by Silas Boahene | May 21, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Nana Yaw Amponsah’s journey from Asante Kotoko to new heights hasn’t been without its challenges. As a reformer, he inevitably made enemies, particularly among those who benefited from the old ways. This opposition, particularly from some in the local media, contributed to the decision by the Manhyia Palace, the seat of Ashanti royal power and the puppet master behind Kotoko, not to renew his mandate after the initial three-year term. It also influenced Amponsah’s decision not to pursue the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidency again, even though the opportunity arose shortly after his departure from Kotoko.
Instead, Amponsah set his sights internationally, breaking new ground for Ghanaian and African football administrators by becoming president of Moldovan side Petrocub Hincesti at the beginning of this year.
While at Kotoko, Amponsah had already made connections with Moldovan football, negotiating moves for two top players, Razak Abalora and Salifu Mudasiru, to FC Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldova’s leading football club known for a memorable UEFA Champions League campaign that included a famous win at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Amponsah took his expertise to Petrocub, the main domestic challenger to Sheriff in recent years. Founded just three decades ago, Petrocub has evolved significantly, rejoining the Moldovan top flight in 2015 and finishing as league runners-up for the past three seasons.
Amponsah’s impact was immediate, with Petrocub signing Ghana internationals Abalora (on loan from Sheriff) and David Abagna, joined by fellow Ghanaian Basit Seidu from Al Hilal Omdurman in Sudan. This trio played pivotal roles in transforming Petrocub’s fortunes, culminating in a historic season.
Sheriff won the regular season six points ahead of Petrocub, but during the championship phase that began in March, Petrocub turned the tables, winning by a six-point margin with seven victories and no defeats in ten games. This triumph earned Petrocub their first league title, ending Sheriff’s streak of eight consecutive titles. Petrocub also has the chance to dethrone Sheriff in the Moldovan Cup final, potentially securing a remarkable double. Amponsah has indeed brought a Midas touch to Petrocub.
Meanwhile, Kotoko fans can only wish their team had the same touch, as they struggle through a disappointing season. With four games remaining, Kotoko’s maximum possible points total is 52, the same as in the 2022/23 season, Amponsah’s last with the club. While that was enough for a top-four finish then, it’s unlikely to lift them higher than mid-table this time. Under Amponsah, Kotoko never finished lower than fourth and even won their first league title in eight years.
Amponsah has emerged stronger from his departure from Kotoko, focusing on his new role rather than looking back at his former club’s struggles. With a Champions League campaign on the horizon, Petrocub’s path, inspired by Sheriff’s recent successes, could lead to significant achievements, far beyond Kotoko’s current reach.
by Silas Boahene | May 21, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus has made a remarkable impression in his debut Premier League season by topping the league in completed dribbles.
Kudus achieved an impressive 96 successful dribbles, placing him ahead of his peers in this category. Close behind was Jeremy Doku, the Manchester City midfielder of Ghanaian descent who represents Belgium, with 82 completed dribbles. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze secured third place with 62 successful dribbles.
This milestone further enhances Kudus’ growing reputation in the Premier League. His accolades this season include winning West Ham’s Goal of the Season Award and finishing as the club’s Player of the Season runner-up.
Kudus’ impact was highlighted by a stunning overhead kick in West Ham’s final match against Manchester City. Since joining West Ham from Dutch giants Ajax last summer, Kudus has made 33 appearances, contributing 14 goals with eight goals and six assists.
by Silas Boahene | May 21, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian attacker Bernard Morrison is reportedly set for a potential move to Rwandan champions APR FC. With his contract at Moroccan champions FAR Rabat expiring on June 30, Morrison is likely to head to Rwanda, as reported by The New Times on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old former Orlando Pirates star is well-versed in East and Central African football, having previously played for Congolese side AS Vita Club and Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Yanga SC.
A source close to the player revealed to Times Sport that APR FC has already shown interest in signing Morrison as they aim to strengthen their squad for the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League campaign. “An initial approach has been made, and it is likely Morrison will end up at APR. He is not new to East African football, and with his extensive experience and expertise, he will greatly benefit APR, especially in Africa,” the source told Times Sport.
Morrison, whose career began at Heart of Lions and included a stint at AshantiGold, can play on the wings as well as in the center forward position. Known for his goal-scoring ability and keen eye for assists, he is expected to make a significant impact.
However, Morrison’s career has had its share of controversies. In February 2022, he was suspended by Simba SC for leaving the camp without permission. Additionally, in 2021, after forcing a move from Yanga to Simba SC, he caused a stir by celebrating in front of his former club’s fans by removing his pants.
1/2
by Silas Boahene | May 21, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Kelvin Boateng found the net for the second consecutive game, leading First Vienna to an impressive away victory over FC Flyeralarm Admira.
The 24-year-old continued his hot streak, scoring his fourth goal in as many games as First Vienna triumphed 3-0 at the Motion Invest Arena on Monday.
Boateng’s impact was felt early in the match. After nine minutes, he headed a long ball to Bumbic on the left side. Bumbic’s cross found Boateng, who had quickly moved back to the center and expertly headed the ball into the far corner, giving First Vienna the lead.
Midfielder Kai Stratznig extended the lead in the 61st minute, and German attacker Philipp Ochs, a second-half substitute, sealed the victory with a stoppage-time goal.
This win moved First Vienna to fourth place in the league standings, with 48 points from 29 rounds.
Boateng’s goal marked his 10th of the season in the Austrian 2. Liga. He has also provided two assists in his 24 appearances, with one game remaining in the season.
by Silas Boahene | May 21, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Bernard Mensah has been honored by Sofascore, earning a spot in the Saudi Pro League Team of the Week for his outstanding performance in Al Tai’s 3-1 victory over Al-Fateh on Thursday evening.
Mensah played a crucial role in the match, securing the win with a vital header. Held at the Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium, Mensah was on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, making a significant impact, particularly in the second half.
Al-Fateh initially took the lead in the 3rd minute with a right-footed shot from Djaniny following a fast break. Al Tai quickly responded, equalizing in the 11th minute with a header from Robert Bauer after a corner.
Both teams pushed for a win in the second half, but the turning point came in the 56th minute when Ali Al Zubaidi of Al-Fateh received a second yellow card for a foul, reducing his team to ten men. Al Tai capitalized on this advantage in the 82nd minute, with Mensah skillfully heading home a corner, demonstrating excellent timing and technique.
Al Tai sealed the victory with a final goal, making it 3-1 and highlighting Mensah’s pivotal contribution. His performance earned him a well-deserved spot in Sofascore’s Team of the Week, recognizing his influence and skill.
Mensah has been in exceptional form this season, playing 28 games in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 14 goals, and providing one assist. His consistent performances have been key to Al Tai’s successes.
Below is the team of the week:
