by Silas Boahene | Aug 5, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Asante Kotoko have mutually terminated the contract of defender Mohammed Nurudeen, who is shifting focus to his nursing career.
The 31-year-old, who joined the Porcupine Warriors last season, will leave despite having a two-year contract with the club. Kotoko agreed to the release after unsuccessful attempts to secure a permanent transfer for him to Kumasi.
Nurudeen, a professional nurse based in Tamale, has expressed his commitment to his medical career. Kotoko assured fans that this decision will not adversely affect the team as they prepare for the upcoming season, which kicks off in September with a match against Karela United.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Abdul Majeed Ashimeru scored his first goal of the season to secure a 2-1 victory for Anderlecht over Royal Antwerp in their Belgium Pro League match.
Coming off the bench in the 74th minute, Ashimeru made an immediate impact, finding the net just five minutes later. His goal proved decisive, following an own goal by Senne Lammens and a first-half equalizer from former Tottenham defender Tobi Alderweireld for Antwerp.
The 26-year-old, who missed most of the previous season due to injury, is off to a strong start this campaign, contributing to Anderlecht’s back-to-back wins. Ashimeru, who signed a contract extension before the season began, had started the league opener against STVV and played a key role as a substitute in this match.
He is expected to return to the Black Stars squad for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Sudan in September
by Silas Boahene | Aug 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Benson Anang has completed a move to Georgian club Dinamo Tbilisi in the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old right-back has signed a contract that will keep him with the club until the summer of 2025.
Anang joins Dinamo Tbilisi from Cypriot side Othellos Athien, bringing valuable experience to the Tbilisi-based team as they prepare for the new season.
Having earned three caps for the Black Stars, Anang began his European career with MSK Zilina in Slovakia in 2018. After five years in Slovakia, he transferred to Cyprus before making the move to Georgia.
Anang made his debut for Dinamo Tbilisi in their recent Georgian league match against Samgulari.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars forward Inaki Williams scored a spectacular curler to lead Athletic Bilbao to a 2-1 win over Osasuna in a pre-season friendly.
Williams, who has fully recovered from an injury that sidelined him during June’s World Cup qualifiers, netted the decisive goal with a superb strike in the 66th minute.
Athletic Bilbao had taken an early lead through Alvaro Djalo in the 19th minute, but Osasuna equalized seven minutes later with a goal from Ruben Garcia. Williams’ goal secured the EH Txapela trophy for Bilbao.
The club is looking forward to another successful season following their Copa del Rey triumph last term.
Meanwhile, Williams’ younger brother, Nico Williams, who scored in Spain’s victory over England in the European Championship final last month, has yet to return to camp. With Barcelona showing strong interest, his future at San Mames remains uncertain.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Ghanaian stars Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp played pivotal roles in Crystal Palace’s triumphant US pre-season tour, culminating in their win of the Stateside Cup.
The duo contributed significantly to the South London club’s successes, including a 3-1 victory over West Ham in the final match. Ayew and Schlupp were both on the scoresheet in earlier wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham.
In their final US tour match, Tyrick Mitchell’s early goal was equalized by Michail Antonio before Ayew assisted Schlupp’s header for the second goal. Odsonne Edouard then sealed the win with a third goal, ensuring Palace’s successful conclusion to their US tour.
Crystal Palace will now return to England for their last pre-season game against FC Nantes before the 2024/25 Premier League season starts. Ayew is also attracting interest from Leicester City, who have recently returned to the Premier League.
