by Silas Boahene | Jan 15, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Chris Hughton faced a challenging start to the African Cup of Nations as Cape Verde, led by Dubliner Roberto Lopes, secured a remarkable victory in Abidjan. A last-minute goal from substitute Garry Rodrigues sealed the win for the underdogs in a captivating match where they showcased their deserved superiority in creating chances.
Shamrock Rovers’ center-half, Roberto Lopes, delivered a consistent performance in the heart of defense, adding an Irish angle to the fixture. Hughton, a potential candidate for the vacant Ireland managerial position, is currently navigating a tough period with Ghana. This unexpected loss will intensify the pressure on him, especially before their upcoming match against Egypt, who relied on Mo Salah’s injury-time penalty to salvage a draw against Mozambique earlier in the day.
This crucial encounter determined control of the group, with either side having the opportunity to take the lead. Cape Verde rose to the occasion, securing a 17th-minute lead through Jamiro Monteiro after a strong start. Despite Ghana having a goal disallowed by VAR before halftime, Alexander Dijku’s close-range header leveled the score before the hour mark. The expectation was that Hughton’s team, bolstered by the introduction of Andre Ayew and Ineki Williams, would push for a victory.
Lopes had already faced challenges from Premier League players Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew, and an injury to West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus further altered the dynamics of the game. As the match entered its final quarter, Cape Verde posed significant questions for Ghana on the counter.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a media interaction ahead of Ghana’s Group B opener against Cape Verde in the Africa Cup of Nations Cote D’Ivoire 2023, Captain Andre Ayew shared insights into his eighth AFCON tournament, his ambitions with the Black Stars, and reflections on Ghana’s World Cup performance in Qatar. The Le Havre forward, with 115 appearances and 24 goals since his debut in 2007, expressed the team’s dedication, the significance of the AFCON, and his lifelong dream of lifting the trophy for Ghana. Ayew emphasized the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the squad’s determination to take it game by game.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Following Ghana’s 2-0 victory against Senegal in the first leg of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final round qualifier, Head Coach Yussif Basigi expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. The goals, scored by Tracey Twum in the first half, provided Ghana with a crucial advantage at Stade Lat Dior in Thies.
Coach Basigi acknowledged the toughness of the game, emphasizing the early goals scored by his players. While respecting the Senegalese side, he stressed the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency as they approach the return fixture.
Despite not scoring in the second half, Basigi highlighted the created chances and attributed some challenges to the late arrival of foreign-based players. Looking ahead to the return match in Kumasi, he expects a better game and commended the impressive performance of the team in securing a 2-0 away victory.
The second leg is scheduled for Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
In the first leg of the final round FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier, Ghana demonstrated strength by defeating Senegal with a 2-0 scoreline. Tracey Twum played a crucial role in the victory, scoring both goals in the first half.
The Black Princesses started strong, with an early chance in the 2nd minute from Maafia Nyame’s free-kick that narrowly missed the target. However, Ghana swiftly took the lead in the 5th minute when Tracey Twum capitalized on a well-executed play involving Maafia Nyame and Wasiima Mohammed.
Two minutes later, Twum extended Ghana’s lead with a volley that hit the bar before finding the back of the net. Despite further opportunities for Helen Alormenu and Maafia Nyame, the first half concluded with Ghana leading 2-0.
In the second half, Success Ameyaa substituted the injured Wasiima Mohammed. While the Black Princesses continued to press for more goals, Senegal’s improved defense thwarted their efforts. Martha Persis Oteng made her debut in the 85th minute, replacing Maafia Nyame.
Although Beline Nyarkoh had a late chance in the 91st minute, narrowly missing the target, Ghana secured the 2-0 win. The second leg of the fixture is scheduled for Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Egyptian midfielder Trezeguet is determined to turn past final disappointments into motivation as Egypt seeks Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) success. The Pharaohs, having last won the tournament in 2010, faced final heartbreaks in their last two appearances, particularly a penalty shootout loss to Senegal two years ago.
As Egypt begins its AFCON 2023 campaign against Mozambique in Group B, Trezeguet expressed the team’s determination to go one step further and lift the trophy this time. The 29-year-old Trabzonspor forward acknowledged the difficulty of losing two finals but emphasized the team’s commitment to deserving the title.
In an interview with the tournament’s official website, Trezeguet stated, “It is really difficult to lose two finals. It is painful, but we will try again to get the title. We must have what we deserve, and we hope that this time luck will be on our side, and that God will help us.”
Acknowledging the tough competition in Group B, which includes Ghana and Cape Verde, Trezeguet highlighted the strength of all African teams and the need for Egypt to approach every match as a final. The overarching goal for the team is to be crowned champions, with Trezeguet affirming, “Since our arrival, the entire team has only one goal, to go be crowned champions.”
