by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Stars players are capturing attention both on and off the field. Mohammed Kudus shared a heartwarming moment with a fan from Togo, who traveled to meet his football hero. The fan interaction left a lasting impression, highlighting the unity football brings across borders. Meanwhile, Jordan Ayew made an impactful entrance upon arrival, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the star. The Black Stars continue to showcase their talent and bring pride to their country, proving that their influence goes beyond the game.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 11, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Stars of Ghana have suffered a significant blow as 20-year-old center-back Jonas Adjetey has been ruled out of the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger. The FC Basel defender, who had been working his way back to full fitness after several weeks on the sidelines, encountered a setback during his club’s league game on Saturday, November 9.
Ghana’s Football Association confirmed the withdrawal in a statement, explaining that Adjetey was on the path to recovery but would be unable to join the national team due to his lack of match fitness. With the qualifiers approaching, the Black Stars’ squad will gather in Accra on Monday evening to prepare for their crucial fixtures.
The Ghanaian side faces an uphill battle in their qualifying campaign. They currently sit third in Group F with just two points from four matches, and qualification is no longer within their control. To reach the 2025 AFCON, the Black Stars must win both of their remaining games—against Angola on November 15 in Luanda and Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 18—while hoping that group leaders Sudan, who hold seven points, falter in their final matches.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 11, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Terry Yegbe Receives First Senior Call-Up to Ghana Squad for AFCON Qualifiers
Sweden-based defender Terry Yegbe has received his first senior call-up to the Black Stars squad ahead of Ghana’s pivotal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The IF Elfsborg centre-back was included in the squad following several withdrawals due to injuries and other reasons.
Yegbe, who has been a standout player for Elfsborg this season, has made a significant impact both domestically and in Europe. The 23-year-old has been crucial in Elfsborg’s strong defensive performances, helping the team achieve six clean sheets in the Swedish Allsvenskan and scoring three goals in 22 league appearances. He has also impressed in UEFA Europa League action, including a clean sheet in their notable victory over AS Roma.
Having previously represented Ghana at the U-23 level, Yegbe’s inclusion in the senior squad is a major milestone in his career. He will now be hoping to make his Black Stars debut in the upcoming qualifiers against Angola on November 15 and Niger on November 18.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 11, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Otto Addo Links Kudus’ Red Card to Disappointment Over AFCON Qualifiers
Ghana head coach Otto Addo has offered insight into the red card received by Mohammed Kudus in West Ham’s 4-1 loss to Tottenham on October 19, suggesting it stemmed from frustration following Ghana’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Sudan.
Kudus, who captained the Black Stars in their 0-0 draw and 2-0 defeat to Sudan, was sent off for violent conduct after a VAR review. This suspension means Kudus will miss several games for West Ham, including fixtures against Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Newcastle United, and Arsenal.
Addo believes the red card could be linked to the emotional toll Kudus, along with other players, felt after Ghana’s poor showing in the qualifiers. “They showed extra effort in their clubs. They regret it, and you could see that maybe their emotions were still high. They feel for the nations,” Addo said. “Maybe Kudus was also disappointed with the last games we had with the national team. This is the only way they can show it: through their performance.”
As the Black Stars prepare for their crucial AFCON qualifiers against Angola on November 15 and Niger on November 18, they remain third in Group F, with just two points from four games. Ghana must win both matches and hope Sudan, who have seven points, lose their remaining games to qualify.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 11, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Norwich City’s Forson Amankwah Joins Black Stars for Critical AFCON Qualifiers
Ghana’s Black Stars have called up Norwich City midfielder Forson Amankwah for the final two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger. The 21-year-old, who previously played for WAFA, has been brought in to replace the eight players who withdrew from the squad due to injuries and personal reasons.
Amankwah, who has made two friendly appearances for the Black Stars, will be hoping to earn his first competitive cap in the crucial games. Ghana’s preparations for the qualifiers begin with a camp in Accra, where Amankwah will join the team. The Black Stars will take on Angola in Luanda on Friday, November 15, and then host Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18.
Currently third in Group F with just two points from four games, Ghana’s qualification hopes are slim. To advance to the AFCON, they must win both matches and rely on Sudan, who have seven points, losing their remaining games.
