by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has expressed his excitement after signing a permanent deal with Premier League returnees Leicester City. The 20-year-old played a crucial role during his loan spell at the King Power Stadium, helping the Foxes secure a swift return to the top flight by winning the English Championship last season.
Following his impressive performance, Issahaku inked a five-year contract with the former English champions.
“I feel amazing,” Issahaku said after signing the deal. “It’s so good to be back, and I’m just focused on the upcoming season. I feel a lot of motivation to be in the Premier League. It’s something new to me, and I’m going to go hard for that, with the team. I can’t wait to see my teammates. I’ve missed them so much. They are like family now. I didn’t think I’d miss some of them, but when I went away, I was really missing them! I can’t wait to see them.”
Issahaku moved to Europe three years ago, joining Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon. After facing challenges in settling, he joined Leicester on loan, where he contributed to 20 goals, leading to his permanent signing.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian international midfielder Majeed Ashimeru has committed his future to RSC Anderlecht by signing a contract extension until 2027, the club announced on Tuesday.
Since joining Anderlecht from Red Bull Salzburg in 2021, Ashimeru has become a key player, making over 100 appearances for the team. Despite facing injuries last season, his dedication and performance during pre-season have reinforced the club’s confidence in his abilities.
Jesper Fredberg, CEO of Sports, emphasized the importance of recognizing internal talent before looking externally, highlighting the club’s belief in Ashimeru’s dynamic, fast, and forward-thinking midfield style that aligns perfectly with the team’s play.
Ashimeru expressed his gratitude to the club and fans for their unwavering support, stating his commitment to giving back and making them proud. He reflected on his growth both as a player and as a person during his time at Anderlecht and expressed his eagerness to continue contributing to the team’s success.
This contract extension underscores Anderlecht’s dedication to nurturing and retaining talented players, ensuring continued competitiveness in upcoming seasons. With Ashimeru’s extended stay, the club looks forward to his consistent performances and leadership on the field. As the team prepares for the new season, Ashimeru’s dedication and passion will undoubtedly be crucial in achieving their goals.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
AS Saint-Étienne, newly promoted to the French Ligue 1, has strengthened its squad with the addition of Ghanaian midfielder Augustine Boakye from Wolfsberger in Austria.
Boakye, 23 years old, has penned a four-year contract with an option for a fifth year. His arrival follows a standout season in the Austrian topflight, where he scored nine goals and provided six assists.
This signing marks Saint-Étienne’s fourth acquisition in the current transfer window, joining Yunis Abdelhamid, Ben Old, and Zuriko Davitashvili.
Expressing his excitement, Boakye stated, “Joining AS Saint-Étienne to explore the French championship is a matter of pride for me. Ligue 1 is a league I have always admired, and ASSE is an iconic club. I spoke with my friend Lucas Gourna, who had many positive things to say. I’m eager to experience this prestigious club firsthand and meet its passionate fans!”
Boakye is set to make his debut in Saint-Étienne’s pre-season match against Clermont on July 20.
Hailing from Bompata in central Ghana, Augustine Boakye began his football journey at the renowned West African Football Academy (WAFA). The academy has produced several notable talents, including Mohammed Salisu of AS Monaco and Gideon Mensah of AJ Auxerre.
Boakye’s impressive performances with WAFA SC in the Ghanaian Premier League earned him a move to Europe in 2021, joining Wolfsberger AC in the Austrian Bundesliga. Despite starting in the reserves, his determination saw him break into the first team, where he excelled in the 2023-2024 season with ten goals and seven assists in 26 appearances.
Known for his versatility and skill, Boakye is expected to be a valuable asset under the guidance of Saint-Étienne’s manager, Olivier Dall’Oglio, as the club aims to establish itself in Ligue 1 following promotion.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s National Women’s Football Team, the Black Queens, endured a 4-0 defeat to Japan in an international friendly match held in Japan.
Despite losing veteran defender Portia Boakye to a red card in the 23rd minute, the Black Queens managed to hold Japan to a goalless draw at halftime. However, the second half saw Ghana concede four goals.
The first goal came in the 51st minute when 30-year-old Mina Tanaka found the net, assisted by Chelsea’s Maika Hamano. The duo combined again for Japan’s second goal, with Hamano scoring off an assist from Tanaka. Aoba Fujino added another goal in the 67th minute, and Riko Ueki completed the scoring in the 80th minute.
This match is the first of several international friendlies for the Black Queens as they prepare for the 2025 Women’s AFCON in Morocco. Japan, ranked seventh in the world, will be competing in the 2024 Olympic Games starting on July 26.
Ghana missed out on qualifying for this year’s Olympics after losing 4-3 on aggregate to Zambia.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 16, 2024 | Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
For the second time in as many months, Italian tennis player Jasmine Paolini, who has Ghanaian and Polish heritage, fell short in a Grand Slam final. Following her loss to Iga Swiatek in the French Open Final, Paolini was defeated by Czech player Barbora Krejcikova in the Wimbledon final, with a score of 2-6, 6-2, 4-6. Krejcikova is now the eighth woman in eight years to win the prestigious slam.
Paolini, 28, showed her resilience by winning the second set but could not maintain her momentum to clinch her first Grand Slam title in the decisive third set. Despite her disappointment, Paolini reflected on the significant progress she has made over the past two months.
“The last two months have been crazy for me. Today I am a little bit sad. I try to keep smiling because I have to remember today is still a good day. I made the final of Wimbledon,” she told the BBC.
Paolini is set to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, starting later this month.
