by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 12, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In the world of football, few partnerships leave a lasting impression both on and off the pitch. Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis are one of those rare pairs whose connection transcended club loyalties, forming an enduring bond when they played for Swansea City in the English Premier League.
On the heels of Gomis’ recent retirement, Ayew took to social media to pay tribute to his longtime friend and former teammate. Reflecting on the shared memories and battles during their time at Swansea, Ayew expressed gratitude and admiration for Gomis. “Today a page turns for my brother. Happy retirement to you, my friend!” Ayew wrote. “We shared unforgettable moments, on and off the pitch. Thank you for all the memories and battles, for the inspiration and support. This is not the end, just the beginning of a new adventure! We are together, Lion, Bafetimbi Gomis.”
Their partnership was particularly impactful during the 2015/16 season, where they terrorized Premier League defenses. Despite only playing two seasons for Swansea, Gomis left a mark that lives on, with Ayew as a steadfast friend and admirer.
Before Swansea, Ayew and Gomis had been rivals in the French league, with Ayew representing Marseille and Gomis leading Olympique Lyonnais. But after becoming teammates, their camaraderie grew deeper, both on the pitch and beyond. Now, as Gomis embarks on this new chapter, Ayew stands in support, celebrating the incredible journey they shared.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Despite a challenging start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum remains optimistic about the Black Stars’ chances of defeating Angola in their upcoming match. Ghana, currently third in Group F with two points from four games, will face the Palancas Negras on Friday, November 18, at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.
In a recent interview with Asempa FM, Asante Twum highlighted the possibility of an away victory, drawing a parallel to Angola’s win over Ghana in Kumasi during the first match of the qualifiers. “The Black Stars can also go to Angola and beat them, just like how they came here and beat us,” he stated. “It is possible, but we understand it’s not fully in our control. Regardless, we’ll keep fighting until the end.”
Following the Angola match, the Black Stars will play their final qualifier against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 21. To advance, Ghana must win both matches and rely on Sudan to drop points in their remaining games. The team opened camp on Monday, with eight players joining the first training session. They will complete preparations today before departing for Luanda on Wednesday.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, has expressed deep concern over the Black Stars’ ongoing winless run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Ghana’s senior national team is currently third in Group F with just two points from four games, falling short of their usual strong performance.
In a recent interview with Asempa FM, Asante Twum described the team’s form as unusual, stating, “It is not normal for the Black Stars to play four matches without a win. It’s very worrying for the country and the players, but I know the technical team and squad are determined to give their all in these last two games.”
The Black Stars’ campaign has seen a 1-0 home loss to Angola, a 1-1 draw against Niger, and a two-match series against Sudan where they drew 0-0 in Accra and lost 2-0 away in Libya. To secure a spot in AFCON 2025, Ghana must win their final matches against Angola on November 15 in Luanda and Niger on November 18 in Accra, while hoping Sudan drops points in their games against Niger and Angola.
The team will complete their training session today before traveling to Luanda on Wednesday for the first of their two must-win matches.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Gideon Mensah remains confident despite the withdrawal of eight key Black Stars players ahead of their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Ghana, who will face Angola and Niger, has seen several prominent players ruled out due to injuries or personal reasons. Joseph Paintsil, Antoine Semenyo, Ibrahim Osman, Tariq Lamptey, Jerome Opoku, and Inaki Williams are among those unavailable for these crucial games.
In an interview on Monday, Mensah acknowledged the withdrawals as a “big loss” but voiced optimism about the remaining squad. “Every player on the national team is crucial,” Mensah said. “We have key players we rely on, but we also have those ready to step up when needed. I’m not really scared; if one player isn’t available, someone else will be ready to fill in.”
Coach Otto Addo has responded by calling up replacements, including Osman Bukari from Austin FC, Terry Yegbe from IF Elfsborg, Kingsley Schindler, Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer, Forson Amankwah, and Ebenezer Annan. Ghana is set to play Angola in Luanda on November 15, followed by a home match against Niger at Accra Sports Stadium on November 18, 2024.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
With the deadline just a day away for those interested in contesting the CAF presidency, Dr. Patrice Motsepe remains the only candidate who has formally picked up nomination forms and submitted his application. Motsepe, a South African business mogul and current CAF President, is seeking re-election for another term at the helm of African football’s governing body. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on potential candidates to see if any last-minute challengers will emerge. The CAF presidential election, a highly anticipated event in African football, will determine the leadership and strategic direction of CAF for the upcoming term.
