by Silas Boahene | Jun 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s prospects of securing David Akologo as goalkeeper for the Black Stars have received a significant boost following his return from Bolivia’s Copa America camp due to injury.
The Aurora goalkeeper sustained a broken thumb before Bolivia’s friendly against Mexico, forcing him to delay his debut for the South American team. As a result, he was unable to recover in time for the tournament, which commenced on Friday in the United States.
Akologo had been with the squad in Chicago for preparations before suffering the injury.
With his international future now uncertain after not making a competitive appearance for Bolivia, who kick off their Copa America campaign against the United States on Sunday, Ghana’s Football Association sees an opportunity. They had previously invited him for matches against Nigeria and Uganda in March, but he was unavailable due to an early call-up by Bolivia.
Fatau Dauda, the Black Stars’ goalkeeper trainer, is reportedly in discussions with Akologo to reconsider his decision to play for Bolivia, as Ghana seeks to bolster its goalkeeping options.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | Jun 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana FA President Kurt Simeon-Okraku presented the 2023-24 MTN FA Cup trophy to Professor Gordon A. Awandare, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
This ceremony precedes the eagerly anticipated final between Nsoatreman FC and Bofoakwa Tano, scheduled for Sunday.
Accompanied by members of the Organising Committee, GFA officials, MTN representatives, and media personnel, President Simeon-Okraku took the opportunity to reflect on the tournament’s history and underscore the significance of the chosen venue. He highlighted the collaborative efforts with Ghana’s premier university and discussed the future of football in the country.
During his address, the GFA President briefed the Pro Vice-Chancellor and other university officials on the esteemed FA Cup competition, emphasizing the longstanding partnership between the Football Association and the University of Ghana.
“The FA Cup is Ghana’s most prestigious football competition, featuring 112 clubs from Division Two, Division One, and the Premier League,” President Simeon-Okraku stated. “This year’s finalists, Nsoatreman FC and Bofoakwa Tano, both from the Bono Ahafo Region, promise an exciting Bono Derby.”
Regarding the choice of the University of Ghana as the final’s venue, he explained, “The university boasts the nation’s finest football facilities, making it an ideal location for this prestigious event. Moreover, with its vibrant youth population, the university provides an excellent atmosphere for football.”
President Simeon-Okraku underscored the importance of engaging the university community in football activities. “We believe the university should play a pivotal role in supporting this endeavor and bringing youth closer to the sport.”
He assured a thrilling contest between the finalists and promised a festive atmosphere leading up to the final on Sunday, June 23, 2024. “The stadium will be buzzing with entertainment, MTN giveaways, and engaging activities. The arrival of the trophy will captivate fans.”
Additionally, he expressed the GFA’s intent to establish the University of Ghana Stadium as the permanent venue for the MTN FA Cup final. “The University of Ghana will always be a strategic partner in our football development efforts.”
Nsoatreman FC and Bofoakwa Tano are gearing up for an exciting clash for the coveted trophy, with kickoff scheduled for 18:00 GMT (6 PM). The GFA is collaborating closely with the Students Representative Council (SRC) to boost enthusiasm and support, while MTN sponsors will conduct various campus activations in the buildup.
This historic event promises to be a memorable day for football enthusiasts and the University of Ghana community alike.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | Jun 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars forward Inaki Williams expressed admiration for his brother Nico Williams’ outstanding performance for Spain against Italy in the European Championship.
Nico, who opted to represent Spain internationally, earned the Man of the Match award for his dazzling display on the flank, causing significant problems for Italy’s defense, particularly right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
Following the match, Inaki took to social media, writing: “Pure cinema Junior. Starboy.”
Nico Williams is expected to play a crucial role for La Roja throughout the tournament, drawing attention from major clubs across Europe, including Spanish giants Barcelona and English Premier League side Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Inaki is focused on recovering from surgery he underwent at the end of the season, which sidelined him for Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | Jun 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Tom Vernon, Chairman of FC Nordsjaelland, has disclosed that Ghana coach Otto Addo turned down an offer from the Danish club before the 2022 World Cup.
Vernon revealed that Addo, then a talent coach at Borussia Dortmund, chose to prioritize his role with the Bundesliga team instead.
“I offered him the head coach job at FCN, and he declined. I closely monitored all coaches of Ghanaian heritage and local coaches,” Vernon shared with Joy Sports.
Vernon emphasized Addo’s suitability for the role due to his experience in diverse cultural environments and his understanding of both European and Ghanaian mindsets.
Addo, who represented Ghana at the 2006 World Cup, had previously served as an assistant coach at Nordsjaelland from 2016 to 2017.
Initially guiding Ghana to the 2022 World Cup by defeating Nigeria in the final qualification playoffs, Addo’s team, unfortunately, did not advance past the group stage in Qatar.
Despite earlier criticism for not accepting the Ghana job permanently, Addo has recently returned as the substantive coach for the Black Stars.
His tenure began impressively with two comeback victories in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, securing wins over Mali (2-1) and the Central African Republic (4-2) in Kumasi, placing Ghana joint top of Group I.
by Silas Boahene | Jun 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil has shared his reasons for leaving Europe to join LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The five-time MLS champions signed the Ghanaian forward from Belgian giants KRC Genk in February, designating him as a Designated Player.
Paintsil has made an immediate impact, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 14 MLS matches.
Despite the pressure that comes with playing for LA Galaxy due to the high expectations of the fans, Paintsil remains focused and calm in helping the club achieve its goals.
“When the news came, I was at the AFCON with the national team, so I thought, ‘This is a great team and a great opportunity for me.’ I knew that’s where I wanted to go,” he told the MLS.
When asked if he feels pressure to deliver for the club, he replied, “No, I don’t feel pressure. I have such fantastic players around me, so I don’t feel any pressure. The more I put pressure on myself, the more difficult it becomes for me. So I am calm and focused.”
