by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held from October 19 to 26, 2024, in Hurghada, Egypt. The tournament will feature teams such as Ghana’s Black Sharks, Senegal, Mauritania, Malawi, Morocco, Tanzania, Mozambique, and host nation Egypt.
A draw will determine the group stage matchups, with the finalists earning the chance to represent Africa at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Seychelles next year. Ghana qualified for this year’s AFCON by defeating Cote d’Ivoire 10-5 on aggregate in the qualification round.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The dates and venues for Ghana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger have been confirmed. The Black Stars will host Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Thursday, September 5, 2024, with a 16:00Hrs kickoff. Following this, Ghana will travel to face Niger on Monday, September 9, 2024, for their second Group F match.
Ghana, under the guidance of Otto Addo, remains unbeaten in their last two competitive matches after securing victories against Mali and the Central African Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. As the Black Stars aim to secure a spot in the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, they will be competing in Group F alongside Sudan, Angola, and Niger. Ghana has a storied history in the tournament, having won the title four times in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Alexander Djiku has praised Fenerbahce’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho for instilling a winning culture in the team since his arrival in the summer. The Ghanaian defender has played a key role in both of Mourinho’s first two competitive matches, as Fenerbahce advanced to the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers after defeating Swiss side Lugano in both legs.
Djiku emphasized Mourinho’s influence on the team, describing him as the “star” who meticulously controls every aspect of their preparation, including set pieces and penalty practice. Speaking to French media outlet L’Equipe, Djiku noted, “You feel his presence, his experience. He is very meticulous about his expectations in defense and attack.”
As Fenerbahce prepares to face French club Lille in the next round, Djiku highlighted Mourinho’s impressive track record, calling him “the best coach in the world” and praising his ability to cultivate a winning mindset within the squad. Mourinho, who has won major European trophies with Porto, Inter Milan, Manchester United, and Roma, is aiming to guide Fenerbahce to the group stage of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Lawrence Agyekum has voiced his disappointment following Cercle Brugge’s rough start to the Belgian Jupiler Pro League season. The team has suffered consecutive losses, beginning with a 3-0 defeat to Westerlo in their opening match, followed by a 2-1 home loss to Kortrijk. Agyekum played in both matches.
Despite these early setbacks, the former WAFA player remains hopeful about the team’s prospects and expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support, promising a stronger comeback in future games. “Big thanks to our amazing fans for the massive support. We will come back stronger,” Agyekum wrote on X.
Kortrijk secured their win with goals from Nacho Ferri and Mark Mampassi, while Thibo Somers found the net for Cercle Brugge. Agyekum, currently on loan from Red Bull Salzburg, is expected to play a key role in helping the club turn their season around.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Frank Acheampong was controversially sent off in Henan FC’s 1-1 draw with Nantong Zhiyun FC in the Chinese Super League. Acheampong received a red card two minutes before full-time after a VAR review led referee Gao Peng to conduct an on-field review. The dismissal occurred when Acheampong unintentionally struck a Nantong player with his hand while attempting to break forward from midfield.
This decision left Henan to finish the match with 10 men, a blow for the team as they are in a precarious position in the league standings. Acheampong, who has been in strong form with three goals and two assists in 20 appearances this season, will now miss several key matches, including a Chinese FA Cup quarter-final clash.
Acheampong joined Henan earlier this year on a free transfer from Shenzhen FC, where he had played since 2021. His absence will be felt deeply as Henan faces a challenging period ahead, requiring the team to regroup and find ways to compensate for his loss in upcoming fixtures.
