by Silas Boahene | May 16, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian centre-back Jerome Opoku has been ranked among the top three defenders in the Turkish Super Lig by the statistical agency Comparisonator. The 25-year-old, who plays for Istanbul BaĹźakĹźehir FK, has outperformed fellow Ghanaians Alexander Djiku and Daniel Amartey in defensive contributions this season.
Opoku has made 26 league appearances, showcasing his versatility and contributing significantly on both ends of the pitch. He scored four crucial goals and provided two assists, playing a key role in securing his team’s spot in next season’s Europa League.
Additionally, Opoku’s impressive form extended to international duty, where he performed exceptionally well in recent friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda. His standout performances have strengthened his position within the Black Stars squad.
As Ghana prepares for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2026 Qualifier fixtures against Mali on June 6th and the Central African Republic on June 10th, fans are optimistic that coach Otto Addo will include Opoku in the roster. With only three caps so far, Opoku scored his first senior national team goal earlier this year against Uganda.
by Silas Boahene | May 16, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dutch giants Feyenoord have expressed significant interest in Nathaniel Adjei ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Sportblog247.com.
Adjei, 21, currently plays for French side FC Lorient. The versatile defender joined Lorient on loan from Swedish club Hammarby IF during the January transfer window. Lorient has a mandatory purchase option if they maintain their Ligue 1 status, but with the club facing likely relegation to the second tier, Adjei’s future with them is uncertain.
Reports indicate that the Ghana youth defender could be heading to Feyenoord when the transfer window opens. Feyenoord has reportedly initiated contact with Hammarby IF about a potential transfer.
Feyenoord, who finished second in the recently concluded Dutch Eredivisie, are looking to strengthen their squad for the next season. Adjei, under contract with Hammarby until summer 2026, has made 15 appearances in Ligue 1 for FC Lorient.
by Silas Boahene | May 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Berekum Chelsea midfielder Collins Ameyaw has expressed his team’s determination to end Asante Kotoko’s three-game unbeaten streak. As the highly anticipated match approaches, Chelsea are focused on bouncing back from their recent 3-0 defeat to Hearts of Oak.
Scheduled for Saturday in Berekum, the Bibires are eager to secure a victory to improve their standing in the Ghana Premier League. Coach Samuel Boadu has emphasized the importance of this match, urging his team to overcome their recent setback.
“We are aware of what’s at stake. We can’t lose for the second time running, so the boys are determined for the Kotoko game,” Ameyaw asserted.
Currently in eighth place with 41 points, Berekum Chelsea is closely followed by Kotoko, who trail by just a single point. Kotoko’s season has seen a positive turnaround following their encounter with the club’s life patron, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, resulting in victories over Samartex and Legon Cities and a draw against Medeama.
As the clash approaches, all eyes will be on Berekum Chelsea to see if they can halt Kotoko’s impressive run and climb higher in the league standings.
by Silas Boahene | May 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian football legend Dan Owusu has emphasized the need for government support for Ghanaian clubs participating in CAF Inter-club competitions, highlighting the impressive performance of Dreams FC in their recent campaign.
Dreams FC, after winning the Ghana FA Cup, exceeded expectations by reaching the semifinals of the CAF Inter-club competitions, narrowly missing out on advancing further after a defeat to Zamalek.
Owusu pointed out the significant financial challenges faced by Ghanaian clubs in these competitions and stressed the importance of government intervention to ease this burden. “Playing in Africa incurs substantial costs, and it’s troubling that the government has not supported Ghanaian clubs in these endeavors,” Owusu stated in an interview with Kessben FM.
He highlighted that when a club qualifies for African competitions, it represents Ghana as a whole, urging the government to provide financial backing to ensure these clubs remain competitive on the continental stage. “Clubs face numerous financial challenges, relying mainly on player sales for income. It’s disheartening to see the lack of support, especially when these clubs represent the nation,” he added.
Owusu’s concerns are echoed by Dreams FC’s management, who have acknowledged the financial constraints associated with participating in African competitions despite their impressive performance.
As Ghanaian clubs strive for success on the continental stage, the call for government support becomes increasingly urgent to ensure their sustainability and competitiveness in CAF Inter-club competitions.
by Silas Boahene | May 16, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana Premier League legend Dan Owusu has voiced his disappointment with the current performance of strikers, contrasting their struggles with the lessons he learned from football icons Gerd Muller and Osei Kofi.
As a three-time Ghana Premier League top scorer, Owusu shared his perspective in an interview with Kessben FM, explaining why today’s strikers are finding it difficult to score consistently. He emphasized the importance of learning and practicing the art of goal scoring.
“When I joined Bofoakwa Tano, I faced similar challenges. I would get the ball, shoot, and miss, even after dribbling past defenders and the goalkeeper,” Owusu recalled. “I had to learn how to score goals.”
Owusu credits German football legend Gerd Muller and Ghanaian great Rev. Osei Kofi for shaping his career. “I watched videos of Gerd Muller and emulated his techniques, and I listened to Rev. Osei Kofi, which helped me become a good striker,” he revealed.
Owusu lamented the current state of goal scoring in the Ghana Premier League. “A striker scoring only 12 goals in 34 games is concerning and highlights the weakness of our current strikers,” he said.
The legendary striker also stressed the importance of mental toughness and strategic thinking in successful goal scoring.
