by Silas Boahene | Sep 6, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. The 33-year-old Olympian, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, suffered severe burns during the attack, which occurred after she returned home from church in north-west Kenya.
Authorities report the attack stemmed from a dispute over land between Cheptegei and her former partner. Despite efforts to save her, Cheptegei died from multiple organ failure. Her death has raised concerns about the increasing violence against female athletes in Kenya, with Cheptegei being the third athlete killed since 2021.
Uganda’s athletics federation and her family are calling for justice, as the investigation continues.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 6, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars winger Kamaldeen Sulemana’s anticipated transfer from Southampton to Ajax Amsterdam has been called off, according to Italian football insider Fabrizio Romano. The transfer, which was initially reported to be under review by FIFA after Ajax filed documents in the final minutes of the transfer window, has now collapsed.
Sulemana, who was seen as a potential replacement for Steven Bergwijn following his move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, will remain at Southampton. The Ghanaian international has yet to play in the 2024-2025 season due to an injury, which also sidelined him from the Black Stars’ 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 6, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
The nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or FĂ©minin have been revealed, with Zambia’s national team striker, Barbra Banda, earning a nomination for the prestigious award. Banda, widely regarded as one of the most in-form forwards globally, joins other top talents, including last year’s winner Aitana Bonmati, for the ceremony on October 28 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Banda’s remarkable form in 2024, including scoring 12 goals in her first 12 NWSL games and a standout performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has solidified her place as a top contender. She made history by becoming the first player to score three hat-tricks in Olympic women’s football, adding to her legacy after leading Zambia to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Banda is joined by Malawian forward Tabitha Chawinga, also nominated, making a strong representation for African women’s football in the global arena.
Full list of nominees:
- Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
- Lauren Hemp (Man City)
- Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
- Barbra Banda (Shanghai RCB/Orlando Pride)
- Tarciane (Houston Dash)
- Manuela Giugliano (Roma)
- Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)
- Glodis Viggosdottir (Bayern Munich)
- Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona/Arsenal)
- Lauren James (Chelsea)
- Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona)
- Lea Schuller (Bayern Munich)
- Gabi Portilho (Corinthians)
- Tabitha Chawinga (PSG)
- Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)
- Lindsey Horan (Lyon)
- Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/Chelsea)
- Yui Hasegawa (Man City)
- Ada Hegerberg (Lyon)
- Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea)
- Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
- Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich)
- Khadija Shaw (Man City)
- Grace Geyoro (Paris-SG)
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
- Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris-SG)
- Mayra Ramirez (Levante/Chelsea)
- Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
- Ewa Pajor (Wolfsburg/Barcelona)
- Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns).
by Silas Boahene | Sep 6, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian youth sensation John Batigi has secured a spot in the Armenian Premier League Team of the Month for August, following a series of outstanding performances. The former Ghana U17 striker has been in sensational form for FC Van, netting six goals in five matches since the 2024-25 season kicked off on August 4, 2024.
Batigi showcased his goal-scoring prowess with a hat-trick in Van’s 6-0 victory over West Armenia last weekend. He also scored twice in a 6-1 triumph over FC Gandzasar and once in an away match against Shirak Gyumri. The 18-year-old’s impressive debut season in Europe has garnered significant attention, with six goals and one assist in just five appearances.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol has heaped praise on West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus, predicting that the Ghanaian international is set for a breakout season. Speaking on the Man City podcast, Gvardiol reflected on his encounters with Kudus during the 2023/2024 Premier League season, emphasizing the forward’s speed, trickery, and skill.
Gvardiol first faced Kudus in a September 2023 match, where Kudus made an immediate impact as a substitute. “He was sharp and good on the ball,” Gvardiol noted. Their second meeting, during the final game of the season, saw Kudus score a spectacular bicycle kick, solidifying his impression on Gvardiol, who admitted Kudus was his toughest opponent.
Gvardiol believes Kudus will showcase his full potential this season, stating, “I think he deserves the most attention, and I believe this season he’s going to show his quality.” After scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in his debut Premier League season, Kudus is currently with the Black Stars, preparing for their AFCON qualifier against Angola.
