by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Wilson Arthur, the Chairman of the MTN FA Cup Committee, emphasized the grandeur of the competition’s final match, considering it a momentous event for the nation. Speaking exclusively on CITI TV’s “Football Made In Ghana,” Arthur shared his thoughts following the conclusion of the semifinal matches.
Bofoakwa Tano secured a 2-1 victory over Dreams FC, while Nsoatreman also triumphed by the same scoreline against Legon Cities, setting the stage for a showdown between the rival teams from the Bono-Ahafo region in the upcoming final.
Scheduled to take place at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on June 23, the FA Cup final carries added significance as the victor earns a coveted spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Reflecting on the previous season, Arthur noted that Dreams FC clinched the title and progressed to the semifinals of the CAF Confederation Cup, ultimately falling to a 3-0 aggregate defeat against Egypt’s SC Zamalek.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Laryea Kingston, head coach of Ghana’s National Men’s Under 17 Football Team, the Black Starlets, emphasized the need for a cautious approach as they compete in the WAFU Under 17 Zone B Championship. Following their 5-1 victory over Cote D’Ivoire in the opening game at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, Kingston urged his team to focus on continual improvement.
Joseph Narbi’s two first-half goals set the tone for Ghana’s impressive win, setting high expectations for their final Group B game against Benin at the same venue. While acknowledging his team’s performance, Kingston emphasized the pressure from Ghanaians to see the Black Starlets excel, particularly after their absence from the Under 17 World Cup since 2017.
Despite this pressure, Kingston stressed the importance of a step-by-step approach to ensure the team’s success and qualification for the prestigious tournament.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku recently hosted the newly formed national U16 boys team at the GFA Headquarters in Accra. During their visit on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Okraku engaged with the young players and officials, providing them with valuable guidance and advice on various aspects of the game.
He encouraged the team to maintain focus, stay positive, and heed the advice of the technical staff as they embark on their journey towards growth and potential success. Okraku also assured them of the GFA’s unwavering logistical and financial support as they strive to develop their talents for both personal advancement and the future prosperity of Ghanaian football.
The team’s visit coincided with the absence of coach Kassim Mingle Ocansey, who was busy preparing his club, Nations FC, for an upcoming Premier League match against Accra Lions at home on Friday, May 17, 2024.
The establishment of the U16 national team reflects Ghana’s progressive approach to football development, highlighting the country’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering a holistic growth environment that prioritizes both technical skills and the cultivation of strong character traits and values.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Mohamed Diomande, a product of Ghana’s prestigious Right to Dream Academy, has made the decision to represent Ivory Coast internationally, despite receiving interest from Ghana.
Despite being nurtured in Ghana’s football system and receiving a call-up from Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo for international friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda in March, the talented 22-year-old midfielder has chosen to pledge his allegiance to the country of his parents.
Currently playing for Scottish Premiership side Rangers, Diomande has shown immense promise as a young player, attracting the attention of national team selectors from both Ghana and Ivory Coast.
Although Diomande reportedly considered representing the Black Stars, he has ultimately opted to pursue his international career with Ivory Coast, aiming to contribute to the Elephants’ campaign in the upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Ivory Coast, the reigning African champions, are scheduled to face Gabon and Kenya on June 7th and 11th respectively in the third and fourth rounds of matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Leading Group F with six points, the Elephants are eager to solidify their position atop the table with strong performances in these crucial fixtures.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian striker Antoine Semenyo has shared the challenges he faced on his path to the Premier League, revealing that he encountered rejection from prominent clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal during his early career.
Semenyo, now 24, revealed, “I think I went to Millwall four times, went to Tottenham, went to Arsenal, went to Chelsea, I went to so many clubs and I just got the same result: never making it. I remember Palace being the last place being rejected.”
Reflecting on the emotional toll of these rejections, Semenyo acknowledged, “Being so young, I couldn’t cope with the emotions of rejection… I felt like I needed to take a break, go back to friends, go back to school, just focus and recuperate, give myself a year to calm down because I felt like the rejection was so much.”
However, Semenyo highlighted that these setbacks ultimately contributed to his growth and resilience, stating, “That was obviously a tough part of my life, but yeah, I felt like it built character and the mentality I have now, so I’m grateful.”
Semenyo’s perseverance paid off when Bournemouth signed him for ÂŁ10 million in January 2023. Since then, he has become a key player for the club, impressing with eight goals and two assists in 31 Premier League appearances this season.
Furthermore, Semenyo’s standout performances have earned him a nomination for Bournemouth’s Player of the Season award, solidifying his status as a rising talent in English football.
