by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Fatawu Issahaku has emerged as the second player with the highest number of successful one-on-one encounters in the Championship, with an impressive tally of 399.
Trailing his teammate Stephy Mavididi, who leads with 447 instances, Issahaku demonstrates exceptional skills in taking on opponents individually.
According to data from Sky Sports, Sunderland’s Jack Clarke closely follows in third place with 372 individual duels won, while Hull City’s Jaden Philogene holds fourth place with 324 successful encounters.
Leeds United’s Dan James completes the top five with 209 successful one-on-ones.
Issahaku’s remarkable agility and quick decision-making have significantly contributed to Leicester’s successful campaign in the Championship.
His standout performances include scoring six remarkable goals from the wing position, including a memorable hat-trick in a resounding 5-0 victory against Southampton.
Additionally, the young talent provided an impressive 13 assists, further solidifying his pivotal role within the team.
Issahaku’s contributions were instrumental as Leicester City clinched the top spot in the Championship, securing promotion to the Premier League.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus has been recognized for his outstanding performance in the 2023/24 season, securing a place in the Best African XI team as chosen by French media outlet CANAL Plus Sport.
The Ghanaian international made a significant impact in his debut season in the English Premier League, showcasing his prowess with eight goals and five assists for the Hammers.
Kudus’s impressive form extended to the Europa League, where he netted five goals, including a memorable solo effort against Freiburg in the round of 16.
Joining Kudus in the Best African XI are notable talents such as Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The defensive lineup includes Bayer Leverkusen duo Edmond Tapsoba and Odilon Kossounou, as well as PSG’s Achraf Hakimi and Tottenham Hotspur’s Pape Matar Sarr.
South Africa’s Ronwen Williams stands as the sole representative from the continent in the team, while Chancel Mbemba and Serhou Guirassy complete the roster.
Notably absent from the lineup are stars like Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, as well as goalkeepers Yassine Bounou and Eduoard Mendy.
Kudus’s inclusion in the Best African XI highlights his remarkable contributions to West Ham’s success and underscores his status as one of the continent’s top talents.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Black Stars coach Otto Addo has pledged to enhance his team’s ability to find the back of the net, acknowledging recent criticisms over their struggles in creating and converting scoring opportunities.
Speaking at a press conference held at the GFA headquarters, Addo addressed these concerns and assured fans of the team’s commitment to improving their goal-scoring record. “We will work on our goal-scoring. Every game is different, but we will try our best to ensure we score more goals,” he affirmed.
Preparations for the upcoming qualifiers are set to kick off with a training camp at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, as the team gears up for pivotal matches. With Ghana currently occupying 4th place in Group I, securing victories in the upcoming fixtures against Mali and the Central African Republic is imperative for their World Cup aspirations.
The Black Stars started their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Madagascar in Kumasi, followed by a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Comoros in Moroni.
The upcoming qualifier against Mali is slated for Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Stade 26 Mars in Bamako, while Ghana will host the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Addo also announced his squad for these crucial matches during the press conference, expressing optimism about the team’s prospects and their chances of securing qualification for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Despite encountering challenges in their qualifying campaign, Black Stars coach Otto Addo reiterated the team’s primary objective of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Following a mixed start in Group I, with a win against Madagascar and a surprising defeat to Comoros, Ghana currently sits in fourth place with three points.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters, Addo emphasized the team’s determination to qualify for the global tournament. “Surely, we want to qualify for the World Cup, and that is the aim,” Addo affirmed. “It is difficult with our current position, but in the end, we want to qualify.”
In addition to outlining the team’s aspirations, Addo unveiled the 26-man squad for the crucial upcoming fixtures against Mali and the Central African Republic. The Black Stars will face Mali at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on June 6, followed by a home match against the Central African Republic on June 10 at the Baba Yara Stadium.
These matches hold immense significance for the Black Stars as they seek to climb the group standings and keep their World Cup hopes alive. With renewed focus and a strong squad, Ghana is determined to turn their campaign around and achieve their goal of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
3.5
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
During the squad announcement for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, Ghana coach Otto Addo addressed the speculation surrounding Callum Hudson-Odoi’s potential switch to the Ghana national team.
Despite reports indicating Hudson-Odoi’s inclusion in the squad, he was not named in the announced list. Addo, amidst local media claims of successful persuasion, clarified that he hasn’t yet spoken to the Nottingham Forest star regarding representing Ghana.
Hudson-Odoi, 22, holds eligibility to play for Ghana through his parents and can switch international allegiance, having made appearances for England before turning 21.
While his last appearance for England was in a Euro qualifying victory over Kosovo, his inclusion in the Ghana squad remains uncertain. Addo emphasized his current focus on securing points in the World Cup qualifiers, stating, “My head is not there at all. I’m fully focused on Mali.”
Ghana’s upcoming matches against Mali and the Central African Republic are critical, with the team aiming for positive results. They face Mali on June 6 in Bamako, followed by a home fixture against the Central African Republic on June 10 in Kumasi’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
3.5
