by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
James Kwasi Appiah, a revered figure in African football, has remained steadfast in his dedication to the continent’s game throughout his career. The former Ghanaian defender, who achieved great success with Asante Kotoko and the Black Stars, including leading Ghana to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, now faces a new challenge: guiding Sudan to the 2026 World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with FIFA, Appiah expressed his belief in Sudan’s potential to qualify for the World Cup, reflecting on their impressive campaign so far. Currently leading their qualification group, Sudan is positioned favorably ahead of key matches, including a crucial game against Senegal in March 2025.
Appiah highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and taking each game step-by-step to avoid complacency. He also emphasized the significance of African coaches leading teams across the continent, showcasing the belief in local expertise.
Reflecting on Sudan’s recent 3-0 victory over South Sudan, Appiah described it as a remarkable experience that showcased the power of football in uniting people. He also discussed the profound impact World Cup qualification could have on Sudan, from enhancing football development to transforming players’ professional aspirations.
Appiah fondly recalled his experience at the 2014 World Cup with Ghana, sharing insights and memories with his current squad to inspire them. He remains hopeful and motivated as he aims to lead Sudan to the global stage, confident in their ability to achieve this milestone.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
FC Basel’s Jonas Adjetey Adjei has been called up to replace the injured Alexander Djiku in Ghana’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Djiku sustained a thigh injury during a league match for Fenerbahce on Friday, leading Coach Otto Addo to name Adjei as his replacement.
The 20-year-old defender, who has been impressive in the Swiss Super League, will join the Black Stars for the first time as they prepare for vital matches against Angola and Niger. Adjei, a product of Teshie Football Academy, previously played for Accra Great Olympics and Berekum Chelsea before moving to FC Basel. He has featured in all six of Basel’s Swiss Super League games this season.
Adjei is expected to report to the Black Stars camp on Monday to begin preparations for the qualifiers. Ghana will play Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on September 5, followed by a match against Niger in Berkane, Morocco, on September 9.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Sol Bamba, the former Cardiff City captain and Ivory Coast international, has passed away at the age of 39. Bamba, who also played for Leicester City, Leeds United, and Middlesbrough, fell ill in Turkey on Friday before a match and was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital, where he sadly lost his life.
Bamba had been the head coach of Turkish top-flight side Adanaspor since the summer, and the club confirmed his passing in a statement on Saturday evening. Tributes poured in from his former clubs, with Cardiff City, Leeds United, Middlesbrough, and Trabzonspor expressing their deep sorrow over the loss.
Bamba was a key figure in Cardiff’s promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and went on to captain the team. He had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in January 2021 but announced he was cancer-free four months later. After retiring as a player, Bamba transitioned into coaching, returning to Cardiff as an assistant manager before joining Adanaspor.
The football community mourns the loss of Sol Bamba, a respected player, coach, and leader.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s ability to host future Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is under threat following concerns raised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Despite being granted a temporary license to use the stadium for their September 5, 2024, match against Angola, Ghana must meet several conditions to continue hosting games there.
CAF inspectors flagged issues with the pitch, floodlight intensity, dressing rooms, venue operation center, and other facilities after a recent inspection. If these requirements are not met by the next international window in October, Ghana may have to play their next AFCON 2025 qualifier in Morocco.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is working to address these challenges, with GFA Spokesperson Henry Asante Twum acknowledging the difficulties in establishing a fully compliant Venue Operation Center. Ghana’s next scheduled match at home is against Sudan on October 11, 2024, which may be relocated if the issues persist.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 4, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars Head Coach Otto Addo and his two assistants, John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda, have arrived in camp to begin preparations for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger after being involved in a car accident over the weekend on the Tarkwa-Takoradi road.
The coaching trio had been returning from Tarkwa, where they attended the Champion of Champions match between Samartex and Nsoatreman. Their vehicle narrowly avoided a head-on collision with a pick-up truck, sustaining damage to the left side of their Land Cruiser. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident.
Now settled at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Coach Addo, Paintsil, and Dauda are expected to lead the Black Stars’ training sessions ahead of their crucial qualifier against Angola on Thursday, September 5, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Ghana will then face Niger in Morocco four days later.
