by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Brandon Thomas-Asante scored his first goal for Coventry City, securing a 1-0 victory over Oxford United in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night. The Ghanaian forward’s decisive strike advanced Coventry to the next round of the competition.
In his second EFL Cup appearance this season, following a match against Bristol City, the 25-year-old showcased his talent in the first half, though both teams struggled to break the deadlock.
Just minutes into the second half, Thomas-Asante demonstrated his attacking prowess, finding the back of the net after being set up by Kasey Palmer, ultimately securing the win for Coventry.
Having opened his account for Coventry, Thomas-Asante will be eager to build on this momentum. He joined Coventry this summer after departing West Bromwich Albion and is expected to be named in Ghana’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Bernard Somuah has expressed his excitement after completing a loan move to Spanish club Celta Fortuna. The promising young talent shared his joy on social media, posting, “Happy to be here @CanteiraCeleste 😊👋. Vamos 💪,” shortly after signing his contract.
Celta Vigo officially announced the signing on Tuesday, confirming the deal through their social media platforms. The move had been anticipated after reports earlier in the week suggested Somuah was set to join the Spanish side.
In response to the transfer, Somuah’s former club, Asante Kotoko, issued a statement expressing their support. “Asante Kotoko SC is pleased to announce the loan transfer of our talented winger, Bernard Sarpong Somuah, to Spanish La Liga side, Celta Vigo, for the upcoming season.”
The agreement includes an option for Celta Vigo to make the deal permanent at the end of the loan period. “We thank Bernard for his commitment to Asante Kotoko and wish him the very best,” the club stated.
Somuah’s move to Celta Vigo marks a significant milestone in his career as he aims to make an impact in one of Europe’s top leagues.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the National Sports Authority (NSA) to work together to obtain Confederation of African Football (CAF) licenses for the newly upgraded sports stadia in Tarkwa and Legon.
Speaking at the 30th Ordinary Congress of the Ghana FA on Tuesday, August 27, Minister Ussif stressed the importance of having multiple CAF-approved venues in Ghana, particularly with concerns surrounding the availability of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for upcoming matches.
“I have directed the NSA to collaborate with the GFA to secure CAF licenses for the upgraded stadia in Tarkwa and Legon,” Minister Ussif stated.
He also emphasized that while infrastructure is vital for the growth of football, the GFA must also prioritize transparency, fairness, and overall development.
“The future of Ghana football depends not only on infrastructure but also on the commitment to transparency, fairness, and progress within the FA,” he added.
This directive is timely as Ghana prepares for critical fixtures, highlighting the urgent need for additional CAF-compliant stadiums across the country.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian winger Solomon Agyapong is currently undergoing a trial with Portuguese lower-tier club Silves Football Club. The 20-year-old, who plays for Live Now Football Club in Ghana, earned the trial opportunity after an impressive season in the Eastern Region Division Two League, where he netted 12 goals in 23 matches.
This trial represents a crucial step in Agyapong’s career, potentially paving the way for his entry into European football. The trial was arranged by Live Now Academy (Ghana) in collaboration with International Sports Revolutions (ISR) in the Netherlands, who are covering the associated costs.
Before heading to Portugal, Agyapong participated in a two-day training session with Zwolsche Athletische Club (ZAC) at ISR in the Netherlands. He is now in Portugal, where he will be evaluated by Silves FC’s coaching staff.
Should Agyapong impress during the trial, he could secure a move to Silves FC, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning football career. The club is keen to assess his abilities and potential fit within their development program.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
Algerian Olympic champion boxer Imane Khelif has spoken out for the first time about the intense scrutiny and misinformation she faced during the Paris Games. In an interview with Algerian news channel El Bilad, Khelif shared her emotional distress caused by unfounded claims questioning her gender after she won the gold medal in the women’s 66-kilogram category.
The controversy erupted when her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew just seconds into their match, fueling rumors and false allegations that Khelif was transgender or even male. Despite the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) defense and condemnation of the misinformation, the issue escalated with high-profile figures like Donald Trump, J.K. Rowling, and Elon Musk making critical remarks online.
“It affected me a lot, it hurt me a lot. I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had,” Khelif revealed. She expressed her dismay at the politicization of sports and the personal attacks on her identity, culture, and religious values.
Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, has filed a legal complaint with the Paris prosecutor’s office, leading to an investigation into the online hate campaign. The charges being considered include cyber harassment, public insults, and incitement to discrimination.
Despite the adversity, Khelif remains resilient and demands justice and respect. “If someone apologizes to me, I will accept their apology,” she stated. “But to those who don’t apologize, I send a message: I am a female, and I will remain a female, and my honor comes before everything.”
