by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars midfielder Abdul Salis Samed is reportedly attracting interest from EFL Championship side AFC Sunderland, with a season-long loan deal on the table. According to French sports outlet L’Equipe, Samed, currently with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens, could be on the move following a challenging period marked by injuries and a dip in form.
Samed, who starred in the 2021 season, has seen limited action at Lens, leading to his relegation to the reserve team by head coach William Still after the opening game of the 2024-2025 season. Despite making 35 appearances in the 2023-2024 season, most were as a substitute.
The potential move to Sunderland, currently leading the Championship standings, could see Samed follow in the footsteps of former Black Stars players John Mensah and Sulley Muntari. Sunderland’s recent victories over Sheffield United and Burnley position them as strong contenders in the league, and Samed’s addition could bolster their squad as they aim for promotion.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Hasaacas Ladies’ Chief Executive Officer, Evelyn Nsiah Asare, has expressed her disappointment over the absence of four crucial players during the WAFU Zone B competition, which led to the team’s failure to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Hasaacas Ladies finished third in Group B with four points and a +2 goal difference, falling short of progressing to the next stage. The team trailed behind Nigeria’s Edo Queens and Burkina Faso’s Omnisport after a goalless draw with Omnisport, a 3-0 loss to Edo Queens, and a 6-1 victory over AS Garde of Niger.
In an exclusive interview with ChannelOne Sports, Nsiah Asare highlighted the impact of missing key players like Mukarama Abdulai due to injury and three others who were involved with the Black Princesses for the 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
“We had to release our three best players. Three!!! When you look through our records, the players who helped us win the league, they were up there… and you have about 11 players who are key to your team, and four are gone. These four are in critical positions, so how can you go and win? You cannot,” she stated.
The team also faced the challenge of their head coach, Yusif Basigi, being unavailable for the WAFU competition due to his commitments with the Black Princesses’ preparations.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus secured his first assist of the 2024-2025 season, contributing to West Ham’s 1-0 win over AFC Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup. Kudus set up Jarrod Bowen’s decisive goal in the 88th minute when his shot, seemingly on target, deflected off Bowen’s chest and into the net at the London Stadium.
The victory advances West Ham to the third round of the competition. After a lackluster first half with few chances, the match’s tempo increased following the introduction of key players, including Justin Kluivert for Bournemouth and Lucas Paquetá and Emerson Palmieri for West Ham.
Kudus, who entered the game in the 74th minute, made an immediate impact with 15 touches, a successful dribble, and an assist. Fellow Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo also featured, playing 22 minutes for Bournemouth, completing nine out of 10 passes, and recording 16 touches.
Both Kudus and Semenyo are expected to be called up to the Black Stars for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers in September.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has officially broken ground for the construction of a 40-bed accommodation facility at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram. He was joined by members of the Executive Council, Congress delegates, former GFA officials including ex-Vice Chairman Fred Pappoe, former General Secretary Emmanuel Gyimah, and members of the media to inaugurate the project at the revamped Technical Centre.
This new facility marks a crucial step in upgrading the Centre to meet international standards, with the project partially funded by the government through the 2022 World Cup allocation. The initiative aims to enhance the Centre’s infrastructure, making it better equipped to host national teams and matches.
Expressing his enthusiasm, President Simeon-Okraku acknowledged the government’s financial support, which has been instrumental in realizing this legacy project. The accommodation facility will feature state-of-the-art amenities designed to create a professional environment, directly benefiting Ghana’s national teams and contributing to the growth of football in the country.
Additionally, the project includes the installation of floodlights at the AstroTurf, construction of natural grass pitches, and the development of a gymnasium, swimming pool, and Futsal Arena. These enhancements reflect the GFA’s commitment to strengthening football infrastructure and providing top-tier facilities for training and development.
Since its inception, the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence has been a vital training and camping base for Ghana’s national teams. With these upgrades, the Centre is set to play an even more significant role in nurturing football talent and promoting the sport’s growth at the national level.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
The Ghana Professional Boxing League Week 4 will feature a thrilling lineup, headlined by WBO Africa Super Lightweight Champion Faisal Abubakar, who is set to defend his title against Nigerian Samuel Opaogum. Also returning to the ring is Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Medalist Samuel Takyi, who will continue his professional journey on Saturday, August 31, 2024, aiming for a world title shot.
“After a long break from the professional ring and winning a gold medal for Ghana at the African Games, I’m back and ready for my 5th pro fight on August 31st, 2024. I’m ready to show the world I never left! Join me at the Bukom Boxing Arena for a night of spectacular boxing. Let’s make history together,” said Samuel Takyi, also known as the Ring Warrior.
Faisal, often referred to as the Shatta Wale of Ghana Boxing, has called on his fans to show up in large numbers to witness his first title defense since claiming the belt from a tough Ugandan opponent, Latibu Muwonge.
Matchmaker Dan Donkor promises a thrilling night of action, with the James Town Boxing Gym taking on Attoh Quarshie in one of the League’s exciting pairings. The competition is heating up as clubs and boxers find their rhythm, making this an event not to be missed.
