by Silas Boahene | Jul 9, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
AFC Bournemouth’s chief executive, Neill Blake, has expressed his delight over the club’s agreement with forward Antoine Semenyo on a new five-year contract. This deal ensures the Ghana international will remain at Vitality Stadium until at least the summer of 2029.
Blake lauded Semenyo’s rapid development since joining the club, stating, “It has been clear for all to see the rate of Antoine’s development since joining 18 months ago. He has gone from strength to strength and enjoyed an incredible first full season with us.”
He highlighted the significance of the new contract, adding, “Agreeing on a new long-term contract was important for us to recognize his contribution as a key member of our squad, and we’re excited to see this continue for years to come.”
Semenyo’s new deal follows a stellar campaign under manager Andoni Iraola, during which he helped the club achieve a record-breaking Premier League points tally of 48.
The 24-year-old appeared in 33 top-flight matches last season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists. His goals came in key games against Liverpool, Burnley, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with a standout performance featuring a memorable brace against Luton Town.
A highlight of the season was the 4-3 victory over the Hatters, secured by Semenyo’s blistering double. This made Bournemouth only the fifth team in Premier League history to win after overturning a 3-0 deficit, earning them the Premier League’s Most Improbable Comeback award for 2023/24.
Semenyo’s impressive form also earned him the club’s Michael Matthews Jewellers Player of the Month award for November.
Since joining from Bristol City in January 2023, Semenyo has made 47 appearances for the Cherries in all competitions.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
John Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has acknowledged that promising a new stadium if he wins power is not feasible given the current economic crisis.
Ghana has recently faced challenges in maintaining modern stadiums that meet international football standards, complicating the approval process for hosting matches.
During an interaction with journalists on Sunday night, Mahama was asked how he planned to address this issue if elected in December’s General Elections. He responded, “In the current crisis in which we are, I would not stand here and promise that we will build a new stadium. But I’ve said that under the big push, we intend to spend a certain amount of money over five years on providing good infrastructure to include roads, bridges, agro-industrial parks, and so on and so forth. That could include sports facilities. And if we make allocation, then we probably would look at providing such a stadium.”
The Borteyman Sports Complex and the University of Ghana Stadium, both constructed for the 2023 African Games, are currently in good condition and are expected to be maintained properly for future competitions.
Mahama, the former president, is set to face competition from Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections scheduled for December 2024.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 9, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s U20 team, the Black Satellites, endured a 6-2 defeat against Belgian top-flight side OH Leuven in a friendly match on Sunday.
This game posed a significant challenge for the Ghana U20 squad, which had been inactive since their gold medal win at the African Games in March. Despite conceding six goals, the team managed to score twice, including benefiting from an own goal and a goalkeeping error.
Head coach Desmond Offei is using this European tour to assess his players’ performances and identify areas for improvement ahead of the upcoming WAFU Zone B U20 Championship.
The tour is designed to prepare the team for the championship, involving both training sessions and additional friendly matches. The defeat against OH Leuven will serve as a valuable learning experience for the Black Satellites, who will look to rebound in their next match.
With a month-long tour ahead, the team has ample opportunity to refine their skills and build a strong team dynamic.
4o
by Silas Boahene | Jul 9, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Ghana women’s national football team, the Black Queens, have departed Accra for Tokyo, Japan, ahead of their international friendly match on July 13, 2024.
Led by coach Nora Häuptle, the team comprises 19 players, technical staff, and management members. Four additional players will join the squad on Sunday. The Black Queens have been training in Accra for four days to prepare for the match against Japan, former World Champions.
This friendly is part of Ghana’s build-up to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco and Japan’s preparation for the Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The match will take place at the Kanazawa Go Go Curry Stadium on July 13. Häuptle will use this opportunity to assess her players and fine-tune her team for future competitions.
The Black Queens are eager to make a positive impact in Japan and demonstrate their readiness for the upcoming WAFCON tournament.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 9, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Ernest Nuamah has officially signed a permanent deal with Olympique Lyonnais, following an impressive loan spell last season.
Nuamah initially joined Lyon on loan from Belgian side RWD Molenbeek. Now, he has committed to a four-year contract with the French club.
While the transfer fee remains undisclosed, RWD Molenbeek had previously acquired his services from FC Nordsjaelland for a significant €25 million, according to Sportblog247.com. This substantial investment underscores the high expectations surrounding the talented forward.
During his loan spell at Lyon, Nuamah made a notable impact, featuring in 29 Ligue 1 matches. He scored three goals and provided two assists, performances that evidently impressed Lyon’s management and prompted them to secure his talents permanently.
With this permanent move, expectations are even higher for Nuamah. Fans and club officials alike will be looking to him to increase his goal tally and play a pivotal role in Lyon’s attacking lineup. His speed, technical skills, and ability to read the game will be crucial assets as Lyon aims for success in the upcoming seasons.
This transfer marks a significant step in Nuamah’s career. With the faith Lyon has placed in him, he is poised to become an integral part of the team’s future, striving to fulfill his potential and deliver for one of France’s top clubs.
