by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Swiss-Ghanaian forward Kwadwo Duah continued his scoring streak for Ludogorets, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Bulgarian champions from suffering a heartbreak in the final of the Bulgarian Cup against Botev Plovdiv.
Despite Duah’s notable performance, Ludogorets failed to secure the domestic double, succumbing to a 3-2 defeat against Botev Plovdiv in the cup final.
Duah, who had an impressive campaign in Bulgaria, scoring 13 goals across all competitions for Ludogorets, found the net once again during the final.
In an eventful match, Botev Plovdiv took an early lead through Antonio Conte, only for Ludogorets to swiftly equalize through Duah, the English-born Ghanaian forward.
However, Martin Sekulic restored Botev’s lead just before halftime, with Umeh Emmanuel extending their advantage after the break.
Although Rwan Cruz pulled one back for Ludogorets with 19 minutes remaining, they missed the chance to force extra time after Cruz failed to convert an injury-time penalty.
Notably absent from Ludogorets’ lineup was Ghanaian winger Bernard Tekpetey, who was serving a suspension following his red card against CSKA Sofia.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Bernard Mensah showcased his exceptional form in the Saudi Pro League by scoring a brace for Al Tai in their comeback win against Al Fateh, boosting their chances of survival in the league.
The former Ghanaian international has been instrumental for Al Tai since joining from Kayserispor last summer, tallying his 13th and 14th goals of the season during the match.
In a thrilling start to the game at the Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium, the visitors took an early lead with Cape Verdean forward Djaniny finding the net after just four minutes. However, the hosts equalized eight minutes later courtesy of defender Robert Bauer.
Mensah then put Al Tai ahead in the 83rd minute with a powerful header from an Andrei Cordea corner kick. He sealed the victory with an impressive solo effort, evading four defenders before slotting the ball past the Al Fateh goalkeeper.
Mensah’s outstanding performances have established him as one of the standout African players in the Saudi Pro League this season, with 14 goals and an assist in 28 matches.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Jeremie Frimpong has secured his place in Holland’s final squad for the 2024 European Championship in Germany, marking his second major tournament appearance for the European nation. This decision solidifies his commitment to Holland, ruling out the possibility of representing Ghana, the homeland of his parents.
The 23-year-old right-back, currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen, previously featured for the Dutch team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, although he did not make any appearances in Qatar. However, he made his debut against France in the Nations Cup and has since added to his international caps.
With his impressive performances for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, Frimpong is expected to play a pivotal role for Holland at the Euros. He notably contributed to Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists during the season.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In the aftermath of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney shared his perspective on an incident involving Thomas Partey, suggesting the midfielder was fortunate to escape penalty claims.
Rooney addressed Man United’s appeal for a penalty in the 37th minute, as Amad Diallo went down in the box following a challenge from Partey. While acknowledging the contact, Rooney expressed his view that Partey was fortunate in the situation.
“I don’t think this warrants a penalty, but Partey is very fortunate,” Rooney stated during his commentary on Sky Sports. He elaborated, “He commits early, and luckily manages to make contact with the ball. In my opinion, it doesn’t merit a penalty, but Partey certainly had a stroke of luck.”
Rooney’s assessment highlights the subjective nature of such incidents in football, where split-second decisions and interpretations can influence the outcome of matches.
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
After a period of suspension, AshantiGold SC is on the verge of making a comeback to Ghanaian football, as revealed in a recent statement from the club.
The club has been actively engaged with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in efforts to restore their football status, following their suspension by the GFA Executive Council under article 17{1} of the GFA statutes.
AshantiGold’s suspension stemmed from their continued association with banned officials, Kwaku Frimpong and Emmanuel Frimpong, a serious violation of both GFA and FIFA statutes. The ban was linked to a 2020/2021 Ghana Premier League match against Inter Allies FC, marred by match-fixing allegations.
In an exclusive interview with Luv Fm Sports, AshGold’s Administrative Manager, Kwabena Danso, shed light on the club’s journey towards reinstatement. Despite initial setbacks in legal proceedings, AshantiGold pursued dialogue with the GFA to explore avenues for their return.
“We really want to see this team back, so if the law court will not help us then we have to sit with the GFA to discuss the way forward,” Danso remarked.
Positive discussions with the GFA have ensued, and there is optimism within the club that AshantiGold will reappear in Ghanaian football, potentially in the Division Two league for the upcoming season.
“I am highly optimistic that next season AshantiGold will play in the Division Two league,” Danso affirmed.
The impending return of AshantiGold SC signals a potential resurgence in Ghana football, marking a significant development for the club and its supporters.
