by Silas Boahene | Feb 1, 2024 | Africa, International, Soccer
Title: “Zamalek Secures Talented Midfielder Mostafa Ashraf from Borussia Monchengladbach”
In a notable move during the January transfer window, Egyptian giants Zamalek have successfully signed Mostafa Ashraf from Borussia Monchengladbach on a reported four-year contract. The 19-year-old midfielder, who began his career in Germany at SC Rheinkamp and Duisburg’s youth teams, climbed the ranks at Borussia Monchengladbach, eventually joining their reserve team in the Regionalliga West last summer.
With eight appearances in the competition, Ashraf’s promising performances attracted the attention of Zamalek, leading to his signing on deadline day of the January transfer window. This strategic move adds depth and talent to Zamalek’s squad, enhancing their midfield options for upcoming competitions.
Ashraf’s arrival marks Zamalek’s 10th winter acquisition, reinforcing their commitment to strengthening the team. The club previously secured signings such as Abdullah El-Said, Mohamed Atef, Seif Gaafar, Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Hamdi, Nasser Maher, Ziad Kamal, Mohab Yasser, and Palestine’s Yaser Hamed. The collective addition of these players aims to bolster Zamalek’s competitive edge as they pursue success in domestic and continental competitions.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a recent statement, Samartex FC General Manager, Edmund Ackah, has called on the players to put in extra effort as the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League gears up for the second round. With the league set to resume this month after a break for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Ackah emphasizes the need for the team to maintain their momentum.
Currently topping the Ghana Premier League table with 32 points from 17 matches, Samartex FC is in a strong position, but Ackah emphasizes the importance of fighting for more victories in the upcoming matches to enhance their chances of clinching the league title.
In his admonishment to the players, Ackah emphasizes the significance of the task at hand and urges them to focus on resetting their minds. The General Manager believes that with determination and self-belief, the team can avoid disappointing both themselves and the loyal fans supporting them.
As the league campaign resumes, Samartex FC is set to face Aduana Stars, presenting a crucial matchup in their pursuit of the championship. Ackah’s motivational words aim to inspire the players to approach the upcoming challenges with confidence and dedication.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 1, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Everton has successfully acquired the services of 19-year-old Ghanaian talent Kingsford Boakye, signing him to a 2½-year deal, pending a successful work permit application. The young forward, who hails from MSK Zilina Africa in Ghana, demonstrated his skills and development through the ranks before joining AC Milan last year.
As highlighted on evertonfc.com, Boakye, who operates as a prolific attacker, was signed by Everton as a free agent. His impressive performances at his former club, Zilina, showcased his versatility as he can play on both the left and right wings. The deal reflects Everton’s commitment to nurturing and incorporating promising talent into their squad.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 1, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Rapper Sarkodie has offered words of support to Black Stars captain Andre Dede Ayew following Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite the team’s early exit, Sarkodie assured Ayew of the appreciation and gratitude Ghanaians feel for his dedication to the national team.
In response to Ayew’s apology on Instagram for the team’s subpar showing at AFCON, Sarkodie acknowledged the captain’s love for Ghana and willingness to represent the nation. The rapper expressed that Ghanaians, too, are passionate about football, and while emotions may run high, the majority of the citizens appreciate the effort the players put in for the country.
In the comment section, Sarkodie wrote, “You love your country, and we love and appreciate you, King. We can be in our feelings because of how attached we are when we see the flag, but trust me, we are grateful for your efforts.”
Nigerian musician Davido also chimed in with words of comfort for Ayew, stating, “Nothing spoil, baba.”
The Black Stars faced an early exit from AFCON, bowing out in the group stage for the second consecutive time. Their final Group B game ended in a 2-2 draw, sealing their fate and concluding their tournament in the Ivory Coast.
In Ayew’s apology, he took full responsibility as the captain, acknowledging the team’s shortcomings and expressing optimism for a bounce-back. He emphasized the resilience gained from such experiences, stating, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger individually and collectively.”
by Silas Boahene | Feb 1, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Nigeria
The undefeated WBA light-heavyweight champion, Joshua Buatsi, is intensifying his preparations for the highly anticipated bout against his Nigerian-British opponent, Dan Azeez, at the OVO Arena in London. Originally slated for October last year, the WBA world title eliminator was postponed, heightening the anticipation for their clash on Sunday, February 3.
Both boxers, ranked among the top five in the world, set aside their friendship to pursue greatness in the ring. In a recent face-off at Wembley Arena, Buatsi expressed the significance of the upcoming fight, stating, “These are the nights I dreamt of.” The British-Ghanaian emphasized the necessity of winning against his friend-turned-opponent to stay on track for a shot at a world title.
Joshua Buatsi boasts an impeccable record with a 17-0-0 streak in his professional boxing career, having secured victory in all 17 bouts, including 13 wins by knockout, showcasing a remarkable 76.5% knockout ratio.
His opponent, 34-year-old Nigerian-British boxer Dan Azeez, brings an impressive 20-0-0 streak to the ring, having navigated various arenas in his boxing journey. The clash promises to be mentally challenging for both fighters as they vie for victory and a potential shot at a world title.
Amidst the fierce competition, Buatsi plans to showcase his Ghanaian heritage with a custom kit and a specially produced soundtrack by one of Ghana’s renowned music producers for his ring walk at the OVO Arena. The Saturday night event is set to be a spectacle of skill, determination, and the rich cultural heritage of the fighters involved.
