by Silas Boahene | Aug 26, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman played a key role in PAOK FC’s commanding 4-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers in their Europa League qualifier on Thursday. Rahman, who scored a late goal to seal the win, had an eventful match, with PAOK initially taking control but seeing their first-half goal disallowed after a VAR review found a foul by Rahman. Despite this setback, PAOK gained the lead just before halftime with an own goal by Shamrock’s Daniel Cleary. Brazilian midfielder Taison doubled the advantage early in the second half, and Shamrock’s chances faded further when Joshua Honohan was sent off following a second yellow card. Giannis Konstantelias added a third goal before Rahman capped off the performance with his late strike. This victory puts PAOK in a strong position ahead of the second leg at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin next week. Rahman’s goal marked his first in the Europa League qualifiers, continuing his impressive form after scoring six goals last season and helping PAOK secure the Greek title.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 26, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Swiss-Ghanaian forward Kwadwo Duah played a pivotal role in Ludogorets’ commanding 4-0 triumph over Petrocub in the Europa League playoffs on Thursday night. Duah, who started in attack for the Bulgarian side, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance. The victory was later sealed with a late brace from Dinis Almeida and a goal from Rwan Seko, giving Ludogorets a significant advantage heading into the second leg. With this 4-0 lead, Ludogorets are well-positioned to secure their place in the Europa League group stage.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Jordan Ayew made his debut for Leicester City in their 2-1 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday. The 32-year-old Ghanaian forward, who recently joined Leicester from Crystal Palace on a two-year deal, came on as a second-half substitute, replacing Bobby De Cordova-Reid. Ayew made an impact with a dribble and completed 83% of his passes, but Leicester was unable to overcome the deficit, resulting in a Fulham victory. Ayew’s experience is expected to be a key asset for Leicester as they face the challenges of the season ahead. He is now looking forward to earning a starting spot in Leicester’s upcoming matches, including the EFL Cup tie against Tranmere and a Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 25, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Wycombe Wanderers coach Matt Bloomfield has expressed his excitement over the return of English-born Ghanaian winger Gideon Kodua, who has rejoined the club on loan from West Ham United. Bloomfield, reflecting on Kodua’s previous loan spell, is eager to see the young talent continue his development, highlighting the winger’s potential to make a significant impact. Bloomfield also emphasized the valuable mentorship Kodua will receive from experienced teammates like Garath McCleary, Kieran Sadlier, and David Wheeler, anticipating considerable progress during Kodua’s time at Wycombe.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 25, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Gambian referee Lamin N. Jammeh has been appointed to officiate the crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Ghana and Niger on Monday, September 9, 2024. The match, which is pivotal in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, will take place at Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco, with kickoff set for 16:00 GMT. Jammeh will be supported by a team of Gambian officials, including Abdul Aziz Bollel Jawo as Assistant Referee I, Omar Darboe as Assistant Referee II, and Baboucarr Alhasan Bass as the Fourth Official. The match will also feature Moussa Dahani from Burkina Faso as the Match Commissioner and Aboubacar Doumbouya from Guinea as the Referee Assessor. Ghana, seeking to secure a spot in the AFCON tournament, will face a determined Niger side in what promises to be a highly competitive and closely watched encounter.
