by Silas Boahene | Aug 19, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian striker Abdul-Aziz Yakubu continued his scoring streak in the Japan J2 League, netting his second goal in as many matches to help Shimizu S-Pulse secure a commanding 3-0 victory over Ventforet Kofu on matchday 27. The 25-year-old forward, who came off the bench in the 83rd minute, scored in the 90th minute to seal the win.
Earlier, Carlinhos Junior and Lucas Braga had given S-Pulse a comfortable lead with goals in the 32nd and 57th minutes, respectively. With this win, Shimizu S-Pulse solidified their position at the top of the J2 League table, accumulating 58 points as they continue their push for promotion.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 19, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana U23 defender Terry Yegbe found the back of the net for IF Elfsborg in their 1-1 draw against Mjallby AIF in the Swedish Allsvenskan on Sunday afternoon. Yegbe opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a header, marking his third goal of the season.
The home side quickly equalized through midfielder Herman Johansson, with an assist from Elliot Stroud. Elfsborg faced a challenging end to the match after Kenyan midfielder Timothy Ouma was sent off following a second yellow card, reducing them to ten men.
Ghanaian players Jalal Abdullai and Michael Baidoo also featured for Elfsborg, with Abdullai substituted in the 71st minute while Baidoo played the full match. Yegbe now has three goals and one assist in 12 appearances this season in the Swedish top flight.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 19, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo expressed his delight at the trust AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has in his versatility following his crucial goal in Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest in their 2024-2025 English Premier League opener. Semenyo, who scored the equalizer in the 86th minute, emphasized how scoring on the opening day boosts his confidence for the upcoming games.
In a post-match interview, Semenyo, who started as the center forward instead of his usual position on the flanks, shared his thoughts on the game and the manager’s belief in his ability to play across the front three positions. “It’s important; I felt like I can help the team in so many dynamics. I am happy the manager trusts me across the front three. It gives me confidence for the next coming games.”
Semenyo’s goal came after he capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty box, following a cross from the left. Reflecting on the goal, he mentioned the emphasis placed by the coaching staff during preseason on getting into scoring positions. “The manager and assistants have been banging on all preseason that if you make it to the back post, you get opportunities. That happened today, so I just need to keep getting myself into those positions to score.”
Semenyo, who scored eight goals in 33 appearances during the 2023-2024 season, looks forward to building on this early success as the season progresses.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 19, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Nsoatreman FC kicked off their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Chadian club Elect-Sport FC on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Ghana FA Cup champions secured a commanding first-leg win in the preliminary round as they embark on their journey in Africa’s elite competition.
Goals from Abdul Rahaman and Kwabena Adu Meider propelled Nsoatreman FC to victory, with Rahman breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute, followed by Meider’s quick second just two minutes later. Elect-Sport’s troubles deepened in the 54th minute when goalkeeper Mahamat Bechir was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area, allowing Nsoatreman FC to capitalize on the numerical advantage and seal the win with a third goal.
Goalkeeper Daniel Afazdwu played a key role, making three crucial saves in the final 20 minutes to maintain the clean sheet. Nsoatreman FC now heads into the return leg in N’Djamena on August 24, 2024, with a strong advantage. The aggregate winner will advance to the next stage of the preliminary round, facing either SC Constantine from Algeria or Police FC from Rwanda for a place in the group stage.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 19, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
FC Samartex 1996 earned a vital 1-0 away victory over Cameroonian champions Victoria United in the first leg of their CAF Champions League qualifier at Douala’s Japoma Stadium. Emmanuel Mamah scored the decisive goal in the second half with a powerful header from a corner, giving the Ghanaian side a crucial advantage heading into the return leg.
Head coach Nurudeen Amadu fielded a strong lineup, with Kofi Baah in goal and Ebenezer Acquah captaining the team. Despite Victoria United dominating the early stages, they struggled to threaten Samartex’s defense. As the match progressed, Samartex gained control, though they couldn’t convert their first-half opportunities.
In the second half, Samartex intensified their attacking efforts, leading to Mamah’s match-winning goal. Despite intense pressure in the final minutes, Samartex held firm to secure the win. The Ghanaian champions will look to finish the job in the return leg on August 25 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
