by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghana international Charles Taylor has sparked controversy by asserting that Laryea Kingston, the former Black Starlets coach, is a superior coach compared to the current Black Stars coach, Otto Addo.
Laryea Kingston recently resigned following the Black Starlets’ 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the WAFU B U-17 tournament. Despite this setback, Taylor believes Kingston’s coaching abilities surpass those of Addo.
“In Ghana, speaking the truth often makes you appear bad to many, but I would rather tell the truth and get nothing than lie for gain. When you consider the type of coach and the way Laryea works, he is better than Otto Addo,” Taylor told Peace FM.
Kingston had led the Black Starlets impressively during the WAFU tournament, securing a 5-1 victory over Ivory Coast and a 2-0 win against Benin to reach the semi-finals. However, the defeat to Burkina Faso prompted his resignation, raising concerns among Ghanaian football fans and officials.
Meanwhile, Otto Addo has resumed his role as head coach of the Black Stars and is preparing the team for crucial upcoming matches against Mali and the Central African Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Taylor’s comments have sparked a debate about the coaching capabilities within Ghana’s national teams, with many looking forward to how Addo’s leadership will shape the Black Stars’ performance in the forthcoming qualifiers.
4o
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Black Stars player Mohammed Polo believes that it is normal for the national team captain to be left out of the squad despite their past contributions. His comments come in response to Otto Addo’s decision to exclude Andre Ayew from the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
The decision to drop Ayew has surprised many fans, but Polo views it as a routine decision by Addo, which he fully supports. Polo explained that such phases are part of a footballer’s career and that every player has their time.
“Football is like that; everyone has their time. It is natural that anything that has a start has an end. All of us should be playing by now if it is not normal in football. He should take it in good faith,” Polo said in an interview with Connect 97.1FM.
Polo drew a parallel with former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, who experienced a similar situation when the captaincy was handed over to Andre Ayew. “When Gyan was leaving the national team, they took the captaincy from him to Dede, and he left. That is exactly what is happening to the latter, too,” he added.
The last time Ayew was omitted from the Black Stars squad was in 2023 when Ghana played against Mexico and the USA in international friendlies, losing both matches.
With Ayew absent, Thomas Partey will lead the Black Stars for the crucial qualifiers. Ghana currently sits in fourth place in Group I with three points from two games, and they are set to face Mali on June 6 at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, followed by a home match against the Central African Republic on June 10 at the Baba Yara Stadium.
These matches are vital for Ghana’s quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
4o
by Silas Boahene | May 30, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed his delight at being reappointed to lead Ghana’s senior national team. The 48-year-old previously managed the team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, guiding them through the playoff against Nigeria.
Following his World Cup stint, Addo returned to his role at Borussia Dortmund. With the conclusion of the 2023-24 football season, he has now fully assumed the role of head coach for the Black Stars.
In a press conference held in Ghana on Wednesday, May 29, Addo shared his enthusiasm about his return.
“I am excited and grateful to be back, although it was not a simple decision. The FA and Dortmund had several discussions, and I am now back where I belong,” he said.
During the press conference, Addo also announced the squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Mali and the Central African Republic. The team will first travel to Mali for a match on June 6, followed by a game against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on June 10.
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by Silas Boahene | May 29, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Egnatia, an Albanian football club, recently celebrated a historic victory in the Albanian Super League, marking their first league win in 89 years. Their triumph was not only a moment of joy but also a poignant tribute to the late Ghanaian international, Raphael Dwamena.
In a heartfelt gesture, Egnatia players honored Dwamena’s memory after defeating Partizani in the playoff final. Holding up Dwamena’s jersey and showcasing artistic tributes, the team commemorated the talented forward, who tragically passed away in November.
During a league match between Egnatia and Partizani, Dwamena collapsed on the pitch, succumbing to the incident despite immediate medical attention. His untimely death sent shockwaves through the football community, prompting Egnatia to pay homage to his legacy with their league victory.
by Silas Boahene | May 29, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
At the Prefontaine Classic meet, Beatrice Chebet of Kenya achieved an astonishing feat by setting a new world record in the 10,000 meters, clocking in at an impressive 28 minutes and 54.14 seconds.
This incredible accomplishment surpassed the previous record of 29 minutes and 1.03 seconds, held by Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey, achieved at FBK Stadium in the Netherlands on June 8, 2021.
In a display of remarkable endurance and strength, Chebet crossed the finish line ahead of Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, who finished in 29 minutes and 5.92 seconds, amidst cloudy and cool conditions at Eugene’s Hayward Field.
Chebet’s dominance became evident as she surged ahead with three laps to go, pushing herself to the limit in the final lap.
Reflecting on her performance, Chebet expressed, “My body was responding well, and I felt strong. I felt comfortable throughout.”
This race marked Chebet’s return to the 10,000 meters since 2020 in Nairobi.
Aged 24, Chebet had previously clinched the silver medal in the 5,000 meters at the world championships held at Hayward Field in 2022, following up with a bronze in the same event at the worlds in Budapest last year.
Her outstanding performance also secured her qualification for her debut Olympics this summer in Paris. She revealed her ambition to compete in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, emphasizing, “But my focus is on the 5,000 meters first, with the 10,000 meters following. This being my first international 10,000-meter race, I am ecstatic to have achieved a world record.”
The Prefontaine Classic stands as the sole American leg of the international Diamond League series.
