by Silas Boahene | Jun 6, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been postponed by six months, now set to take place in early 2026 in Morocco. The tournament, originally scheduled for June 2025, conflicted with the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, which is slated to be held in the United States from June 15 to July 13.
CAF’s general secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba, announced the new schedule, highlighting significant challenges in coordinating dates. The rescheduling aims to avoid conflicts and ensure the well-being of players, who would otherwise face back-to-back tournaments.
This delay impacts Morocco’s plans to showcase its tourism industry and readiness to host major events ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Portugal and Spain. Mosengo-Omba emphasized the need to prioritize player welfare, acknowledging the difficulties in managing such a congested schedule. “We must ensure that the dates are in the players’ best interests,” he said.
In addition, CAF has yet to finalize the dates for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), also to be held in Morocco. An announcement is expected by the end of the month, with potential adjustments to accommodate teams participating in the Olympics. South Africa, the reigning WAFCON champions, are among the affected teams.
Further uncertainty surrounds the second edition of the African Football League, Africa’s new super league. While the first edition featured eight clubs in a two-month knockout format, CAF President Patrice Motsepe had promised an expansion to 24 teams. However, the African Champions League and Confederation Cup group stages will now occupy the October to December period initially planned for the African Football League.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 6, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The Black Princesses of Ghana have been placed in Group E for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia later this year. The West African team will face tough competition from former champions Japan, as well as New Zealand and Austria.
This marks Ghana’s seventh consecutive qualification for the tournament, having navigated the qualifiers with ease by defeating teams like Eswatini and Senegal. The Black Princesses have been rigorously preparing since securing their spot, including a victory at the African Games in March where they triumphed over rivals Nigeria in the final.
Coach Yussif Basigi aims to lead the team beyond the group stage for the first time, after previous attempts saw them fall short of advancing to the second round.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 5, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Kenpong Football Academy, led by football mogul Kennedy Agyepong, has achieved a significant milestone as former President John Agyekum Kufuor agrees to serve as a patron of the academy.
President Kufuor, in a letter dated June 4, 2024, conveyed his decision to Kenpong, opting to be a patron instead of the initially proposed role of Board Chairman. In his letter, he commended Kenpong for his vision in establishing the football academy and expressed his eagerness to contribute as a patron.
As a patron, President Kufuor will utilize his vast experience, influence, and reputation to contribute to the growth and development of the Kenpong Academy.
Kenpong, the Academy’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed gratitude and honor at President Kufuor’s decision to associate with the academy. He highlighted the significance of this partnership, noting its potential to enhance the academy’s image and recognition.
Kenpong Football Academy, situated in Winneba, boasts state-of-the-art facilities comparable to the best in the world, including a world-class pitch, swimming pools, gyms, studios, and hostels for players and staff. Agyepong has also secured the services of a foreign coach to train young players to meet European and American standards.
President Kufuor, a respected statesman, served as Ghana’s president from January 2001 to January 2009 and held the position of Chairperson of the African Union from January 2007 to January 2008. Prior to his presidency, he served in various capacities as a minister, member of parliament, and legal officer for the City of Kumasi.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a notable development, German-born Ghanaian forward John Yeboah has been selected for Ecuador’s final squad for the 2024 Copa America in the United States of America. Coach Felix Sanchez has included the 23-year-old in the 27-man squad for the tournament, commencing later this month.
The winger, who hails from a Ghanaian father and an Ecuadorian mother in Hamburg, had a commendable season with Rakow Czestochowa, tallying three goals and five assists in the recently concluded campaign.
Expected to bolster Ecuador’s attacking prowess, Yeboah will join forces with former West Ham star Enner Valencia as they target Copa America glory.
Although Yeboah represented Germany at various youth levels up to the U20s, he switched allegiance to Ecuador in March, making his debut in a 2-0 victory over Guatemala. Despite this, the former Wolfsburg attacker retains the option to switch nationalities and potentially play for the Black Stars if he doesn’t feature in the tournament.
Ecuador has been drawn in Group B of the Copa America 2024 and will contest against Venezuela, Jamaica, and Mexico.
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by Silas Boahene | Jun 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In an exclusive report, GHANASoccernet reveals that VfL Bochum is intensifying efforts to secure the services of Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. The Bundesliga side, gearing up for the upcoming season, has identified the Black Stars goalkeeper as a primary target for the summer transfer window.
According to Sportblog247.com, initial discussions have commenced, and negotiations between the parties are progressing toward a potential deal for the Ghana international.
Ati Zigi, who recently extended his contract with Swiss club Saint Gallen, may be open to a move to the Bundesliga as he seeks a fresh challenge.
Beginning his career with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, the 27-year-old spent seven years in France with Sochaux before joining St Gallen in 2020. He has since been a pivotal figure at the club, featuring in 37 matches and recording six clean sheets in the recently concluded season.
Ati Zigi boasts experience representing Ghana at prestigious tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
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