by Silas Boahene | Jul 7, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Swiss-Ghanaian forward Kwadwo Duah recently looked back on his Euro 2024 experience, which included a poignant quarter-final match against England on Saturday, June 6, 2024. Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Duah moved to Switzerland at a young age and opted to represent the Swiss national team, despite being eligible for Ghana and England.
Playing for FC Ludogorets in Bulgaria, Duah scored his first goal for Switzerland in their Euro 2024 opener against Hungary on June 15, a moment of immense pride for himself and his family.
“It was a significant moment for my family and me,” he shared with the BBC. “Scoring Switzerland’s first goal in a European Championship is a rare achievement, and we were all overjoyed.”
Reflecting on his family’s journey from Ghana to England for a better life before settling in Switzerland, Duah expressed gratitude for the opportunities that led to his football career.
Looking back on the clash against England, the country of his birth, Duah emphasized Switzerland’s determination to showcase their capabilities and play their style of football.
“We aimed to demonstrate our abilities and approach the game with confidence,” Duah remarked about the match. “It was a meaningful experience for us.”
by Silas Boahene | Jul 7, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
New Black Queens forward Abdulai Mukarama is eager to debut for Ghana’s senior women’s national team in their upcoming international friendly against Japan. The match in Tokyo is part of their preparations for next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Mukarama, who recently led Hasaacas Ladies to success in the women’s league, earned her call-up to the Black Queens for the Tokyo trip.
“We’re prepared to give our best against Japan, a powerhouse in women’s football,” Mukarama expressed during training in Accra. “It’s a valuable exercise for us as we strive to reach the pinnacle of women’s football.”
She emphasized the team’s focus on performance rather than the outcome of the friendly: “We’ll show up and deliver our best. This match isn’t just about the result; it’s about understanding our coach’s expectations and refining our game.”
by Silas Boahene | Jul 7, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Midfielder Dominic Nsobila has completed his transfer to Dibba Al-Hisn FC in the United Arab Emirates, departing Ghana Premier League side Accra Lions midway through last season.
The former Ghana U23 star is expected to play a crucial role in Al-Hisn’s campaign in the UAE First Division League, bringing his renowned ability to connect defense with attack. Known for his exceptional passing range and intelligence on and off the ball, the 21-year-old midfielder has long been a target for Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.
After showcasing his talents in the Ghana Premier League with 65 appearances over three seasons for Accra Lions, Nsobila’s move abroad signifies a significant career progression.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 7, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Abdul Aziz Yakubu has finalized a move to Japan’s Shimizu S-Pulse Football Club, following his stint in Portugal during the second half of the 2023-2024 season.
The 25-year-old sealed the transfer, reportedly valued at three million euros, joining Shimizu as they compete in the second tier of Japanese football.
Yakubu’s move allows him to participate in the remaining matches of the J2 league season, which is currently 23 games into a 38-game campaign. At present, Shimizu holds third place in the league standings with 49 points, having secured 16 wins, one draw, and six losses.
Shimizu is tied on points with Yokohama FC and trails league leaders V-Varen Nagasaki by a single point. Their upcoming fixture is against Kyoto Sanga in the third round of the Emperor’s Cup on Wednesday, July 10.
During the previous season, Yakubu made six appearances for the Chinese Super League side Wuhan Three Towns and featured 16 times for Rio Ave in Portugal. Across all competitions, he scored seven goals and provided four assists.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 7, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International
Ghana has officially been confirmed to compete in the 4×100 Men’s Relay Race at the 2024 Olympic Games. World Athletics announced the participating teams, with Ghana among four African nations qualifying for the event. Joining Ghana are fellow West African nations Nigeria and Liberia, as well as South Africa.
Although Ghana secured a spot in the men’s relay, they did not qualify in the female category, where Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire will represent Africa.
Ghana’s team, consisting of Isaac Botsio, Benjamin Azamati, Joseph Paul Amoah, and Ibrahim Fuseini, earned their Olympic ticket by winning their heat at the World Relays in the Bahamas with a time of 38.29 seconds.
Amoah and Azamati, who competed in the 2020 Olympics 4×100 Men’s Relay Final for Ghana along with Sean Safo-Antwi and Emmanuel Yeboah, are set to represent their country again after finishing seventh in the previous Olympics.
