by Silas Boahene | Sep 16, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian talents Abdul Aziz Issah and David Oduro were spotted training with FC Barcelona’s first team ahead of their La Liga clash against Girona on Sunday, September 15. Issah, an attacking midfielder, and Oduro, a left full-back, recently signed for Barcelona’s B team, Barça Atletic, from Dreams FC and Accra Lions, respectively.
The two young players expressed excitement about joining Barcelona, calling it a dream come true, and are determined to make the jump to the first team. Issah, 18, likened his playing style to that of Barcelona’s 17-year-old sensation, Lamine Yamal.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 16, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s stunning strike helped Nottingham Forest secure a surprise 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, ending Arne Slot’s unbeaten run as Reds manager. Hudson-Odoi, coming off the bench, curled a brilliant shot into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Alisson with no chance. This marks Forest’s first win at Anfield since 1969.
Liverpool dominated early with Luis Diaz hitting the post, while Forest keeper Matz Sels made key saves to deny Alexis Mac Allister and Diaz. Forest improved in the second half, with Hudson-Odoi’s goal sealing the win. The victory moves Forest to fourth in the Premier League table, just one point behind Liverpool.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Raja Casablanca head coach, Rusmir Cvirko, expressed his displeasure with the poor playing surface at the Accra Sports Stadium following his team’s 2-2 draw with Ghana Premier League champions FC Samartex 1996 in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.
While praising his players for their resilience, Cvirko criticized the condition of the pitch, stating that it hindered his team’s ability to perform at their best.
“I’m not happy. I’m proud we didn’t lose, but under normal circumstances, we should have won. Playing on this field made it almost impossible,” he remarked.
Despite the challenging conditions, Cvirko congratulated his players for their efforts and remains hopeful as Raja prepares to host Samartex in the second leg.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian champions FC Samartex 1996 were held to a 2-2 draw by Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Despite taking the lead before halftime, Samartex couldn’t maintain their advantage. Raja opened the scoring in the 20th minute through Mohamed Azrida, but Samartex equalized in the 37th minute with a stunning acrobatic strike from Francis Gyetuah.
Just before the break, Michael Ephson capitalized on a rebound to put Samartex ahead, only for Mohamed Boulacsout to bring Raja level early in the second half. Both teams now head into the second leg in Casablanca with the tie delicately poised.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Accra Hearts of Oak remain winless in the 2024-2025 Ghana Premier League after a late collapse saw them lose 2-0 to Kpando Heart of Lions in their second match of the season.
Following a shock 1-0 loss to league newcomers Basake Holy Stars in the opening round, the Phobians conceded twice in the final stages of the game at the Kpando Stadium, with Nana Kwame Oppong and Ishmael Addo (not the Hearts legend) scoring in the 83rd and 87th minutes, respectively.
Oppong opened the scoring after a clever trivela pass from Kwesi Pong, while Addo doubled the lead from a well-worked move involving former Hearts forward Kojo Obeng Junior and Mustapha Yakubu.
