by Silas Boahene | May 28, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Black Starlets of Ghana will face off against Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets in the 3rd place playoff of the WAFU Under-17 Championship at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Tuesday, with kickoff scheduled for 16:00 GMT.
Following their semi-final defeat to Burkina Faso on Saturday, the Black Starlets are determined to secure a victory and claim the bronze medal in the tournament. Nigeria, after an unexpected loss to CĂ´te d’Ivoire in the second semi-final, will also be looking to redeem themselves.
The final will see CĂ´te d’Ivoire competing against Burkina Faso, but the spotlight now turns to the highly anticipated match between Ghana and Nigeria, promising an intense battle as both teams strive for a podium finish.
by Silas Boahene | May 27, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Abu Francis is set to make his mark on European football next season following Cercle Brugge’s qualification for the Europa League.
Francis, who recently extended his contract with the Belgian club, played a pivotal role in securing a goalless draw against Club Brugge on Sunday, ensuring Cercle Brugge clinched a spot in the Europa League qualifiers.
Playing 75 minutes of the intense match, Francis significantly contributed to his team’s solid performance on the road. This result propelled Cercle Brugge to a commendable fourth-place finish in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
Throughout the campaign, the 23-year-old midfielder featured prominently, making 18 league appearances and starting 11 of them. His stellar contributions earned him a call-up to the Black Stars during the March international break, where he showcased his talent and versatility in matches against Nigeria and Uganda.
Francis’s impressive performances have garnered recognition, leading to his contract extension with Cercle Brugge. With the upcoming Europa League qualifiers, he is poised to continue his development and make a significant impact on the European stage, bringing pride to both his club and country.
by Silas Boahene | May 27, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Emmanuel Gyasi played a pivotal role in Empoli’s Serie A survival, delivering a crucial assist in their final-day victory against AS Roma.
Heading into the last round of matches, newly promoted Empoli was in danger of relegation and desperately needed a win to stay in the top flight. Gyasi sparked life into Empoli by assisting Matteo Cancellieri for the opener.
However, Italian giants Roma equalized just before halftime through Houssem Aouar. As the game entered injury time with the score tied at 1-1, Empoli faced the threat of relegation. Senegalese forward Mbaye Niang emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring in the 93rd minute to secure a dramatic late win for the hosts.
Gyasi, who joined Empoli from Spezia last summer, made 33 league appearances this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Despite his impressive performances, the Italy-born Ghanaian has not received a call-up to the Black Stars since 2021.
by Silas Boahene | May 27, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has raised concerns about discrepancies between observed match attendance and reported gate proceeds from Ghana Premier League and Division One League matches.
During its meeting on May 23, 2024, the council discussed this issue among other important topics. GFA President Kurt Okraku highlighted the problem, noting the inconsistency between the large crowds seen at the venues and the gate proceeds reported. He described the situation as illogical, suggesting that the declared figures did not accurately reflect the high number of fans attending the matches.
Recognizing the need for accurate and fair distribution of income, the Executive Council decided to postpone further discussion on the matter. This delay allows time for additional consultations aimed at ensuring all stakeholders receive equitable income and value from their investments and contributions to organizing football matches across the country.
The Council plans to take definitive action after reviewing relevant reports and perspectives on the handling of gate proceeds. This move is expected to improve transparency and fairness in the financial aspects of Ghana’s football matches, benefiting clubs, organizers, and fans alike.
by Silas Boahene | May 27, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew has adopted a bald look, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Andre Ayew.
The 32-year-old, who previously preferred to keep his hair intact despite sharing many similarities with his brother—including matching tattoos—has now embraced the ‘Santo’ haircut style.
This change comes after a strong season in the Premier League, where Jordan played a pivotal role in helping Crystal Palace maintain their top-flight status.
In a video shared on X by Fiifi Tackie, the Ayew family spokesperson, Jordan is seen proudly displaying his new bald look.
“Jordan Ayew has followed in the footsteps of his legendary father, Abedi Pele, and joined the esteemed ranks of Ghanaian footballers who sport the iconic ‘Santo’ haircut style. He’s in good company, alongside his brother Andre Ayew and Stephen Appiah,” Fiifi wrote alongside the video.
Jordan had a commendable season with Crystal Palace, scoring four goals and providing eight assists across all competitions, with seven assists in the Premier League.
The former Aston Villa and Swansea City forward’s new look marks another chapter in his football journey, reflecting his family heritage and personal evolution.
