by Silas Boahene | Sep 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s Ibrahim Sadiq shines in AZ Alkmaar’s 9-1 triumph over Van Persie’s Heerenveen
Ghanaian forward Ibrahim Sadiq played a starring role in AZ Alkmaar’s 9-1 demolition of SC Heerenveen in the Dutch Eredivisie, contributing three goals in the emphatic victory.
The former Ghana U-17 winger continued his impressive start to the season, making his fifth league appearance on Saturday against Heerenveen, coached by former Manchester United and Arsenal star Robin van Persie.
Sadiq provided two assists for Troy Parrott, who netted four goals in a dominant home performance by the former Eredivisie champions. The Ghanaian forward then capped off his brilliant display with a 72nd-minute goal.
AZ Alkmaar opened the scoring just four minutes in through Sven Mijnans, but Heerenveen quickly equalised via Luuk Brouwers in the 19th minute. However, Parrott then took control, scoring four goals in just 33 minutes. Further goals from Sadiq, Mexx Meerdink, Kristijan Belic, and Zico Buurmeester sealed the comprehensive win.
Dutch-born Ghanaian Jayden Addai replaced Sadiq with 15 minutes to play, while Dutch-Ghanaian goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro played the full 90 minutes for AZ Alkmaar.
Sadiq’s performance was a highlight in a sensational team display that leaves AZ Alkmaar in strong form in the Dutch league
by Silas Boahene | Sep 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Besiktas have officially parted ways with Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. The 29-year-old, who joined the Turkish club in 2023 on a two-year deal, is now a free agent after a turbulent transfer saga.
Besiktas had been trying to offload Amartey, who had one year left on his contract. However, complications arose when Amartey reportedly refused to travel for transfer talks, with club spokesperson Huseyin Yucel alleging that the defender was only interested in moving to England, despite the window closing. Amartey denied these claims.
Besiktas confirmed the contract termination on Saturday, leaving Amartey without any appearances for the club this season. The former Leicester City player, a key part of their 2015/16 Premier League-winning squad, now has the opportunity to sign with a new team.
Amartey’s refusal to move led to frustrations, as the Turkish transfer window remains open until September 13. Despite seven reported offers, including from Saudi Arabia and Eyupspor, Amartey rejected them, holding out for a move to England or Germany.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Barcelona’s Pursuit of Thomas Partey Hits a Snag: No Return to Spain in 2025
Barcelona’s hopes of signing Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey have taken a setback, with reports suggesting that a move back to Spain in 2025 is unlikely. The Ghanaian international, set to become a free agent next summer, will have the freedom to choose his next club. However, according to CaughtOffside, Partey is not expected to join Barcelona.
Partey, who previously made his mark at Atletico Madrid before joining Arsenal in 2020, has been a crucial player for the Gunners. Despite an injury that limited his playing time last season, he remains a key part of Arsenal’s squad this year. With his contract set to expire in less than 10 months and Arsenal having signed Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, a contract renewal for Partey seems uncertain.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 17, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has criticized the Black Stars for their lackluster performances in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, attributing their struggles to a focus on individual flair rather than team success.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s comments follow Ghana’s disappointing start to the qualifiers, which included a loss to Angola and a 1-1 draw with Niger, leaving them in third place in Group F with only one point.
He accused the players of prioritizing personal glory over national pride, suggesting that their tendency to showcase flashy moves rather than playing with discipline and teamwork has undermined their efforts.
“When they play, everyone tries to perform solo tricks, attempting to dribble past multiple players. This approach is impractical,” he remarked, criticizing the team’s overly exuberant style of play.
To address these issues, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe advocated for a renewed focus on developing local talent, citing Niger’s success with a squad featuring many home-based players as a model. He urged coaches to concentrate on training local players to match the level of foreign-based stars.
His comments highlight the need for a strategic shift in the Black Stars’ approach, advocating for a return to disciplined, team-focused football that embodies national pride over individual spectacle.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 17, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
FC Samartex 1996 head coach, Nurudeen Amadu, has called on his team to remain confident about advancing to the third round of the CAF Champions League despite their 2-2 draw with Raja Casablanca in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium.
With the second leg scheduled for Casablanca on September 21 and Raja Casablanca holding the advantage due to their two away goals, Amadu remains optimistic. He stated, “It was a tough match, and while we did our best, it wasn’t enough. Nevertheless, the boys performed well. We need to motivate our players and believe that we can achieve the result we need in Casablanca.”
This is Samartex’s debut in the CAF Champions League following their 2023-2024 Ghana Premier League title win. The team also started the 2024-2025 league season with a goalless draw against Dreams FC.
