by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Jesper Fredberg, CEO of RSC Anderlecht, has provided insight into the club’s decision to extend the contract of Ghanaian midfielder Majeed Ashimeru.
Fredberg emphasized that the club’s decision was rooted in their unwavering belief in Ashimeru’s abilities, despite the challenges he faced with injuries last season.
“Before seeking external options, we evaluate the talents already within our squad. Despite injuries last season, Majeed has shown great form in pre-season and is more determined than ever to progress,” Fredberg explained.
He continued, “We have full confidence in his skills and are delighted that he has chosen to extend his tenure with us. His dynamic, fast-paced style of play and forward-thinking approach align perfectly with our team’s ethos, and we believe he can continue to make a significant impact at RSC Anderlecht.”
Despite setbacks, Ashimeru’s resilience has set a positive tone for the upcoming season, with both the club and supporters optimistic about his pivotal role in their future successes.
Ashimeru, who joined Anderlecht from Red Bull Salzburg in 2021, has been instrumental in midfield. His contract extension until 2027 underscores Anderlecht’s commitment to nurturing and leveraging his talents to achieve their ambitions.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Terry Yegbe has been lauded for his stellar performance in the Swedish Allsvenskan, earning recognition in Sofascore’s prestigious Team of the Week.
Yegbe, who represents Elfsborg, delivered a standout display during their recent clash against BK Hacken.
In a thrilling match at the Bravida Arena on Sunday, Yegbe played the full 90 minutes and scored twice, propelling Elfsborg to a remarkable 5-3 victory over Hacken.
The home side initially took the lead with a goal from Simon Gustafson in the 22nd minute, but Elfsborg swiftly equalized through Sebastian Holmén just four minutes later. Hacken regained their lead before halftime courtesy of Valgeir Lunddal Fridriksson, heading into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
After the interval, Yegbe leveled the score for Elfsborg in the 48th minute, assisted by Gustav Henriksson. Hacken responded with another goal in the 66th minute to go up 3-2.
Showing immense resilience, Yegbe once again stepped up in stoppage time, netting the equalizer to make it 3-3. Elfsborg then completed a stunning comeback with two quick goals in extra time from Per Frick and Arbër Zeneli.
Yegbe’s exceptional performance caught the eye of observers, earning him a well-deserved place in Sofascore’s Team of the Week.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2023 African Games, expressed his excitement over the continued use of the Borteyman Sports Complex following the conclusion of the Games.
In an interview with Channel One Sports during the final day of the Channel One TV National Swimming Championship, held at the complex on July 13 and 14, Dr. Ofosu Asare discussed his satisfaction with the facility’s ongoing activities.
“After successfully hosting the 13th edition of the African Games, there were concerns about the $145 million facility’s future use. However, I’m super excited that the facilities are being utilized,” Dr. Ofosu Asare remarked. “The Swimming Federation, in particular, has done an excellent job consistently using the facility. Such facilities are crucial for unearthing and developing talents, and I’m pleased to see this important competition taking place.”
The second edition of the Swimming Championship saw Legon Sharks Swim Club emerge as champions, followed by GH Dolphins in second place and Marlins in third.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Head coach of Ghana’s National Women’s Football Team, Nora Hauptle, praised Black Queens goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan for her performance despite the team’s 4-0 loss to Japan in a recent international friendly.
The match, played over the weekend, saw the Black Queens maintain a goalless draw in the first half before conceding four goals in the second half, including three from set pieces. Despite the heavy defeat to the seventh-ranked nation in the world, the Swedish coach highlighted Konlan’s series of impressive saves.
“We defended with determination, with passion, and we closed the center. I think our keeper was outstanding,” Hauptle said in a postgame interview. “In the end, we need to acknowledge that playing an hour against Japan with 10 players was a challenge, as their quality is higher. So all in all, I’m okay with the mentality shown and how we took the challenge.”
The Black Queens were reduced to 10 players after defender Portia Boakye received a straight red card in the 23rd minute. Hauptle expressed her disapproval of the decision and reflected on the impact of losing the veteran defender early in the match.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars captain Andre Dede Ayew has shared his approach to dealing with criticism from fans and the media. He discussed this topic while serving as a guest lecturer on sports psychology at the University of Ghana.
Ayew, who has been under intense scrutiny as an elite athlete for over a decade, also spoke about his commitment to the Black Stars. He explained how he manages the pressure and criticism that come with being in the spotlight.
“It’s not easy to hear certain remarks and insults, but the most important thing is trying to understand why they are being made and where they are coming from,” Ayew said. “You have to analyze yourself; sometimes it’s unfair, sometimes it doesn’t make sense, and sometimes they have a point.”
He continued, “As a public figure, you have to swallow things that you know aren’t true, but that’s where your mental toughness comes in. You need to be able to endure pain to smile later. That’s my virtue.”
At the time of writing, Dede Ayew is a free agent after completing the 2023-2024 season with French league side Le Havre.
