by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Argentina Football Association has confirmed two international friendlies against Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire in March, following their respective campaigns in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Both Nigeria and Ivory Coast are currently battling for the AFCON title, having reached the quarter-finals with impressive victories.
Scheduled as part of Argentina’s tour of Asia, the friendlies are set to feature star-studded lineups from both teams. Argentina, led by world-class players such as Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Angel Di Maria, and Enzo Fernandez, will face a Nigerian squad that includes talents like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
The encounter holds significance, as the two nations have a history of facing each other in the World Cup group stages. While Nigeria has consistently been drawn in the same group as Argentina in recent World Cup appearances, the South American side has generally emerged victorious. The upcoming friendly promises to be an exciting clash between football powerhouses, providing an opportunity for both teams to showcase their talent on the international stage.
Notably, Nigeria’s Coach Jose Peseiro will be without Victor Boniface, sidelined with an injury until April. The anticipation for this star-studded match in March is already building, offering fans the prospect of witnessing top-quality football between two formidable teams.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
In the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the footballing world has been captivated by the dazzling performances of one name – Gelson Dala. The prolific forward from Angola has become a sensation, leaving an enduring mark on the tournament and emerging as a player to watch in the quarterfinal showdown against the Super Eagles.
Born on July 13, 1996, in Luanda, Angola, Gelson Dala’s football journey began at a young age, marked by raw talent, dedication, and a hunger for success. Currently playing for Qatar Stars League side Al Wakrah, Dala’s career took a significant turn when he joined the youth ranks of Sporting CP in Lisbon, Portugal – an experience that undoubtedly shaped him into the formidable striker he is today.
In June 2015, Dala made his mark on the international stage when he joined Angola’s national team. His scoring prowess quickly solidified his position as a key player for the Palancas Negras. The AFCON 2023 has been a showcase of his full potential, where he has displayed clinical finishing, agility, and playmaking abilities.
Scoring four goals and providing one assist in four games so far, Dala has been a nightmare for opposing defenders. Beyond the statistical impact, his heroics have earned accolades and admiration, not just for his goal-scoring abilities but for the motivational spirit he brings to his teammates.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on Gelson Dala to continue his goal-scoring spree and lead Angola to potential glory. His journey from the streets of Luanda to the grand stage of AFCON serves as a testament to the transformative power of talent, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
Ahmed Hassan, a four-time AFCON champion, expressed his frustration following Egypt’s disappointing exit in the round of 16 of the 2023 AFCON. The Pharaohs’ campaign came to a catastrophic end as they lost to DR Congo on penalties.
Throughout the tournament, Egypt failed to secure a victory in any of their games, managing only four draws during the regular 90 minutes of play. The team’s lackluster results and performances have faced criticism from local pundits, with Ahmed Hassan being the latest to slam head coach Rui Vitoria for Egypt’s display against DR Congo.
In an interview on DMC, Hassan lamented the situation, stating, “It’s a sad day for Egyptian football.” He expressed his perception that the team was under immense pressure, especially during the 120 minutes of play.
Hassan pointed out the various issues plaguing Egypt’s performance in the tournament, stating, “So many things have gone wrong for us in this tournament, and we got what we deserved given the way we played.” He highlighted the team’s reliance on penalties, citing three draws against what he referred to as “third and fourth-tier teams.”
Calling for solutions, Hassan emphasized the need to address the recurring problems from the start of the tournament. He critiqued the team’s performances as “very strange” and noted a consistent dependence on individual quality. The football legend concluded by expressing the urgency for the Egyptian national team to find effective solutions for future competitions.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Preston North End (PNE) will not be acquiring the services of Ghanaian defender Nathaniel Adjei this month, as the 21-year-old has completed a move to French side Lorient.
Despite the desire among PNE fans for defensive reinforcements, budget constraints have hindered potential signings. The recent move of Crewe Alexandra defender Connor O’Riordan to Blackburn Rovers was ruled out due to financial limitations.
PNE had expressed interest in Hammarby’s Adjei, a strong, tall, quick, and confident defender who impressed in Sweden after initially playing for Danbort FC in Ghana. However, a potential deal always seemed unlikely, given the reported ÂŁ3 million price tag set by Hammarby for their star defender, a figure that would constitute a club-record deal for North End.
Adjei has now joined Lorient on loan until the end of the season, with a permanent option included in the deal. Reports suggest that the total price for the transfer could reach around €7 million (£6 million), with Lorient possibly paying a significant loan fee before making the move permanent.
The substantial figure involved in the deal makes it clear that PNE was unlikely to compete financially for Adjei. While the reported price has doubled since November, when initial interest was noted, the club is expected to prioritize finding a defender with similar attributes in the upcoming summer window. The need for added speed in the defensive line has become apparent after some shaky defensive displays by North End this season.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 30, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the Ministry of Youth and Sports budgeted $8.5 million (GH₵105 million) for the Black Stars’ campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ablakwa’s revelation follows earlier calls for transparency regarding the budget allocated for the national team’s participation.
Previously, the Ministry had declined to reveal the budget, citing it as a “work in progress.” However, Ablakwa, relying on intercepted documents, stated that the Ghanaian government and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) jointly agreed on a budget of US$8,506,450.00 for AFCON preparations and participation.
Ablakwa clarified that this figure is separate from the GH₵27.9 million spent on the qualifiers. The disclosed information comes from an intercepted letter dated January 2, 2024, from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to the Minister of Finance. The letter, signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. William Kartey, on behalf of Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, requests a partial payment of US$5,071,840.36 from the total Black Stars budget.
It is noteworthy that despite the substantial budget, the Black Stars’ performance at the AFCON fell short of expectations, as they exited the competition in the group stage with only two points.
