by Silas Boahene | Jul 21, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The groups for the 2024 KGL Foundation Inter-Regional U17 Colts Championship have been unveiled. The tournament, featuring ten Regional Football Associations, will take place from July 25 to August 8, 2024, at the GFA’s Technical Centre, Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
In Group A, defending champions Ashanti Region will compete against Bono Ahafo Region, Volta Region, Central Region, and Northern Region.
Group B will see 2023 bronze medalists Greater Accra Region face off against Eastern Region, Upper East Region, Upper West Region, and Western Region.
The championship aims to spotlight young talent, with each region selecting their best U17 players from local Colts Competitions. The tournament’s previous editions have been hosted in Accra and Kumasi, with the 2024 edition returning to the capital, offering regional balance and showcasing emerging football talent.
The KGL Foundation, which has sponsored the Colts League since October 2021 with a five-year, one million USD agreement, has played a pivotal role in developing young footballers. Many players discovered through this championship have progressed to Ghana’s Junior National teams, domestic leagues, and international clubs.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 21, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Sixteen-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Taufik Seidou is capturing attention at AtlĂ©tico Madrid’s pre-season training with his impressive skills and performances. Seidou has been showcasing exceptional finishing, ball control, power, strength, and football intelligence, seamlessly integrating with the first-team players and coaching staff.
Seidou’s standout performances have attracted interest from top clubs, including Real Madrid. Nevertheless, he remains focused on his development at Atlético Madrid, where he is committed to refining his skills and advancing his career.
In addition to his football talents, Seidou excels academically, with excellent grades in secondary school, and is fluent in Spanish, English, and French. His dedication and versatility have garnered admiration from teammates and staff, and his reputation at Atlético Madrid is rapidly growing.
Born in Accra and holding Spanish citizenship, Seidou joined AtlĂ©tico Madrid’s youth academy at the age of nine. He made his UEFA U19 Youth League debut at 15 under Fernando Torres and continues to make significant strides in his career.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 21, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Legendary Ghanaian footballer Abedi Pele has reminisced about his historic achievement of winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at just 17 years old. As a pivotal member of Ghana’s 1982 squad, Pele remains the youngest Ghanaian to ever lift the AFCON trophy.
In a recent interview on Sports GH TV, Pele described the experience as “incredible,” highlighting the emotional significance of carrying the cup at such a young age. Despite limited playing time during the tournament, his presence on the squad cemented his place in Ghanaian football history.
This early victory was a significant milestone in Pele’s illustrious career, which saw him become one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers. Although he led Ghana to another AFCON final a decade later, the Black Stars fell to Ivory Coast in a penalty shootout.
Throughout his 17-year international career, Pele earned 73 caps and scored 33 goals for Ghana.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 21, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Ghanaian defender Devon Amoo-Mensah played a key role in Detroit City FC’s 1-1 draw against North Carolina FC in the USL Championship. Amoo-Mensah, who played the full match, provided a vital assist that enabled his team to secure a point.
Despite North Carolina FC taking the lead in the 67th minute and playing with a man advantage from the fifth minute, Detroit City FC fought back. Amoo-Mensah set up Victor Bezerra for a dramatic equalizer deep into stoppage time.
This assist marked Amoo-Mensah’s second of the season, underscoring his consistent impact on the team. Fellow Ghanaian Elvis Amoh also featured in the match for Detroit City FC.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 21, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian Black Stars defensive midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana has expressed his enthusiasm after completing his move to Italian Serie A side Atalanta, who recently won the Europa League title. Sulemana joins Atalanta on a four-and-a-half-year deal following a standout season with Cagliari, where he made a significant impact with two goals in 24 appearances across Serie A and the Italy Cup.
The 21-year-old returns to Atalanta, the club he trialed with five years ago, and is eager to make his mark. “Excited to be back home at Atalanta BC where my European journey started five years ago. I can’t wait to give my all on the field to the people of Bergamo,” Sulemana said after signing his new contract.
His impressive form last season also coincided with his debut for the Black Stars, featuring in Ghana’s 2-1 victory over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.