by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari has officially joined Austin FC in the MLS, expressing his enthusiasm and determination to contribute to the team’s success.
The 25-year-old completed his transfer from Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade, with Austin FC announcing the acquisition on Thursday for a reported fee of around 7 million euros.
Bukari brings impressive credentials to his new team, having scored 25 goals and provided 20 assists in 77 matches for Red Star Belgrade. He also gained valuable experience by playing in six UEFA Champions League games, including scoring against Manchester City last season.
Internationally, Bukari has represented Ghana in 17 matches, scoring three goals. He was part of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad and made a notable impact by scoring against Portugal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“I am thrilled and highly motivated to join Austin FC,” Bukari said. “I am determined to contribute my best to the team, the city, and the loyal fanbase in achieving their goals.”
With his talent and experience, Bukari is expected to be a significant asset to Austin FC and help the team achieve success in the MLS.
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by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe, the head of Public Relations & Strategy at the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has called on Ghanaians to respect Otto Addo’s decision to exclude Andre Ayew from the Black Stars squad. The Ghanaian coach left the team captain out of the 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Ayew’s omission has raised concerns among fans, especially given his strong performance in the French Ligue 1, where he scored five goals in 19 appearances, helping his team avoid relegation.
“The outpouring of concerns by Ghanaians is very well noted by the FA, and I’m sure the coach has also taken note as well about what Ghanaians have said about Dede’s omission, but he has a broad perspective about what he is doing. He knows the players that are potentially available, the players that are on the injury list that would be back. He’s worked with Dede before and he is not a stranger to him,” Armstrong-Mortagbe told Joy Prime.
He further added, “So if he says this time, in these two games this is the stock of players that he needs, I think we just respect his decision and put all our support behind him.”
The Black Stars currently sit fourth in Group I of the CAF World Cup qualifiers, trailing behind Comoros, Mali, and Madagascar. With the team in a precarious position, effective management and unity will be crucial for their qualification campaign.
Ghana will begin their training camp on Thursday and will travel to Bamako, Mali, next week for the match on June 6 before returning to Kumasi to face the Central African Republic.
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by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars defender Jerome Opoku romantically proposed to his girlfriend just before flying to Ghana for the June World Cup qualifiers. In photos shared on social media, the tall defender is seen on one knee presenting a ring to his long-time girlfriend, who joyfully accepted his proposal.
While details about his girlfriend are scarce, it appears she is not Ghanaian, and the wedding date is yet to be announced. After the proposal, Opoku posted on Instagram, “It has always been you.”
Opoku is the second Black Stars player to propose recently, following Thomas Partey’s engagement announcement with girlfriend Janine Mackson.
The former Fulham youth player is set to join the Black Stars in Accra for preparations for the World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, starting Friday, May 31, 2024. Opoku recently completed a successful loan spell at Istanbul Basaksehir, helping them secure a European place finish, and is expected to sign a permanent deal with the club.
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by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has clinched Leicester City’s Goal of the Month award for April. The 20-year-old scored a stunning curler during a match in which Leicester overwhelmed Southampton, securing their return to the Premier League.
Issahaku’s hat-trick against the Saints highlighted his impressive loan spell in England, prompting Leicester City to consider triggering the buy clause from Sporting Lisbon. His second goal in the match earned him the Goal of the Month honor.
The former Steadfast player was also recognized as the club’s best young player, having scored 6 goals and provided 13 assists during his loan period. Additionally, Issahaku netted the winning goal in Leicester’s FA Cup round of 16 victory over Bournemouth.
Having returned home early, Issahaku has joined the Black Stars as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic next week.
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by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Bernard Mensah has distinguished himself as the third most successful dribbler in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season. The former Atletico Madrid star showcased his talent in his debut campaign in the Gulf nation, scoring 14 goals and providing two assists in 30 matches for Al Tai.
Mensah’s exceptional dribbling skills have made him one of the league’s most exciting players, outperforming both Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane of Al-Nassr. Only Lucas Zelerayan of Al Fateh, with 147 successful dribbles, and Alan Saint-Maximin of Al Ahli, with 146, have surpassed the Ghanaian’s 139 successful dribbles.
His remarkable performances have garnered attention from top Saudi clubs, including Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. Although he retired from international football in 2021, a potential return to the Black Stars remains undecided.
Here are the top five successful dribblers in the SPL:
- Lucas Zelerayan (Al Fateh) – 147 successful dribbles
- Alan Saint-Maximin (Al Ahli) – 146 successful dribbles
- Bernard Mensah (Al Tai) – 139 successful dribbles
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
- Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr)
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