by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 27, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has opened up about a memorable conversation he had with Michael Essien ahead of his move to Premier League side Sunderland.
Following his impressive displays at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Gyan secured a club-record transfer from
French outfit Stade Rennais to Sunderland. Reflecting on that period, the prolific striker revealed that his Black Stars teammate Essien, who was then playing for Chelsea, reached out to him as speculation about a Premier League move intensified.
“I remember Michael Essien calling me to ask if I was coming to the Premier League,” Gyan recalled in an interview with Rio Ferdinand. “I jokingly told him I was going to score against Chelsea, and we all laughed. He wished me well — and I actually did score against Chelsea.”
Gyan wasted no time making his mark at Sunderland, scoring on his debut against Wigan Athletic on 11 September 2010 after coming on as a substitute for Danny Welbeck in a 1-1 draw.
During his time with the Black Cats, Gyan made 34 appearances and scored 10 goals before leaving for UAE side Al Ain, initially on loan, a move that was later made permanent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 24, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has revealed that recent reviews of expenditure related to the Black Stars have saved the country close to $700,000 without affecting preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the minister explained that stricter budget controls and revised fund-release processes were implemented for the senior men’s national team, resulting in major savings across two international fixtures.
The meeting, held at the Sports Ministry, was attended by Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, Deputy Directors of the National Sports Authority Veronica Commey and Gideon Hammond, as well as the ministry’s Chief Director, Wilhelmina Asamoah.
According to Adams, the measures were introduced ahead of a crucial phase of Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers, a period typically associated with increased spending. Rather than cutting essential support, the ministry worked closely with the GFA to streamline costs and improve financial oversight.
“We’ve worked together with the FA to rationalize our budgeting and release processes, and this has saved close to about $700,000 in two games involving the Black Stars,” Adams said.
He stressed that the cost-saving approach did not negatively affect players or the technical team, noting that all entitlements were still paid in full and on time.
Ghana is set to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, with officials confident that the improved financial discipline will enhance long-term planning and sustainability for the Black Stars.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 24, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has temporarily removed Ousmane Keïta, head of its Disciplinary Committee, from all proceedings related to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
According to Egyptian journalist Mohamed Saïd, who is close to CAF’s internal processes, the decision was taken to avoid any perceived conflict of interest, as Keïta is Senegalese. CAF’s Kenyan vice-president has now been appointed to oversee the case and supervise the ongoing investigation.
The AFCON final, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time, was overshadowed by controversy, including on-field protests and heated exchanges that sparked widespread debate across African football.
CAF is currently reviewing match officials’ reports, video footage, and other relevant documents as it considers possible disciplinary actions. The governing body has stressed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and the integrity of the competition.
While no sanctions have yet been announced, CAF is expected to conclude its disciplinary review in the coming days following one of the most contentious AFCON finals in recent history.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 24, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Senegal’s dramatic AFCON 2025 victory over Morocco has taken a controversial turn following claims by tournament winner Ismail Jakobs that three Senegalese players were struck by a mysterious illness on the eve of the final.
Speaking after Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win in Rabat on January 18, 2026, the Galatasaray defender suggested that the incidents were suspicious, though he stopped short of directly accusing the host nation. His comments have sparked widespread debate and calls for clarity from African football authorities.
Jakobs revealed that Krepin Diatta, Ousseynou Niang, and Pape Matar Sarr suddenly fell ill in the build-up to the final, causing panic within the Senegal camp. According to him, the players collapsed at different moments—one in the dressing room, another during warm-up, and the third at half-time.
“My personal guess is that three of our players have been poisoned,” Jakobs said in an interview quoted by Fanatik, stressing that it did not resemble ordinary food poisoning. He described the situation as frightening, adding that the players were sweating heavily and unable to continue.
Despite the alleged setback, Senegal showed remarkable resilience on the pitch. They survived a disallowed goal, overcame a late penalty scare, and eventually edged the hosts to claim their second Africa Cup of Nations title.
The claims have divided opinion among fans, with some demanding a full investigation and others urging caution until official findings are released.
Meanwhile, celebrations continue in Senegal, where players are set to receive bonuses exceeding $130,000 each, along with plots of land, in recognition of their historic achievement.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 24, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Antoine Semenyo continued his blistering start at Manchester City with another goal in their Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 24, 2026.
The 26-year-old Black Stars forward, who joined the Cityzens from AFC Bournemouth in a £62.5 million January move, has now scored three goals in four appearances, underlining his seamless adaptation to life under Pep Guardiola.
Restored to the starting lineup after missing City’s midweek Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt due to UEFA regulations, Semenyo made an immediate impact. City took an early lead through Omar Marmoush, fresh from AFCON duty with Egypt, before Semenyo began to impose himself on the contest.
The Ghanaian came close to doubling the advantage after chasing down a lofted pass from Marc Guéhi, only to be denied by a sharp save from Wolves goalkeeper José Sá. He made no mistake later, however, showing composure and quality by collecting a precise pass from Bernardo Silva, beating his marker with his first touch, and calmly slotting a left-footed finish into the bottom corner in first-half stoppage time.
The strike marked Semenyo’s first Premier League goal for Manchester City, adding to earlier goals in the FA Cup and EFL Cup. Notably, the only match he has failed to score in since arriving remains City’s defeat to Manchester United.
Semenyo’s rapid rise has excited City fans, who took to social media to praise his movement, confidence, and finishing. He now has 11 league goals this season, trailing only Igor Thiago and Erling Haaland in the 2025/26 scoring charts.
With goals flowing and confidence high, Semenyo is quickly establishing himself as a key attacking option for City as they continue their title push.
