by Silas Boahene | Feb 13, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Renowned football icon Abedi “Pele” Ayew has shared his sentiments on missing the 1992 AFCON Final, expressing his gratitude to God for the overall success of his career, which included winning the prestigious tournament.
The Maestro was unable to participate in the final clash between Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire in Senegal due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Unfortunately, Ghana lost the match in a penalty shootout, denying them a fifth AFCON title while Cote D’Ivoire secured their first.
During the CAF’s AFCON Winning Captains Roundtable ahead of the 2023 AFCON final between Nigeria and host nation Cote D’Ivoire, Abedi Pele conveyed that the missed opportunity for a second AFCON title did not negatively impact his illustrious career.
Abedi Pele, a key figure in the 1982 Black Stars squad that clinched Ghana’s fourth AFCON title, remains grateful for his accomplishments and views the missed 1992 final as a part of his football journey.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
President Bola Tinubu commends the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their determined performance in the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday night. He extends his praise to the team, the coach, the crew, and the entire management for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that led them to this stage in the tournament. Tinubu acknowledges the obstacles they overcame with consistently improving performances, ultimately reaching the finals.
According to a statement from Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), President Tinubu encourages Nigerians to remain optimistic, emphasizing that the team achieved a significant victory in the hearts of Africa and the world through their determination and resilience on the field.
The statement quotes him saying, “Let this recent event not demoralize us but unite us to strive harder. We are a great nation bound together by the green-white-green flag, representing resilience, joy, hope, duty, and unwavering love.
“To the cherished Nigerian youth showcasing their talents in communities, marking lines in the sand as they play football in their humble fields, you have the potential to be our heroes tomorrow. Do not falter in your pursuit. My administration is committed to turning dreams into reality
by Silas Boahene | Feb 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller concluded an extraordinary personal journey with a fairytale ending, securing Ivory Coast’s African Cup of Nations glory on home soil.
Haller’s remarkable comeback unfolded after being diagnosed with testicular cancer following his move from Ajax to Borussia Dortmund in July 2022. Overcoming the deadly disease, he returned to action just over a year after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy.
In the thrilling final against Nigeria, Haller, the former West Ham striker, emerged as his nation’s hero, scoring a late winner after Ivory Coast had to come from behind. Captain William Troost-Ekong had given the Super Eagles a first-half lead, leaving fans inside the Alassane Ouattara Stadium fearing the worst. However, a second-half comeback, capped by Haller’s decisive goal, marked a fitting conclusion to his extraordinary journey.
Midfielder Franck Kessie leveled the score just past the hour mark, setting the stage for a dramatic finale. While it seemed the final might head into an extra half-hour to avoid penalties, Haller’s goal, nine minutes from time, ignited jubilant celebrations in the stands and on the dugout, with Chelsea legend Didier Drogba leading the charge.
The victory is particularly noteworthy considering Ivory Coast’s head coach, Emerse Fae, took charge of the team midway through the tournament during the round of 16. Remarkably, it was Fae’s first experience at the first-team level, having previously coached Nice youth sides, Clermont reserves, and the Ivorian U23s. With Haller’s contribution, Fae secured national hero status by leading his nation to their third AFCON title.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 12, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Abidjan — Cote d’Ivoire secured a remarkable TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title victory, overcoming a deficit to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in a thrilling final on Sunday.
The Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, filled to capacity, provided the ideal backdrop for the Elephants to secure their third African title in front of their passionate supporters, who spurred them on to a come-from-behind victory.
Despite a first-half goal by William Ekong setting up the Super Eagles for a potential fourth title, Franck Kessie’s equalizer and a late strike by the remarkable Sebastian Haller secured Africa’s most prestigious title for Cote d’Ivoire.
Haller, who triumphantly recovered from cancer last year, emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal that completed the elephants’ sensational comeback.
The hosts initially faced adversity after William Troost-Ekong’s first-half opener for Nigeria in Abidjan.
