by Silas Boahene | Apr 3, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian football sensation Mohammed Kudus has etched his name into West Ham United’s history books, becoming the club’s highest-scoring Ghanaian player. However, this achievement was overshadowed by a heartbreaking loss to Newcastle United in a thrilling match.
Kudus, who joined West Ham last summer, has quickly established himself as a pivotal figure for the team. His impact was evident as he netted a remarkable goal just before halftime, propelling West Ham into the lead during an intense battle against Newcastle.
Despite Kudus’ heroics, Newcastle mounted an impressive comeback, ultimately securing a 4-3 victory over West Ham.
Nevertheless, Kudus’ goal marked a significant milestone as he surpassed the previous record held by fellow Ghanaian Andre Ayew to claim the title of West Ham’s highest-scoring Ghanaian player. Notably, Kudus achieved this feat in just 35 games, compared to Ayew’s 12 goals in 50 appearances.
In addition to his prowess in finding the back of the net, Kudus leads all Ghanaians in the Premier League this season with the highest number of goal contributions, totaling 11 (seven goals and four assists).
Kudus’ scoring prowess extends beyond domestic competitions, with stellar performances in the UEFA Europa League and the EFL Cup, where he has showcased his talent with a total of 13 goals across all competitions.
Despite the jubilation surrounding his record-breaking goal, Kudus encountered a minor hiccup during his celebration. A ball boy’s reluctance to provide him with a seat for his trademark ‘take a seat’ celebration prompted Kudus to improvise by sitting on the advertising board, demonstrating his adaptability both on and off the field.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 3, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
IF Elfsborg, a prominent Swedish top-flight club, has finalized the signing of talented Ghanaian prospect Rufai Mohammed on a long-term contract. The 18-year-old defender has committed his future to the yellow and black side until 2028, marking a significant step forward in his career. Rufai transitions to IF Elfsborg from Inter Allies Football Club, where he showcased his abilities in the Ghana Division Two League.
Before officially joining IF Elfsborg, Rufai underwent trials with the club during the spring, demonstrating his potential while training with their junior teams. The club released a statement expressing their delight at securing the services of the promising centre-back, emphasizing their commitment to his development.
“IF Elfsborg are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Ghanaian centre-back Rufai Mohammed from Inter Allies FC. Rufai has signed a contract extending through the 2028 season,” the statement read.
Rufai himself expressed his joy at completing the move and conveyed his eagerness to contribute to his new team’s success. “I am very happy to be here. The people I have met in and around the team are amazing and very helpful,” he stated.
“I am tall, strong, and like to take a place in the back line. I always work hard because I demand a lot from myself and constantly want to develop
by Silas Boahene | Apr 3, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ameenu Shardow, the General Manager of Ghana Premier League outfit Dreams FC, has unveiled the financial challenges the club encountered in pursuing their 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup campaign. Despite facing setbacks from bankers who denied them loans for the venture, Dreams FC persevered and secured a crucial victory against Stade Malien in Bamako, enhancing their prospects of progressing to the competition’s semifinals.
Their triumph marked a significant milestone as Dreams FC became the first Ghanaian club in 24 years to clinch an away victory in the knockout stages of an African inter-club competition, garnering praise from football enthusiasts nationwide for their commendable performance.
However, Shardow revealed in an interview with Kumasi-based Nhyira Fm that the financial strain on the team was considerable, with some members of management initially hesitant about participating in the African campaign due to the perceived risks involved.
“Some of us in management were against the club’s decision to go to Africa because if you look at the record of Ghanaian clubs in recent times in Africa, we thought going to Africa would be counterproductive,” Shardow disclosed.
He further elaborated on the challenges faced, stating, “Some of our bankers denied us loans to embark on the Africa journey because they thought it was too much of a risk to invest in such a venture. It hasn’t been easy financially.”
Despite these obstacles, Dreams FC remains undeterred as they prepare to host Stade Malien at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 3, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Kwesi Nyantakyi, former president of the Ghana Football Association, has voiced his disagreement with the Save Ghana Football demonstration, deeming it unnecessary. The protest, which took place in February and drew hundreds of football enthusiasts, was organized by a group of journalists who believe that Ghanaian football is currently facing significant challenges, necessitating a restructuring of its governance to address the issues.
During the demonstration, participants presented a 15-point petition to Parliament, the Sports Ministry, and the Ghana Football Association, seeking reforms in football governance.
In response to the demonstration, Nyantakyi expressed his dissent, suggesting that the demonstrators could have achieved their objectives by submitting their petition directly to the GFA without the need for a public protest. “I don’t agree with the Save Ghana Football demonstration. The protest was not necessary. They should have just put the petition on paper and sent it to the GFA,” Nyantakyi remarked in an interview with Onua TV.
The catalyst for the Save Ghana Football movement was Ghana’s disappointing exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Nyantakyi acknowledged the decline in Ghanaian football since his tenure, stating, “Ghana football declined since I left. Since 2019, we have always exited after the first round or even in the group stage. So if you draw a graph, you’d see a steep slope.”
by Silas Boahene | Apr 3, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, declares that he has achieved all his ambitions in sports and sees no need to return to football administration.
Nyantakyi led the GFA from 2005 until being implicated in Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ 2018 expose. Despite overseeing Ghana’s first World Cup appearance in 2006, he was banned from football-related activities by FIFA until recently.
Although rumors suggested a return to football after his clearance, Nyantakyi has opted for a different path, asserting that he has scaled the heights of his sporting career.
“In sports, I’ve reached the pinnacle,” Nyantakyi remarked in an interview with Onua TV. “Apart from Ohene Djan, no one has achieved what I have in Ghanaian sports history. No Ghanaian has served on the FIFA Council. I was the second person after Ohene Djan in the 1960s.”
His decision to venture into politics stems from a desire to leverage
