by Silas Boahene | Jul 13, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian-born Qatari forward Mohamed Muntari has joined Al Gharafa FC from rivals Al Duhail.
The 30-year-old joins Al Gharafa for the 2024/25 season after five years with Al Duhail.
Muntari, who switched nationalities to represent Qatar at the senior level, is an iconic figure in the Gulf country, having scored their only goal at the World Cup in 2022.
The veteran forward brings extensive experience in the Qatari league, having represented several clubs, including Lekhwiya and Al-Ahli SC. Muntari has won the Qatari league four times with Al Duhail SC.
He will join UEFA Champions League winner Joselu, who transferred from Real Madrid this summer, as one of the club’s main forwards.
Muntari spent time in Ghana for the holidays before returning to Qatar to finalize his move to Al Gharafa.
The Kumasi-born striker has netted 11 goals in 41 appearances for the Qatari national team.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 13, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
European heavyweights Besiktas and AEK Athens are set to battle for the signature of Swiss-Ghanaian striker Kwadwo Duah.
The London-born Switzerland international caught the attention of both clubs following his outstanding performance at Euro 2024.
Duah scored Switzerland’s first goal in the competition in Germany and played a pivotal role as they reached the quarter-finals, where they were knocked out by finalists England.
The 27-year-old scored one goal in three matches at the European Championship.
Duah was also outstanding for Ludogorets as they won the Bulgarian league last season, scoring ten goals and delivering five assists in 20 games.
Besiktas are looking to strengthen their attack with Duah as Cameroonian forward Vincent Aboubakar is reportedly set to leave the club. Meanwhile, AEK Athens aim to wrestle the Greek title from PAOK by adding the striker to their squad.
However, Duah has two more years remaining on his contract with Ludogorets, who are likely to retain him for another season.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 13, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Kotoko winger Augustine Okrah has entered negotiations with Hearts of Oak regarding a possible transfer.
Currently a free agent, Okrah is looking to secure a new club following a brief stint with Tanzanian giants Young Africans.
The winger joined Young Africans in January 2024 after a standout performance with Bechem United during the mid-season transfer window. This move marked his return to Tanzanian football after a challenging period with Simba FC two years ago. However, the reasons for Okrah’s departure from Simba SC after just six months remain unclear.
Now back in Ghana, Okrah is actively seeking a new team ahead of the upcoming season. Hearts of Oak, keen to bolster their squad, have initiated talks with the highly-rated winger.
Hearts of Oak are looking to improve their fortunes following a difficult 2023/24 season, where they finished 14th in the Ghana Premier League. Determined to strengthen their team, the club has been aggressively targeting quality players in the transfer market.
Securing Okrah would be a significant boost for Hearts of Oak, given his experience and proven track record in the league.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Okrah’s potential move to Hearts of Oak, with the club aiming to regain its competitive edge in the Ghana Premier League.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 13, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
English-born Ghanaian youngster Kobbie Mainoo has secured a well-deserved spot in Sofascore’s Euro 2024 Team of the Week following his exceptional performance in the semifinals.
Mainoo’s impressive display has caught the attention of football enthusiasts and solidified his place among the tournament’s top performers.
The talented midfielder was instrumental for the Three Lions on Wednesday night when England defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in the 2024 European Championship.
Starting for his country in the second semi-final game of the ongoing tournament in Germany, Mainoo showcased his skills, particularly in the first half, where he dictated play for most of the contest. His outstanding performance was crucial as the Three Lions came from behind to overcome the Dutch.
The match saw Xavi Simons give the Netherlands an early lead with a screamer in the 7th minute. However, England equalized in the 18th minute through a Harry Kane penalty. The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when substitute Ollie Watkins scored the winning goal, securing a 2-1 victory for England and sending them to the finals of the 2024 Euros to face Spain.
Mainoo’s remarkable performance has not only earned him accolades but also a spot in Sofascore’s prestigious Team of the Week. The young sensation will now aim to win his first international trophy with England by helping his team defeat Spain in the final on Sunday, July 14.
Below is Sofascore’s Euro 2024 Team of the Week:
by Silas Boahene | Jul 13, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Nana Boateng played a pivotal role in Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC’s 2-1 victory against Jeju United on Wednesday, delivering a crucial assist in the closely contested match at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium.
Boateng, who started the game and played the full 90 minutes, showcased his endurance and skill throughout the match.
Despite Jeju United dominating possession, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC managed to create more shooting opportunities, capitalizing on their chances effectively.
The match began with a rapid exchange of goals. Jeju United’s An Tae-Hyun opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a header from the center of the box, assisted by Seo Jin-Su.
However, Jeonbuk Motors quickly responded in the 3rd minute. Jeon Byung-Kwan scored a right-footed shot, assisted by Nana Boateng, leveling the score and setting the tone for a fiercely competitive game.
The winning goal came in the 71st minute when Jeonbuk Motors’ Tiago Orobó headed the ball into the center of the goal, assisted by Kim Tae-Hwan, securing a vital victory for the home team.
Boateng, aged 30, has been a consistent presence in the 2024 K-League 1 season, having played 11 games and providing one assist so far. His performance against Jeju United underscores his importance to the team as they aim for success in the league.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC will look to build on this victory in their upcoming fixtures, with Boateng continuing to be a key player in their midfield.