[7:58 a.m., 2024-02-12] Atangason: However, Frank Kessie quickly leveled the score after the break, and Haller, amidst ecstatic scenes, fired the late winner.
Backed by the enthusiastic crowd, the hosts dominated the game from the opening whistle, while Nigeria opted for a counter-attacking strategy.
Danger-man Haller posed the first significant threat, nearly securing an early lead from a well-taken cross by Simon Adingra, but his stretched-out leg fell short.
Veteran attacker Max Gradel showcased improvisation with an unexpected acrobatic strike in the 20th minute, catching the entire defense off guard, although his effort hit the side netting.
The Elephants’ momentum faced a setback just before the break, as a lapse in concentration allowed Super Eagles skipper Ekong to rise above his markers and head home the opener.
Returning from the recess, despite being a goal down, the Elephants maintained their attacking momentum against a resilient Nigerian defense.
On the hour mark, a powerful strike from Kouakou Kossounou threatened the bottom corner but was parried to safety by Nwabali.
From the resulting corner, a delivery from Adingra connected with Frank Kessie, who leveled matters with a header.
Buoyed by the roaring crowd, the Elephants pressed forward, with Adingra causing trouble for the Super Eagles defense. The 22-year-old dribbled past Zaidu Sanusi to send a cross that set up Haller for the crucial lead in the 81st minute.
With victory in sight, the Elephants held on for the historic triumph, claiming the highest seat of continental football as champions of Africa.
This victory marked a remarkable turnaround for Cote d’Ivoire, who almost faced elimination in the group stages after a disastrous 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea. Interim boss Emerse Fae inspired a spirited comeback, and this resilient collective spirit shone through again as they recovered from Troost-Ekong’s opener.
Sealing the win amid emotional scenes in Abidjan, Haller’s goal secured a historic comeback, and eight years after their last title, Cote d’Ivoire once again reign as kings of Africa.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 12, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has announced the forthcoming construction of floodlights at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence in Prampram. The initiative aims to provide clubs and national teams with the capability to conduct evening training sessions. The announcement was made during the Meet The Press series in Kumasi.
Presently, the only astroturf at the Technical Centre in Prampram lacks adequate lighting, rendering evening training impractical. Funded by proceeds from FIFA Forward 2.0, this project is part of the GFA’s efforts to upgrade Prampram facilities to meet international standards.
“Funding of the GFA and GFA-related activities has been a challenging one. The GFA has received support from FIFA and CAF, and partnerships have been sought from corporate Ghana through our Marketing department,” President Simeon Okraku stated.
At all times, we have rendered accounts of our stewardship to our football family at our annual congress. The FA’s accounts are regularly audited by a reputable auditing firm, Bakertily Andah and Andah. Every fund received from FIFA is controlled and audited by FIFA.”
“In fact, if you receive one dollar and don’t properly account for it, you will not receive the next dollar. Currently, we are undergoing the FIFA review, and since taking office, the FA has never failed in any of the FIFA Central reviews. We should be happy about this.”
“Infrastructure has always been a problem and a challenge to us as a football family. It is also a challenge to the National Sports Authority, responsible for the maintenance of our football infrastructure.”
“Currently, we all know the situation in which we find ourselves. On our part, we will continue to make our investments as much as we can into football.”
“We are aware of our investment in the construction of the first FIFA astroturf in the Upper East region that cost the FA seven hundred and forty-two thousand dollars ($742,000). Currently, every Division Two League game, every Women’s Division One League game, and all Juvenile League games are honored on that astroturf in Upper East.”
“We have our property in Prampram, and we have awarded the contract for the construction of the floodlights on the astroturf. The construction funded by FIFA will start in the next few days, allowing our coaches and players to train in the evenings. It will also provide opportunities for our clubs competing in Africa, especially those with evening games, to fully access the facility.”
The Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE) is the Technical Centre of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Built in 2004 through FIFA Goal Project and handed over to the Association in 2008, the Centre is situated in Miotso, in the Ningo/Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region, covering 68 acres with picturesque scenery suitable for camping and mental rejuvenation.
