by Silas Boahene | May 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Ghana Football Association Executive Council Member, Sammy Anim Addo, is highly optimistic about the potential of the current Ghana U17 squad, foreseeing a bright future for them on the global stage.
Anim Addo’s confidence stems from the impressive performances of the Black Starlets in the ongoing 2024 WAFU B U17 Cup of Nations. With commanding victories over Ivory Coast (5-1) and Benin (2-0) in the group stage, the team’s fluid and dynamic play has caught his attention.
Expressing his admiration for the young talents, Anim Addo believes some of them could secure opportunities with European clubs directly from the tournament. “I can see a great future in these boys. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them break the jinx and move straight to a European team from here, getting a real chance,” he told Joy Sports.
The Black Starlets are now gearing up to face Burkina Faso in the semifinals, aiming to secure a spot in the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
Anim Addo’s confidence reflects broader faith in the potential of Ghanaian youth football to produce world-class players. As the team prepares for their crucial semifinal, expectations and support from fans and officials alike are on the rise.
The 2024 WAFU B U17 Cup of Nations serves as a platform for the Black Starlets to showcase their talent and teamwork. Their continued success could pave the way for a new generation of Ghanaian football stars.
by Silas Boahene | May 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Central African Republic has revealed its squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ghana, scheduled for next month in Kumasi.
Coach Raoul Savoy has selected a 24-man squad, featuring Olympique Marseille star Geoffrey Kondogbia and former Hearts of Oak striker Yassan Ouatching.
Ghana will face the Central African Republic on June 10th, following their match against Mali in Bamako four days earlier. With one win and one loss in their two World Cup qualifier matches so far, the Black Stars aim to secure three points at home against CAR.
Ahead of their clash with Ghana, the Central African Republic will first play against Chad on June 5th.
The Black Stars aspire to secure their fifth World Cup appearance by qualifying for the tournament hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
Below is the complete squad for the Central African Republic’s upcoming game against Ghana.
by Silas Boahene | May 24, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Chairman of the Ghana Football Association Club Licensing Board, Dr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh, has appealed to Ghanaians to give Black Stars head coach Otto Addo the necessary time and backing to execute his duties before passing judgment.
Otto Addo, previously a talent trainer for Borussia Dortmund, was re-appointed as Ghana’s head coach in March following Chris Hughton’s dismissal after a disappointing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Addo had previously guided Ghana to qualify for the 2022 World Cup by defeating Nigeria in a playoff.
“You can’t assess someone’s capabilities without witnessing what they can do. Allow him the opportunity to perform his role; if he fails to deliver, then you can consider removing him,” Baah-Nuakoh emphasized in an interview with Asempa FM.
“If you dictate how he should execute his duties and the results don’t meet expectations, who bears the responsibility? All I hope for is his success.”
After a defeat and a draw against Nigeria and Uganda respectively, the former Ghana international is commencing his second tenure as head coach.
Otto Addo is expected to arrive in Ghana this week for his official introduction, where he will interact with the media and announce his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali on June 6th and the Central African Republic on June 10th, 2024.
by Silas Boahene | May 24, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Young Ghanaian defender Stephen Acquah has expressed his joy at signing with Danish club FC Nordsjælland. The announcement of his transfer on Thursday marks a significant milestone in Acquah’s football journey from the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana to Farum.
Acquah, 18, joins FC Nordsjælland’s U19 squad with the potential to progress to the first team. “I am thrilled to sign a contract with this outstanding club. I am eager to learn and improve every day, and I am open to the guidance of the many knowledgeable individuals in the club,” Acquah remarked.
“I am fully committed to giving my best for FCN, and I feel prepared to take this next step in my development.”
Acquah aims to emulate the success of other notable Right to Dream Academy graduates, such as Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Sulemana, who have made significant strides in their careers after transitioning to FC Nordsjælland.
by Silas Boahene | May 24, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
All ten Regional Football Associations (RFAs) are gearing up for the upcoming Ordinary Congress of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), as emphasized during the recent Executive Council meeting held on May 23, 2024, at the GFA Headquarters.
The presence of the ten Regional Chairmen at the meeting underscores the Council’s commitment to fostering closer ties with regional football leaders in Ghana.
During the meeting, the RFAs were tasked with submitting comprehensive Activity Reports to ensure that their efforts in administering regional football are accurately reflected in the overall Activity Report to be presented at Congress. This practice aligns with the standard procedures of the GFA.
The RFAs provided updates on the progress of activities within their respective regions, indicating that they are on track to complete various competitions within the stipulated timeframes set by the GFA Secretariat. Notable progress was reported in areas such as the absorption of officiating fees for clubs and the advancement of the “Catch Them Young” Referees Project.
The unanimous praise from all RFA Chairmen for President Simeon-Okraku and the Executive Council reflects the support received from the Association for their operations and the clubs under their purview.
The Executive Council commended the RFAs for their diligent efforts in managing football at the regional level and expressed optimism for continued progress in the administration of the sport nationwide in the years to come.
