by Silas Boahene | Apr 29, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
GFA Unveils Inaugural Floodlights at Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence
In a significant milestone for Ghanaian football, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has successfully installed and inaugurated the first set of floodlights at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence.
The official commissioning took place on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, with the President of the Association, Kurt E S Okraku, receiving the keys to the power plant responsible for supplying the floodlights. In a symbolic gesture, Okraku then activated the switch, marking the formal commencement of the floodlights’ operation.
This pivotal initiative, funded through the FIFA Forward Programme, was executed by OVI Enschede, a renowned Dutch firm specializing in electrical installations.
Expressing gratitude, Okraku extended appreciation to FIFA for their unwavering support towards Ghanaian football. He underscored FIFA’s consistent investment in Ghana Football through the FIFA Forward Programme, highlighting it as a clear demonstration of the organization’s confidence in the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
“The installation of these inaugural floodlights signifies a significant advancement for the Centre, enabling training sessions to be conducted both during daylight hours and after sunset. This development allows our players to engage in night-time training sessions, while also extending opportunities for refereeing and coaching training programs well into the evenings,” remarked Okraku.
“I am truly delighted to witness the realization of our vision to enhance the facilities at Prampram.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 29, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Following their triumph at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, Côte d’Ivoire’s head coach, Emerse Fae, has initiated significant changes in his coaching staff. Fae, who took the reins during the tournament earlier this year, has introduced three new faces as the team gears up for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Former Côte d’Ivoire goalkeeper Gerard Gnahouan, aged 45, steps in as the new goalkeeping coach, bringing his experience from working with French Ligue 2 side Sochaux. With 10 caps for the Elephants between 2002 and 2011, Gnahouan will be instrumental in maximizing the performance of first-choice goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
Moroccan Samir Anba, previously associated with French club Nice and Morocco’s Under-17s, assumes the role of fitness coach, while Jeremy Antonio joins as the video analyst, having collaborated with Fae at French side Clermont.
“This revamped technical staff signals the dawn of a new era for the Côte d’Ivoire national team, with high expectations,” remarked Fae.
Assistant coach Guy Demel retains his position, and former international Alain Gouamene joins as the second assistant coach of the AFCON-winning team.
Fae, aged 40, led an all-local setup to an unexpected African title in March, stepping up from his previous role as Gasset’s assistant coach after a close call in the group stage.
The newly appointed backroom staff faces a significant challenge as Côte d’Ivoire prepares for crucial matches in June, aiming to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Currently topping their qualifying group after victories against Gambia and Seychelles in the initial two matches under caretaker Gasset, the Elephants are poised for a rigorous campaign ahead.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 27, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Leicester City, led by Abdul Fatatwu Issahaku, has clinched promotion to the Premier League after Leeds United’s loss on Friday evening.
Leeds faced Queens Park Rangers in their second-to-last game of the Championship season, aiming to maintain pressure on Leicester. However, Daniel Farke’s team suffered a 4-0 defeat to QPR, ensuring Leicester’s automatic promotion to the English top flight.
The Foxes are poised to reach the milestone of 100 points as they make their return to the Premier League after last season’s relegation.
Leicester can clinch the Championship title on Monday with a win against Preston, provided that third-placed Ipswich Town fail to defeat Hull City on Saturday.
Ipswich Town could also secure promotion to the Premier League next season if they gather five points from their remaining three matches.
Issahaku has played a crucial role in Enzo Maresca’s squad this season, contributing to 19 goals and assists in the league. The young talent made history earlier this week by scoring a hat-trick against Southampton, becoming the first Ghanaian to achieve this feat in the English second tier.
Issahaku, on loan from Sporting CP in Portugal, hopes to secure a permanent move to Leicester at the end of the season.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 27, 2024 | Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
Mamelodi Sundowns and ES Tunis have clinched qualification for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025, finalizing the lineup of CAF representatives for the competition set to take place in the United States next year.
With Al Ahly already securing a spot in the CAF Champions League final, both Sundowns and Esperance are now guaranteed entry to the FIFA Club World Cup through the ranking pathway.
The upcoming 32-team tournament, scheduled for June and July 2025 in the United States, will feature clubs from each of the six confederations vying for the coveted title of world champions.
Of the four slots allocated to CAF teams, Al Ahly, as winners of the 2020/21 and 2022/23 CAF Champions League editions, had already secured one place, while Wydad, champions of the 2021/22 edition, claimed another.
ES Tunis still has the opportunity to qualify as continental champions, as they are set to face Al Ahly in the two-legged CAF Champions League final on May 18th and 25th.
In the event of ES Tunis winning the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns would also secure a ticket to the USA next summer via the ranking pathway, despite their semi-final exit, owing to their strong performances in the CAF Champions League over the past four seasons.
Should Al Ahly emerge victorious in the CAF Champions League once again, earning their third continental title in four seasons, both Mamelodi Sundowns and ES Tunis would join them at the FIFA Club World Cup through the ranking pathway.
This strategic approach ensures fair access in the event of a club winning multiple editions of the confederation’s premier club competition during the 2021-2024 period.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 27, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghanaian international, Mohammed Polo, has voiced his support for Karim Zito to take on the role of head coach for the Black Stars.
Polo cited Zito’s impressive performance with Dreams FC in the CAF Confederation Cup as evidence of his coaching prowess.
Having guided Dreams FC to the semifinals of the continental competition, Zito’s achievements speak volumes about his capabilities as a coach, according to Polo.
Speaking to Joy Sports, Polo emphasized the importance of recognizing coaches who have demonstrated tangible success, such as Zito advancing Dreams FC further in the CAF Confederation Cup.
While acknowledging that coaching is a challenging field, Polo believes Zito’s track record positions him as a suitable candidate for the highest coaching level, including leading the Black Stars.
Polo also expressed concern about the selection process, noting that some coaches are appointed without notable achievements to support their candidacy.
The recent appointment of Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars by the Ghana Football Association was mentioned, highlighting the team’s recent performances under his leadership, including matches against Nigeria and Uganda during the March international break, which ended without victories.
