincres.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 pm GMT as Arsenal look to secure crucial points against a resilient Monaco side featuring defensive stalwart Mohammed Salisu and forward Breel Embolo.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 11, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Inaki Williams delivered a masterclass performance on Wednesday night, inspiring Athletic Club to a crucial 2-0 victory over Fenerbahce in their final Europa League group stage clash. The Ghanaian forward’s clinical finishing and relentless energy left the Turkish side with no answers, securing Athletic Club’s place atop the standings.
A Night to Remember for Inaki Williams
The action unfolded almost instantly at the San Mamés. In just the 5th minute, Williams pounced on a misplaced pass in Fenerbahce’s defense, showcasing his instincts as a predator in front of goal. With poise and precision, he slotted the ball past a stranded Dominik Livakovic to hand the Basque outfit an early advantage.
Williams wasn’t done yet. Just before halftime, he delivered a moment of pure magic. Picking up the ball inside the penalty area, the winger unleashed a thunderous strike that kissed the underside of the crossbar before finding the net. Livakovic could only watch as Williams celebrated what might be one of the best goals of the group stage.
Throughout the match, the Ghanaian star remained a menace, constantly pressing Fenerbahce’s defense and creating opportunities for his teammates. He received a well-deserved standing ovation when substituted in the 85th minute, making way for Mikel Vesga.
Athletic Club on the Rise
Williams’ heroics not only secured all three points but also cemented Athletic Club’s dominance in their group, as they now look forward to the knockout rounds with renewed confidence. For the 29-year-old forward, this performance was another testament to his importance to the team and his growing reputation in Europe.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 11, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In the bustling streets of Sabon Zongo, Kumasi, a young boy named Zubairu Ibrahim once dreamed of greatness. Today, at just 20 years old, Zubairu is not only living that dream as a rising football star in Serbia but is also inspiring others through his acts of kindness and commitment to his community.
Last week, Zubairu made headlines not for his goals on the pitch but for his generosity off it. The Serbian-based striker extended a heartfelt gesture to his alma mater, Kumasi Central Mosque Islamic School, by donating books to support education. This thoughtful contribution, delivered by his brother Iddrisu Pempem and close friends, is the latest chapter in Zubairu’s ongoing effort to uplift his community.
The school’s headmaster was full of praise for the young footballer, recalling his previous donation of jerseys and acknowledging the impact of his continued support. “Zubairu has shown us time and again that he values education as much as he values football. We are deeply grateful for his generosity and pray for his success both on and off the field,” he said.
Zubairu’s passion for giving back extends beyond his former school. He has made significant donations to his juvenile club, Barcelona FC in Sabon Zongo, and his senior high school, Sakafiya Islamic School, cementing his reputation as a role model for young people in his community.
On the pitch, Zubairu is proving his worth with Serbian giants Partizan. In his debut season, the striker has netted six goals in 16 appearances, showcasing the same determination that took him from the dusty fields of Sabon Zongo to the professional ranks of European football.
Zubairu’s journey began with local side Barcelona FC before he made a name for himself at King Faisal in the Ghana Premier League. A move to Serbian club Jedinstvo followed, where he played a crucial role in their promotion campaign, earning him a transfer to Partizan.
As he continues to shine in Serbia, Zubairu’s story reminds us that success is not just about personal achievements but also about the lives you touch along the way. For this young star, the dream is not just to score goals but to make a difference.
