by Silas Boahene | May 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Inaki Williams has been voted the Best African Player in La Liga following an impressive season with Athletic Bilbao.
The 29-year-old forward has excelled for the Rojiblancos, helping the Basque club secure a European place finish with one game remaining in the campaign.
Williams played a pivotal role in Athletic Bilbao’s historic Copa del Rey victory, their first in 40 years, with crucial goals against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Before the match against Sevilla at San Mames on Sunday, May 19, 2024, Williams received his award from Bilbao legend Andoni Goikoetxea.
The Spain-born striker recently entered the top 20 goal-scorers in Athletic Bilbao’s history after finding the net in a 2-2 draw against Osasuna last week.
This season, Williams has enjoyed his most prolific league campaign, scoring 12 goals in La Liga. Additionally, he contributed two goals and two assists in the Copa del Rey.
Despite his club success, Williams’ form has yet to fully translate to the international stage, with just one goal in 17 appearances for Ghana’s Black Stars. He is expected to rejoin the national team for June’s World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
by Silas Boahene | May 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has shared his thoughts on his remarkable bicycle kick goal against Manchester City on the final day of the 2023/24 English Premier League season.
The Ghanaian international concluded his first season with West Ham in spectacular fashion, netting his 14th goal of the campaign despite the 3-1 defeat to the eventual champions at the Etihad.
Kudus reignited hope for the Hammers just before halftime, reducing the deficit after early goals from Phil Foden. However, a second-half strike from Rodri sealed the game for Manchester City, marking the end of David Moyes’ tenure as West Ham’s manager.
“As an attacker, I always strive to get the team back in the game. We didn’t give up at 2-0. That goal gave the team the belief that we could come back, so I’m glad it went in. It’s one of those instinctive moments, and I know I have the quality to pull off something like that because this isn’t the first time,” Kudus remarked in the post-match press conference.
“I just went for it, and I’m glad it provided the team with the momentum to fight back,” he added.
Having joined West Ham United last summer, Kudus is already drawing interest from major English clubs, including Liverpool, ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
by Silas Boahene | May 20, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana delivered an outstanding performance as Cagliari ensured their Serie A survival with a crucial victory against Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium on Sunday.
Sulemana played the full match, dominating the midfield as Claudio Ranieri’s side secured a 2-0 win over their hosts. This victory places Cagliari three points clear of the relegation zone, with a favorable head-to-head record against their rivals at the bottom of the table.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who faced a similar relegation battle while on loan at Hellas Verona last season, where he scored in the play-offs to help them survive, has made 20 league appearances and scored two goals in his debut season with the Red and Blues.
With three years remaining on his current contract, Sulemana is poised to play a pivotal role in Cagliari’s future.
by Silas Boahene | May 19, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Borussia Dortmund bid a fond farewell to Otto Addo as he concluded his tenure with the club following his responsibilities with the Ghana national team.
The former Ghanaian international decided to part ways with the German giants after nearly eight years serving as the club’s player development coach.
During his time at Dortmund, Addo played a pivotal role in nurturing numerous talents, including Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Jude Bellingham, who currently plays for Real Madrid.
Having previously juggled his Dortmund duties with coaching the Black Stars, Addo guided Ghana to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
However, in February, the 48-year-old assumed the role of head coach for the Black Stars following the dismissal of Chris Hughton.
Addo led the Black Stars in friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda in March, where Ghana suffered a defeat to the Super Eagles and secured a draw against the Cranes.
Now, the former FC Nordsjaelland trainer is set to arrive in Ghana this week for his official unveiling. During this event, he will meet with the press and announce the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic in June.
by Silas Boahene | May 19, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Augustine Boakye demonstrated his influence by coming off the bench to inspire Wolfsberger AC to a remarkable comeback victory against WSG Tirol.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Boakye’s introduction at the start of the second half proved pivotal as he promptly equalized in the 48th minute, revitalizing his team’s chances.
Simon Piesinger then gave Wolfsberger the lead in the 57th minute, with Ervin Omic sealing the win with a late goal, securing a 3-1 triumph.
The match took a dramatic turn as the visitors ended with nine men following two red cards in the latter stages of the game.
Boakye’s goal marked his ninth of the season in the Austrian league, further highlighting his significant contribution to the team with six assists, totaling 15 goal involvements.
His impactful substitution underscores his growing influence on the team and his ability to make a difference in crucial moments.
With this victory, Wolfsberger continues their ascent up the league table, with Boakye’s pivotal contribution playing a crucial role in their success.
