by Silas Boahene | Jul 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Queens forward Princella Adubea has expressed her disappointment over the team’s failure to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris. Ghana narrowly missed out on qualification after a last-minute goal by Barbara Banda in their qualifiers against Zambia in Ndola last year.
Adubea, who was sidelined due to injury, commended her teammates for their efforts during the two-legged match.
“I was sad we didn’t qualify for the Olympics because of the way we planned qualifying together, but unfortunately, we couldn’t make it,” Adubea told Sportblog247.com. “Even though I wasn’t part of the team, I trusted my girls to deliver, but in football, you can’t be 100 percent sure of winning. Sometimes you will lose, sometimes too you will win but I think we can build on the positives from now.”
In a positive turn of events, the Black Queens have secured a spot in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in six years after defeating Namibia to qualify for the continental championship. The team is currently in Japan for an international friendly against Japan on July 13.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Samartex, the newly crowned champions of Ghana’s Premier League, remain committed to their long-term development strategy despite their surprising early victory in only their second season.
Club president Richard Nsenkyire reassured fans that while the championship was part of their initial five-year plan, it arrived sooner than expected. The club’s focus remains on executing their comprehensive plan, which includes continued investment in scouting, technology, logistics, and facilities.
“The development project continues,” Nsenkyire told 3Sports. “It’s always been a five-year plan, and we’re still working on it. Winning the championship was part of the plan, but it happened sooner than expected.”
“We want to strengthen our scouting unit and improve our technology, logistics, and pitches,” Nsenkyire added. “We really want to make sure we provide the right resources for the team to perform well.”
Samartex is setting themselves up for long-term success in domestic competitions and potential continental advancement as they represent Ghana in the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian Elvis Bernard Addae scored the decisive goal as Association Sportive des Forces Armées Nigériennes (ASFN) defeated ASGN 1-0 on Sunday to win the Coupe Nationale.
The 22-year-old delivered a thunderous free-kick from 20 yards in the first half to secure the victory for the military team.
Addae, in his debut season in Niger, has already made a significant impact. The former Susubribi FC player has scored nine goals after 30 rounds of matches in the league.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Umar Basiru has won the 2023/24 Ethiopian Premier League with Ethiopia Nigd Bank, marking the club’s first-ever title.
The former Asante Kotoko and WAFA player was a key figure for the team, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists in 30 appearances. On the final day of the competition, Basiru provided an assist in the crucial 2-0 win over Ethiopian Insurance, securing the championship.
Ethiopia Nigd Bank, also known as CBE-Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, clinched the league title with 64 points, finishing just one point ahead of Mechal Sports. Despite being newly promoted this season, they managed to outperform established clubs like St George, Ethiopia Coffee, former champions Fasil City, and Hadassah.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Richmond Lamptey has pledged to give his best to his new club, APR FC, in the Rwandan top-flight league. The former Asante Kotoko midfielder joined the Rwandan giants on a two-year deal after leaving the Porcupine Warriors at the end of the season.
Lamptey is expected to play a key role in the upcoming season as APR sets its sights on the title.
“I am thrilled and honored to join APR FC, a club with a rich history and a winning tradition. I am eager to contribute to the team’s success and bring my best to every game,” he wrote on social media.
“I look forward to working with my new teammates and coaches and to the incredible support from the fans. Let’s achieve great things together!”
The former Inter Allies star departed the Kumasi-based outfit after three successful campaigns, including winning the Ghana Premier League in his first season with Kotoko.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey over the past three seasons. A special thank you to our life patron, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, for your unwavering support and guidance,” he wrote in his farewell message to the club.
“To the management teams and technical staff, your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in our successes and growth.
“To my incredible teammates, thank you for your camaraderie and relentless spirit. Lastly, to our fabulous fans, your unconditional support has been our driving force. Thank you all for making these three seasons unforgettable.
“Asante Kotoko has become a home and will forever be a home for me. Kum Apem aa apem beba.”
