by Silas Boahene | Jun 23, 2024 | Africa, International, Soccer
After Yacine Idriss Diallo’s victory over Didier Drogba, some Cameroonians ridiculed Ivorians online, claiming they were backward.
âś… The Ivorian Football Association (FA) has provided buses to all football clubs in the Ivorian Premier League.
âś… Ivory Coast will be represented by four clubs in CAF competitions next season.
âś… All Division 2 clubs will be required to field players aged 17 and below to promote competition and give young footballers a chance.
âś… The Ivorian Premier League will introduce VAR for top matches throughout the season.
âś… Referees’ salaries will be increased starting next season to enhance their job satisfaction.
âś… Severe consequences will be imposed for all forms of match-fixing.
âś… The Women’s Premier League will experience a boost next season with the addition of players from various countries.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | Jun 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghanaian footballer Samuel Osei Kuffour has strongly refuted recent reports suggesting financial troubles for fellow football star Michael Essien.
Kuffour, renowned for his illustrious career with Bayern Munich, asserted that Essien remains financially prosperous despite rumors suggesting otherwise.
The controversy arose following reports of legal scrutiny over Essien’s properties in East Legon and Trassaco, valued at millions of dollars, prompting speculation about his financial state.
However, Kuffour dismissed these claims as unfounded and urged a more positive perception of Ghanaian public figures.
He emphasized Essien’s substantial wealth, citing valuable assets including properties worth $20 million and $30 million.
“It’s disappointing how negatively we view our own people,” Kuffour stated in an interview with Angel FM’s Saddick Adams.
“Michael is not struggling financially. I personally know the assets he owns, and I cannot accept claims that he is broke.”
Kuffour criticized the lack of firsthand knowledge behind such speculations and emphasized the unjustifiability of labeling someone as financially distressed without concrete evidence.
“You would have to see him at your door begging for food to make such claims,” Kuffour added.
“Based on what I know about his assets, I can confidently say Michael is very wealthy.”
Currently, Essien serves as an assistant coach at Nordsjaelland in Denmark.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | Jun 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Young Ghanaian talent Fatawu Issahaku has dropped hints on social media suggesting a permanent transfer to Leicester City.
The promising winger played a crucial role in Leicester’s successful campaign, helping them secure promotion to the Premier League.
Issahaku, on loan from Sporting CP, made significant contributions with six goals and 13 assists, earning him the club’s Young Player of the Season accolade.
His loan deal included an obligation for Leicester to purchase him for approximately €17 million upon meeting conditions such as playing in 60% of the games and achieving promotion, both of which have been fulfilled.
Despite Leicester being under a transfer embargo, the completion of Issahaku’s acquisition is anticipated.
Expressing his anticipation to return, Issahaku posted on social media, “Miss these moments with the lads. Can’t wait to be back soon,” sharing highlights from his season.
Initially acquired by Sporting CP for €1.2 million in 2022, Issahaku’s boyhood club Steadfast is set to receive 50% of the profit from his transfer fee, which amounts to €15.8 million out of the total €17 million.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | Jun 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Baba Abdul Rahman has kicked off his pre-season with Greek champions PAOK Thessaloniki ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The former Chelsea left-back curtailed his vacation in Ghana to return to Athens as preparations intensify for the upcoming campaign.
Rahman and his teammates are gearing up for European football next month after securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
PAOK Thessaloniki is set to encounter either Borac Banja Luka or Egnatia in the first round of qualifiers on July 23rd or 24th at Toumba Stadium, with the second leg scheduled a week later.
Meanwhile, interest from English clubs Luton Town and Brentford has been reported, as they seek to bring the 29-year-old back to England this summer.
Despite injuries affecting his time at Chelsea during his nine-year stint, Rahman emerged as the top-scoring defender in the Greek Super League last season.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | Jun 23, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Ghana Black Starlets are set to benefit from an upcoming decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to expand the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Expected to be announced during CAF’s Executive Committee virtual meeting on Friday, June 21, 2024, the expansion will increase the number of participating teams from 12 to 24. This decision aligns with FIFA’s expansion of the U-17 World Cup to 48 teams, allowing Africa to field 10 representatives.
Currently, teams qualify through zonal tournaments, with each zone, including WAFU Zone B where Ghana competes, sending two teams. With the expansion, each zone will now send four teams, enhancing Ghana’s chances.
This development is especially promising for Ghana, who finished fourth in the recent WAFU Zone B championship held in Accra. Burkina Faso emerged as champions, with Ivory Coast as runners-up and Nigeria securing third place.
Initially, only the top two teams from each zone would qualify. However, with CAF’s anticipated decision, the top four teams from each zone, including Ghana, will qualify for the U-17 AFCON in Algeria next year. This expanded opportunity gives Ghana a chance to compete for a spot in the U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
3.5
