by Silas Boahene | Aug 22, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Manchester United are set to enter contract negotiations with 19-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo once the transfer window closes, according to Sky Sports. The club plans to reward Mainoo for his standout performances this season with an updated contract.
Mainoo, who currently has a long-term deal running until 2027 with an option for an additional year, is set to see his contract adjusted to reflect his growing importance to the team. His representatives are optimistic, noting that his current deal includes performance-related pay increases that acknowledge his development and contributions.
United aims to build their midfield around Mainoo and is also seeking a complementary player, with Manuel Ugarte being a primary target. Mainoo’s recent call-up to the England squad and his role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign, where they finished as runners-up, highlight his rising profile and the club’s commitment to his growth.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 22, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Medeama SC’s Technical Director Augustine Evans Adotey has set a definitive goal for the club: to reclaim the Ghana Premier League title in the upcoming season. Following their historic victory in the 2022/23 season, Medeama faced a tough campaign last year, finishing eighth and trailing 12 points behind champions FC Samartex.
Adotey, who also led the team through their CAF Champions League campaign, attributed their domestic struggles to the demands of competing in Africa’s premier club competition. The extensive travel between Cape Coast, Kumasi, and Takwa significantly impacted their league performance.
“We had a stellar season in the Premier League the year before, but the frequent travel and being away from home took a toll,” Adotey explained. “The journeys between Kumasi, Takwa, and Cape Coast were quite demanding, and these factors contributed to our difficulties last season.”
Despite these challenges, Adotey is determined to look ahead. “The past is behind us. Our focus now is on reclaiming the title and becoming Ghanaian champions once again by the end of this season,” he stated.
Medeama SC is eager to overcome last season’s disappointments and reassert their dominance in Ghanaian football.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 22, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Eritrean referee Henok Tesfamikael Zerom has been appointed to officiate the CAF Champions League preliminary round second leg match between Ghanaian champions FC Samartex and Cameroon’s Victoria United. The 34-year-old will be assisted by fellow Eritreans Sirak Samuel Menghis (Assistant I), Adel Salih Hamid (Assistant II), and Musie Beyene Tewelde (Fourth Official). Sinko Zeli from CĂ´te d’Ivoire will serve as the Match Commissioner.
FC Samartex 1996 heads into the match as favorites, having secured a 1-0 win in the first leg in Cameroon. The return leg is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with Samartex aiming to secure qualification to the second preliminary round in their debut Champions League campaign.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 22, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Lesotho’s Lebalang Martin Mokete has been appointed as the referee for the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round second leg match between Chad’s Elect Sport and Ghana’s Nsoatreman FC. The 34-year-old referee will be supported by fellow Lesotho officials Moses Mapoho (Assistant I), Siza Shaun Dlagamandla (Assistant II), and Retselisitsoe David Molise (Fourth Official). Jean Marie Koyakobo from the Central African Republic will serve as the Match Commissioner.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 15:00 at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé, a neutral venue due to Chad lacking an approved stadium for the game. Nsoatreman FC holds a 3-0 lead from the first leg but head coach Yaw Preko emphasizes the need to stay focused against the experienced Elect Sport team.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 22, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian talent Kwasi Poku, who played for Canadian Premier League team Forge FC, has been transferred to Belgian club RWD Molenbeek for a league-record fee. The 21-year-old, originally a left-back, transitioned to a striker this season and made headlines with his impressive performance, scoring 10 goals in 14 league matches for the Hamilton-based club.
Forge FC Head Coach Bobby Smyrniotis praised Poku’s dedication and growth, noting that his hard work earned him a spot in the team and a chance to compete in one of Europe’s top leagues. Poku, who is also a Canada youth international, previously represented his country at the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship.
