by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian champions FC Samartex 1996 have claimed victory in their pre-season tournament, the Nsenkyire Cup, as they gear up for the upcoming season and their CAF Champions League campaign. The tournament, which featured Samartex, Nations FC, Nsoatreman FC, and Legon Cities, served as a vital warm-up for the Timber Giants.
Samartex showcased their strength with a commanding 4-0 win over Nsoatreman FC in their opening match. They followed this with a 2-2 draw against Nations FC, advancing after a thrilling penalty shootout. The Green-Blacks secured the trophy with a narrow 1-0 victory over Legon Cities FC, courtesy of a second-half penalty by Baba Musah Hamadu. This triumph provides a significant morale boost as they prepare to face Cameroonian champions Victoria United in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 8, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
German-born Ghanaian forward Braydon Manu made an impressive start to his time with Dutch side PEC Zwolle, scoring just two minutes into his unofficial debut during a pre-season friendly against Venezia. Manu’s early goal gave the Eredivisie team an initial lead in their final warm-up match. However, the advantage was short-lived as Venezia’s Christian Gytkjaer equalized 14 minutes later, with Nicholas Pierini securing a late winner for the Serie A club. Manu, who joined Zwolle this summer after leaving German side SV Darmstadt, is expected to be a key player for the Dutch club in the upcoming season, potentially making his league debut in the opener against FC Utrecht.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 7, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dreams FC head coach Karim Zito has confirmed that promising talent Abdul Aziz Issah will be leaving the club for the 2024/25 football season due to multiple offers from foreign clubs.
Issah, a key player in Dreams FC’s impressive run to the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals last season, will not be part of the team as they prepare for the new campaign. The 18-year-old forward, who scored four goals and provided two assists in the CAF Confederation Cup, is one of several standout players expected to depart before the season begins in September.
In an interview with Takoradi-based Skyy Power 93.5 FM, Zito outlined his plans for the upcoming season and mentioned that Issah, along with John Antwi, Egyir, Abdul Jalilu, McCarthy Ofori, and Agyenim Boateng, will not be included in his plans.
As Dreams FC gears up for the new season, the club’s management is working to strengthen the squad and build on their recent successes. Additionally, the club will be relocating to the Tuba Astroturf for the 2024/25 season, moving from the Theater of Dreams in Dawu. The decision to relocate aims to provide a more suitable venue for home matches.
The management team will be implementing necessary upgrades to the Tuba facility to meet Club Licensing standards for professional play. Dreams FC expressed gratitude to the residents of Dawu for their support over the years and looks forward to the enthusiasm of the Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfro community as their new home.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 7, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian striker Bernard Tekpetey played a crucial role in Ludogorets’ 2-1 win over Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round on Tuesday night.
Starting the match at the Tofik Bahramov Stadium in Baku, Tekpetey was influential from the flanks. Despite Ludogorets finishing the game with just 10 men, their determination and Tekpetey’s contributions led to a vital win.
The first half ended goalless, but the second half saw a flurry of action. Dinis Almeida scored for Ludogorets in the 56th minute, only for Qarabag to equalize through Juninho ten minutes later.
In a dramatic conclusion, Caio Vidal netted the winning goal in the 87th minute, securing the victory for Ludogorets. Tekpetey was substituted in the 61st minute, with Rick taking his place.
This win puts Ludogorets in a strong position for the return leg as they aim for a spot in the group stage of next season’s UEFA Champions League. Tekpetey’s performance continues to underline his value, though he is still working to secure his place in the Black Stars squad, where he made his debut in 2017.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 7, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana defender Baba Abdul Rahman is looking ahead to the return leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifier against Malmo following his crucial late goal that earned PAOK Thessaloniki a 2-2 draw in Sweden. Rahman, who has been in stellar form since joining PAOK last summer, scored in the 75th minute to level the match.
With the Greek champions set to host Malmo in Toumba next week, Rahman expressed his anticipation for the decisive second leg on social media, stating, “See you in Toumba.”
In a thrilling encounter, Pontus Jansson initially put Malmo ahead, but Taison equalized for PAOK before halftime. Despite Sebastian Nanasi’s goal restoring Malmo’s lead, Rahman’s late strike ensured PAOK heads into the return leg with all to play for.
