by Silas Boahene | Dec 20, 2023 | Ghana
Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew is set to make a comeback for the upcoming M23 derby against Brighton, having served his suspension following a red card in the match against Liverpool.
Ayew’s absence in the previous game against Manchester City didn’t hinder Palace’s performance, as they secured a draw against the reigning champions. Nonetheless, the team is eager to welcome him back, given his consistent contributions this season. In 16 appearances, Ayew has scored one goal and provided three assists, with the Manchester City game being the only one he has missed so far.
Despite his club duties, Ayew has also earned a spot in Ghana’s provisional squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. If selected, he is poised to miss at least a month of action for Palace, as the tournament runs from January 13 to February 11. Nevertheless, Ayew’s inclusion in the national squad underscores his prowess and importance as a player.
by Silas Boahene | Dec 20, 2023 | Ghana, International
Ghanaian attacker Kwaku Osei Bonsu made a significant impact for Al Kharaitiyat, scoring his first goal in a 2-3 defeat to AL Shahania at home in Qatar.
Bonsu’s consolation goal, netted in the 90th minute, demonstrated his skill as he maneuvered past his opponent on the right edge of the penalty box before striking the ball with his weaker foot into the far left bottom corner.
The 23-year-old, who joined Al Kharaitiyat on loan from FK Spartak Subotica in the summer, aimed to regain form after an injury-plagued first season in the Serbia Superliga. Prior to his stint with Subotica, Bonsu enjoyed two successful seasons with FC Caracas in Venezuela.
Despite the team’s defeat, Bonsu’s goal served as a positive highlight for Al Kharaitiyat, showcasing his skill and determination on the field.
The young forward remains optimistic that with more playing time, he can fully recover his form and demonstrate his worth to Spartak Subotica.
Bonsu’s debut goal for Al Kharaitiyat is a promising sign for the future, leaving fans eager to witness the continued contributions he can bring to the team.
by Silas Boahene | Dec 20, 2023 | World Cup
Ghana coach Chris Hughton graciously extended congratulations to Comoros for their triumph in Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Moroni.
Despite the defeat, Hughton maintained that his team was superior throughout the match, expressing regret that missed chances prevented them from securing a win.
“Congratulations to Comoros for the victory. In my opinion, over the 90 minutes, we were the better team. I thought Ghana was the better team. We conceded what we regarded as a poor goal and were not able to capitalize on the chances that we had,” remarked Hughton after the game.
He emphasized that it wasn’t a game where Comoros won comfortably, stating, “So this was not a game where Comoros won this game comfortably. Over the 90 minutes, we were the better team, but unfortunately, we were not able to put away the chances that we created.”
The defeat places Ghana in third position, trailing leaders Comoros by three points. Comoros holds a perfect record after two games. Ghana’s next challenge in the qualifiers will be against second-placed Mali in June 2024.
Despite the setback, the Black Stars must shift their focus to the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, commencing on January 13, 2024, in Ivory Coast. In the group stage, Ghana is set to face Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Egypt. The team will aim to regroup and make a strong showing in the continental competition following their World Cup qualifiers disappointment.
by Silas Boahene | Dec 20, 2023 | World Cup
FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the violent clashes that marred Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina, emphasizing that there is no place for such behavior in football.
In an Instagram post, Infantino stated, “There’s no place in football for this kind of violence, on or off the pitch. Players, fans, teams, and officials deserve a secure environment.”
The clashes erupted in the stands of Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium during the national anthems, with Brazilian police confronting Argentina fans. Tempers flared, leading to officers using batons to try to restore order.
Argentina players, including superstar Lionel Messi, attempted to intervene and pleaded for calm, but the situation escalated further. Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez even tried to jump into the seating area to confront a baton-wielding police officer.
The Argentine players eventually retreated to their dressing room, with Messi reportedly stating, “We’re not playing, we’re leaving.”
“We went to the locker room because it was a way to calm everything down a little,” Messi said. “We went to see how our families and people close to us were doing. And then we came back.”
Despite the turmoil, they later returned to the field and went on to win the match 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Nicolas Otamendi. The victory maintained Argentina’s position atop the South American qualifying standings with 15 points from six games.
Brazil, on the other hand, suffered their third defeat of the qualifying campaign and slipped to sixth place with seven points from six games.
Infantino’s statement echoes the concerns of many in the football community about the growing incidence of fan violence and safety issues in the sport.
by Silas Boahene | Dec 20, 2023 | World Cup
Brazilian star Rodrygo has become the target of racist abuse on his social media accounts following a heated confrontation with Lionel Messi during a recent FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina.
In a statement, the Real Madrid attacker revealed that his social media platforms were inundated with racist insults. He attributes the attacks to his refusal to compromise and his commitment to standing up for what is right.
“Racists are always active. My social networks were invaded with insults and all kinds of nonsense,” Rodrygo said. “If we don’t do what they want, if we don’t behave as they think we should, if we wear something that bothers them, if we don’t lower our heads when we are attacked, if we occupy spaces that they think are theirs, racists take action with all this criminal behaviour.”
The confrontation between Rodrygo and Messi occurred during the match, with Rodrygo accusing the Argentina squad of cowardice. Messi responded by highlighting his Copa America triumph and World Cup win, telling Rodrygo to “watch his mouth.”
The match was marred by controversy even before kickoff, as Brazilian police attacked Argentina fans. In response, the Argentine players briefly walked off the pitch but eventually returned, ultimately winning the game 1-0 at the Maracana stadium on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
Despite the tumultuous events surrounding the match, Rodrygo remains defiant, stating, “But it’s their bad luck; we will not stop!” He emphasizes the importance of standing up against racism and discrimination and pledges to continue the fight for what is right.
This incident highlights the persistent problem of racism in football, prompting calls from players, coaches, and fans for stronger action from authorities and increased awareness among spectators.
