by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Osman Bukari has conveyed his heartfelt sentiments towards Red Star Belgrade as he embarks on a new chapter with Austin FC.
The Ghanaian forward has made the transition to Major League Soccer, marking the end of his remarkable tenure with the Serbian powerhouse.
Joining Red Star Belgrade in 2021, the 25-year-old showcased his prowess, registering 25 goals and 20 assists in 78 appearances across various competitions.
His contributions were instrumental in securing consecutive Serbian league titles and triumphs in the Serbian Cup.
“This team will forever hold a special place in my heart. I extend my best wishes for your continued success, and I’ll be rooting for you from a distance,” Bukari expressed on Twitter.
Before his stint at Red Star, Bukari commenced his career within the youth setup of Accra Lions.
Venturing into Europe at the age of 19, he joined AS Trenčín in Slovakia, amassing 16 goals and 25 assists in 66 outings. His exceptional performances earned him recognition as the team’s best player in the 2019/2020 season, inclusion in the league’s Best XI, and nomination as a finalist for the Player of the Season award.
Subsequently, Bukari made a move to KAA Gent in Belgium, contributing four goals and six assists in 35 appearances before securing a season-long loan to FC Nantes in the French topflight.
He played a pivotal role in Nantes’ triumph in the Coupe de France in 2022, tallying two goals and four assists in 26 matches.
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by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Sharaf Mahama, the son of former Ghanaian President John Mahama, has recently achieved certification as a FIFA agent after successfully completing the required exams.
Initially aspiring to pursue a career as a football player, Mahama has redirected his focus towards player management.
“I am excited to announce that I have passed the FIFA Agent Examinations and have obtained my official FIFA Agent license,” Mahama shared on his social media platforms.
“This achievement aligns with my passion to contribute to the advancement of football in Ghana and globally.”
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by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has expressed concerns over the inadequate communication involved in phasing out senior players from the national team, a process he describes as often hurtful.
The most recent example is current Black Stars captain Andre Ayew, who was excluded from the 26-man squad named by head coach Otto Addo for the upcoming June World Cup qualifiers.
This decision has sparked significant discussion on social media, with a wide range of opinions being voiced.
“This has been a longstanding issue,” Appiah remarked. “When you talk to former players like Osei Kofi, you can sense their bitterness. This pattern continued with players like Abedi Pele, Samuel Kuffour, and then my own generation.
“It’s all about how you communicate with the players. Senior players, who have contributed significantly and have a wealth of experience, know the team inside out. Simply removing them without proper communication causes hurt.
“That’s why some players leave feeling bitter. Each player is different, but we need to manage these situations better to avoid problems.
“Maybe we make some players feel indispensable. Like anyone else, players want to be appreciated and valued. Once we get used to certain treatments, we expect them consistently. It’s all about handling it properly,” he added.
Over the years, some veterans such as Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Richard Kingston, and John Mensah were not given a proper send-off before they retired.
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by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has commended the Ghana Police Service for their significant contributions to the development of football in Ghana. He expressed his gratitude during a courtesy visit to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare at the Ghana Police Service Headquarters in Accra on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
President Simeon-Okraku led a GFA delegation as part of the Women’s FA Cup Trophy Tour, ahead of the final match between Police Ladies and Army Ladies scheduled for June 8, 2024, at the University of Ghana Stadium.
The IGP welcomed the delegation, noting the strong cooperation between the GFA and the Ghana Police Service, and expressing hope for the continuation of this positive relationship.
President Simeon-Okraku highlighted the Police Service’s investment in women’s football and their participation in GFA competitions. He praised the Police Ladies team for reaching the Women’s FA Cup final for the fourth time, having won the trophy once in 2016.
He also acknowledged the contributions of DCOP Lydia Donkor, GFA’s Head of Safety and Security, in improving matchday management. The IGP emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and outlined plans to enhance security for the 2024-25 season, including the use of body-worn cameras by police officers during matches.
Dr. Akuffo Dampare expressed confidence in the Police Ladies team for the upcoming final and reflected on the lessons learned from past experiences.
The Women’s FA Cup Final will be part of the Women’s Football Festival’s double-header, with the match kicking off at 4pm on June 8 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
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by Silas Boahene | May 31, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi secured a historic win for his Greek club, Olympiacos, in Athens on Wednesday, May 29. Olympiacos celebrated becoming the first team from Greece to win a European trophy, thanks to El Kaabi’s late goal.
El Kaabi scored four minutes before the end of extra time, handing Fiorentina their second consecutive Europa Conference League final defeat. He was named man of the match for his decisive performance.
“Today we played a very good match. We made a promise to our supporters that we would make it today. And we did. It’s a final, but hamdulilah (praise is due to Allah), in the second half of extra time we scored a goal to win this trophy. I want to thank everybody,” El Kaabi said.
Despite a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside, El Kaabi’s goal stood, deciding an otherwise uneventful final. The Moroccan striker is the top scorer in this year’s UEFA Europa Conference League with 11 goals in nine matches, setting a record for a UEFA knockout stage. He surpassed Karim Benzema’s 10 goals in the 2021/22 Champions League, as well as the 10-goal hauls of Cristiano Ronaldo (2016/17 Champions League) and Radamel Falcao (2010/11 Europa League).
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